Swedish Apple Cake

If you’re looking for a delightful way to celebrate the flavors of autumn, this Swedish Apple Cake is just what you need! Imagine a cozy afternoon, the scent of warm spices wafting through your kitchen as this rustic cake bakes. It’s not just a dessert; it’s a hug in cake form, perfect for everything from busy weeknights to cheerful family gatherings. The tender apples and soft, buttery texture make it an easy favorite for any occasion.

This recipe has been passed down through my family, and every bite feels like home. Whether it’s for breakfast with a cup of coffee or as a sweet snack after dinner, this Swedish Apple Cake never fails to bring smiles around the table. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll understand why it’s so special!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to make: You don’t need any fancy techniques or equipment—just mix and bake!
• Family-friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the sweet apple slices and cozy spices.
• Perfectly versatile: Enjoy it warm or at room temperature; it’s delightful either way!
• Make-ahead option: Bake it in advance and simply reheat before serving for effortless entertaining.
• Deliciously comforting: The combination of flavors is so inviting, making every bite feel like a treat!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering ingredients shouldn’t be a hassle. For this Swedish Apple Cake, you’ll find that these simple, wholesome elements create magic in your kitchen. Let’s take a look at what you’ll need:

For the Cake

• 3 medium apples (such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground cardamom (optional, but adds authentic Swedish flair)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup plain yogurt or sour cream

For Topping

• 2 tbsp granulated sugar
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon

Variations

The beauty of this recipe lies in its flexibility! Feel free to get creative with these fun variations:

• Add nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or almonds for an extra crunch.
• Mix in dried fruit: Dried cranberries or raisins can add a lovely sweetness.
• Try different spices: Experiment with nutmeg or ginger for a unique twist.
• Make it gluten-free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend.

How to Make Swedish Apple Cake

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your cake bakes evenly from the moment you put it in. Grease a 9-inch round or square baking pan and line it with parchment paper—it makes removing the cake so much easier later on!

Step 2: Prepare Your Apples

Peel, core, and thinly slice your apples. This step is essential because the apples will soften beautifully during baking. It also helps them meld into the batter perfectly.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and optional cardamom. Mixing these dry ingredients well ensures an even distribution of flavor throughout your cake.

Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the melted butter, sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and yogurt (or sour cream) until smooth. This creamy mixture adds richness to your cake—don’t skip this step!

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture while stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing; you want that batter to be thick yet spreadable for optimal texture.

Step 6: Layer Your Batter and Apples

Spread half of the batter evenly into your prepared pan. Arrange half of the apple slices on top—this layering creates pockets of delicious apple goodness throughout your cake!

Step 7: Add Remaining Batter

Dollop the remaining batter over the apple layer and gently spread it out to cover them. Then arrange the rest of those beautiful apple slices on top in whatever pattern you like!

Step 8: Prepare Topping Mixture

In a small bowl, mix together the sugar and cinnamon for topping. Sprinkling this over your apples will create a sweet crust as it bakes—so inviting!

Step 9: Bake Your Cake

Pop your cake in the oven for about 40–45 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean—a fragrant reward awaits you!

Step 10: Cool and Serve

Let your cake cool in the pan for about 10–15 minutes before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature—it’s exquisite on its own but can also be enjoyed with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream if you’re feeling indulgent!

Pro Tips for Making Swedish Apple Cake

Baking the perfect Swedish Apple Cake is all about a few simple tricks that can elevate your cake from good to absolutely wonderful!

• Choose the right apples: Opt for a mix of tart and sweet apples, like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp. This balance adds depth of flavor and keeps the cake interesting with different textures and tastes.

• Don’t skip the spices: Adding ground cardamom not only honors traditional Swedish flavors but also creates delightful aromatic notes. A little spice goes a long way in making your cake truly memorable.

• Layer the apples thoughtfully: When arranging the apple slices, take your time to create a beautiful pattern on top. This not only makes for an attractive presentation but also allows the apples to caramelize beautifully as they bake.

• Check for doneness: Baking times can vary based on your oven. Keep an eye on your cake towards the end of the baking period; it should be golden brown, and a toothpick should come out clean when inserted into the center.

• Serve it fresh: While this cake is delicious at room temperature, serving it warm enhances its buttery texture and brings out the flavors of the spices and apples even more!

How to Serve Swedish Apple Cake

Serving your Swedish Apple Cake is just as important as baking it. A few thoughtful touches can really impress your guests or family!

Garnishes

• Whipped cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds a light and airy contrast to the dense cake, enhancing each bite.
• Chopped nuts: Sprinkle some toasted walnuts or almonds on top for added crunch and nuttiness, which beautifully complements the soft apples.
• Caramel sauce: Drizzling homemade or store-bought caramel sauce over each slice gives an indulgent touch that everyone will love.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla ice cream: The creamy chill of vanilla ice cream pairs perfectly with warm apple cake, creating a satisfying contrast that’s hard to resist.
• Cinnamon-spiced yogurt: A side of plain yogurt mixed with cinnamon adds a tangy element that balances sweetness while bringing in another layer of flavor.
• Fruit salad: A light fruit salad made with seasonal fruits refreshes the palate and provides a burst of color on your plate, enhancing presentation.
• Tea or coffee: A steaming cup of tea or coffee serves as an excellent companion for this cake—perfect for enjoying during brunch or afternoon tea!

Now that you have all these tips and serving suggestions, you’re ready to bake and share this delightful Swedish Apple Cake with everyone! Enjoy every delicious moment!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Swedish Apple Cake is not only delicious but also perfect for meal prep! You can easily make it ahead of time and store it for later enjoyment. Here’s how to keep your cake fresh and tasty.

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• If you want to keep it longer, refrigerate the cake, where it will last for about a week.
• To maintain freshness, cover the cake with plastic wrap or place it in a sealed container.

Freezing

• Allow the cake to cool completely before freezing.
• Wrap individual slices or the whole cake tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
• The cake can be frozen for up to 3 months. Be sure to label it with the date!

Reheating

• Let frozen slices thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• To warm individual slices, you can microwave them for 15-20 seconds or place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until warmed through.
• Enjoy your Swedish Apple Cake warm for a comforting treat!

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making this delightful Swedish Apple Cake:

Can I use different types of apples for Swedish Apple Cake?

Absolutely! While Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn work wonderfully, feel free to experiment with your favorite apple varieties. Just ensure they’re good for baking!

How long does Swedish Apple Cake stay fresh?

When stored properly at room temperature, Swedish Apple Cake can stay fresh for about 2 days. If refrigerated, it can last up to a week. For longer storage, consider freezing it!

What makes this Swedish Apple Cake special?

This Swedish Apple Cake stands out due to its tender apples paired with warm spices like cinnamon and cardamom. It’s simple yet delivers a delightful flavor that feels like home.

Can I make Swedish Apple Cake without eggs?

Yes! You can replace eggs with unsweetened applesauce or a flaxseed mixture (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water per egg). This alteration keeps the cake moist and delicious.

Is there a vegan option for this Swedish Apple Cake?

Certainly! You can make this cake vegan by using plant-based butter and yogurt alternatives, along with egg substitutes mentioned above. Your cake will still be wonderfully flavorful!

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this delightful Swedish Apple Cake as much as I do! It’s perfect for any occasion—whether you’re treating yourself or sharing with friends and family. With its rustic charm and lovely flavors, it’s bound to become a favorite in your home. Happy baking!