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German Inspired Apple Torte
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German Inspired Apple Torte

Recipe by Marjan Ramezany kitchen

From the Blog Author

This German Inspired Apple Torte is one of my favorites because it brings me back to my childhood evenings in Vienna, smelling of buttery pastries and fresh apples sizzling on the stove. I love how this torte marries a crisp, German‑style pastry shell with a mellow, sweet apple filling that has a hint of warm cinnamon and a touch of vanilla. The butter paté in the dough gives the crust a silky chew that melts in your mouth, while the caramelized apples add a subtle bittersweet crunch that feels like a comforting hug. I always keep a splash of fresh lemon juice in the apple mix—it brightens the sweetness and keeps the apples from turning brown, plus it lets the cinnamon really pop. If you’re worried about the dough cracking, chill it for fifteen minutes after rolling; it keeps the layers intact and easier to slice. I’m thrilled to share this quick yet indulgent recipe with you. Grab your favorite tart tin, let the dough chill, and let your kitchen fill with apples, sugar, and a pinch of nostalgia. Once you’ve baked it, I’d love to hear how it turned out—just send me an email and tell me what you think!
Prep Time
30 minutes
Cook Time
45 minutes
Servings
0
Difficulty
Medium

Ingredients

  • 325 grams flour
  • 200 grams unsalted cold butter
  • 150 grams sugar
  • Zest of 1 orange
  • Pinch of salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/4 cup rolled oats
  • 3 apples
  • 15 grams cornstarch
  • Juice of 1/2 lemon
  • 350 grams applesauce
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar

Directions

1

In a bowl, combine the flour, salt, and orange zest; cut in the butter until a dough forms.

2

Grease the sides of a 9 or 10-inch springform pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.

3

Press slightly more than half of the dough into the bottom of the pan, bringing the sides up about one inch high.

4

Mix the remaining dough with 1/4 cup of rolled oats and cinnamon; set this dough aside along with the prepared pan in the refrigerator.

5

Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).

6

Prepare the filling by whisking together the cornstarch, sugar, and lemon juice, then stir in the applesauce, apples, and cinnamon.

7

Pour the filling over the dough base in the pan.

8

Crumble the reserved oat-dough mixture over the top of the filling.

9

Bake for 45 to 50 minutes.

10

Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes before removing the sides.

Recommended Kitchen Tools

1
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2
Air Fryer Oven Large 20 QT, 10-in-1 Toaster Oven Air Fryer Combo with Window for Family, Airfryer Oven with Rotisserie, 3 Dehydrating Racks
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3
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• 6.5 QT Pro XL Capacity lets you bake cookies or cake layers for the whole party in one go. • 6-in-1 Max Crisp mixes air fry, bake, and dehydrate, so fewer appliances and more baking freedom. • Nonstick Basket & Crisper Plate releases desserts cleanly, cutting cleanup time. • Recipe Guide gives fool‑proof dessert tips for first‑time bakers. Why We Love It: We love the big capacity for crowd‑sized treats. And Max Crisp gives every cookie a perfect edge.
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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best apples to use for this German-inspired apple torte recipe?

For the best texture and flavor in this torte, use firm, slightly tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp. The recipe calls for 3 apples, and using a mix of tart and sweet varieties ensures a balanced filling alongside the orange zest and cinnamon.

Can I make this apple torte ahead of time or freeze leftovers?

This torte is best enjoyed the day it is baked, but you can certainly prepare the dough component in advance. Store leftover baked torte tightly wrapped at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 4 days; freezing baked torte is not recommended as the crust can become soggy.

My dough seems too crumbly when cutting in the butter; what should I do?

If your dough for the crust is too crumbly (using the 200 grams of cold butter), ensure your butter is very cold and you are cutting it in quickly. Work the dough just until it comes together when pressed, adding a teaspoon of ice water if necessary, to achieve the right texture for pressing into the springform pan.