Description
This classic Swedish Apple Cake recipe features tender, cinnamon-spiced cake topped with thinly sliced tart apples arranged beautifully in a circular pattern. Lightly sweetened with turbinado sugar for a delightful golden crunch, this dessert is perfect for fall gatherings or anytime you crave a homestyle fruit cake with a rustic Scandinavian touch.
Ingredients
Scale
Apples
- 2 cups apples (peeled, cored, and thinly sliced)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup milk
Topping
- 1 tablespoon turbinado sugar or granulated sugar (for topping)
- Powdered sugar (for dusting, optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan or springform pan to prevent sticking and ensure easy release.
- Toss Apples with Lemon Juice: In a bowl, combine the thinly sliced apples with lemon juice to prevent browning and add a subtle tangy flavor. Set aside.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening and spices.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, creating the cake’s tender texture.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time to incorporate air and structure, then add the vanilla extract for flavor depth.
- Combine Batter: Alternately add the dry flour mixture and milk to the creamed butter mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined, careful not to overmix to keep the cake tender.
- Assemble the Cake: Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan. Arrange the apple slices on top in a circular pattern, creating an attractive, rustic presentation.
- Add Topping: Sprinkle turbinado sugar over the apples to add a sweet, crunchy texture once baked.
- Bake: Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the top turns golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Dust with powdered sugar before serving if desired for an elegant touch.
Notes
- Serve warm or at room temperature, either plain or accompanied by whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.
- Tart apples such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best to balance the cake’s sweetness and provide a pleasant texture.
- Ensure apples are sliced thinly for even cooking and attractive layering.
- The cake can be stored covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerated for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Swedish
