Swedish Apple Cake

If you’re looking for a cozy dessert that feels like a warm hug, the Swedish Apple Cake is just what you need. This delightful cake is not only simple to make, but it also fills your kitchen with the most wonderful aroma of spices and baking apples. It’s my go-to recipe for busy weeknights or family gatherings when I want to whip up something special without spending hours in the kitchen. Whether you enjoy it for breakfast, dessert, or as a snack, this cake is sure to become a favorite in your home!

What makes this Swedish Apple Cake truly special is its rustic charm and the tender, sweet apples nestled within its soft, buttery texture. Each slice is like biting into a piece of comfort that warms both the heart and the stomach.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just about an hour, making it perfect for last-minute cravings.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the sweet apple filling and warm spices. It’s a hit at any gathering!
• Versatile Delight: Enjoy it fresh out of the oven, or serve it chilled—it’s delicious either way.
• Make Ahead Friendly: Bake it a day in advance; it tastes even better after resting overnight!
• Wholesome Ingredients: Made with simple pantry staples, this cake is as wholesome as it is tasty.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Making this Swedish Apple Cake requires only simple and wholesome ingredients that you might already have in your pantry. These ingredients come together beautifully to create a cake that’s both comforting and satisfying.

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

One of the best things about this Swedish Apple Cake is how flexible it can be! Feel free to get creative with your ingredients for a personalized touch.

• Add Nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch and flavor.
• Mix in Berries: Layer in some fresh berries like blueberries or raspberries with the apples for an extra burst of sweetness.
• Spice It Up: Experiment with other spices like nutmeg or ginger to give the cake your own twist.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend for those who need it!

How to Make Swedish Apple Cake

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial because it ensures that your cake bakes evenly right from the start. Grease a 9-inch round or square baking pan and line it with parchment paper for easy removal later.

Step 2: Prepare the Apples

Peel, core, and thinly slice the apples. Setting them aside while you prepare the batter helps keep them fresh and prevents browning. Their tender slices will add so much moisture and flavor once baked!

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and cardamom. This step blends all the dry components evenly, ensuring that each bite has that lovely spice flavor.

Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, mix together melted butter, sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and yogurt (or sour cream) until smooth. Combining these wet ingredients creates a rich base that brings moisture to our cake.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add your dry mixture into the wet mixture. Stir gently just until combined; over-mixing can lead to a tough cake. The batter will be thick yet spreadable—just how we want it!

Step 6: Layer Half of Batter & Apples

Spread half of your batter evenly into the prepared pan. Then layer half of those beautiful apple slices on top. This adds depth to every slice!

Step 7: Add Remaining Batter & Apples

Dollop the remaining batter over these lovely apples and gently spread it out. Decorate with the rest of your apple slices on top to make it pretty—it’s all about presentation too!

Step 8: Prepare Topping Mixture

In a small bowl, combine sugar and cinnamon for topping; sprinkle this evenly over your arranged apples. This little touch will create a sugary crust that caramelizes beautifully during baking.

Step 9: Bake Your Cake

Bake for 40–45 minutes until golden brown. Check with a toothpick inserted into the center; if it comes out clean, you’ve got yourself a perfectly baked Swedish Apple Cake!

Step 10: Cool Down Before Serving

Let your cake cool in its pan for about 10–15 minutes before slicing into it. Enjoy warm or at room temperature—maybe even with some whipped cream or caramel sauce if you’re feeling indulgent!

Now you’re ready to share this delightful treat with friends or savor every bite yourself! Enjoy!

Pro Tips for Making Swedish Apple Cake

Making a perfect Swedish Apple Cake is all about attention to detail and a little love in the kitchen. Here are some tips to ensure your cake comes out wonderfully every time!

• Choose the right apples: Using a mix of tart and sweet apples like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp gives your cake a delightful balance of flavors and textures.

• Don’t skip the spices: Adding ground cardamom can elevate your cake with authentic Swedish flavor. Its warm aroma complements the apples beautifully.

• Rest your batter: Allowing the batter to rest for about 10 minutes before baking can help it achieve an even better texture, making it lighter and fluffier.

• Cool before slicing: Letting the cake cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes helps it set properly, ensuring cleaner slices that hold their shape when served.

• Experiment with toppings: Feel free to get creative! Adding nuts or dried fruit on top before baking can add extra crunch and flavor, making each bite even more delightful.

How to Serve Swedish Apple Cake

This Swedish Apple Cake is as versatile as it is delicious! You can serve it in various ways, whether for breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon snack. Here are some ideas to make your presentation shine.

Garnishes

• Powdered sugar: A light dusting of powdered sugar adds a touch of elegance and sweetness without overpowering the flavors.
• Fresh mint leaves: A few fresh mint leaves not only add color but also provide a refreshing contrast to the warm spices in the cake.
• Caramel drizzle: A thin drizzle of caramel sauce enhances the sweetness and gives a delightful finish that pairs beautifully with the apple flavors.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla ice cream: The creamy texture and sweet vanilla flavor complement the warm spices of the cake perfectly, making it an irresistible combination.
• Whipped cream: Light and airy whipped cream adds a soft touch, balancing out the richness of the cake while enhancing its comforting nature.
• Greek yogurt: A dollop of Greek yogurt provides a tangy contrast that can cut through the sweetness of the cake, offering a refreshing bite alongside.
• Coffee or tea: A warm cup of coffee or herbal tea makes for a cozy pairing, enhancing your dessert experience while providing a lovely contrast to the sweetness.

With these serving suggestions in hand, you’re ready to enjoy your homemade Swedish Apple Cake in style! Happy baking!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Swedish Apple Cake is perfect for meal prep! Its flavors deepen over time, making it an ideal treat to bake ahead of time for gatherings, snacks, or breakfast.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the cake to cool completely before storing.
• Place leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• For longer storage, refrigerate the cake for up to a week.

Freezing

• Wrap the cooled cake tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Place the wrapped cake in a freezer-safe container or bag.
• Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Reheating

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Place slices of cake on a baking sheet and cover loosely with foil.
• Heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through, or microwave individual slices for about 20-30 seconds.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about this delicious recipe!

What type of apples are best for Swedish Apple Cake?

Using tart apples like Granny Smith or sweet varieties such as Honeycrisp works wonderfully. These apples hold their shape well and provide a lovely balance of sweetness and tartness.

Can I make Swedish Apple Cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! This cake actually tastes better after resting for a day. You can store it at room temperature or refrigerate it, making it ideal for meal prep!

Is it possible to substitute yogurt in the Swedish Apple Cake?

Yes! If you don’t have yogurt, sour cream is a great alternative. Both will add moisture and richness to the cake.

How do I enhance the flavor of my Swedish Apple Cake?

Consider adding chopped nuts or raisins for extra texture. Spices like nutmeg or ginger can also elevate the flavor profile beautifully!

Can I use gluten-free flour for this Swedish Apple Cake?

Definitely! A good quality gluten-free all-purpose flour blend should work well as a substitute in this recipe.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy baking this delightful Swedish Apple Cake as much as I do! It’s not only simple but also brings warmth and comfort to any occasion. Whether you’re enjoying it with family at breakfast or sharing it with friends at dessert time, it’s sure to be a hit. Happy baking, and don’t forget to let me know how yours turns out!