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
Scale
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.
