Swedish Apple Cake

Swedish Apple Cake – A Cozy and Delicious Dessert

Swedish Apple Cake, known as Äppelkaka, is a traditional dessert that brings warmth and comfort to any occasion. With its perfect balance of sweet, tart apples, and a tender cake base, this cake is a delightful treat that can be enjoyed year-round. Whether you’re celebrating autumn’s harvest or simply craving a comforting dessert, Swedish Apple Cake is sure to hit the spot.

In this article, we’ll take you through the history of this delightful dessert, provide a step-by-step guide to making it, and share some variations to make it your own. We’ll also provide helpful tips and tricks for perfecting your Swedish Apple Cake and suggestions for serving it.

Why You’ll Love Swedish Apple Cake

Simple ingredients: With just a few pantry staples, you can create a dessert that feels fancy yet is easy to prepare.
Perfect balance of flavors: Sweet, tart apples combined with a moist cake base and a hint of cinnamon create a deliciously comforting treat.
Great for any occasion: Serve it as a dessert for a family dinner, bring it to a potluck, or enjoy it with a cup of coffee in the afternoon.
Customizable: Add your favorite spices, switch up the fruit, or make it gluten-free.

Ingredients for Swedish Apple Cake

For the Cake Batter:

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
3/4 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup whole milk or buttermilk

For the Apple Filling:

3-4 medium-sized apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

For the Topping (optional but recommended):

1/4 cup sliced almonds or chopped walnuts (optional)
Powdered sugar for dusting

Step-by-Step Instructions for Swedish Apple Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Apple Filling

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan or a springform pan with butter and line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Peel and core the apples, then slice them into thin wedges.
In a medium-sized bowl, toss the apple slices with lemon juice, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Set aside to let the apples release their juices while you prepare the cake batter.

Step 2: Make the Cake Batter

In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, cream together softened butter and granulated sugar using a hand mixer or stand mixer until light and fluffy (about 3 minutes).
Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then mix in the vanilla extract.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk (start and end with dry ingredients). Mix until just combined, but don’t overmix.
Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan, spreading it evenly.

Step 3: Add the Apple Filling

Gently arrange the prepared apples on top of the cake batter in a circular pattern, slightly overlapping them. You can push them down into the batter to make sure they’re fully immersed.
Optional: Sprinkle the sliced almonds or chopped walnuts on top of the apples for added texture and flavor.

Step 4: Bake the Cake

Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake for 45-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
The top of the cake should be golden brown, and the apples should be soft and slightly caramelized.
Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then remove it from the pan and allow it to cool completely on a wire rack.

Step 5: Serve

Once the cake is completely cooled, dust it with powdered sugar for a finishing touch.
Slice and serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgence.

Helpful Tips for the Perfect Swedish Apple Cake

Choose the right apples: Use a mix of tart and sweet apples like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp for the best balance of flavors.
Don’t skip the resting time for apples: Letting the apples sit in the sugar and cinnamon helps release their juices, which will soak into the cake while baking, creating a moist texture.
Avoid overmixing the batter: Overmixing can result in a dense cake. Mix just until combined.
Cool the cake properly: Let the cake cool for at least 10 minutes in the pan to prevent it from falling apart when removing it.

Variations of Swedish Apple Cake

1. Gluten-Free Swedish Apple Cake

For a gluten-free version of this delicious cake, swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to check that your baking powder is gluten-free as well. You can also use a gluten-free oat flour for a slightly different texture.

2. Cinnamon Roll Apple Cake

For a cinnamon roll-inspired twist, add cinnamon sugar to the batter before baking, and swirl it into the cake. This variation will infuse your cake with an irresistible cinnamon flavor that complements the apples perfectly.

3. Apple and Pear Cake

Mix up the fruit by using pears in addition to or instead of apples. Pears add a subtle sweetness and a different texture that pairs beautifully with the cinnamon flavor in the cake.

4. Vegan Swedish Apple Cake

To make a vegan version, substitute the eggs with flax eggs or a chia seed mixture, and replace the butter with vegan butter or coconut oil. Use a non-dairy milk like almond or oat milk for the liquid component.

5. Apple Spice Cake

If you love fall spices, add a pinch of ground ginger, cloves, or allspice to the batter along with the cinnamon and nutmeg. This will give your cake a warm, spiced flavor perfect for autumn.

6. Caramel Apple Swedish Cake

Drizzle caramel sauce over the top of the cake once it’s baked, and for extra caramel goodness, add a few teaspoons of caramel sauce in between the layers of apples before baking.

Serving Suggestions

Serve warm: For a cozy, comforting treat, serve the cake warm from the oven with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
With a hot drink: This cake pairs wonderfully with a cup of coffee, tea, or a hot spiced cider for a perfect afternoon snack.
For special occasions: Serve Swedish Apple Cake as a dessert for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any other special gathering.

Storage Tips for Swedish Apple Cake

Room temperature: If you plan to eat the cake within 1-2 days, store it at room temperature in an airtight container. It will stay fresh and moist for a couple of days.
In the fridge: For longer storage, place the cake in the refrigerator, where it will stay fresh for up to 5 days. Be sure to wrap it tightly to prevent it from drying out.
Freezing: To freeze the cake, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. When ready to eat, thaw at room temperature or reheat in the microwave.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use other fruits in this cake?

Yes, you can easily substitute apples with other fruits like pears, plums, or peaches. Just make sure the fruit is ripe and firm to avoid a soggy cake.

Can I make Swedish Apple Cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the cake a day ahead and store it in an airtight container. It actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld.

Can I make this cake without eggs?

Yes! You can substitute eggs with flax or chia eggs for a vegan option. Alternatively, you could use 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce in place of each egg for a moist texture.

How can I make my Swedish Apple Cake extra moist?

Ensure you use buttermilk in the batter, which helps make the cake more moist. Also, be sure to not overbake the cake to keep it from drying out.

Final Thoughts

Swedish Apple Cake is the perfect dessert for any occasion. With its warm, comforting flavors and easy-to-make batter, it’s sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Whether you’re serving it at a holiday dinner, enjoying it as an afternoon treat, or taking it to a potluck, this cake is sure to impress.

Try it today and experience the comforting taste of Sweden’s favorite apple dessert. Tag us with your Swedish Apple Cake creations using for a chance to be featured!

Enjoy!