Swedish Apple Cake

A Cozy and Delicious Treat

Few things embody the warmth and comfort of home baking like a Swedish Apple Cake. This simple yet flavorful dessert brings together the sweetness of apples, the warmth of cinnamon, and a tender, buttery crumb that makes every bite irresistible. Whether you’re looking for a nostalgic treat, a dessert to impress guests, or simply a cozy weekend bake, this Swedish Apple Cake is the perfect choice.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Swedish Apple Cake is perfect for both beginner bakers and seasoned pros. It doesn’t require any fancy techniques or hard-to-find ingredients—just a handful of pantry staples and fresh apples. The result is a moist, lightly spiced cake topped with beautifully arranged apple slices that add both flavor and elegance. Plus, it pairs wonderfully with coffee, making it an ideal fika (Swedish coffee break) treat!

Who This Recipe Is For

  • Home bakers looking for a simple yet impressive cake.
  • Apple lovers who enjoy fruit-forward desserts.
  • Beginners who want an easy-to-follow recipe with foolproof results.
  • Anyone craving a cozy, homemade dessert that’s perfect for fall or winter.

Ingredients

For the Cake Batter:

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp ground cardamom (optional, for extra warmth)
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 tsp almond extract (optional, for traditional flavor)

For the Apple Topping:

  • 3 medium apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp granulated sugar
  • 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

Optional Toppings:

  • 1/4 cup sliced almonds for garnish
  • Powdered sugar for dusting

Kitchen Equipment Needed

  • 9-inch springform pan or regular 9-inch cake pan
  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Spatula
  • Knife and cutting board
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Wire rack for cooling

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Pan and Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch springform pan (or a regular 9-inch cake pan) to ensure the cake doesn’t stick.

2. Prepare the Apple Topping

In a medium bowl, toss the sliced apples with lemon juice, granulated sugar, and cinnamon. Set aside while you prepare the batter.

3. Make the Cake Batter

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and cardamom. In another bowl, whisk together the melted butter, eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and almond extract until smooth. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Do not overmix.

4. Assemble the Cake

Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Arrange the apple slices on top in a circular pattern, slightly pressing them into the batter. Sprinkle sliced almonds on top, if using.

5. Bake

Bake for 40-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the top is golden brown. The cake should spring back slightly when pressed.

6. Cool and Serve

Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Dust with powdered sugar before serving, if desired. Enjoy warm or at room temperature!

Tips and Variations

  • Make it dairy-free: Substitute melted coconut oil or dairy-free butter for the butter and use almond milk instead of regular milk.
  • Try different apples: While Granny Smith and Honeycrisp work well, you can experiment with Fuji, Gala, or Pink Lady apples.
  • Add nuts: If you love texture, mix chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter.
  • Boost the spice: A touch of nutmeg or ginger can add even more warmth.

Storage and Leftovers

This cake keeps well for up to 3 days at room temperature when stored in an airtight container. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week or freeze individual slices for up to 3 months. To enjoy again, warm slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or let them come to room temperature naturally.

Best Pairings

  • Coffee or Tea: The perfect fika treat!
  • Vanilla Ice Cream: For a decadent dessert experience.
  • Whipped Cream: Light and airy, it complements the cake’s texture beautifully.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free 1:1 baking blend.

What’s the best apple variety to use?

Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are ideal because they hold their shape and provide a sweet-tart balance.

Can I prepare this cake ahead of time?

Yes! This cake stays fresh for a few days, so it’s great for make-ahead baking.

How do I know when the cake is done?

Insert a toothpick in the center—if it comes out clean, the cake is ready!

Final Thoughts

Swedish Apple Cake is the perfect blend of simplicity and elegance, making it an excellent choice for any occasion. Whether you’re sharing it with friends over coffee or treating yourself to a cozy dessert, this cake is sure to delight. If you try this recipe, let me know in the comments below! Don’t forget to share this post and subscribe for more delicious recipes.

Happy baking!

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