If you’re searching for a cozy, irresistible dessert that feels like a warm hug in every bite, this Swedish Apple Cake with Caramel Drizzle Recipe is exactly what you need. Combining tender, spiced apple chunks with a soft, buttery cake base and a luxuriously rich caramel topping, this cake is a magnificent celebration of fall flavors that’s perfect any time of year. Whether you’re serving it for a family gathering or indulging on a quiet night in, this recipe strikes the ideal balance between comforting tradition and delightful sweetness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Swedish Apple Cake with Caramel Drizzle Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating the perfect texture, flavor, and aroma, from the tender apples to the warm spices and creamy caramel.
- Butter (½ cup, room temperature): Adds richness and helps create a tender crumb in the cake.
- Sugar (1 ⅔ cups): Sweetens the cake and enhances caramelization during baking.
- Eggs (2): Provide structure and moisture, binding ingredients together smoothly.
- Vanilla extract (1 ½ teaspoons): Imparts a fragrant sweetness that complements the apple and spices beautifully.
- All-purpose flour (1 ½ cups): The foundation of the cake’s tender texture.
- Baking soda (1 teaspoon): Ensures the cake rises perfectly and stays fluffy.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Enhances all the other flavors, balancing sweetness.
- Cinnamon (1 ½ teaspoons): Brings cozy warmth and a classic apple pie vibe.
- Nutmeg (½ teaspoon): Adds a subtle spiced depth to the flavor profile.
- Apples (3 cups diced and peeled): The star ingredient, lending moistness and natural sweetness to every bite.
- Chopped pecans or walnuts (optional, ¼ cup): Adds a delightful crunch and nutty dimension if desired.
- Brown sugar (1 ⅓ cup): For the caramel drizzle, providing rich, molasses notes.
- Half & half (2 tablespoons): Creates a smooth and creamy caramel sauce.
- Butter (4 tablespoons, for caramel): Makes the caramel glossy and velvety.
How to Make Swedish Apple Cake with Caramel Drizzle Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Pan
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and generously greasing a 9-inch springform pan. This will ensure your cake doesn’t stick and comes out cleanly, showcasing its beautiful golden edges.
Step 2: Prepare the Dry Ingredients
In a small bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This step helps evenly distribute the spices and leavening so your cake bakes perfectly and tastes consistently flavorful in every bite.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
Using a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy. This creates a light base texture that makes the cake delightfully soft and tender.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
One at a time, add in the eggs, making sure to mix well after each addition to keep the batter light and airy. Then, stir in the vanilla extract which will elevate the cake’s flavor with subtle aromatic notes.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually incorporate the sifted dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just blended. Overmixing can make the cake tough, so mix until everything is just combined for the best texture.
Step 6: Fold in Apples and Nuts
Gently fold in the diced apples and, if you’re using them, the chopped pecans or walnuts. This step ensures the fruit and nuts are evenly dispersed throughout the batter without breaking down the apples.
Step 7: Transfer Batter and Bake
Pour the batter into your prepared springform pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, allowing the baking cake to develop a golden crust while cooking through.
Step 8: Make the Caramel Drizzle
After 30 minutes of baking, start the caramel by combining brown sugar, half & half, and butter in a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir continuously until the caramel is smooth and perfectly combined—rich and glossy, just like magic.
Step 9: Add Caramel and Finish Baking
Remove the cake from the oven and carefully pour the caramel sauce over the top. Return the cake to the oven for another 10 to 15 minutes to allow the caramel to bubble and set slightly, creating that irresistible sticky top layer.
Step 10: Cool and Serve
Let the cake cool for at least 15 minutes before slicing. This resting time lets the flavors meld and the caramel firm up just enough to avoid drips, yet stay wonderfully gooey.
How to Serve Swedish Apple Cake with Caramel Drizzle Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a light dusting of powdered sugar for a delicate, snowy effect or add a few chopped nuts on top for texture and a pretty finish. A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream makes it absolutely heavenly, too.
Side Dishes
Pair this cake with a cup of strong coffee or a warm chai latte to contrast the sweetness with bold flavors. For a festive touch, serve alongside a bowl of fresh berries or spiced fruit compote that enhances the apple’s natural tartness.
