Swedish Apple Cake Recipe

The Cosiest Swedish Apple Cake Recipe for Sweet Comfort

Baking a delightful swedish apple cake brings pure comfort to your kitchen.

Sweet aromas will dance through the air as you mix ingredients.

Crisp apples nestled in tender, buttery layers create a magical dessert experience.

Nordic traditions shine through this simple yet elegant treat.

Warm spices like cinnamon whisper memories of cozy autumn afternoons.

Seasonal fruits transform into a delectable masterpiece with minimal effort.

Swedish Apple Cake Fans Will Love This Version

  • Simplify Baking: Create a delightful dessert with basic pantry ingredients and minimal kitchen skills required. Perfect for novice bakers wanting to impress family and friends.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: A warm, spiced cake that brings everyone together with its irresistible aroma and rich caramel topping. Ideal for gatherings, potlucks, or weekend family desserts.
  • Seasonal Showstopper: Celebrate autumn's bounty by transforming fresh apples into a moist, fragrant cake that captures the essence of fall's most beloved flavors. Cinnamon and nutmeg add warmth to every bite.

Everything Inside This Swedish Apple Cake

For the Cake Base:
  • All-Purpose Flour: A key ingredient that provides structure and texture to the Swedish apple cake.
  • Baking Soda: Helps the cake rise and create a light, fluffy texture.
  • Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the cake.
For the Spices:
  • Cinnamon, Nutmeg: Warm spices that add depth and traditional flavor to the apple cake.
For the Wet Ingredients:
  • Butter: Adds richness and moisture to the cake batter.
  • Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps with caramelization.
  • Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and contribute to the cake's structure.
  • Vanilla: Adds a classic aromatic flavor to the cake.
For the Fruit and Nuts:
  • Apples: The star ingredient that gives the cake its signature flavor and texture.
  • Nuts (Optional): Adds crunch and additional flavor to the cake.
For the Caramel Topping:
  • Brown Sugar: Creates a rich, deep caramel flavor.
  • Half & Half: Adds creaminess to the caramel sauce.
  • Butter: Provides smoothness and richness to the caramel topping.

Baking Instructions for Moist Swedish Apple Cake

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Set your oven to 350°F and grab a 9-inch springform pan. Generously coat the pan with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

Grab a small bowl and sift together these ingredients:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Baking soda
  • Salt
  • Ground cinnamon
  • Ground nutmeg

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, whip butter and sugar until they become light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition.

Stir in vanilla extract for extra flavor.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Slowly incorporate the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients.

Gently fold in:
  • Chopped apples
  • Chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

Step 5: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Slide into the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes.

Step 6: Create Caramel Topping

While the cake bakes, prepare the caramel sauce in a small saucepan. Combine:
  • Brown sugar
  • Half & half
  • Butter

Heat over medium-low heat, stirring constantly until the mixture becomes smooth and glossy.

Step 7: Add Caramel Topping

After 30 minutes of baking, carefully remove the cake from the oven. Drizzle the caramel sauce evenly over the top.

Return to the oven for an additional 10-15 minutes until the caramel starts to crack and the cake is fully baked.

Step 8: Cool and Serve

Let the cake rest for at least 15 minutes.

This allows the caramel to set and makes slicing easier. Serve warm and enjoy the delicious Swedish apple cake!

Smart Tips for Swedish Apple Cake Perfection

  • Choose crisp, tart varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for best texture and balanced sweetness in the cake.
  • Toss chopped apples with a splash of lemon juice to maintain their fresh color and prevent oxidation during preparation.
  • Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake – it should come out clean with just a few moist crumbs to ensure perfect baking.
  • Stir caramel sauce gently and watch carefully to prevent burning, aiming for a smooth, pourable texture that complements the cake.
  • Toast nuts briefly before adding to the batter to release their natural oils and create a richer, more complex taste profile.

Swedish Apple Cake Styles to Experiment With

  • Nordic Berry Blast: Replace apples with lingonberries or cloudberries for a traditional Scandinavian flavor profile, adding a tangy and vibrant touch to the classic cake.
  • Cardamom Crunch: Incorporate ground cardamom into the dry ingredients and sprinkle chopped almonds on top for a warm, aromatic Scandinavian-inspired version.
  • Maple Walnut Wonder: Substitute brown sugar caramel with pure maple syrup and fold in toasted walnuts for a rich, nutty alternative that celebrates North American flavors.
  • Spiced Pear Perfection: Swap apples for ripe pears and increase the cinnamon and nutmeg quantities, creating a softer, more delicate cake with deeper warming spices.

Top Accompaniments to Swedish Apple Cake

  • Pair with Warm Vanilla Spice Tea: A gentle, aromatic herbal tea that complements the cake's cinnamon and nutmeg notes, enhancing the apple and caramel flavors with its delicate warmth.
  • Serve with Bourbon Vanilla Ice Cream: Rich, creamy vanilla ice cream with a hint of bourbon creates a luxurious contrast to the cake's warm spices and adds a cool, smooth texture.
  • Match with Aged Cheddar Cheese: Sharp, tangy aged cheddar provides a savory counterpoint to the cake's sweetness, creating a delightful balance of flavors that dance on the palate.
  • Accompany with Apple Brandy: A smooth, slightly sweet apple brandy echoes the cake's apple essence while offering a sophisticated adult beverage that elevates the dessert experience.

