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
Scale
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
