Home » Cakes » German Apple Cake
posted by Liz Berg
on June 28, 2022 (updated 10/5/22)
This German Apple Cake or Apple Kuchen with a pastry crust, topping of sliced baking apples, and cinnamon sugar is both easy and delicious!
My first ever Apfel Kuchen was a gift for my dear father-in-law who had been searching for his grandmother’s recipe that he remembered so fondly from his childhood. It was made with yeast and a custard of egg, sugar, cream, and cinnamon. My latest version is simpler and just as tasty.
Table of Contents hide
1 Why You Must Make
2 Ingredient Notes:
3 How to Make
4 Expert Tips
5 Frequently Asked Questions
6 You May Also Like:
7 Apple Kuchen or Apfelkuchen
Why You Must Make
- It’s reminiscent of an apple slab pie, and so much easier to make than any version of apple pie.
- If you love apple desserts, this has the classic pairing of apples and cinnamon.
- Apfel Kuchen can be traced back at least 400 years. The German tradition of Koffee and Kuchen was similar to British tea time.
Ingredient Notes:
- Baking Apples – Use a variety for the best tasting kuchen, like Granny Smith, Golden Delicious, and Honeycrisp.
- Flour – AP is perfect
- Baking Powder – Check if it’s still active by looking at the expiration date or putting a spoonful into hot water to see if it bubbles vigorously. If it does, it’s good to go.
- White Sugar
- Brown Sugar
- Salt – I prefer table salt for baking as it distributes throughout the dough best.
- Egg – I use large eggs and bring them to room temperature for easier incorporation.
- Milk – I use 2% as that’s what we have on hand; whole milk will also work well.
- Cinnamon
How to Make
- To make the crust, sift together the dry ingredients.
- Cut in the butter until it’s pea-sized.
- Whisk together the egg and milk and thoroughly mix into the dry ingredients.
- Pat into the bottom of a greased 9 x 13-inch pan.
- Peel, core, then slice the apples into thin wedges.
- Arrange the apples in rows over the crust, overlapping slightly. Dot the apples with small pieces of butter.
- Make the topping by mixing the sugars, flour, and cinnamon.
- Sprinkle the topping over the apples, and bake as directed until golden brown.
Expert Tips
- There are numerous variations of apple kuchen, often passed along for generations. It may take a few attempts to find the perfect recipe for your family.
- Use baking apples. I like using a variety to add a more complex, unique flavor to my kuchen.
- Leave on the peels if you like the texture and color they provide. I prefer my apples peeled.
- Sprinkle raisins or toasted pecans on your kuchen before adding the topping, if desired.
- I usually recommend lining your baking pan with foil, but it was difficult to pat the crust in the pan when lined. Instead, just grease your pan and don’t mess with foil.
- Serve straight up, with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream, or make a homemade custard sauce to accompany each slice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Kuchen?
Kuchen is the German word for cake, but is more like a cross between cake and pie, often including custard. There are many variations of this German Apple Cake.
How Do You Pronounce Kuchen?
Kuchen can be pronounced KOO-gan or KOO-can.
How Do You Serve Kuchen?
Traditionally, kuchen is served with coffee or tea, along with other sweets between 3 and 5 PM. Americans are more likely to serve kuchen with a dollop of whipped cream or scoop of ice cream for dessert after dinner.
How Do You Store Kuchen?
Kuchen can be stored at room temperature for 2-3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. In the summer, it’s recommended to store your kuchen in the refrigerator, since it’s a moist dessert and will spoil more quickly in a warm environment.
Kuchen will freeze well for up to 3 months if wrapped airtight. Defrost overnight in the refrigerator and gently warm to serve.
You May Also Like:
- Apple Pie Muffins from Dinner, then Dessert
- Classic Apple Pie
- Apple Galette
- Apple Slab Pie
- More of the Best Dessert Recipes
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The Recipe:
Apple Kuchen or Apfelkuchen
Prep Time30 minutes
Cook Time30 minutes
Additional Time1 hour
Total Time2 hours
Yield8
ThisApple KuchenorGerman Apple Cake is a retro recipe from my husband's German great-grandmother
Ingredients
- 4 baking apples, like Granny Smith, Yellow Delicious, Honeycrisp (a variety is better)
- ½ cup flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup butter
- 1 egg, room temperature
- 2 tablespoons milk
Topping:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- ¼ cup sugar
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 ½ tablespoons flour
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°. Grease a 9 x 13-inch baking pan and set it aside.