Creative Ways to Present
For celebrations, serve in individual ramekins layered with caramel sauce and whipped cream. Or plate slices artistically with a drizzle of extra caramel and a sprig of fresh mint for an elegant twist that will wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your leftover Swedish Apple Cake with Caramel Drizzle Recipe covered tightly at room temperature for up to 2 days to maintain its moist, tender crumb. For longer freshness, keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Freezing
Wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap, then in foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight to preserve the cake’s texture and flavor.
Reheating
Gently warm slices in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds or in a low oven until just heated through. Reheating refreshes the caramel drizzle’s gooey texture, making each bite taste freshly baked again.
FAQs
Can I use other types of apples for this cake?
Absolutely! While tart apples like Granny Smith work wonderfully, sweet varieties such as Fuji or Honeycrisp also add delicious flavor and texture. Feel free to experiment or mix types for a more complex taste.
Is it necessary to peel the apples?
Peeling is recommended for this recipe to give a smooth texture and avoid unexpected toughness, but if you prefer extra fiber and a more rustic look, you can leave the skins on—just be sure to wash them thoroughly.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute an equal amount of gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make this Swedish Apple Cake with Caramel Drizzle Recipe safe for gluten-sensitive eaters without compromising flavor or texture.
What’s the best way to serve the cake warm?
Serve slices right after the recommended cooling time or warm them slightly in the microwave. Adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a warm caramel drizzle enhances the cozy warmth and decadence.
Can I use salted butter in the cake?
If using salted butter, reduce the added salt in the recipe slightly or omit it altogether to avoid overly salty flavors. The salted butter can add a subtle savory touch that pairs nicely with the sweetness if balanced well.
Final Thoughts
This Swedish Apple Cake with Caramel Drizzle Recipe is truly a comforting classic with a beautiful balance of spice, sweetness, and buttery richness. It’s simple enough for a weekday dessert yet elegant and satisfying for any special occasion. I hope you enjoy baking and sharing this warm, inviting cake as much as I do — it’s guaranteed to become one of your favorites too!
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Swedish Apple Cake with Caramel Drizzle Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
Swedish Apple Cake is a moist and flavorful dessert featuring tender chunks of apples and warm spices baked into a soft cake base, topped with a rich caramel sauce. This comforting cake combines the sweetness of cinnamon and nutmeg with juicy apples and an optional nutty crunch, perfect for cozy gatherings or a delightful treat any time of year.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- ½ cup butter, room temperature
- 1 ⅔ cups sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ teaspoons cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg
- 3 cups diced & peeled apples (approximately 2 large apples)
- Optional: ¼ cup chopped pecans or walnuts
For the Caramel:
- 1 ⅓ cups brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons half & half
- 4 tablespoons butter
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and thoroughly grease a 9-inch springform pan to prevent sticking and ensure easy cake removal.
- Sift Dry Ingredients: In a small bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Setting this mixture aside helps evenly distribute the spices and leavening agents.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: Using a large bowl, beat the room temperature butter and sugar together until the mixture is smooth and creamy, creating a light and fluffy base for the cake batter.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Incorporate the eggs one at a time into the butter and sugar mixture, mixing well after each addition to ensure they are fully blended. Then stir in the vanilla extract for flavor.
- Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined to preserve a tender crumb in the cake.
- Fold in Apples and Nuts: Gently fold in the diced apples and optional chopped pecans or walnuts until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Fill Pan: Pour the batter into the prepared springform pan, spreading it out evenly for uniform baking.
- Initial Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes. This initial bake firms up the cake base while leaving room to add the caramel topping later.
- Prepare Caramel Sauce: When the cake has been baking for about 30 minutes, start making the caramel sauce. In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, combine the brown sugar, half & half, and butter. Stir frequently until the mixture is smooth and fully combined.
- Add Caramel and Continue Baking: Remove the cake from the oven and immediately pour the warm caramel sauce over the top. Return the cake to the oven for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the caramel is bubbling and the cake is fully cooked through.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool for at least 15 minutes before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature for the best flavor and texture experience.
Notes
- Using a springform pan makes it easier to release the cake without damaging its delicate texture.
- Choose tart apples like Granny Smith for a balanced sweetness and slight tang.
- For a nuttier flavor, toasted pecans or walnuts can be added.
- The caramel sauce can be prepared ahead and gently reheated before pouring over the cake.
- Store leftovers covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Swedish
