Kartoffelpuffer—also known as Reibekuchen are delicious German Potato Pancakes with crispy edges and soft centres. They are traditionally served with apple sauce but can also be paired with other fruit compotes like plum, cherry, or berry compote. Not only are they a favourite dish to serve at home, but Kartoffelpuffer are also popular street food, especially at local Volksfests and holiday celebrations such as Fasching, Karneval, and Christmas markets, this recipe delivers every time.
With a side of homemade apple sauce, German Potato Pancakes become a heartwarming dish you’ll want to make again and again. Serve them fresh, savour every bite, and share the tradition with those you love. They’re guaranteed to bring smiles all around.
Why You Will Love these German Potato Pancakes
- Crispy, golden perfection
- Easy to make with simple ingredients
- A German classic you’ll crave all year round
German Potato Pancakes
Ingredients
Ingredients for the Apple Sauce
- 550 g Apples about 4 apples, peeled and chopped
- ½ Vanilla Pod split and seeds scraped out
- 3 tbsp Water 45 ml / 1.5 oz
- 2 tbsp Sugar 25g / 0.9oz, to taste
- 1 tbsp Lemon Juice 15 ml / 0.5 oz
Ingredients for the Kartoffelpuffer (German Potato Pancakes)
- 1 kg Potatoes about 6 medium potatoes
- 200 g Onion 1 large onion
- 1 tsp Cornstarch
- 2 Large Eggs
- 1½ tsp Salt
- Pepper to taste
- ½ cup Sunflower Oil 3.5 oz for frying
Instructions
Instructions for Apple Sauce
- Place the chopped apples, vanilla pod, seeds, and water in a saucepan.
- Bring to a boil, then cover and simmer over low heat for 10 minutes until the apples are soft.
- Remove the vanilla pod.
- Blend the apples until smooth, then stir in lemon juice and sugar to taste.
- Let it cool and refrigerate before serving.
Instructions for Potato Pancakes
- Grate the potatoes and onion using the coarse side of a box grater.
- Place the mixture in a sieve set over a large bowl. Using your hands, squeeze out as much liquid as possible.
- Let the liquid sit for a few minutes—then pour off the watery part and add the remaining starch back to the potatoes.
- Mix in the cornstarch, eggs, salt, and pepper until combined.
- Heat a generous amount of sunflower oil in a non-stick frying pan over medium heat.
- Spoon in portions of the mixture and flatten them carefully.
- Fry each pancake for about 6 minutes per side, or until golden and cooked through.
- Place the finished pancakes on paper towels to absorb excess oil on both sides. Serve warm with apple sauce.
Variations of these Potato Pancakes
- Serve with sour cream or smoked salmon instead of apple sauce.
- Make them mini-sized for appetizers or party bites.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Kartoffelpuffer ahead of time?
German Potato Pancakes are best fresh.
Is it okay to skip the apple sauce?
Definitely! Try a perfectly poached egg and fresh tomato or sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar for something different.
How do I keep them from getting soggy?
Squeeze out as much moisture as possible from the potato mixture before frying.
I Would Love to Hear From You
Tried this recipe or planning to make it? Leave a comment below or tag me on social media—I’d love to see your Kartoffelpuffer creations!
You Might Also Like These German Classics
Here are a few of my favourite German recipes—ideal for any occasion, from casual get-togethers to special celebrations.
- Peach Flan: A light and fruity dessert with a soft sponge base.
- Butterkuchen: A deliciously simple sheet cake with a buttery, sweet topping.
- Frankfurter Kranz: A rich, layered cake filled with buttercream and decorated with crunchy almond brittle.
- Ottilienkuchen: A traditional German loaf cake made with butter, almonds, chocolate, and mixed peel, often using Dr. Oetker ingredients for an authentic taste.
Trusted Brands I Recommend for Making Kartoffelpuffer
When it comes to cooking, I believe that good tools make all the difference. I personally use and trust brands like KitchenAid, Le Creuset, and T-fal in my kitchen. While I may not have the exact product featured here, I have had great experiences with these brands and confidently recommend them for their quality and reliability.
The Tools You’ll Need to Nail This Recipe
Grate and slice with ease using the KitchenAid Gourmet 4-Sided Box Grater. Crafted from durable stainless steel, this versatile grater features fine, medium, and coarse grating surfaces plus a slicing blade, perfect for everything from cheese and vegetables to chocolate and more. It comes with a detachable 3-cup storage container, complete with measurement markings, so you can conveniently catch and measure your ingredients as you work. The soft, comfortable handle offers a secure grip, while the non-slip base keeps the grater steady during use. Dishwasher safe for easy cleanup, this sleek black grater is a must-have for every kitchen.
The T-fal Ultimate Hard Anodised Nonstick Fry Pan Set includes three durable, nonstick frying pans (8", 10.25", and 12"). They heat evenly, are scratch-resistant, and are safe for the oven up to 400°F/200°C. Dishwasher safe for easy cleanup.
The Le Creuset Enameled Cast Iron Saucepan, 2.25 qt., Cerise combines timeless design with exceptional functionality and quality.
Save This Crispy Kartoffelpuffer Pin
If you love authentic German treats, don’t forget to pin these golden, pan-fried potato pancakes for later!
Recipe Credit
This Kartoffelpuffer recipe comes from Dr. Oetker’s website and worked beautifully as written. I reduced the quantity of applesauce to better match the number of pancakes—resulting in the perfect ratio of sauce to crisp, golden Kartoffelpuffer.