- Make the crust layer by whisking together the flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt.
- Cut the ½ cup butter into the dry ingredients with a pastry blender or two knives until the butter is pea-sized.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and milk, then add to the dry ingredients.
- Mix well and pat into the baking pan.
- Peel, core, and thinly slice the apples.
- Place on the dough in rows, overlapping slightly.
- Dot the apples with the remaining butter.
- Mix together the topping ingredient and spread over the apples.
- Bake for 30-25 minutes or until the apples are tender when you pierce them with the point of a sharp knife.
Notes
A variety of baking apples adds a more unique flavor.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
8Serving Size:
1 slice
Amount Per Serving:Calories: 497Total Fat: 15gSaturated Fat: 8gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 106mgSodium: 282mgCarbohydrates: 82gFiber: 3gSugar: 41gProtein: 11g
HOW MUCH DID YOU LOVE THIS RECIPE?
Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on Pinterest
I tweaked this Apple Kuchen Recipe slightly by adding tiny pats of butter before baking. Fred remembered his grandmother dotting her kuchen with butter before popping it in the oven. = It gave me great pleasure be able to give my father-in-law a taste of his childhood…
A few of you know that my seemingly healthy and dear, dear father-in-law was diagnosed with lung cancer not long after Christmas. When it comes to in-laws, I’ve been blessed. Kind, caring, generous…they are two of my favorite people in the world. We were hoping my father-in-law would have more time…so he could watch his grandchildren marry and spoil his future great-grandchildren as he did his grandchildren. This was not to be. His disease moved quickly and ferociously…and I would send treats for him when Bill would visit for the weekend.
Update: my father-in-law lost his battle with cancer on Thursday. I will be forever grateful that his strong sense of family and love of God was the legacy passed to his sons and grandchildren. I was blessed to have him in my life for nearly 30 years.
Note: This post may contain affiliate links; view my Disclosure Policy for details. I earn a small percentage from any purchase you make by clicking on these links at no extra cost to you.
Bread Breakfast Cakes Fall
posted by Liz Berg on June 28, 2022
72 Comments // Leave a Comment »
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mjskitchen — Reply
I agree with HWC that this is perfect for breakfast along side a cup of tea/coffee. It’s actually got a pastry that I could make. 🙂 Delicious looking dessert/breakfast.
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Healthy World Cuisine — Reply
Please don’t judge but we ate your apple kuchen for breakfast with a cuppa. It has all the breakfast elements-right? Fruit, etc… It was delicious.
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John / Kitchen Riffs — Reply
Love apple desserts! This is gorgeous — and I’ll bet it tastes even better. Love your creations — thanks.
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Ben | Havocinthekitchen — Reply
Ooo this looks wonderful! The apples combined with the topping basically turned into a caramelized concoction – sweet, rich, and buttery. Loving it!
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angiesrecipes — Reply
That surely looks very tempting and perfect for afternoon coffee break!
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Lynn@Happier than a pig in mud — Reply
Well, I have the koffee… Just need the kuchen:@) Looks like an amazing dessert!
PS-So sorry to hear about your father-in-law. Please take care. -
Jacey — Reply
Love making this on the weekend, always turns out great.
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Toni — Reply
Such a perfect recipe for apples! This quickly became a favorite at my house!
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Laura@bakinginpyjamas — Reply
This is a lovely Cake Liz, I love apple baked goods.
I’ve just linked up my month’s entry, Sticky Iced Buns and I’m also new to the group with this being my second time participating. It’s such a great group and I enjoy reading each story behind everyone’s baked treat. -
Jennifer — Reply
What a party last week on Friday Flash Blog! Thanks for joining us. I hope you’ve visited some of the other community members and you’re having a splendid week.
Jennifer
thejennyevolution.com -
Chaya — Reply
I am sorry for your loss. A beautiful dish for a beautiful person, I am sure.
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Anita at Hungry Couple — Reply
Beautiful cake, Liz. I’m German on my father’s side so I grew up eating a lot of German desserts. Apple cake was always one of my favorites.
