If you’re searching for a cozy, comforting dessert that fills your kitchen with welcome warmth and invites smiles all around, this Apple Cake with Vanilla Pudding Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a delightful combination of tender, cinnamon-kissed apples nestled on a buttery crust, all topped with a luscious homemade vanilla pudding that takes this cake to a new level of yum. Every bite offers a perfect balance of textures and classic flavors, making it a favorite for family gatherings, holiday celebrations, or just those special moments when you want to treat yourself to something truly scrumptious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Apple Cake with Vanilla Pudding Recipe comes together effortlessly with simple, essential ingredients that each play a vital role. From the soft butter creating a tender crust, to the fresh apples offering natural sweetness and texture, and the creamy vanilla pudding that adds richness — every item in this list brings its own magic to your final masterpiece.
- 250 g all-purpose flour: Provides the structure and helps form the perfect cake base.
- 125 g unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and ensures a tender, moist crust.
- 100 g granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough and balances the tartness of the apples.
- 1 egg: Binds ingredients together and contributes to the cake’s texture.
- 1 tsp baking powder: Gives the cake a light, gentle rise for a delicate crumb.
- A pinch of salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances sweetness.
- 2–3 large apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced: The star ingredient, adding fresh, fruity flavor and a tender bite.
- 1 package vanilla pudding mix (for cooking, not instant): Creates the creamy, dreamy layer that defines this recipe.
- 500 ml milk (for the pudding): Needed to cook the pudding to velvety perfection.
- 2 tbsp sugar (for the pudding): Sweetens the vanilla pudding just right.
- 1 tsp cinnamon: Brings warmth and a fragrant spice that beautifully complements the apples.
- Powdered sugar for dusting: A final touch that adds a pretty, inviting look and a hint of extra sweetness.
How to Make Apple Cake with Vanilla Pudding Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Start by setting your oven to 180°C (350°F), ensuring it’s preheated properly for even baking. Grease a 9-inch springform pan generously, so the cake will slide out effortlessly after baking and maintain its beautiful shape.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. These dry ingredients form the foundation for a cake that’s light but sturdy enough to hold all the apple and pudding goodness.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This aeration is key to a tender cake base. Then, add the egg and mix thoroughly until it’s fully incorporated and smooth.
Step 4: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients
Gradually fold the dry mixture into the butter and egg blend. Take your time here, mixing just until the dough forms and comes together — overmixing can make the cake tough, so gentle is best.
Step 5: Press the Dough into the Pan
Press the dough evenly into the springform pan, making sure to cover the bottom completely and extending slightly up the sides. This creates a sturdy base that will hold the apples and pudding perfectly while baking.
Step 6: Arrange the Apples Beautifully
Arrange the thinly sliced apples on top of the dough in a circular pattern. Not only does this look stunning, but it also ensures even baking and a consistent distribution of flavor with each slice you serve.
Step 7: Prepare the Vanilla Pudding
Cook the vanilla pudding by following the package instructions carefully. Typically, you’ll mix the pudding powder with milk and sugar, then cook on the stove while stirring until it thickens into a creamy, luscious layer — the heart of this recipe’s indulgence.
Step 8: Pour the Pudding over the Apples
Once the pudding is ready, pour it evenly over the arranged apples. Spread gently to cover the fruit without disturbing the beautiful pattern, ensuring every bite has that velvety pudding richness.
Step 9: Sprinkle with Cinnamon
A sprinkle of cinnamon on top adds a fragrant warmth that perfectly complements the sweet apples and creamy pudding. This touch is what makes this Apple Cake with Vanilla Pudding Recipe feel so homey and inviting.
Step 10: Bake Until Golden and Tender
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 50 to 60 minutes. You’re looking for a golden crust and tender apples that have softened into the pudding without losing their shape.
Step 11: Cool and Remove the Pan Ring
Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then carefully remove the springform ring. Cooling a bit helps the cake set so it will slice beautifully.
Step 12: Finish with a Dusting of Powdered Sugar
Once the cake is completely cooled, dust it lightly with powdered sugar for a simple but elegant finish that adds just the right hint of sweetness and invites you to dig in.
How to Serve Apple Cake with Vanilla Pudding Recipe
Garnishes
Top your warm slices with a dollop of whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a sprinkle of toasted nuts for a delightful texture contrast. A fresh mint leaf adds a pop of color and a refreshing aroma that delights the senses.
