Swedish Apple Cake

 

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Moist and flavorful with a hint of cinnamon and cardamom
• Easy to make with simple ingredients
• Perfect for fall or any time of the year
• Great served warm with ice cream, whipped cream, or custard
• Authentic Swedish taste straight from traditional Scandinavian kitchens

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Cake:

• 2 large apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• ½ tsp cardamom (optional, for extra Scandinavian flavor)
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 2 eggs
• ½ cup milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Topping:

• ¼ cup brown sugar
• ½ tsp cinnamon
• 2 tbsp butter, melted
• Sliced almonds (optional, for crunch)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preparing the Apples

• Peel, core, and thinly slice the apples.
• Toss them with a little cinnamon and sugar to enhance their natural sweetness.

2. Making the Batter

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Grease a 9-inch cake pan or springform pan.
• In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and cardamom.
• In another bowl, whisk melted butter and sugar until creamy.
• Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
• Stir in milk and vanilla extract.
• Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until just combined.

3. Assembling the Cake

• Pour half of the batter into the greased cake pan.
• Arrange half of the apple slices on top.
• Pour the remaining batter over the apples.
• Layer the rest of the apples on top in a circular pattern.

4. Adding the Topping

• Mix brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter.
• Drizzle over the top of the cake.
• Sprinkle with sliced almonds for added crunch (optional).

5. Baking the Cake

• Bake for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
• Let cool slightly before serving.

Serving Suggestions

• Classic: Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
• Traditional Swedish Style: Drizzle with vanilla sauce (vaniljsås).
• Simple: A dusting of powdered sugar for an elegant finish.
• Decadent: Pair with whipped cream for extra richness.

Best Apples for Swedish Apple Cake

Choosing the right apple variety makes all the difference:

• Granny Smith – Tart, holds shape well
• Honeycrisp – Sweet, slightly tart, crisp texture
• Jonagold – A mix of sweet and tart flavors
• Braeburn – Juicy and aromatic

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

• Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• Refrigerate for up to a week.
• Freeze individual slices wrapped in plastic for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven for a fresh-baked taste.

Variations and Additions

• Nutty Crunch: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the topping.
• Extra Spiced: Increase cinnamon or add nutmeg for a stronger spice flavor.
• Caramelized Apple Layer: Sauté apples with butter and sugar before adding them to the cake.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Using the wrong apples – Some apples become mushy when baked. Stick to firm varieties like Granny Smith.

Overmixing the batter – This can make the cake dense instead of light and fluffy.

Skipping the cinnamon-sugar topping – This step enhances the cake’s flavor and adds a caramelized finish.

FAQs

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking.

Can I use a different sweetener?

Absolutely! Swap out granulated sugar for coconut sugar or brown sugar for a richer taste.

What’s the best way to reheat this cake?

Warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or heat in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for a few minutes.

Final Thoughts

This Swedish Apple Cake is the perfect dessert for fall, special gatherings, or just a cozy night in. With its delicate balance of sweet and tart flavors, warm spices, and tender apples, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Try this recipe today and experience a true taste of Sweden!