Kate Walton
Soft, buttery, and deeply fragrant, Swedish Apple Cake is a classic dessert that brings comfort and coziness with every bite. This delightful cake features tender apples nestled in a moist sponge, all crowned with a glossy caramelized top. It’s the perfect balance of tart fruit and rich sweetness, ideal for chilly evenings or a sunny weekend fika.
What makes this cake stand out isn’t just its flavor but the way it celebrates simple, wholesome ingredients. Swedish Apple Cake is less about flash and more about warmth and tradition. It pairs beautifully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream, turning it into a dessert you’ll want to make again and again.
What Kind of Apples Should I Use?
For Swedish Apple Cake, firm and slightly tart apples are ideal. Varieties like Granny Smith, Braeburn, or Honeycrisp hold their shape during baking and add just the right touch of acidity to balance the sweetness of the batter and caramel topping.
Ingredients for the Swedish Apple Cake
Apples – Choose firm, tart apples to keep texture and offer a contrast to the sweet cake base.
Butter – Provides richness and moisture to the cake, making the crumb tender and flavorful.
Sugar – Brown sugar for the topping adds depth and caramel notes; granulated sugar keeps the cake light.
Eggs – Essential for structure and binding the ingredients together.
Flour – All-purpose flour forms the sturdy yet tender foundation of the cake.
Baking Powder – Gives the cake its lift, keeping it soft and airy.
Milk – Adds moisture and helps bring the batter together.
Cinnamon – Offers warm spice that complements the apples beautifully.
Vanilla Extract – Enhances the overall aroma and flavor profile of the cake.
Salt – Just a pinch to highlight all the other flavors without overpowering.
How To Make the Swedish Apple Cake
Step 1: Prepare the Apples
Peel, core, and slice the apples into uniform wedges. Toss them gently with a bit of cinnamon and set them aside. This allows the flavors to marry and the apples to soften slightly before baking.
Step 2: Make the Caramel Base
In a small saucepan, melt butter with brown sugar until bubbling and slightly thickened. Pour this into the bottom of a greased springform pan, then arrange the apple slices in a circular pattern over the caramel.
Step 3: Mix the Cake Batter
In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, alternating with the milk, until a smooth batter forms.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
Carefully spoon the batter over the apples and caramel layer, smoothing it out evenly. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 5: Cool and Invert
Let the cake cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes, then run a knife around the edges and invert it onto a serving plate. The caramelized apples should now be on top, glistening and golden.
How to Serve and Store Swedish Apple Cake
Serve this cake slightly warm with a generous spoonful of whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or even a drizzle of custard sauce. It’s also lovely as an afternoon treat alongside coffee or tea. The contrast between the soft cake, spiced apples, and sticky caramel makes it irresistibly comforting.
To store, wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. It can be kept at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerated for up to 5 days. To reheat, warm individual slices in the microwave for about 20 seconds or until just warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other fruits besides apples?
Yes! Pears or plums work beautifully in this cake. Just ensure they’re firm enough to hold their shape while baking.
Is it possible to make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can make it a day in advance and keep it refrigerated. Warm it slightly before serving to bring back its fresh-from-the-oven flavor.
Do I need to use a springform pan?
It’s highly recommended because it makes flipping the cake easier and neater. But a well-greased round cake pan can work too—just be careful when inverting.
Can I freeze Swedish Apple Cake?
Yes, it freezes well. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and warm before serving.
How do I prevent the apples from sinking?
Arrange the apples on top of the caramel layer firmly, and don’t make the batter too thin. Also, slicing the apples consistently helps keep the surface even.
Want More Dessert Ideas with a Twist?
If you love this Swedish Apple Cake, you’ll probably enjoy these other delicious treats:
- Salted Caramel Pecan Cookies for a deeper caramel crunch.
- Lemon Churro Cookies if you’re craving tangy meets warm spice.
- Chocolate Crinkle Sandwich Cookies with a soft ganache center.
- Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies if you prefer classic nostalgia.
- Brown Sugar Maple Cookies with cozy fall flavor.
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📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.
And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you serve it with cream, ice cream, or go Scandinavian with vanilla sauce? Did you tweak the spice mix?
I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other bake smarter.
Swedish Apple Cake
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
Description
A moist, buttery cake layered with tender, cinnamon-spiced apples and topped with a luscious caramel glaze. This traditional Swedish dessert is as beautiful to serve as it is comforting to eat. Serve warm with cream, ice cream, or on its own for a delightful treat any time.
Ingredients
3 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled and sliced
1/2 tsp cinnamon (for apples)
1/4 cup brown sugar
2 tbsp butter (for caramel)
1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
3/4 cup granulated sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon (for batter)
1/2 cup milk
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a springform pan.
- Toss apple slices with 1/2 tsp cinnamon and set aside.
- In a saucepan, melt 2 tbsp butter and brown sugar until bubbly. Pour into prepared pan and arrange apples over it.
- Cream 1/2 cup butter and granulated sugar until fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then vanilla.
- Whisk flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon in a bowl.
- Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, alternating with milk, until smooth.
- Pour batter over apples and smooth the top.
- Bake 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool 10-15 minutes, then invert onto serving plate.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Desserts
