Swedish apple cake has always been my go-to dessert when I crave something comforting and utterly delicious. I remember my first time trying an easy Swedish apple cake at a local bake sale; the aroma of warm apples and cinnamon transported me straight to a cozy Scandinavian kitchen. This Swedish apple cake recipe is a simplified version of that magical experience, designed to bring that same warmth and delightful flavor into your home with minimal fuss. The tender, spiced apples baked into a soft, buttery cake create a rustic charm that’s simply irresistible, especially when served warm. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Swedish Apple Cake
This cake is a dream! Here’s why it’ll become a staple in your baking repertoire:
- Incredible Flavor: It boasts a perfect balance of sweet, tender apples and warm spices, making it a truly delightful dessert.
- Quick Prep Time: With just 15 minutes of prep, you can have this delicious cake in the oven in no time.
- Budget-Friendly: Uses common pantry staples, making it an affordable treat for any occasion.
- Family Favorite: The comforting taste and soft texture are a hit with both kids and adults alike.
- Aromatic Delight: The combination of apples and cinnamon creates an irresistible scent filling your home – a true Swedish apple cake with cinnamon experience.
- Versatile Treat: Enjoy it as a simple breakfast, a cozy afternoon snack, or a lovely dessert.
- Naturally Delicious: This Swedish apple cake with cinnamon is moist and flavorful without needing heavy frosting.
- Simple to Make: Even if you’re new to baking, this recipe is straightforward and forgiving.
Swedish Apple Cake Ingredients
Gathering the right Swedish apple cake ingredients is the first step to baking this delightful dessert. You’ll need:
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour: This forms the base of our tender cake.
- 2 teaspoons baking powder: For a lovely lift and soft texture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla sugar (or 1 teaspoon vanilla extract): Adds that classic sweet aroma and flavor.
- 1 pinch of salt: Enhances all the other flavors.
- 7 tablespoons butter, melted: Provides richness and moisture for a truly buttery cake.
- 3/4 cup milk: Helps create a smooth, tender batter.
- 3 large eggs: Bind everything together and add to the cake’s structure.
- 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar: For sweetness throughout the cake.
- 3-4 fresh apples, peeled, cored, and sliced: The star of our show! Tart apples like Granny Smith work wonderfully.
- 4 tablespoons brown sugar (for topping): Creates a delightful sweet crust.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for topping): Pairs perfectly with the apples for that classic flavor.
How to Make Swedish Apple Cake
Follow these simple steps to learn how to make Swedish apple cake. It’s a straightforward process that yields a wonderfully moist and flavorful dessert.
- Step 1: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Take a 9-inch round cake pan and generously grease and flour it. This prevents the cake from sticking and ensures it releases beautifully.
- Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together the 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons baking powder, 1 pinch of salt, and 1 teaspoon vanilla sugar. Give it a good mix until everything is well combined. Set this dry mixture aside for now.
- Step 3: In a separate, larger bowl, beat the 3 large eggs with the 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and pale yellow. This aeration is key to a tender cake.
- Step 4: Gently melt the 7 tablespoons butter, then stir in the 3/4 cup milk. Pour this liquid mixture into the beaten egg and sugar mixture. Fold them together gently until just combined.
- Step 5: Gradually add the dry ingredients you set aside earlier into the wet ingredients. Mix until a smooth batter forms. Be careful not to overmix; just combine until no dry streaks remain. This is how you get a tender crumb in your Swedish apple cake.
- Step 6: Pour the batter into your prepared cake pan, using a spatula to spread it evenly. The batter should look smooth and inviting.
- Step 7: Arrange the 3-4 fresh apples, peeled, cored, and sliced decoratively on top of the batter. You can create a beautiful pattern, like concentric circles, for an attractive finish.
- Step 8: In a small bowl, mix together the 4 tablespoons brown sugar and 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the apple slices. This topping bakes into a lovely, slightly crisp crust.
- Step 9: Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 45 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. The aroma filling your kitchen will be heavenly!
- Step 10: Once baked, let the Swedish apple cake cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes before serving. This is a crucial step for easy removal and to let the flavors meld. Enjoy this wonderful Scandinavian apple cake warm, perhaps with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Pro Tips for the Best Swedish Apple Cake
Want to elevate your Swedish apple cake experience? I’ve picked up a few tricks over the years that make this already wonderful dessert even more special.
- For the perfect texture, use apples that are slightly tart and firm, like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp. They hold their shape beautifully and offer a lovely contrast to the sweet cake.
- Don’t skip the topping! The simple mix of 4 tablespoons brown sugar and 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon creates a delightful, slightly crisp crust that is characteristic of a good Swedish apple crumble cake.
- Ensure your butter and milk are at room temperature when mixing them with the eggs. This helps everything emulsify smoothly for a tender crumb.
- Consider adding a tablespoon of lemon juice to the apple slices before arranging them on the cake. This brightens the apple flavor and helps prevent browning. You can learn more about the benefits of lemon juice in baking here.
What’s the secret to perfect Swedish Apple Cake?
The real secret to an authentic Swedish apple cake lies in the balance of tender, spiced apples and a soft, buttery cake base. Using good quality, slightly tart apples and not overmixing the batter are key. The simple cinnamon-sugar topping also adds that signature touch. For more baking tips, check out our recipes section.
Can I make Swedish Apple Cake ahead of time?
Yes, you absolutely can! You can prepare the batter and arrange the apples a few hours before baking, covering it loosely and keeping it at room temperature. For longer storage before baking, cover the unbaked cake tightly and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. You might need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking directly from the fridge.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Swedish Apple Cake?