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Laura Dembowski — Reply
I’m so sorry to hear your father-in-law passed. It’s always sad to lose a loved one.
This bread is very pretty and I bet it tastes great too!
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Terri @ that's some good cookin' — Reply
Liz, I’d like to add my condolences to those of everyone else here. I’m so happy for you that you got to experience such a great father in-law and so sorry that he is gone from your life. You wrote a lovely tribute to him.
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Ramona — Reply
What a beautiful dessert to remember your Father-in -law. I hope Bill, your Mother-in-law and entire family are doing okay after your tragic loss. Keeping your family in my prayers….
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Kristina — Reply
I’m so sorry to hear about your father-in-law’s passing, a really nice tribute Liz. Your Apple Kuchen is stunning (as always) 🙂
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Rossella — Reply
It’s really difficult from an emotional point of view to comment your wonderful bread-pie. I read you update and I really can send you a huge hug from here.
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Medeja — Reply
Wonderful apple pie! I am sure your father-in-law will enjoy it and it will make him feel better.
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Alice @ Hip Foodie Mom — Reply
oh Liz,
thank you for sharing such a beautiful story with us. . I am all teary eyed now. . I love that you made this beautiful apple kuchen for your father-in-law. . I’m sure it meant the world to him. I absolutely love what you wrote about him. . to have those things passed on to his sons and grandchildren is a wonderful, wonderful thing. You can’t ask for more than that. Just beautiful. Thank you for sharing this post with us! -
Dionne Baldwin — Reply
My dear Liz I am sorry for your loss. My hugs and love to you and your family. When I make this for myself I will remember this story. I can imagine the little pats of butter take this up to a whole new level. Thank you for sharing this with us!
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carol | a cup of mascarpone — Reply
What a lovely post and tribute to your father-in-law, Liz! The Apple Kuchen is gorgeous! xox
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Eva Taylor — Reply
Oh dear Liz, I am so very for your loss, please accept my sincere condolences. It seems that the C is taking more and more of the one’s we love.
I’m so glad your BIL found the recipe and it’s so generous of you to share it with the world, thank you. I have a very good girlfriend who is German and I know she will appreciate such a lovely cake on our next get together. It’s a beautiful tribute to your father in law. -
Karen (Back Road Journal) — Reply
I’m sorry to you and your family’s loss, Liz. What a wonderful tribute to your father-in-law.
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Elyse @The Cultural Dish — Reply
Liz, so sorry for your loss! Great recipe to remember him with, and my husbands grandmother has been asking for me to make her kuchen actually, so I will have to try out your recipe.
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Emily @ Life on Food — Reply
I find that making and enjoying the foods of those we love one of the best ways to love, remember and celebrate those no longer with us. A very touching post, I am so sorry for your loss.
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wok with ray — Reply
I am so sorry for your loss, Liz. I’m sure your father-in-law is in a better place now and had great living experience with you as his loving daughter-in-law. Take care, Liz.
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Abbe@This is How I Cook — Reply
Oh, I’m so sorry Liz. But at least you have fond thoughts and memories which is more than many of us have. That says a lot for the kind of person he was and the kind of person your husband must be. Food does stir memories and I am sure this recipe will stir many. Take care.
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Claudia — Reply
Food does bring us together and keeps a legacy alive. What an honor you did for him with his cake! And how lucky all of you are to have had him in your life.
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Monet — Reply
So sorry about your loss. What a beautiful post you shared Liz. This Apple Kuchen looks stunning. Hugs and love to you, my friend.
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DWei — Reply
Sorry about your loss, you have my condolences. I wouldn’t trust myself with a recipe like this, especially considering I haven’t baked in a such a long time.
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ATasteOfMadness — Reply
I’m sorry for your loss. He sounds like a great guy, and he will be greatly missed.
This is such a beautiful recipe. I have so many apples I don’t know what to do with them. I need to try something like this soon! -
Denise Browning@From Brazil To You — Reply
Absolutely gorgeous, Liz! I love German cakes and pastries…
I am so sorry for the loss of you father-in-law. May the Lord comfort your family and you. -
Zoe — Reply
Hi Liz,
I’m so sorry to hear about your loss.
