Swedish Apple Cake with Caramel Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a cozy, comforting dessert that feels like a warm hug in cake form, then this Swedish Apple Cake with Caramel Recipe is your new best friend. Imagine tender, cinnamon-spiced apple bits baked into a moist, buttery cake, all crowned with a luscious caramel glaze that perfectly balances sweet and slightly tangy flavors. This cake is a delightful way to celebrate the flavors of fall or simply satisfy your craving for something homemade and special. It’s straightforward yet impressive—a true crowd-pleaser that will make your kitchen smell heavenly and your taste buds sing.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Swedish Apple Cake with Caramel Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays an essential role, whether it’s enhancing the cake’s tender crumb, adding spice warmth, or bringing depth to the caramel topping. You probably already have most of these pantry staples close at hand.

• 1/2 cup butter, room temperature: This adds richness and ensures a moist, tender cake texture.
• 1 2/3 cups sugar: Sweetness that balances perfectly with the tartness of the apples.
• 2 eggs: The natural binder, giving the cake structure and fluffiness.
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Adds a fragrant depth of flavor to highlight the apples and spices.
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: Forms the base of the cake, holding all ingredients together with a soft crumb.
• 1 teaspoon baking soda: The leavening agent that helps the cake rise beautifully.
• 1 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all other flavors.
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon: A classic spice that complements the apples with warmth and aroma.
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Adds a subtle spiced note that makes every bite intriguing.
• 3 cups diced and peeled apples (about 2 large apples): The star of the show providing juicy bursts of fresh fruit.
• Optional: 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts: Adds pleasant crunch and a nutty contrast.
• 1 1/3 cups brown sugar: For the sticky, rich caramel sauce topping.
• 2 tablespoons half & half: Creates a smooth, creamy caramel texture.
• 4 tablespoons butter: Enriches the caramel with a silky finish.

How to Make Swedish Apple Cake with Caramel Recipe

Step 1: Prepping Your Oven and Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9-inch springform pan. This step is easy but crucial for ensuring your cake bakes evenly and comes out cleanly without sticking.

Step 2: Mixing Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg. This not only combines the ingredients but also aerates them, helping your cake develop a light and tender crumb.

Step 3: Creaming Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with the sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and smooth. This step introduces air into your batter to give your cake a lovely rise. Then, add eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully mixed in before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract to infuse additional warmth and flavor.

Step 4: Combining Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, gently folding them in until just combined. Overmixing can make your cake dense, so take it easy here. Fold in the diced apples along with the optional nuts, which add wonderful texture and a little extra flavor complexity.

Step 5: Baking the Cake

Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Pop it into the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, signaling that the cake is perfectly cooked but still tender.

Step 6: Making the Caramel Sauce

While the cake is in the oven, combine the brown sugar, half & half, and butter in a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir frequently until the mixture becomes smooth, glossy, and fully combined. This luscious caramel sauce is what makes this apple cake truly unforgettable.

Step 7: Adding the Caramel Topping

Once the cake is baked, remove it from the oven and gently pour the caramel sauce evenly over the top. This gooey layer will soak into the cake slightly, adding to the moistness and flavor.

Step 8: Setting the Caramel

Return the caramel-topped cake to the oven for another 10 to 15 minutes. During this time, the caramel will set and develop a slightly crackled surface that’s absolutely irresistible.

Step 9: Cooling and Serving

Let the cake cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes, which helps it firm up for easier removal of the springform sides. Slice it while warm or at room temperature, then prepare to delight your guests with every bite.

How to Serve Swedish Apple Cake with Caramel Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of powdered sugar or a light dusting of cinnamon on top immediately before serving adds a pretty finishing touch. For a richer experience, a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream brings out the warm spices and caramel beautifully.

Side Dishes

This Swedish Apple Cake with Caramel Recipe pairs wonderfully with a simple cup of coffee or a soothing black tea, making it an ideal dessert for a relaxing afternoon or after-dinner treat. For a festive twist, serve alongside spiced cider or a buttery, warm chai latte.

Creative Ways to Present

Slice the cake into neat wedges and serve on rustic wooden boards for a cozy, inviting feel. You can also plate single servings with a drizzle of extra caramel sauce and perhaps a few apple slices on the side for elegance. For gatherings, consider layering smaller pieces with whipped cream into parfait glasses for a visually stunning dessert parfait.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This cake keeps beautifully covered tightly with plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. The caramel topping stays soft and luscious, making every bite just as delightful as when freshly baked.

Freezing

If you want to save some for later, wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil before freezing. It will keep well for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving for best texture and flavor.

Reheating

Warm up individual slices in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds to revive the soft, gooey experience of this cake with caramel. Alternatively, reheat a whole cake slice gently in a low oven at 300°F (150°C) until warmed through, preserving the caramel’s texture.

FAQs

Can I use different types of apples for this cake?

Absolutely! Granny Smith apples are a great choice for their tartness and firmness, but you can also use Fuji, Honeycrisp, or Gala depending on your sweetness preference. Just make sure to peel and dice them evenly for the best results.

Is it necessary to use a springform pan?

A springform pan makes it easier to remove the cake without damaging the delicate caramel surface, but you can also use a regular 9-inch cake pan. Just be sure to grease it well and allow the cake to cool before attempting to remove it.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! Substitute vegan butter for regular butter and use a non-dairy half & half or cream alternative for the caramel. The flavor and texture will still be delightful and just as comforting.

What’s the best way to dice the apples?

Peel the apples first to avoid a chewy skin texture, then cut into roughly 1/2-inch cubes. This size ensures even baking and juicy pockets of apple throughout your cake.

How do I store leftover caramel sauce?

If you happen to have some extra caramel sauce, store it in a small airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Reheat gently before using it again on ice cream, pancakes, or another batch of Swedish Apple Cake!

Final Thoughts

This Swedish Apple Cake with Caramel Recipe is truly a gem to keep in your baking repertoire, offering a perfect blend of cozy spices, tender apples, and rich caramel that feels like autumn comfort in every bite. It’s as joyful to make as it is to eat, and I promise once you try it, it will become a beloved classic in your home too. So go ahead, grab your mixing bowl, and treat yourself to this irresistible cake—you deserve it!

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