German Baking

One thing I remember vividly from my time in Germany is walking into a bakery and being overwhelmed by the wonderful aroma and endless choices of baked good available to me.  I loved everything I tried and one of my favorites was apfel kuchen - apple cake.  I tried this recipe out for our small group Bible study last night and it's a definite keeper.  I changed quite a few things, as usual.  My overall result was not as pretty as the ones I remember in the bakery windows in Germany, but the taste left absolutely NOTHING to be desired.

Guten appetit!!!

Apfel Kuchen - German Apple Cake 
Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups flour (I used white whole wheat)
3/4 cup sugar
2 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. salt
1 egg
1/2 cup milk
1/4 cup oil
1 tsp. vanilla
5-6 apples, cored, peeled and sliced
1 Tbsp. cinnamon
1/4 tsp. nutmeg
1/8 tsp. ground ginger

For Drizzling Over before baking (just mix together in small bowl)
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup butter, melted
1 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. vanilla
1 tsp. cinnamon

For Glaze, after baking & cooled:
4 Tbsp. apricot jam, 4 Tbsp. water

Method:
1.)  Combine flour, sugar, baking powder & salt in a mixing bowl; then make a well in the center & set aside.
2.)  Blend egg, milk and oil together in a small mixing bowl.
3.)  Add egg mixture to dry mixture and stir until just moistened.
4.)  Spread batter into a greased 13X9 inche baking dish.
5.)  Arrange apple sliced in rows, slightly overlapping, on top of the batter, covering it completely.
6.)  Drizzle top butter/cinnamon/sugar/vanilla mixture
7.)  Bake @ 375 degrees for 40-45 minutes.
8.)  Combine jam & water in a small saucepan and cook over medium heat until the jam melts. 
9.)  When kuchen is cooled, brush with glaze.

Click here for printable recipe