Easy Dutch Appel Cake Recipe with Cinnamon
There’s nothing cozier than a slice of warm Dutch appel cake fresh from the oven, especially when it’s spiced with cinnamon. This classic Dutch dessert, known as appeltaart, is a crowd-pleaser with its buttery crust, tender apples, and aromatic spices. Whether you’re a beginner baker or a seasoned pro, this easy Dutch appel cake recipe with cinnamon is foolproof and delivers bakery-quality results every time. Plus, it’s perfect for breakfast, dessert, or even an afternoon snack with coffee!
Originating in the Netherlands, Dutch apple cake is denser than American versions, with a crumbly, shortbread-like crust and juicy apple filling. The cinnamon adds warmth, while a hint of lemon brightens the flavors. This recipe keeps prep simple—no fancy techniques required—and uses everyday ingredients. Let’s get baking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Beginner-friendly: No complicated steps or special equipment.
- Versatile: Works with almost any apple variety.
- Perfect texture: Moist cake with a crisp, buttery crust.
- Freezer-friendly: Stays fresh for days or can be frozen.
Easy Dutch Appel Cake Recipe with Cinnamon
Ingredients
- For the crust & topping:
- 2 ½ cups (300g) all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- For the filling:
- 4-5 medium apples (e.g., Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Gala), peeled and thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- ½ cup (100g) brown sugar
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp cornstarch (optional, for thicker filling)
Optional Substitutions
| Ingredient | Substitute |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | Gluten-free 1:1 flour blend |
| Granulated sugar | Coconut sugar or maple syrup (adjust consistency) |
| Butter | Vegan butter or margarine |
| Egg | 1 flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed + 3 tbsp water) |
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep the crust: In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, and salt. Cut in cold butter with a pastry cutter or fork until crumbly. Add the egg and mix until dough just comes together. Press ⅔ of the dough into a greased 9-inch springform pan to form the base and sides.
- Make the filling: Toss apple slices with lemon juice, brown sugar, cinnamon, vanilla, and cornstarch (if using). Arrange evenly over the crust.
- Add the topping: Crumble the remaining dough over the apples, leaving some gaps for steam to escape.
- Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 50-60 minutes until golden and apples are tender. Cool for 15 minutes before slicing.
Time & Servings
- Prep time: 20 minutes
- Cook time: 55 minutes
- Total time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Servings: 8-10 slices
Nutrition (per slice)
| Calories | Carbs | Fat | Protein |
|---|---|---|---|
| 320 | 45g | 14g | 3g |
Baker’s Tips
- Do: Use cold butter for a flakier crust.
- Don’t: Overmix the dough—keep it crumbly.
- For extra flavor: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the filling.
- Serving suggestion: Top with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought pie crust?
Yes, but the texture won’t be as authentic. Dutch appel cake relies on a shortbread-like crust, which is easy to make from scratch!
How do I store leftovers?
Cover and refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for 1 month. Reheat in the oven for best texture.
Can I make this vegan?
Absolutely! Use vegan butter and a flax egg (see substitution table).
Now that you’ve got the easy Dutch appel cake recipe with cinnamon, it’s time to bake and enjoy this comforting treat. Happy baking!
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