Swedish Apple Cake: A Classic Scandinavian Delight

Introduction

If you love cozy, homemade desserts, then Swedish Apple Cake (Äppelkaka) is a must-try. This traditional Scandinavian treat is moist, flavorful, and infused with warm spices that perfectly complement the tartness of fresh apples. Unlike an American apple pie, Swedish Apple Cake is more of a cross between a cake and a tart, often served with vanilla sauce or whipped cream for an extra indulgent touch.

Swedish cuisine is known for its simple yet comforting flavors, and this cake is no exception. If you’re interested in learning more about Swedish desserts, check out this guide to Scandinavian baking. For apple lovers, here’s a comprehensive list of apple varieties to help you choose the best apples for baking.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Moist and flavorful with a hint of cinnamon and cardamom
Easy to make with simple ingredients
Perfect for fall or any time of the year
Great served warm with ice cream, whipped cream, or custard
Authentic Swedish taste straight from traditional Scandinavian kitchens

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Cake:

2 large apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
½ tsp salt
1 tsp cinnamon
½ tsp cardamom (optional, for extra Scandinavian flavor)
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
¾ cup granulated sugar
2 eggs
½ cup milk
1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Topping:

¼ cup brown sugar
½ tsp cinnamon
2 tbsp butter, melted
Sliced almonds (optional, for crunch)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preparing the Apples

Peel, core, and thinly slice the apples.
Toss them with a little cinnamon and sugar to enhance their natural sweetness.

2. Making the Batter

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease a 9-inch cake pan or springform pan.
In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and cardamom.
In another bowl, whisk melted butter and sugar until creamy.
Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
Stir in milk and vanilla extract.
Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until just combined.

3. Assembling the Cake

Pour half of the batter into the greased cake pan.
Arrange half of the apple slices on top.
Pour the remaining batter over the apples.
Layer the rest of the apples on top in a circular pattern.

4. Adding the Topping

Mix brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter.
Drizzle over the top of the cake.
Sprinkle with sliced almonds for added crunch (optional).

5. Baking the Cake

Bake for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Let cool slightly before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Classic: Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Traditional Swedish Style: Drizzle with vanilla sauce (vaniljsås).
Simple: A dusting of powdered sugar for an elegant finish.
Decadent: Pair with whipped cream for extra richness.

Best Apples for Swedish Apple Cake

Choosing the right apple variety makes all the difference:

Granny Smith – Tart, holds shape well
Honeycrisp – Sweet, slightly tart, crisp texture
Jonagold – A mix of sweet and tart flavors
Braeburn – Juicy and aromatic

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Refrigerate for up to a week.
Freeze individual slices wrapped in plastic for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven for a fresh-baked taste.

Variations and Additions

Nutty Crunch: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the topping.
Extra Spiced: Increase cinnamon or add nutmeg for a stronger spice flavor.
Caramelized Apple Layer: Sauté apples with butter and sugar before adding them to the cake.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Using the wrong apples – Some apples become mushy when baked. Stick to firm varieties like Granny Smith.

❌ Overmixing the batter – This can make the cake dense instead of light and fluffy.

❌ Skipping the cinnamon-sugar topping – This step enhances the cake’s flavor and adds a caramelized finish.

FAQs

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking.

Can I use a different sweetener?

Absolutely! Swap out granulated sugar for coconut sugar or brown sugar for a richer taste.

What’s the best way to reheat this cake?

Warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or heat in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for a few minutes.

Final Thoughts

This Swedish Apple Cake is the perfect dessert for fall, special gatherings, or just a cozy night in. With its delicate balance of sweet and tart flavors, warm spices, and tender apples, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Try this recipe today and experience a true taste of Sweden!

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