Nice of you to bake this wonderful apple kuchen for father-in-law and you have been made him feeling good before his departure.
Zoe
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Vicki Bensinger — Reply
I’m so sorry to hear about your father-in-law, he sounded like a wonderful man and you a wonderful daughter-in-law. How nice to have recreated a childhood memory for him. Your kutchen looks perfect and I’m sure delicious. I’m saving this to my ZipList.
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Angie@Angie's Recipes — Reply
I am so sorry for your loss, Liz. Sweet tribute to your father in-law.
A German yeast cake….we used to have it a lot during the harvest time. Really delicious with afternoon coffee or tea. -
The Café Sucre Farine — Reply
Liz, hope your family is doing okay through all of this. What a sweet tribute to your father-in-law to post this wonderful looking kuchen. I’m an expert on kuchen as I think they put kuchen in my bottle instead of milk. I grew up on it in a small German community in Wisconsin. I thought everyone in the world ate kuchen quite regularly until I left home. I have to say your kuchen looks quite delicious and authentic!
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Amy @ Elephant Eats — Reply
I’m so sorry to hear about your father-in-law’s passing. He sounds like he was a truly amazing person and you were lucky to have known him! I’m glad he was around long enough to give you and your family such wonderful memories 🙂
This cake sounds amazing. I would totally try the cheese version. Mmm.
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laurasmess — Reply
I am so sorry to hear about your family’s loss. This is my first visit to your blog and it feels… strange… to be reading something so personal and heartbreaking, but in a way I am glad that through the blogging world we can be ‘sisters’ from the outset! Thinking of you and praying for your family. This recipe is a beautiful tribute to your father in law’s heritage and it’s something that you and your family can continue to enjoy in memory of him. I will try your method and see how it turns out. A very special dessert indeed.
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Liz Berg — Reply
Thanks for your kind words, Laura. The outpouring of sympathy has been amazing…so a big thanks to you and everyone who has taken the time to comment throughout the week. xoxo
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steph@stephsbitebybite — Reply
I’m so sorry for your loss! How lucky you are to have such an incredible father-in-law!
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john@kitchenriffs — Reply
Great recipe. And whenever you make it I’ll bet you’ll think of your father-in-law. Such a nice way to remember him!
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Sandra — Reply
Not many people can say that about their in-laws. What a blessing.
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Hotly Spiced — Reply
How wonderful to have been blessed with amazing in-laws. It’s great you had such a close relationship with your father-in-law but how sad he was diagnosed with such an aggressive cancer. And what a lovely dessert to bake in his honour xx
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Jennifer Eloff — Reply
I am so sorry for your loss, Lizzy, and especially for your husband’s loss. May God bless you guys and comfort you during this time. How blessed you were to have him in your life. Your tribute brought tears to my eyes; so precious!
Such a perfect cake! Our Dan loves anything with apple when it comes to desserts, otherwise he is not really a dessert fan. My youngest son, Jonathan, likes desserts as do I and my hubby.
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Trix — Reply
Liz, I am so sorry. I lost my mom to lung cancer 6 years ago … such a sad way to go. I am sure he knew how loved he was. xoxoxoxo
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Georgia @ The Comfort of Cooking — Reply
Such a gorgeous apple dessert, Liz. So sorry to hear of your family’s loss.
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TheKitchenLioness — Reply
Liz, so very sorry to read about your-father-in-law – but from your very touching post it is obvious that he was a very special person. Your Apfelkuchen that you created based on an old family recipe looks like such a special tribute to such a wonderful person. Do take care!
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Gerry @ Foodness Gracious — Reply
30 years you’ll always have Liz, sorry to hear your sad news..
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Nancy @ gottagetbaked — Reply
I’m so glad this recipe was found, Liz, so that wonderful memories can be recreated from a beloved family recipe. Especially since it was a favourite of your dear father-in-law. This is a beautiful kuchen for a beautiful, touching post.
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Diane M. — Reply
I’m so very sorry to hear about the passing of your father-in-law.
Condolences to you and your family. {{{{{{{{{HUGS}}}}}}}}}}.
This recipe sounds wonderful, looking forward to trying it.
