If you’re looking for a delightful, easy-to-make dessert that combines the comforting flavors of apples, cinnamon, and cake, Swedish Apple Cake (or Äppel Kaka) is the perfect treat. A beloved dessert in Sweden, it features a tender, spiced cake studded with apples, often topped with a hint of cinnamon and sugar for extra warmth and sweetness. Whether you’re hosting a fall gathering or simply want to enjoy a comforting treat at home, this Swedish Apple Cake is sure to satisfy your cravings.
What is Swedish Apple Cake?
Swedish Apple Cake is a moist and flavorful cake that blends the sweetness of apples with the richness of butter, sugar, and eggs. The cake batter is typically flavored with cinnamon and vanilla, creating a cozy, aromatic treat that pairs perfectly with the tartness of the apples. In Sweden, it’s often served as a dessert or fika (coffee break snack), making it an ideal cake for family gatherings or special occasions.
Key Ingredients
- Apples: The star of the dish, apples provide both texture and a natural sweetness. Tart apples like Granny Smith work wonderfully in this cake, balancing out the richness of the batter.
- Butter: Adds richness and a soft, tender texture to the cake.
- Sugar: For sweetness, sugar is combined with cinnamon to create a delicious topping that caramelizes during baking.
- Eggs: Provide structure and moisture to the cake.
- Flour and Baking Powder: These ingredients give the cake its rise, ensuring it bakes up light and fluffy.
- Cinnamon and Vanilla Extract: These spices bring warmth and depth of flavor, making this cake feel comforting and aromatic.
How to Make Swedish Apple Cake
Making Swedish Apple Cake is surprisingly simple, with easy-to-follow steps that result in a delicious dessert. Here’s how to make this scrumptious treat:
Ingredients:
- 2 large apples, peeled, cored, and sliced thinly
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (plus extra for sprinkling)
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ cup milk
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8-inch (20 cm) round cake pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Prepare the Apples: Peel, core, and slice the apples into thin wedges. Toss them with a little cinnamon and sugar (optional) and set them aside.
- Make the Batter: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. In a separate large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk. Stir until just combined—be careful not to overmix.
- Assemble the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan. Arrange the sliced apples on top of the batter, gently pressing them into the surface. Sprinkle with a little cinnamon and sugar for extra flavor.
- Bake: Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the cake is golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool for 10-15 minutes before removing it from the pan. Serve warm or at room temperature, optionally with a dusting of powdered sugar or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Why You’ll Love Swedish Apple Cake
- Simple and Delicious: With its straightforward ingredients and method, this cake is easy to make but impresses with its rich flavor and warm, comforting textures.
- Perfect for All Occasions: Whether you’re hosting a special dinner or simply want a cozy treat with your afternoon coffee, Swedish Apple Cake is the perfect dessert for any occasion.
- Seasonal Delight: The blend of apples and cinnamon makes this cake especially popular in the fall, but it’s a versatile dessert you can enjoy year-round.
Tips for the Best Swedish Apple Cake
- Apple Variety: Experiment with different apple varieties. While tart apples like Granny Smith balance the sweetness of the cake, you can also try sweeter apples like Fuji or Honeycrisp for a more decadent flavor.
- Add Nuts: For a bit of crunch, consider adding chopped walnuts or almonds to the batter before baking.
- Serve with Whipped Cream: Swedish Apple Cake is delicious on its own, but it’s even better served with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Conclusion
Swedish Apple Cake is the ultimate cozy dessert that brings the perfect balance of sweetness, spice, and fruitiness to the table. Whether you enjoy it as part of a Swedish fika or as a comforting treat on a chilly evening, this cake is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Its simple preparation, irresistible flavor, and versatility make it a must-try dessert for any apple lover!
Serving and Storage Tips for Swedish Apple Cake
Serving Tips:
- Serve Warm: Swedish Apple Cake is best enjoyed slightly warm, as this enhances the cinnamon and apple flavors. You can reheat individual slices in the microwave for a few seconds or warm the whole cake in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes.