How to Store Swedish Apple Cake Correctly

Store covered in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Keep cake in the refrigerator to maintain freshness and prevent spoilage.

Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze whole cake or individual slices for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Place cake on a plate and cover with a cake dome or loose plastic wrap. Consume within 2 days at room temperature for best taste and texture.

Warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds. Alternatively, reheat in a preheated 300F oven for 5-7 minutes to restore moisture and bring back the cake’s delightful warmth.

FAQs

  • Can I use different types of apples for this cake?

Yes, you can use various apple varieties like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji. Firmer apples work best as they hold their shape during baking and provide a nice texture.

  • Is it necessary to use nuts in the recipe?

No, nuts are optional. If you have nut allergies or simply don’t enjoy them, you can easily omit them without affecting the cake’s overall structure or taste.

  • How do I know when the cake is fully baked?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, the cake is done. The caramel should also look slightly cracked and golden brown.

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Swedish Apple Cake Recipe

Swedish Apple Cake Recipe


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4.7 from 28 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Grandma’s classic Swedish Apple Cake brings Nordic comfort straight to kitchen counters, celebrating simple ingredients and generations of delicious tradition. Warm cinnamon-spiced apples nestled in buttery crumb create a delightful dessert you’ll want to share with friends and family.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 3 cups diced & peeled apples
  • 1 1/2 cups flour
  • 1 2/3 cups sugar
  • 2 eggs

Cake Dry Ingredients:

  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg

Cake Wet Ingredients and Topping:

  • 1/2 cup butter, room temperature
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla
  • 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

Topping:

  • 1 1/3 cup brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons half & half
  • 4 tablespoons butter

Instructions

  1. Calibrate the oven to 350F (175C) and meticulously coat a 9-inch springform pan with cooking spray or butter.
  2. Sift the dry ingredients including flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg into a compact mixing vessel.
  3. Cream butter and sugar in a spacious mixing bowl until achieving a silky, uniform consistency. Incorporate eggs individually, ensuring thorough integration after each addition. Infuse with vanilla extract.
  4. Gently fold dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, maintaining a delicate touch to prevent overmixing. Carefully incorporate chopped apples and optional nuts, distributing evenly throughout the batter.
  5. Delicately transfer the batter into the prepared springform pan, ensuring smooth, even distribution.
  6. Position the pan in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 35-40 minutes, monitoring for golden-brown coloration and consistent texture.
  7. Simultaneously, craft the caramel sauce by combining brown sugar, half & half, and butter in a compact saucepan. Warm over medium-low heat, stirring consistently until achieving a glossy, smooth liquid consistency.
  8. After 30 minutes of initial baking, extract the cake and generously drizzle the prepared caramel across the surface.
  9. Return the cake to the oven, allowing an additional 10-15 minutes of baking until the caramel develops subtle crackling and the cake exhibits complete structural integrity.
  10. Remove from oven and permit the cake to cool for a minimum of 15 minutes, allowing structural stabilization before slicing and serving.

Notes

  • Swap out regular flour for gluten-free alternatives like almond or oat flour to make the cake suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
  • Choose overripe, soft apples for maximum natural sweetness and easier mixing into the batter.
  • Keep an eye on the caramel topping during the final baking stage to prevent burning, as it can quickly go from golden to scorched.
  • Add a sprinkle of sea salt over the caramel for a delightful sweet-and-salty flavor contrast that elevates the cake’s complexity.
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 55 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Swedish

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 303 kcal
  • Sugar: 21 g
  • Sodium: 174 mg
  • Fat: 16 g
  • Saturated Fat: 8 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 37 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 48 mg
Clara Bennett

Clara Bennett

Contributing Recipe Developer & Food Writer

Expertise

Baking and Pastry Development, Gluten-Free and Allergy-Friendly Recipe Creation, Culinary Storytelling and Food Journalism, Recipe Testing and Standardization, Southern Comfort Foods and Modern Twists

Education

Sullivan University – National Center for Hospitality Studies
Associate Degree in Culinary Arts

Focus: Baking and Pastry Arts, Recipe Testing, and Culinary Journalism.

Clara specialized in crafting desserts that blend classic Southern comfort with modern techniques, while developing strong writing skills to tell the story behind every dish.

Lane Community College (Certificate Program)
Certificate in Food Writing and Photography

Focus: Culinary storytelling, recipe formatting, food styling, and visual presentation.


Clara’s love of baking started young, powered by homemade pies, biscuits, and stories passed around the family table.
After earning her degree at Sullivan University and a food writing certificate at Lane Community College, she turned her passion into a craft: sharing recipes that are simple, soulful, and always full of heart.
She’s big on bold flavors, flexible ideas, and creating sweets that fit any table (yes, even if you’re gluten-free). When she’s not baking, you’ll find her wandering farmers’ markets, styling food for the next photo shoot, or working on her ever-growing recipe journal.

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