Thanks!-
Liz Berg — Reply
Thanks so much, Diane, for your thoughtful note. I’m blessed with such caring friends…most of whom I’ve never met! xo
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gloria — Reply
Oh dear Lizzy Im so sorry I adored my Father in law two (he pass away about 3 years) and still miss him.
Send you love and huggs to you and family!This applekuchen look amazing, I bookmarked.
xo
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KayT — Reply
Whoa…touching story and such a great tribute to your FIL. I’m sitting here with tears in my eyes but my heart full of happiness that you had this wonderful man in your family and that your were able to give him such joy and happy rememberences of his childhood. Sending Texas Hugs!!
ps: I can hardly wait to try this Kuchen!!!
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Liz Berg — Reply
Thanks so much, Kay! You are such a sweet, compassionate friend. xo
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kitchen flavours — Reply
I’m so sorry to hear about your father-in-law. Please accept my condolences. This is a lovely tribute to honour your father-in-law. Your apple kuchen looks lovely and family recipes like this, are homey and comforting. Take care.
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Lora @cakeduch*ess — Reply
A sweet and beautiful tribute to your darling father-in-law. I’ve been thinking of you all this week and the weeks since you found out he was so sick. I’m so very sorry that he passed. You were blessed with his kind soul for 30 years-what a gift. Your apfelkuchen looks incredible…this is my favorite kind of dessert, Lizzy. xo
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Rosella — Reply
What a wonderful way to honour your father-in-law! Family recipes such as these evoke so many memories and make many new ones as well. He has left you and your family with a “goodly heritage” and blessed legacy! This recipe looks wonderful – you make it all look so easy. Huge hugs to you.
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Renee — Reply
It is such a wonderful thing to find and preserve old family recipes. How lovely of you to honor your father-in-law with this beautiful apple kuchen that he so very much wanted. I know it is something my family would very much enjoy too.
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Holly — Reply
I am sorry for your loss. Isn’t it special that in-laws can add such joy to our lives? So often you hear of tension in the in-law relationship and it is wonderful to hear of the love and joy you shared with your father-in-law. This is a beautiful apple kuchen. Hope you can make it again in the future and share happy memories with your family.
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Jenni — Reply
I am very sorry for your loss, Liz. How wonderful that you two had so many food loves in common and that you could share this cake with him.
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Krista Low — Reply
Darlin’! This is such a fabulous recipe. Those heirloom recipes are always the best and they bring so much meaning when you bake them. The best ingredient to everything my Grandma ever made was love and I like to think that I give a piece of her to my family every time I make one of her recipes now. Thank you for sharing a special piece of your family with us. Krista @ A Handful of Everything
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Paula @ Vintage Kitchen — Reply
The second this post opened I remembered your unbaked pic in fb and thought about your fil again. It is a blessing to have such great personalities in our lives, even though they need to go. This is really gorgeous Liz, and the best tribute to him! Hope Bill and the kids (the whole extended family really) have a peaceful week.
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yummychunklet — Reply
Lovely tribute to your father-in-law. And delicious buttery apple cake!
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Chef and Sommelier — Reply
Hi Lizzy! Sorry to hear about your father-in-law…. God bless you and the family…
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anne — Reply
Lovely post , Lizzy ! And pretty delicious apple kuchen 🙂 Hope is well with all of you ….
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miss messy — Reply
What a wonderful post. So touching. Lovely cake.
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Gourmet Getaways — Reply
How sad, I am sure this would have brought your father in law great joy. Look after yourself 🙂
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Karen @ Karen's Kitchen Stories — Reply
Gorgeous as always Liz. Your photography and stories are amazing. I admire your talents.
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Stephanie @ Eat. Drink. Love. — Reply
This post is beautiful, Lizzy! Everything you make is gorgeous and I can tell it was made with love!
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Lyn @LovelyPantry — Reply
Your Father In Law sounded like a beautiful and wonderful man. I’m so sorry for your loss. I love hearing of relationships like yours. I love that his legacy lives on through your family. Such a blessing! Lovely post, Liz. Beautiful and delicious Apple Kuchen 🙂
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Laura (Tutti Dolci) — Reply
Beautiful kuchen and such a lovely tribute to your father-in-law!
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The Ninja Baker — Reply
Gorgeous kuchen, Liz. The story behind the tart is heart-touching. Very wonderful tribute to your father-in-law =)
