Bavarian Apple Torte

There’s something extra comforting about a dessert that feels both homey and a little bit fancy, and this Bavarian apple torte delivers precisely that. While it sounds European, it’s actually a classic homegrown American dessert that has been popular in community cookbooks and magazines since the 1960s. With its buttery shortbread cookie crust, tangy cream cheese filling and cozy layer of cinnamon-kissed apples, this torte is perfect for fall gatherings, holiday tables or any night you just want a slice of something special that doesn’t require a lot of effort.

Bavarian Apple Torte Ingredients

• Butter: Use softened room-temperature butter for the crust. It’s fine to use salted or unsalted butter; though if you use the latter, you might want to add a pinch of salt to the crust or filling.
• Sugar: Granulated sugar sweetens the crust and filling.
• Flour: All-purpose flour is the best for this recipe. If you want to make this sans gluten, try a gluten-free flour blend.
• Vanilla extract: The best vanilla extract is a luxury, so feel free to skip it if it’s not in your budget. It pairs beautifully with cream cheese and apples, so be sure to include it if you have it.
• Cream cheese: The best cream cheese brands have the smoothest texture and tangy flavor.
• Egg: It’s a great move to whisk the egg before mixing it into the filling ingredients—it helps make the cream cheese mixture smooth and uniform.
• Apples: Although some common apple types, such as Granny Smith and Honeycrisp, can be great in desserts, don’t overlook the exquisite flavors of heirloom apple varieties like Winesap, Cortland and Braeburn.
• Cinnamon: Whether you prefer mild cassia cinnamon, spicier Vietnamese cinnamon or one of the other types of cinnamon on the market, you’ll be happy with how your choice tastes in this dessert. Don’t hesitate to use homemade pumpkin pie spice instead.
• Almonds: Thin, delicate sliced almonds are the best for topping this torte. Buy them already roasted or toast the nuts yourself.

Directions

Step 1: Make the cookie crust

Preheat the oven to 450°F. In a small bowl, cream the butter and sugar. Beat in the flour and vanilla until well-blended.

Press the mixture onto the bottom of a greased 9-inch springform pan.

Editor’s Tip: To ensure the torte crust doesn’t stick to the pan, you could always lightly grease the base, then pop on a round of parchment.

Step 2: Combine the filling ingredients

In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and 1/4 cup sugar until smooth and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla.

Pour the mixture over the crust.

In another large bowl, toss the apples with cinnamon and the remaining sugar. Spoon the fruit over the cream cheese layer.

Step 3: Finish the torte

Bake for 10 minutes, then reduce the oven setting to 400° and bake for an additional 25 minutes.

Sprinkle the almonds over the top. Bake 10 to 15 minutes longer or until the nuts are lightly browned and a toothpick inserted into the center of the torte comes out clean. Cool on a wire rack. Remove the side of the pan before slicing.

Bavarian Apple Torte Variations

• Add more spices: Cinnamon is a go-to autumn spice, but this torte would benefit from the addition of some nutmeg, allspice and a hint of ginger.
• Change the fruit: Pear slices would make a great torte topping, although ripe pears will cook more quickly than apples will. You could also use apricots or cherry pie filling.
• Tweak the crust: If you want to move away from the cookie crust, try other crumb crust ingredients, such as nuts, gingersnap cookies for extra German vibes or crushed pretzels.

How to Store Bavarian Apple Torte

Due to its dairy content, you’ll need to store Bavarian apple torte in the fridge. Tightly wrap it and store for up to four days.

Can you freeze a Bavarian apple torte?

There’s nothing to stop you from freezing this dessert, but the cream cheese filling might have a different texture after being frozen and thawed. Be sure the torte is completely cool before freezing it, and tightly wrap it to prevent freezer burn. Thaw and eat the torte within two months.

Bavarian Apple Torte Tips

What else can serve with Bavarian apple torte?

You can’t go wrong serving this torte after a dinner of crisp pork schnitzel, German potato salad, Bavarian pot roast and German red cabbage.

How should you serve Bavarian apple torte?

You can serve this treat chilled, at room temperature or lightly warmed. Because of the cream cheese, you don’t need a whipped cream or ice cream topping on this dessert, but a drizzle of salted caramel sauce would be perfect. A sprinkling of cinnamon sugar would also be a nice addition.