Description
This nostalgic German dessert features a buttery shortcrust pastry base topped with a luscious layer of velvety vanilla custard, tart apple pieces, and a satisfyingly crunchy hazelnut-spiced streusel topping. Perfect for slow weekend afternoons and sharing with loved ones, this layered masterpiece offers a sophisticated harmony of textures and flavors that feels like a warm, comforting hug in every bite. It is a timeless, reliable recipe that transforms basic pantry staples into a show-stopping treat.
Ingredients
Shortcrust pastry: 1 2/3 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
1 pinch salt
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp nutmeg
1/3 cup sugar
7 tbsp cold butter, cubed
1 large egg
Custard: 2 cups whole milk
1 package vanilla pudding mix (certified alcohol-free)
1 egg yolk
Apples: 3 large tart apples, peeled and sliced
1 tbsp lemon juice
Streusel: 1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup cold butter
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup chopped toasted hazelnuts
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a cake pan.
For the pastry, combine flour, baking powder, salt, spices, and sugar; cut in cold butter followed by the egg until dough forms, then chill for 30 minutes.
Prepare custard by heating 1.5 cups milk, whisking remaining milk with pudding mix and egg yolk, then combining both until thickened; cool slightly.
Roll out pastry into the pan and prick the bottom with a fork.
Spread the custard evenly over the pastry base.
Arrange apple slices in a single layer over the custard and sprinkle with lemon juice.
Combine streusel ingredients until crumbly and sprinkle generously over the apples.
Bake for 45-50 minutes until golden brown and the custard is set.
Cool completely before slicing.
Notes
Store the cake in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Use firm apples like Granny Smith for the best texture contrast. Ensure the butter is cold to maintain the flakiness of the crust.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 75mg