If you have a soft spot for homemade desserts that wrap you in cozy flavors and memories, this Swedish Apple Cake Recipe is a must-try classic. It celebrates the natural sweetness of apples, infused with fragrant cinnamon and vanilla, all brought together in a tender, buttery cake. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or a comforting weekend treat, this recipe captures the warmth and simplicity of Scandinavian baking, delivering a delightful apple dessert that is both approachable and irresistibly delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Swedish Apple Cake Recipe calls for a handful of straightforward ingredients, each playing a crucial part in creating the perfect balance of taste, texture, and color. From crisp apples to creamy butter, every component contributes to the cake’s tender crumb and delightful apple topping.
- 2 medium apples (peeled, cored, and thinly sliced): Fresh apples provide the juicy sweetness and slight tartness essential for the cake’s signature flavor.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Keeps the apple slices from browning and adds a subtle zing that brightens the overall taste.
- 1 cup granulated sugar (divided): Sweetens both the batter and the apple topping, ensuring a perfect balance.
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened): Adds richness and moisture, vital for that tender crumb you’ll love.
- 2 large eggs: Bind the ingredients and help create a light, fluffy texture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the cake’s aroma and depth of flavor.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: The backbone of the cake, providing structure.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Gives the cake its gentle rise, making it airy but not heavy.
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon: Infuses that classic warm spice that pairs beautifully with apples.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all flavors.
- 2 tablespoons milk: Loosens the batter a bit, creating the perfect consistency.
- 1 tablespoon turbinado sugar (optional for topping): Adds a subtle crunch and extra sweetness on top.
How to Make Swedish Apple Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Apples
Start by peeling, coring, and thinly slicing your apples, then toss them with lemon juice and 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar. This simple step not only prevents browning but also softens the fruit a little while infusing them with sweetness, setting the stage for that tender and flavorful apple topping everyone will rave about.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, soften the butter until creamy, then beat in the remaining sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This creaming process is key for incorporating air, which helps the cake rise beautifully and develop its soft texture.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract next, as it brings out the cake’s warm and inviting flavor, harmonizing perfectly with the apples and cinnamon.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. This ensures the leavening agents and spices are evenly distributed so every bite delivers consistent flavor and lightness.
Step 5: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients into the butter mixture, stirring just until combined to avoid overworking the batter, which could make the cake tough. Then, fold in the milk to loosen the batter slightly, making it smooth and easy to spread.
Step 6: Assemble and Bake
Spread the batter evenly into your greased and floured baking dish. Artfully arrange the apple slices on top, slightly overlapping them in a decorative pattern for a visually stunning finish. Sprinkle with turbinado sugar if using, then bake at 350°F (175°C) for 35 to 40 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the top glows with a golden hue.
How to Serve Swedish Apple Cake Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance this delightful apple dessert with a dollop of lightly whipped cream or a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream for that perfect temperature contrast and extra indulgence. A sprinkle of cinnamon on top adds a warm, fragrant touch that complements the cake’s cozy flavors.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs beautifully with a simple cup of coffee or a mug of spiced chai tea, elevating your dessert to a comforting ritual. For a brunch twist, serve alongside crispy bacon or a fresh fruit salad to balance the sweetness with some savory or fresh notes.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving slices of this Swedish Apple Cake Recipe on rustic wooden boards with a scattering of fresh apple slices and cinnamon sticks as decoration. Alternatively, cut into small squares for a charming finger-food treat at gatherings, perfect for sharing the joy of this classic dish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, cover the cake tightly with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container to keep it moist and fresh. Stored at room temperature, it will stay delicious for up to two days, or keep it refrigerated for up to a week.
Freezing
The Swedish Apple Cake Recipe freezes well! Wrap it securely in plastic wrap and then foil before placing it in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm it gently to revive its fresh-baked charm.
Reheating
Reheat slices in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes or until warmed through. For a quicker option, microwave slices for 20 to 30 seconds, ideal for when you want a cozy treat in a flash without sacrificing that fresh-baked feel.
FAQs
Can I use other types of apples for this recipe?
Absolutely! While tart apples like Granny Smiths add a nice contrast, sweet varieties such as Fuji or Honeycrisp also lend wonderful flavor. Mixing different apples can create a deliciously complex taste and texture.
Is it possible to make this Swedish Apple Cake Recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend that includes xanthan gum for structure. Just be sure to choose a blend meant for baking to maintain the right texture.
Can I add nuts or other mix-ins to this cake?
Definitely! Sliced almonds, chopped walnuts, or even raisins can be folded into the batter for extra crunch and flavor. Just keep the additions moderate so the apples remain the star.
What if I don’t have turbinado sugar for the topping?
No worries at all! Granulated sugar works well as a topping too, though it won’t add the same crunchy texture. Brown sugar is another tasty option to boost caramelized notes on the surface.
How can I make this cake more moist?
Ensuring you don’t overbake the cake is key to maintaining moisture. Also, adding the milk as the recipe suggests keeps the batter just right. For extra moisture, you might add a tablespoon of sour cream or yogurt to the wet ingredients.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly heartwarming about baking this Swedish Apple Cake Recipe from scratch, filling your kitchen with the scent of cinnamon and apples and creating a dessert that brings everyone together. It’s approachable yet elegant, rich in tradition yet bursting with fresh, comforting flavors. Give this recipe a try and watch it become a cherished favorite you’ll return to year after year.
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Swedish Apple Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Swedish
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Swedish Apple Cake is a deliciously moist and tender dessert featuring thinly sliced apples baked atop a cinnamon-spiced cake batter. With a hint of vanilla and a crunchy turbinado sugar topping, it’s a perfect fall treat that can be easily prepared and served warm with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
Ingredients
Fruit
- 2 medium apples (peeled, cored, and thinly sliced)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Main Batter
- 1 cup granulated sugar (divided)
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons milk
Topping (Optional)
- 1 tablespoon turbinado sugar
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8-inch round or square baking dish to prevent the cake from sticking.
- Toss Apples: In a bowl, toss the peeled, cored, and thinly sliced apples with lemon juice and 2 tablespoons of the granulated sugar. This will help keep the apples from browning and add a touch of sweetness. Set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter with the remaining granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step ensures a tender cake texture.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time to incorporate air and richness, then stir in the vanilla extract for flavor.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening and spices.
- Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined to avoid overmixing, which can make the cake tough.
- Add Milk: Stir in the milk to loosen the batter slightly, making it easier to spread.
- Fill Pan and Arrange Apples: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish. Arrange the sliced apples over the batter in a decorative, slightly overlapping pattern to ensure even cooking and an attractive presentation.
- Add Topping: Sprinkle the top with turbinado sugar, if using, for an added crunchy texture and subtle sweetness.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 35–40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the top is golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Let the cake cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
Notes
- Serve warm with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert experience.
- You can substitute pears or a mix of fall fruits in place of apples for variation.
- Make sure not to overmix the batter to keep the cake tender.
- The turbinado sugar topping is optional but adds a pleasant crunch and sparkle to the cake’s surface.
