Swedish Apple Cake is a delightful and comforting dessert that perfectly balances the tartness of apples with a soft, spiced cake base. Unlike traditional American apple pies or cobblers, this Swedish classic focuses on simplicity, allowing the natural sweetness of apples to shine through while being complemented by warm spices like cinnamon and cardamom. The cake has a moist, tender crumb, with a slightly caramelized topping of baked apples and brown sugar that adds a rustic charm to every slice.
Why You Should Make Swedish Apple Cake
One of the best reasons to make this cake is its versatility. It’s a fantastic dessert for any season—warm and cozy for autumn and winter, yet light enough to enjoy in the spring and summer. You can serve it as a breakfast treat with a cup of coffee, as an afternoon snack, or as a decadent dessert topped with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make with simple pantry staples, requiring just one bowl for the batter and minimal effort.
Beyond its deliciousness, Swedish Apple Cake also carries a sense of tradition and nostalgia. It’s a recipe that has been passed down through generations in Scandinavian households, often made for special occasions or family gatherings. Baking this cake is not just about making a sweet treat—it’s about experiencing a comforting, homemade classic that brings warmth to your kitchen and joy to those who share it with you. So why not bring a little Swedish tradition to your home and enjoy this cozy, apple-filled delight? 🍏🍰
Ingredients:
• 3 medium apples (peeled, cored, and sliced thinly)
• 1 ½ cups (190g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground cardamom (optional, but recommended)
• ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted
• ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup (120ml) milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ cup (50g) brown sugar (for topping)
• 1 tablespoon butter (for topping)
Instructions:
1. Preheat & Prepare
• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Grease and flour an 8- or 9-inch round cake pan or springform pan.
2. Prepare the Batter
• In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and cardamom.
• In a separate large bowl, mix melted butter and granulated sugar until smooth.
• Beat in the eggs, then add vanilla extract and milk, stirring until well combined.
• Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
3. Assemble the Cake
• Pour half of the batter into the prepared cake pan.
• Arrange half of the sliced apples over the batter.
• Pour the remaining batter over the apples and smooth the top.
• Arrange the rest of the apple slices on top in a circular pattern.
4. Add Topping & Bake
• Sprinkle brown sugar evenly over the apples and dot with small pieces of butter.
• Bake for 40-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
5. Cool & Serve
• Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
• Serve warm or at room temperature, optionally with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
Enjoy your Swedish Apple Cake, a cozy and delicious treat perfect for any occasion! 🍏🍰