Imagine the comforting aroma of baked apples and cinnamon wafting through your kitchen — that’s the magic waiting with a freshly baked Swedish Apple Cake. This classic Scandinavian treat is everything you want in a homemade dessert: simple, warmly spiced, and brimming with juicy apple flavor. Every slice delivers a tender crumb topped with golden, caramelized sugar, making it the perfect centerpiece for any gathering or an everyday afternoon pick-me-up. Whether served alone or with a dollop of whipped cream, this Swedish Apple Cake is pure, cozy happiness in cake form.
Ingredients You’ll Need
With just a handful of pantry staples and crisp apples, you’re not far from tasting pure Swedish comfort. Each ingredient in this Swedish Apple Cake plays a starring role, bringing its own special touch to texture, flavor, or golden-brown color.
- Apples: The heart of the cake — choose tart, crisp apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for bright flavor and a perfect bite.
- Lemon juice: Not only prevents the apples from browning, but adds a lively freshness to every mouthful.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the batter just enough without overpowering the natural apple flavor.
- Unsalted butter: Brings richness and a wonderfully tender crumb.
- Eggs: Help bind the cake and give it that classic, soft structure.
- Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavors with subtle, aromatic warmth.
- All-purpose flour: The sturdy foundation that holds all the magic together.
- Baking powder: Provides a gentle lift for a cake that’s not too dense, not too airy.
- Ground cinnamon: Adds the cozy scent and taste that makes Swedish Apple Cake so nostalgic.
- Salt: A small dose balances the sweetness and sharpens every other flavor.
- Milk: Loosens the batter just enough for a moist, delicate crumb.
- Turbinado sugar (or granulated sugar): Sprinkled on top for a glistening, crackly crust that’s irresistible.
How to Make Swedish Apple Cake
Step 1: Prepare the Pan and Apples
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and generously greasing a 9-inch round cake pan — you want every slice to slip out easily. Toss your thinly sliced apples with a splash of lemon juice, coating every piece for extra brightness and to prevent any hint of browning. Set the apples aside while you whip up the batter.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until it’s light and fluffy. This step is key for a Swedish Apple Cake that bakes up tender and moist — don’t rush it! A stand mixer or hand mixer will get the job done in just a few minutes.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
One at a time, beat in the eggs, making sure each is fully mixed before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract. This will give your batter a subtle sweetness and that irresistible aroma every great cake should have.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt. This ensures even distribution so you don’t get any pockets of flour or intense spice — just an even, beautifully blended Swedish Apple Cake.
Step 5: Bring the Batter Together
Add the dry ingredients to your wet mixture in stages, alternating with the milk. Stir gently, just until combined — overmixing will make your cake dense. The batter will be thick and creamy, perfect for holding up those juicy apple layers.
Step 6: Layer and Assemble
Spread half of the batter evenly into your prepared pan. Arrange half of the sliced apples over the batter, overlapping slightly. Repeat with the remaining batter and apples for beautiful, rustic layers. The crowning touch: sprinkle turbinado sugar across the top for a shimmery, caramelized finish.
Step 7: Bake and Enjoy
Slide your cake into the hot oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the Swedish Apple Cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before gently transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely — if you can wait that long! Serve warm or at room temperature for maximum comfort.
How to Serve Swedish Apple Cake
Garnishes
A simple dusting of powdered sugar looks as inviting as fresh snowfall and complements the rich apple flavor without overpowering it. For an extra treat, a dollop of softly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream melts beautifully over a warm slice of Swedish Apple Cake. A handful of toasted nuts or a drizzle of caramel sauce can add a lovely crunch or decadent finish for special occasions.
Side Dishes
Keep things cozy and Swedish by serving your cake with hot coffee, spiced tea, or mulled cider. For a brunch spread, pair Swedish Apple Cake with a platter of fresh berries, yogurt, and maybe even a wedge of aged cheese — these elements all play off the cake’s sweetness and spice.
Creative Ways to Present
Individual mini cakes baked in muffin tins make charming single-servings, or try baking the Swedish Apple Cake in a square pan and cutting it into rustic bars for a picnic treat. For a festive twist, serve it topped with a little lingonberry jam or alongside stewed apples for added fruit goodness and Scandinavian flair.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Extra slices of Swedish Apple Cake keep wonderfully at room temperature for up to two days — just cover the cake tightly with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container to preserve its freshness. If your kitchen is particularly warm, storing in the fridge extends its life for up to four days.
Freezing
To freeze, wrap individual slices or the whole (cooled) cake snugly in plastic wrap and a layer of aluminum foil, then place in a freezer bag. Swedish Apple Cake freezes well for up to three months, and makes for a delightful, easy dessert to have ready whenever you need a taste of homemade goodness.
Reheating
When you’re craving a warm slice, simply reheat in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds, or pop it into a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 10 minutes. This brings back that soft texture and revives the cinnamon-apple aroma in no time.
FAQs
What kinds of apples work best for Swedish Apple Cake?
Tart, firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp hold their shape and offer a lively zing that brightens up the cake — but honestly, any apples you love will make a delicious version.
Can I make Swedish Apple Cake gluten-free?
Absolutely! Swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite gluten-free blend (one with xanthan gum works best), and watch for the cake to be just as moist and flavorful as the original.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
You bet — use a dairy-free butter alternative and your favorite non-dairy milk, like almond or oat milk. The results are still tender, and the lovely apple taste shines just as brightly.
Can I add nuts or raisins to the cake?
Definitely! A handful of toasted walnuts, pecans, or even golden raisins folded into the batter can add extra texture and a gentle sweetness. Make it your own while keeping the Swedish Apple Cake spirit alive.
How do I know when the Swedish Apple Cake is done?
Look for a toothpick or skewer inserted into the center to come out mostly clean, with just a few moist crumbs. The top should be golden and beginning to crackle from the sugar — your kitchen will smell amazing when it’s ready!
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a simple, heartwarming dessert to bring people together, Swedish Apple Cake is it. Every bake is a celebration of cozy flavors and kitchen memories, and I hope you’ll find yourself making it again and again. Give it a try — happy baking!
Print
Swedish Apple Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 slices 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This classic Swedish Apple Cake is a delightful dessert that perfectly balances the sweet and tart flavors of fresh apples with warm cinnamon. It’s a simple yet elegant cake that is sure to impress your guests!
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 2 medium apples (peeled, cored, and thinly sliced)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons milk
For Topping:
- 2 tablespoons turbinado sugar (or granulated sugar)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan.
- Prepare the apples: Toss the sliced apples with lemon juice and set aside.
- Make the batter: In a large bowl, cream together the butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then mix in the vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk, and mix until just combined.
- Layer the batter: Spread half of the batter into the prepared pan. Layer half of the apple slices over the batter. Repeat with the remaining batter and apple slices. Sprinkle the top with turbinado sugar.
- Bake: Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the top is golden.
- Cool and serve: Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- This cake is delicious on its own or served with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
- Tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Swedish
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 140mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
