Few desserts capture the soul of Scandinavian baking quite like Swedish Apple Cake. This cozy classic is rustic yet elegant, built on tender slices of fresh apple nestled in a moist, buttery crumb and crowned with a sparkling, sugary crust. One bite, and you’re transported to a sunlit afternoon in a cottage kitchen—simple ingredients, big flavors, and absolute comfort in every slice.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What I love most about Swedish Apple Cake is how each ingredient shines—no frills, just honest flavors working together. Each component serves a thoughtful purpose, whether it’s adding softness, a cinnamon-scented warmth, or that irresistible golden topping.
- Apples (3 medium, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced): Choose tart and crisp varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the brightest flavor and best texture.
- Lemon juice (1 tablespoon): A little squeeze keeps those apple slices perky and fresh, and adds just the right hint of brightness.
- All-purpose flour (1 ¼ cups): The backbone of the cake, providing a tender crumb that lets the apples really shine.
- Baking powder (1 teaspoon): Lifts the cake so it’s light, not dense, with just enough rise for a pretty slice.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): A pinch balances sweetness and enhances every flavor—from apple to cinnamon.
- Ground cinnamon (1 teaspoon): Adds that classic Swedish warmth, weaving the apples and cake together perfectly.
- Unsalted butter (½ cup, softened): Brings moisture, rich flavor, and that melt-in-your-mouth quality everyone loves.
- Granulated sugar (¾ cup): Sweetens and helps the top get beautifully golden in the oven.
- Eggs (2 large): The glue that binds everything together while adding tenderness.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Just a splash enhances all the flavors and gives a subtle, floral undertone.
- Milk (¼ cup): Moistens the batter and helps it bake up soft and even.
- Turbinado or granulated sugar (2 tablespoons, for topping): For that irresistible crunchy-sparkly finish on top.
How to Make Swedish Apple Cake
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Apples
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch springform pan or cake pan. This ensures your Swedish Apple Cake releases easily, keeping its beautiful, rustic shape. Next, toss those thinly sliced apples with lemon juice right away; it prevents browning and wakes up their flavor.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
Grab a medium bowl and whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Whisking ensures everything is evenly distributed, so you don’t end up with little pockets of baking powder or cinnamon—no surprises, just even flavor and rise throughout.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, use a handheld mixer or sturdy spoon to cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until pale and fluffy. This step is the secret to a light, tender Swedish Apple Cake, creating tiny air pockets that translate into a dreamy crumb.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract, letting that sweet warmth build a flavor foundation for the apples and cinnamon.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Now, add your dry ingredients to the butter mixture in thirds, alternating with the milk. Gently mix until just combined—overmixing can toughen the cake, and you want it light and meltingly tender.
Step 6: Assemble the Cake
Pour the batter into your prepared pan, smoothing the surface for an even bake. Take your lemon-tossed apple slices and arrange them in a lovely circular pattern, slightly overlapping around the top. This not only looks stunning but ensures every bite gets apple goodness.
Step 7: Sweeten and Bake
Sprinkle the cake with turbinado (or regular granulated) sugar for that classic, golden crunch. Slide the cake into the oven and bake for 40–45 minutes. When the top is lightly golden and a toothpick poked into the center comes out clean, it’s ready. Let it cool a little before serving—it’s tough to wait, but you’ll be rewarded.
How to Serve Swedish Apple Cake
Garnishes
Dress up each slice with a dusting of powdered sugar, a cloud of whipped cream, or a generous scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream. These simple touches enhance the flavors of Swedish Apple Cake without overpowering it, promising that extra-special, homemade finish.
Side Dishes
For a cozy afternoon fika (coffee break), pair your Swedish Apple Cake with strong, freshly brewed coffee or a pot of black tea. If you’re serving it as a dessert, a dish of warm apple compote or a drizzle of caramel sauce can turn each slice into a show-stopper.
Creative Ways to Present
To make a festive impression, bake individual cakes in ramekins or muffin tins—each one is like a personal gift. Or, serve the cake slightly warm in a rustic pan, family-style, for everyone to help themselves. A scattering of toasted almonds or a drizzle of cinnamon glaze makes for an eye-catching twist on tradition.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any Swedish Apple Cake left (it’s rare, but it can happen!), cover it tightly and keep it at room temperature for a day, or refrigerate it for up to three days. The cake’s flavor deepens and the crumb stays moist, especially if you bring it to room temperature before serving.
Freezing
To extend the cake’s life, slice it and wrap pieces individually in plastic wrap, then foil. Tuck them away in the freezer for up to two months. Thaw slices at room temperature for a couple of hours whenever the craving strikes you.
Reheating
Nothing beats the cozy aroma of warm cake. To reheat, pop a slice in the microwave for about 20 seconds, or warm it in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until heated through. Serve as is, or top with a scoop of melting ice cream for the ultimate treat.
FAQs
What kind of apples are best for Swedish Apple Cake?
Tart, crisp apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp are ideal. They hold their shape and deliver that perfect sweet-tart balance in every bite.
Can I make Swedish Apple Cake gluten-free?
Absolutely! Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free baking blend. Just be sure it contains a binder like xanthan gum to keep the texture light and sliceable.
Do I have to use a springform pan?
While a springform pan makes removal easier (and pretty!), you can use a regular 9-inch cake pan—just be sure to grease it well and maybe line it with parchment for extra insurance.
How do I know when the cake is done?
Look for a golden top and test with a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean or with a moist crumb or two, but not wet batter. The apples on top will be soft and gently golden.
Can I add nuts or raisins?
Go for it! Chopped walnuts, pecans, or a handful of raisins mixed into the batter add traditional Swedish flair and extra texture to the cake.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a dessert that’s equal parts heartwarming and impressive, you can’t go wrong with this Swedish Apple Cake. The recipe is simple, the flavor is unforgettable, and there’s just something magical about sharing it with friends or family. Give it a try and let it become your new favorite too!
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Swedish Apple Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the cozy flavors of this Swedish Apple Cake, a delightful dessert that pairs tender apple slices with a moist, cinnamon-infused cake base. Perfect for fall baking or any time you crave a taste of traditional Swedish sweetness.
Ingredients
Apples:
- 3 medium apples (peeled, cored, and thinly sliced)
Cake Batter:
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ cup milk
Topping:
- 2 tablespoons turbinado sugar or granulated sugar
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch springform pan. Toss apple slices with lemon juice.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream butter and granulated sugar until fluffy.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla.
- Combine Ingredients: Gradually add dry ingredients and milk to the wet mixture.
- Assemble and Bake: Pour batter into the pan, arrange apple slices on top, sprinkle with sugar, and bake for 40-45 minutes.
- Cool and Serve: Let the cake cool before serving.
Notes
- This cake pairs wonderfully with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
- Tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp are recommended for this recipe.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Swedish
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
