Apfelkuchen (Apple Cake)

Ingredients

• 2 1/4 cups sifted all-purpose flour
• 1 1/8 cups warm milk
• 1/4 cup white sugar
• 1 (.25 ounce) package active dry yeast
• 6 tablespoons butter, softened
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1 pinch salt
• 3 large apples – peeled, cored, and sliced
• 1 cup white sugar
• 3/4 cup sifted all-purpose flour
• 2 ounces candied lemon peel, chopped (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 pinch salt
• 1/2 cup butter

Directions

Grease the bottom and sides of a 9×13-inch baking dish.

Beat 2 1/4 cup flour, milk, 1/4 cup sugar, yeast, 6 tablespoons butter, vanilla extract, and 1 pinch salt in a large bowl with an electric mixer on high until dough is smooth, about 5 minutes; spread into baking dish and press dough up the sides. Press apple slices into dough.

Mix 1 cup sugar, 3/4 cup flour, candied lemon peel, cinnamon, nutmeg, and 1 pinch salt in a bowl. Cut in 1/2 cup butter with a knife or pastry blender until mixture resembles coarse crumbs; sprinkle over apples. Allow dough to rise for 30 minutes.

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).

Bake in preheated oven until golden brown, about 35 minutes.