Introduction
Swedish Apple Cake (Äppelkaka) is a classic Scandinavian dessert known for its simplicity, rustic charm, and heartwarming taste. It features tender apples layered into a moist, buttery cake lightly scented with cinnamon and vanilla. Unlike heavy American-style cakes, this version is delicate yet rich, often enjoyed with a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla sauce. Perfect for cozy afternoons, coffee breaks, or a light dessert after dinner, Swedish Apple Cake celebrates the beauty of seasonal fruit and homestyle baking.
Ingredients
(Serves 8–10)
For the Cake:
2–3 medium apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or any firm, tart apple)
1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened
2 large eggs
1 ½ cups (190 g) all-purpose flour
1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ cup (120 ml) milk or cream
For the Topping:
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
½ teaspoon cinnamon
Optional: sliced almonds or pearl sugar for crunch
For Serving (Optional):
Whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or warm vanilla custard
Instructions
Step 1 – Prepare the Apples:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch (23 cm) round cake pan or springform pan.
Peel, core, and slice the apples thinly. Set aside.
Step 2 – Make the Batter:
In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract.
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with milk, until smooth and well combined.
Step 3 – Assemble the Cake:
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
Arrange the apple slices neatly on top in a circular pattern, slightly pressing them into the batter.
Mix sugar and cinnamon and sprinkle evenly over the apples. Add sliced almonds or pearl sugar if desired.
Step 4 – Bake:
Bake for 35–45 minutes, or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 5 – Cool and Serve:
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Serve warm or at room temperature with whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or custard.
Description
This Swedish Apple Cake is soft, moist, and subtly sweet, with caramelized apples on top and a buttery crumb beneath. Each bite offers a perfect harmony of spiced apples and tender cake, capturing the cozy feeling of fall and home baking. It’s simple, rustic, and elegant — a dessert that doesn’t rely on frosting or decoration, just pure flavor and texture.
Tips
Choose firm apples: Tart varieties like Granny Smith hold their shape best.
Use room-temperature ingredients: This ensures even mixing and a tender crumb.
Don’t overmix the batter: Stir just until combined to keep the cake light.
Add extra apples: For a heartier, fruitier cake, layer some apple slices inside the batter as well as on top.
Check for doneness: Ovens vary — start checking after 35 minutes.
Enhance flavor: Add a pinch of cardamom for authentic Swedish aroma.
Variations
Cardamom Apple Cake: Add ½ teaspoon ground cardamom for a Scandinavian twist.
Apple-Almond Cake: Replace ¼ cup of flour with almond flour for nutty richness.
Apple Pear Mix: Combine apples and pears for a more complex fruit flavor.
Gluten-Free Version: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Caramel Apple Cake: Drizzle with caramel sauce before serving.
Apple Crumble Topping: Add a crumbly streusel (butter, sugar, flour) for extra texture.
Correction (Common Mistakes & How to Fix)
Cake too dry: Overbaked or not enough moisture — check earlier or add a bit more milk.
Apples sinking: Batter too thin — ensure the batter is thick enough to support apples.
Uneven baking: Make sure apples are sliced evenly and oven temperature is correct.
Bland flavor: Add a pinch of salt and use tart apples for balance.
Soggy top: Let the cake cool uncovered to prevent steam from softening the crust.
Enjoy!
Serve your Swedish Apple Cake warm, with a spoonful of whipped cream or a drizzle of vanilla custard. Each bite brings tender apples, buttery cake, and a hint of cinnamon — a comforting, nostalgic treat that’s perfect for coffee breaks or gatherings. Simple, homely, and elegant, it’s a true taste of Scandinavian coziness that never goes out of style.