Swedish Apple Cake Recipe

If you’ve been searching for a simple yet irresistibly cozy dessert, Swedish Apple Cake is the answer to your cravings. This classic treat combines tender apples spiced with cinnamon and nestled within a buttery, moist cake that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s an absolute delight any time of year but especially shines during cooler months when you want that perfect balance of sweet and tart with a hint of spice. Trust me, this Swedish Apple Cake is one of those recipes you’ll want to keep coming back to again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating a cake that’s bursting with flavor and just the right texture. From the tartness of the apples to the buttery richness of the batter, it all comes together effortlessly.

• Apples: 4 large tart apples like Granny Smith add the perfect balance of tanginess and sweetness to complement the cake.
• Lemon juice: 1 tablespoon prevents the apples from browning and brightens their flavor.
• Ground cinnamon: 1 teaspoon infuses warmth and a cozy spice that pairs beautifully with apples.
• Granulated sugar: 1/2 cup (for apples) and additional for the batter sweeten and caramelize during baking.
• All-purpose flour: 1 1/2 cups forms the tender cake base, providing structure and softness.
• Baking powder: 2 teaspoons ensure the cake is light and fluffy.
• Salt: 1/4 teaspoon enhances all the other flavors perfectly.
• Unsalted butter: 1/2 cup (softened) adds richness and moisture to the cake.
• Eggs: 2 large eggs bind the batter and help it rise beautifully.
• Vanilla extract: 2 teaspoons bring a lovely aromatic depth to the cake.
• Milk: 1/2 cup makes the batter smooth and creates that moist crumb.
• Powdered sugar: For dusting, adding a delicate, sweet finish before serving.
• Optional toppings: Whipped cream or vanilla sauce to elevate your serving experience.

How to Make Swedish Apple Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Apples

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Greasing and flouring an 8-inch springform pan ensures the cake won’t stick and comes out cleanly after baking. Toss the peeled and sliced apples with lemon juice, 1 tablespoon sugar, and cinnamon—this simple mixture lets the apples soak in those wonderful flavors while keeping their texture just right for baking.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

Whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl. This step is essential for even distribution of the leavening agents and salt, creating a batter that rises uniformly and tastes balanced throughout.

Step 3: Make the Batter

Using a mixer or a trusty whisk, cream the softened butter with ¾ cup sugar until light and fluffy—this is the foundation of a perfectly tender cake. Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract for that classic hint of sweetness. Alternate adding the dry ingredients and milk, starting and ending with dry ingredients, and mix just until everything comes together smoothly.

Step 4: Layer the Cake

Pour half of the batter into your pan, smoothing it out evenly. Spread half of the apple mixture atop the batter gently. Next, pour on the remaining batter and finish with the rest of the apples arranged on top, pressing them into the batter just a little. This layering creates those beautiful pockets of baked apple you’ll love biting into.

Step 5: Bake and Cool

Bake for 50 to 60 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the cake portion comes out clean and the apples are fork-tender. Your kitchen will fill with such an inviting aroma during this time. Let the cake cool in the pan for about 15 minutes before carefully removing the springform sides so your Swedish Apple Cake holds its shape perfectly.

Step 6: Serve

Finish with a dusting of powdered sugar across the top for an elegant, sweet touch. If you want to treat yourself further, serve alongside whipped cream or drizzle with vanilla sauce for a dreamy dessert experience. Whether served warm or at room temperature, it’s sure to delight anyone lucky enough to dig in.

How to Serve Swedish Apple Cake

Garnishes

A simple dusting of powdered sugar brings a lovely visual contrast as well as a touch of sweetness. For something extra special, a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a drizzle of warm vanilla sauce can turn this cake into a showstopper that’s just waiting to be savored.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a tangy dollop of crème fraîche. If you prefer something lighter, a fresh fruit salad alongside can balance the sweetness and enhance the tart apple flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For a charming twist, try serving individual slices with a sprinkle of toasted almonds or a handful of crushed ginger cookies for texture. You can also plate it with a drizzle of caramel sauce or a sprinkle of chopped fresh herbs like mint to give a fresh aroma that pairs beautifully with the warm spices.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Swedish Apple Cake keeps marvelously in an airtight container stored at room temperature for up to two days. To maintain freshness, store leftovers in the fridge for up to five days—just make sure to bring slices back to room temperature or gently warm before serving.

Freezing

You can freeze portions of this cake wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then foil to preserve moisture and flavor. Frozen cake lasts up to three months, which means you can enjoy this lovely dessert anytime you crave it with minimal effort.

Reheating

When ready to reheat, place a slice on a microwave-safe plate and warm for 20 to 30 seconds until just heated through. Alternatively, warming in an oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10 to 15 minutes wrapped in foil revives the cake’s fudgy texture beautifully.

FAQs

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

Absolutely! While tart apples like Granny Smith are ideal for balance, you can experiment with sweeter varieties like Fuji or Honeycrisp, but your cake may turn out sweeter and less tangy.

Is it necessary to peel the apples?

Peeling the apples helps create a smoother texture and prevents any stringiness from the skins, but if you prefer a more rustic cake, leaving the skins on is fine as long as the apples are washed well.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend, but be sure it includes xanthan gum or another binder to replicate the structure that gluten provides.

What’s the best way to tell when the cake is done?

A toothpick inserted into the cake part (not into the apples) should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. The apples themselves will be tender and slightly caramelized.

Can I prepare Swedish Apple Cake in advance for a party?

Definitely! This cake tastes fantastic the next day and can be made a day ahead. Simply store it covered at room temperature or chilled and serve with freshly whipped cream before guests arrive.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly comforting about a homemade Swedish Apple Cake that fills your home with warmth and invites smiles around the table. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, this cake delivers pure joy every time. Give it a try soon—you’ll see why it’s such a beloved classic and maybe even your new favorite dessert to bake again and again.

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