Side Dishes
This apple cake pairs wonderfully with a cup of spiced chai or robust coffee, making your dessert moment even more comforting. For brunch, serve alongside a creamy custard or a lightly sweetened yogurt to balance the flavors beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming twist, serve individual portions in clear glass cups layered with extra vanilla pudding and thin apple slices. Or drizzle warm caramel sauce over each slice for a decadent touch that will impress any guest.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Apple Cake with Vanilla Pudding Recipe stores best in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. This helps maintain the pudding’s creaminess and keeps the apples fresh and tender.
Freezing
You can freeze this cake, though pudding-based desserts freeze best when wrapped tightly to prevent freezer burn. Wrap slices individually in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe container for up to one month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Reheating
Warm slices gently in the microwave for 20 to 30 seconds or in a low oven (150°C/300°F) for about 10 minutes to revive the flavors and soften the texture. Avoid overheating to keep the pudding smooth and luscious.
FAQs
Can I use instant vanilla pudding instead of cooking pudding mix?
For this Apple Cake with Vanilla Pudding Recipe, it’s important to use the cooking pudding mix to achieve the right creamy texture. Instant pudding won’t provide the same thickness or stability when baked.
What type of apples work best for this cake?
Firm and slightly tart apples like Granny Smith or Braeburn work beautifully as they hold their shape during baking and complement the sweetness of the pudding and cinnamon.
Is it okay to substitute butter with margarine or oil?
Butter is preferred for its rich flavor and texture in this recipe, but you can use margarine if needed. Oil is not recommended as it changes the dough’s firmness and can affect the crust’s ability to hold the pudding.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend suitable for baking. The texture may differ slightly, but the flavors will remain just as delicious.
How do I know when the cake is done?
The crust should be golden brown, and the apples tender but intact. A toothpick inserted near the crust edge should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs; avoid poking into the pudding layer.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend enough giving this Apple Cake with Vanilla Pudding Recipe a try — it’s one of those comforting classics with a wonderful twist that always wins hearts. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or simply treating yourself, this cake promises delicious moments and happy taste buds. So, get your ingredients ready, preheat that oven, and enjoy the magic that comes with every bite!
Print
Apple Cake with Vanilla Pudding Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 20m
- Cook Time: 1h 0m
- Total Time: 1h 20m
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: German
Description
Apfelkuchen mit Vanillepudding is a classic German apple cake featuring a buttery crust topped with thinly sliced apples and a smooth layer of homemade vanilla pudding. Finished with a sprinkle of cinnamon and powdered sugar, this comforting dessert combines tender fruit with creamy custard in every bite.
Ingredients
For the Dough
- 250 g all-purpose flour
- 125 g unsalted butter, softened
- 100 g granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp baking powder
- A pinch of salt
For the Topping
- 2–3 large apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- Powdered sugar for dusting
For the Vanilla Pudding
- 1 package vanilla pudding mix (for cooking, not instant)
- 500 ml milk
- 2 tbsp sugar
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease a 9-inch springform pan to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening and seasoning.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In another large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, then add the egg and mix thoroughly.
- Form the Dough: Gradually add the dry flour mixture into the butter mixture, mixing until a smooth dough forms, ensuring all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Shape the Base: Press the dough evenly into the bottom and slightly up the sides of the prepared springform pan, creating a uniform crust layer.
- Arrange Apples: Arrange the thinly sliced apples in a circular pattern over the dough base for an attractive presentation.
- Prepare Vanilla Pudding: Following the package instructions, mix the pudding powder with 500 ml milk and 2 tablespoons of sugar, then cook on the stove until thickened to a creamy consistency.
- Pour Pudding Over Apples: Evenly pour the warm vanilla pudding over the arranged apples, spreading it to cover all fruit slices.
- Add Cinnamon: Sprinkle cinnamon evenly over the pudding and apples to add warmth and depth of flavor.
- Bake the Cake: Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until the crust turns golden brown and the apples are tender and cooked through.
- Cool Cake Slightly: Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before carefully removing the springform ring to maintain its shape.
- Final Cooling and Serving: Let the cake cool completely, then dust the top with powdered sugar before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith or Braeburn for a balanced sweetness and firm texture.
- The pudding must be cooked according to package instructions for the best texture; instant pudding is not recommended.
- Make sure the butter is softened to room temperature for easier creaming with sugar.
- Allow the cake to cool fully to let the pudding set properly, enhancing slicing and presentation.
- This cake can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