- Pair with Toppings: This cake pairs beautifully with a variety of toppings:
- Whipped Cream: Light and airy, whipped cream is a classic choice to complement the spice and sweetness of the cake.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy, cold ice cream contrasts nicely with the warm, spiced cake.
- Caramel Sauce: Drizzling caramel sauce on top adds a rich, indulgent touch.
- Crème Fraîche: For a tangy contrast to the sweetness, a dollop of crème fraîche is a delicious option.
- As a Dessert or Snack: While perfect for dessert after a meal, Swedish Apple Cake also makes a delightful afternoon snack or breakfast treat, especially when paired with coffee or tea.
- Presentation: Serve the cake on a beautiful cake stand or a decorative plate to enhance its rustic charm. If you want to make it extra special, sprinkle a bit of powdered sugar on top before serving.
Storage Tips:
- Room Temperature: If you plan to eat the cake within 1-2 days, store it at room temperature in an airtight container. This will keep it moist and fresh.
- Refrigeration: For longer storage, you can refrigerate Swedish Apple Cake. Wrap it in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. It will stay fresh for up to 5 days when refrigerated. Before serving, let it come to room temperature or warm it slightly for the best flavor and texture.
- Freezing: Swedish Apple Cake freezes well if you want to prepare it in advance or save leftovers. To freeze:
- Allow the cake to cool completely.
- Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place it in a resealable freezer bag or airtight container.
- It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- When ready to serve, thaw the cake overnight in the refrigerator, and reheat it in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes.
By following these storage and serving tips, you can enjoy Swedish Apple Cake at its freshest and most flavorful for days to come!
1. Can I use different types of apples for Swedish Apple Cake?
Yes, you can use a variety of apples for Swedish Apple Cake! Tart apples like Granny Smith are ideal because they balance the sweetness of the cake. However, sweeter apples like Fuji or Honeycrisp can also be used for a milder, sweeter flavor. Feel free to experiment with your favorite apple varieties!
2. Can I make Swedish Apple Cake ahead of time?
Yes, Swedish Apple Cake can be made ahead of time. You can prepare and bake the cake a day or two before serving. Simply store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate it for up to 5 days. When you’re ready to serve, you can warm it slightly in the oven or microwave for the best taste.
3. Can I add nuts to the Swedish Apple Cake?
Absolutely! Chopped walnuts, almonds, or pecans make a great addition to Swedish Apple Cake, providing a nice crunch and extra flavor. You can mix them into the batter before baking or sprinkle them on top along with the apples for added texture.
4. Can I freeze Swedish Apple Cake?
Yes, Swedish Apple Cake freezes well. To freeze, let the cake cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat it in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10 minutes to refresh the texture.
Print
Swedish Apple Cake
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8–10 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Swedish
Description
Swedish Apple Cake, or Äppelkaka, is a cozy, comforting dessert with tender apples, a moist, spiced cake, and a hint of almond. This traditional Swedish treat is perfect for autumn, but delicious any time of year! Serve it warm with a dollop of whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a drizzle of custard for a delightful dessert that feels both rustic and elegant.
Ingredients
- For the Cake Batter:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground cardamom (optional, for extra warmth)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp almond extract (optional, for traditional flavor)
- For the Apple Topping:
- 3 medium apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- Optional Topping:
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds for garnish
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan and Preheat Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch springform pan (or a regular 9-inch cake pan). - Prepare the Apple Topping:
In a medium bowl, toss the sliced apples with lemon juice, granulated sugar, and cinnamon. Set aside. - Make the Cake Batter:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and cardamom. In another bowl, whisk together the melted butter, eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and almond extract until smooth. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Do not overmix. - Assemble the Cake:
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Arrange the apple slices on top in a circular pattern, slightly pressing them into the batter. Sprinkle sliced almonds on top, if using. - Bake:
Bake for 40-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the top is golden brown. The cake should spring back slightly when pressed. - Cool and Serve:
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Dust with powdered sugar before serving, if desired. Enjoy warm or at room temperature!
Notes
- For a more decadent flavor, drizzle a bit of caramel sauce over each slice before serving.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.