Swedish Apple Cake

Picture this: a warm slice of cake fresh from the oven, filled with tender, spiced apples, and dusted with cinnamon sugar. It’s the kind of dessert that wraps you in comfort with every bite. Swedish Apple Cake (Äppelkaka) is the kind of cake that makes you feel like you’ve stepped into a cozy Scandinavian kitchen. It’s soft, spiced, and perfectly balanced—just the right sweetness to satisfy any craving without being overwhelming. Whether you’re enjoying it with a cup of coffee or serving it at a gathering, trust me, this cake will quickly become a go-to favorite. It’s warm, comforting, and so incredibly easy to make, you’ll want to bake it every week.

Why You’ll Love Swedish Apple Cake

Let me tell you, this cake is more than just a sweet treat—it’s an experience. Here’s why it’s so loved:

Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor

With just a few pantry staples, this cake bursts with flavor. The apples add natural sweetness and moisture, while the cinnamon and vanilla create a comforting, warm flavor profile.

Perfectly Balanced Sweetness

This isn’t an overly sweet cake, which makes it the perfect dessert to enjoy without feeling guilty. It has just the right amount of sweetness to pair with that perfect cup of tea or coffee.

Quick and Easy

No need for fancy techniques or complicated steps. This cake is made in one bowl, and it’s as simple as mixing and baking. Ideal for beginners and busy bakers alike!

Great for Any Occasion

It’s a great dessert for fall, but this cake is good year-round. Serve it for a cozy afternoon treat, a dinner party, or even as a snack to enjoy on a quiet weekend. The best part? It’s a hit with both kids and adults!

Customizable

Feel free to experiment with the apples you use or add a touch of lemon zest for a citrusy twist. Want a little crunch? Add chopped nuts like walnuts or almonds to the batter for extra texture.

Ingredients

This cake is made with a few simple ingredients that come together to create something magical. Here’s what you’ll need:

Apples

The star of the show! You’ll want apples that hold their shape when baked—Granny Smith or Honeycrisp are perfect for this recipe. The apples will soften, creating pockets of tender sweetness throughout the cake.

Butter

Rich and flavorful, butter helps to create that moist texture we all love in a cake. It also adds that lovely depth of flavor that makes this dessert feel extra special.

Sugar

Granulated sugar sweetens the cake without overpowering it, giving it that perfect balance of sweetness.

Eggs

Eggs bind everything together and help give the cake structure. They’re key to that fluffy texture.

Flour

All-purpose flour provides the base of the cake, giving it a tender crumb while still holding together the delicious apple filling.

Cinnamon

Ah, cinnamon—the warm, aromatic spice that brings the apples and cake together in perfect harmony. It’s the key to that cozy, autumn-like flavor.

Baking Powder

This helps the cake rise and gives it a light, airy texture.

Vanilla Extract

For that hint of warmth and sweetness that pairs beautifully with the apples.

Salt

Just a pinch to enhance all the flavors and balance the sweetness of the cake.

(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Ready to bake? Here’s how to make this delicious Swedish Apple Cake:

Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the cake bakes evenly and gets that perfect golden crust.

Prepare the Apples

Peel, core, and slice your apples. Aim for thin slices so they cook evenly and melt into the cake. You can use about 2-3 medium apples, depending on their size. Toss the apple slices in a little bit of cinnamon and sugar for added flavor before folding them into the batter.

Mix the Cake Batter

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with sugar until it’s light and fluffy. Add the eggs, one at a time, and beat until the mixture is smooth. Stir in the vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt together. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.

Fold in the Apples

Once the batter is ready, gently fold in the cinnamon-sugar-coated apple slices. Make sure the apples are evenly distributed in the batter. The mixture should be thick, but not dry.

Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into a greased 9-inch cake pan and spread it evenly. Pop it in the oven and bake for about 45-50 minutes or until the cake is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The apples will become soft and caramelized, and the cake will rise beautifully.

Cool and Serve

Allow the cake to cool for a few minutes in the pan before transferring it to a wire rack. Serve warm or at room temperature, dusted with a little powdered sugar for a simple, elegant touch.

(Note: The full instructions, including specific times, are provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 8
Calories per serving: 250 kcal
Total Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 70mg
Sodium: 80mg
Total Carbohydrates: 30g
Dietary Fiber: 2g
Sugars: 18g
Protein: 3g

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour

How to Serve Swedish Apple Cake

This Swedish Apple Cake is delicious on its own, but here are a few ways to make it even more indulgent:

Vanilla Ice Cream or Whipped Cream

Serve a warm slice of cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream for a heavenly dessert.

Hot Drink Pairing

Pair it with a hot drink like a spiced chai, a cup of coffee, or even a hot toddy for a cozy treat.

Fruit Salad

Balance out the richness of the cake with a fresh fruit salad—think mixed berries or citrus segments to cut through the sweetness.

For a Breakfast Twist

Enjoy a slice for breakfast, especially with a cup of coffee or tea. The cinnamon and apple flavors make it feel like a wholesome morning treat.

Additional Tips

• Use a Bundt Pan: For an elegant presentation, you can bake this cake in a Bundt pan. Just be sure to adjust the baking time since Bundt cakes tend to take a little longer to bake.
• Add a Crunch: Sprinkle chopped nuts like walnuts or almonds over the top before baking for a bit of crunch and extra flavor.
• Spices: If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a pinch of ground ginger or nutmeg for extra warmth and depth of flavor.
• Make It Ahead: This cake keeps well for a few days, so you can bake it in advance. It even tastes better the next day when the flavors have had time to meld.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I make this cake gluten-free?
A1: Yes! You can swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend to make this cake gluten-free. Just ensure you’re using a one-to-one substitute.

Q2: Can I add other fruits to the cake?
A2: Absolutely! You can mix in other fruits like pears or berries, though apples are the star of the show. Just be sure to adjust the amount of fruit depending on what you use.

Q3: Can I make this cake ahead of time?
A3: Yes, this cake keeps well for a few days. You can store it in an airtight container at room temperature. It also freezes beautifully—just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil and freeze for up to 3 months.

Q4: How do I know when the cake is done?
A4: The cake is done when it’s golden brown on top, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached.

Q5: Can I make this in a different size pan?
A5: Yes, you can. If using a smaller pan, keep an eye on the baking time, as the cake will bake faster. A larger pan will require more time, so adjust accordingly.

Q6: Can I use a different type of apple?
A6: Absolutely! Granny Smith apples are tart and firm, but you can use whatever apple variety you prefer. Just make sure they hold up well when baked.

Q7: Can I add frosting to this cake?
A7: This cake is delicious on its own, but if you prefer a frosted cake, you can top it with a simple cream cheese frosting or a dusting of powdered sugar for a lighter touch.

Q8: How should I store leftover cake?
A8: Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also refrigerate it for longer storage.

Q9: Can I use margarine instead of butter?
A9: While butter gives the best flavor and texture, you can substitute margarine if needed. Just keep in mind that the flavor may be slightly different.

Q10: Can I freeze this cake?
A10: Yes, you can freeze this cake. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw it at room temperature before serving.

Conclusion

This Swedish Apple Cake is the perfect mix of comforting, flavorful, and easy-to-make. It’s a cake that’s perfect for any occasion, from casual afternoons to special celebrations. With its tender apple slices and delicate crumb, you’ll find yourself going back for seconds (or thirds!). Give it a try, and I promise, it’ll quickly become one of your favorites. Happy baking!

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