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Delicious Apple Hurricane Cake

Featured in Irresistible Sweet Treats.

This Apple Hurricane Cake is a German-inspired dessert that combines tender apple chunks baked into a fluffy, buttery batter with a luscious custard swirl on top. You'll start by preparing a creamy custard that forms a decorative and flavorful topping. Meanwhile, fresh diced apples are folded into the batter to provide a slight tang. Finished with a dusting of powdered sugar, this cake is best enjoyed slightly cooled, creating a perfect harmony of textures and flavors.

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Updated on Tue, 25 Mar 2025 18:33:30 GMT
A slice of cake with powdered sugar on it. Pin it
A slice of cake with powdered sugar on it. | cuisinegenial.com

This delightful German apple hurricane cake combines the perfect balance of moist vanilla cake studded with fresh apples and topped with a swirled custard that creates its signature hurricane pattern. The contrast between the light cake and creamy topping makes this dessert uniquely satisfying without being overly sweet.

I first made this hurricane cake for a German-themed dinner party, and it was such a hit that it's now my go-to recipe when I want to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen. The swirled custard top always gets oohs and aahs when I bring it to the table.

Ingredients

Step-by-Step Instructions

My favorite part of this recipe is watching the custard transform during baking. It develops a light golden crust while maintaining a creamy interior that perfectly complements the apple-studded cake below. My grandmother used to make a similar version when apple season arrived in autumn, and the aroma always takes me back to her warm, cozy kitchen.

Storing Your Hurricane Cake

Perfect Pairings

The German Connection

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How do I get the custard topping smooth?

To ensure a smooth custard topping, whisk constantly while heating the custard on medium-low heat. This prevents lumps from forming and creates a velvety texture.

→ What type of apples work best?

Choose firm and slightly tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp. They hold their shape and provide a pleasant balance to the sweetness of the batter.

→ Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, this cake can be made a day in advance. Store it at room temperature in an airtight container and dust with powdered sugar just before serving.

→ What size pan should I use?

Use a 9-inch tart or pie pan lined with parchment paper for even baking and easy removal.

→ How do I prevent the top from browning too quickly?

If the cake begins to brown too quickly, cover it loosely with foil halfway through the baking process. This ensures the center cooks evenly without over-baking the topping.

Apple Hurricane Cake

Fluffy Apple Hurricane Cake with creamy custard topping—a perfect dessert for any occasion.

Prep Time
20 Minutes
Cook Time
30 Minutes
Total Time
50 Minutes
By: Ferdaous

Category: Desserts

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: German

Yield: 8 Servings (Makes 8-10 slices)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

→ Topping

01 1 egg
02 4 tablespoons granulated sugar
03 1 tablespoon cornstarch
04 1 cup whole milk
05 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

→ Cake

06 1 1/2 apples, peeled, cored, and diced
07 Juice of 1/2 lemon
08 1/2 cup granulated sugar
09 Pinch of salt
10 2 eggs
11 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
12 1/2 cup whole milk
13 1 2/3 cups all-purpose flour
14 2 teaspoons baking powder
15 Powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions

Step 01

In a medium saucepan, combine the egg, granulated sugar, and cornstarch. Stir in the milk and heat over medium-low until frothy, whisking constantly. Once it begins to bubble, cook for 5-10 minutes while still whisking. Remove from heat, add vanilla extract, and stir well. Set aside.

Step 02

Peel, core, and dice the apples into large pieces. Toss them in a medium bowl with the juice of half a lemon.

Step 03

In a large bowl, combine granulated sugar, salt, and eggs. Use an electric mixer to blend until pale and frothy. Add vanilla extract and milk, then mix together.

Step 04

Sift the flour and baking powder into the wet ingredients. Blend until just combined, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.

Step 05

Fold the diced apples into the batter. Pour the mixture into a 9-inch tart or pie pan lined with parchment paper.

Step 06

Scoop the custard topping into a piping or Ziploc bag. Cut the tip off one corner and pipe a swirl of custard starting from the center outward until all custard is used.

Step 07

Bake the cake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes, or until the top begins to turn golden brown. If the top browns too quickly, cover with foil partway through baking.

Step 08

Allow the cake to cool for at least 1 hour at room temperature before removing it from the pan. Gently cover the top with a flat plate or cookie sheet, then turn the cake upside down and remove the parchment paper. Flip it back right side up, sprinkle with sifted powdered sugar, and cut into 8-12 slices.

Tools You'll Need

  • Medium saucepan
  • Medium bowl
  • Large bowl
  • Electric mixer
  • 9-inch tart or pie pan
  • Piping or Ziploc bag
  • Whisk

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains eggs
  • Contains dairy
  • Contains gluten

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 190
  • Total Fat: ~
  • Total Carbohydrate: ~
  • Protein: ~