A common pitfall is overmixing the batter, which can lead to a tough cake. Mix just until the dry ingredients are incorporated. Another mistake is using overly sweet or mushy apples; opt for firm, slightly tart varieties for the best flavor and texture in your traditional Swedish apple cake.
Best Ways to Serve Swedish Apple Cake
This lovely Swedish apple cake is incredibly versatile and tastes divine served in so many ways. For a truly classic experience, serve it warm right out of the oven with a generous dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream. The contrast of the warm, soft cake with the cool, creamy topping is pure bliss. Another delightful option is to pair it with a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of caramel sauce. If you’re looking for something a little different, consider serving this cake alongside a hot cup of coffee or tea. It’s also fantastic as a base for a more decadent dessert; imagine it topped with a dollop of custard or even as part of a larger dessert spread, perhaps alongside a fruit salad. For more dessert inspiration, explore our caramel brownie cheesecake recipe.
Nutrition Facts for Swedish Apple Cake
This delightful cake offers a satisfying treat. Here’s a breakdown of the estimated nutritional information per serving:
- Calories: 290
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 25g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 110mg
Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used and exact serving size.
How to Store and Reheat Old-fashioned Swedish Apple Cake
To keep your delicious Swedish apple cake tasting its best, proper storage is key. Once the cake has cooled completely on a wire rack, you can store it at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, place it in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. If you want to freeze this delightful dessert, wrap individual slices securely in plastic wrap, followed by a layer of foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheating is simple: warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-30 seconds, or bake in a low oven (around 300°F or 150°C) for a few minutes until warmed through. This method helps preserve the moist texture of your traditional Swedish apple cake.
Frequently Asked Questions About Swedish Apple Cake
What is Swedish Apple Cake?
A Swedish apple cake is a comforting, rustic dessert that originated in Sweden. It typically features tender, spiced apples baked into a soft, buttery cake batter. Unlike heavier apple pies or crumbles, this cake is known for its simple elegance and delightful aroma, often enhanced with cinnamon and a hint of vanilla. It’s a wonderful example of Scandinavian baking at its finest.
What kind of apples are best for Swedish Apple Cake?
For the best flavor and texture in your Swedish apple cake, I highly recommend using apples that are firm and slightly tart. Varieties like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala work wonderfully. They hold their shape well during baking and provide a lovely balance to the sweetness of the cake and the cinnamon topping. Avoid softer apples that might turn mushy. For more baking tips, consider our turkey meatloaf recipe for another family favorite.
Can I make Swedish Apple Cake vegan or gluten-free?
Yes, you absolutely can adapt this recipe! For a vegan version, you can substitute the butter with vegan butter or coconut oil, use a plant-based milk (like almond or soy), and replace the eggs with a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons water, let sit for 5 minutes). For a gluten-free Swedish apple cake, swap the all-purpose flour for a good quality gluten-free all-purpose baking blend that contains xanthan gum. You can find more information on gluten-free baking here.
How do I get the best flavor from my Swedish Apple Cake?
To maximize the flavor of your Swedish apple cake, use fresh, good-quality ingredients. Don’t skimp on the cinnamon and brown sugar topping, as this adds a wonderful depth. A touch of vanilla extract or vanilla sugar is essential. Serving it warm with a dollop of fresh whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream really makes the apple and spice flavors sing.
Variations of Swedish Apple Cake You Can Try
While this traditional Swedish apple cake is wonderful on its own, it’s also a fantastic base for creative twists! Here are a few ideas to personalize your baking:
- Swedish Cardamom Apple Cake: For an extra layer of aromatic complexity, add 1/2 teaspoon of ground cardamom to the dry ingredients. Cardamom pairs beautifully with apples and adds a distinctive Scandinavian flair.
- Swedish Apple Crumble Cake: Want more crunch? Before baking, prepare a simple crumble topping by mixing 1/2 cup flour, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1/4 cup oats, and 4 tablespoons cold butter. Sprinkle this over the apples before the brown sugar and cinnamon topping.
- Gluten-Free Swedish Apple Cake: Easily adapt this recipe by substituting the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. Ensure your blend contains xanthan gum for the best structure.
- Nutty Swedish Apple Cake: For added texture and flavor, fold 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or almonds into the batter before pouring it into the pan, or sprinkle them over the apples with the brown sugar topping.
Swedish Apple Cake: Bake a Tender Delight
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Swedish Apple Cake is a cozy, rustic dessert made with tender, spiced apples baked into a soft, buttery cake. Perfectly sweet and lightly spiced with cinnamon, it’s a classic Scandinavian treat best served warm with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
Ingredients
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla sugar (or substitute with vanilla extract)
- 1 pinch of salt
- 7 tablespoons butter (melted)
- 3/4 cup milk
- 3 large eggs
- 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
- 3–4 fresh apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
- 4 tablespoons brown sugar (for topping)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and vanilla sugar. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, beat eggs and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Melt butter, stir in milk, then fold into the egg mixture.
- Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until a smooth batter forms.
- Pour batter into the prepared cake pan, smoothing the top.
- Arrange apple slices decoratively on top of the batter.
- Mix brown sugar and cinnamon and sprinkle over the apples for a sweet crust.
- Bake for 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let cool slightly before serving warm with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
Notes
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best flavor balance.
- Add a handful of chopped walnuts or almonds for extra texture.
- Can be served warm or at room temperature.
- Store leftovers covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Swedish
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 110mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
