Swedish Apple Cake

Swedish Apple Cake is a cozy, classic dessert that brings the comforting flavors of fall to your table year-round. With its warm spices, tender apples, and decadent caramel topping, this cake is perfect for gatherings, holidays, or a simple weeknight treat. It combines the nostalgic taste of baked apples with the elegance of Scandinavian baking traditions. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe is straightforward and rewarding. Keep reading to learn how to make this delightful cake that’s sure to become a favorite in your home.

Why You’ll Love This Swedish Apple Cake

This Swedish Apple Cake offers the perfect balance of textures and flavors. The moist, spiced crumb is studded with chunks of fresh apples, while the luscious caramel glaze creates a beautiful, glossy finish. It’s not overly sweet, making it suitable for both dessert and a special breakfast or brunch. The delightful aroma wafting from the oven is truly irresistible. It’s an excellent way to enjoy apple season or bring a warm, inviting vibe to any celebration.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 2/3 cups granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 3 cups peeled and diced apples (about 2 large apples)
• Optional: 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts

For the Caramel Topping:

• 1 1/3 cups packed brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons half-and-half
• 4 tablespoons butter

Step-by-Step: How to Make Swedish Apple Cake

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch springform pan generously.
2. In a mixing bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
3. In a separate large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until smooth and fluffy.
4. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then mix in the vanilla extract.
5. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until everything is incorporated.
6. Gently fold in the chopped apples and, if desired, the nuts.
7. Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan and bake for 35-40 minutes.
8. While the cake bakes, prepare the caramel topping: Combine brown sugar, half-and-half, and butter in a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir continuously until smooth.
9. At the 30-minute mark, start the caramel. When the cake has baked for 35-40 minutes, pour the caramel over the top.
10. Return the cake to the oven for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the caramel is bubbling and slightly cracking.
11. Let the cake cool for at least 15 minutes before removing from the pan and slicing.

Helpful Tips

• Use tart apples like Granny Smith for the best flavor balance.
• Don’t overmix the batter to keep the cake tender.
• Let the cake cool before slicing to help the caramel set.
• A springform pan ensures easy removal and keeps the caramel from sticking.

Substitutions And Variations

• Swap apples for pears for a delicious twist.
• Opt for coconut sugar or maple syrup in place of granulated sugar.
• Add a teaspoon of ground ginger or cardamom for extra spice.
• Substitute half-and-half with heavy cream or milk if needed.
• Make it nut-free by omitting the pecans or walnuts.

Storage Instructions

Store Swedish Apple Cake covered at room temperature for up to 2 days. For extended freshness, refrigerate it for up to 5 days. To enjoy it warm, heat individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds.

Nutritional Information

Estimated per serving (based on 8 servings):

• Calories: 420
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Carbohydrates: 64g
• Sugar: 45g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 3g
• Sodium: 370mg

Serving Suggestions

Enjoy it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a generous dollop of whipped cream. This cake pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or a spiced chai latte. For a festive touch, dust with powdered sugar or drizzle on extra caramel. It also makes a stunning addition to a holiday dessert table or a weekend brunch spread.

Frequently Asked Questions About Swedish Apple Cake

Can I make this cake ahead of time? Yes, this cake can be made a day in advance. Just be sure to store it properly to maintain its moist texture.

What kind of apples work best? Tart, firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp are ideal as they hold their shape and offer a nice contrast to the sweet caramel.

Can I use a different pan? If you don’t have a springform pan, a 9-inch round cake pan will work. Just ensure it’s greased well, and note that removing the cake might be trickier.

Is the caramel topping necessary? The caramel adds richness and visual appeal, but you can skip it or use a dusting of powdered sugar instead for a lighter version.

Conclusion

Thank you for trying this Swedish Apple Cake recipe! It’s a beloved treat in my kitchen and I hope it becomes one in yours too. With its tender crumb, sweet apple chunks, and buttery caramel topping, it’s a dessert that feels both nostalgic and special. This cake is incredibly easy to prepare and delivers big on flavor. Whether you’re serving it for guests or indulging in a quiet moment with a cup of tea, this cake brings warmth and joy to any occasion. Happy baking, and thank you for being part of our delicious community!

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Swedish Apple Cake

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• Author: Lisa
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 6-8 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Swedish Apple Cake is a cozy, spiced dessert filled with tender apples and topped with rich caramel. Simple, homey, and perfect for any season!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

1 2/3 cups granulated sugar

2 large eggs

1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1 tsp baking soda

1 tsp salt

1 1/2 tsp cinnamon

1/2 tsp nutmeg

3 cups peeled, diced apples (about 2 large)

Optional: 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts

Caramel Topping:

1 1/3 cups brown sugar

2 tbsp half-and-half

4 tbsp butter

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch springform pan generously.
2. In a mixing bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
3. In a separate large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until smooth and fluffy.
4. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then mix in the vanilla extract.
5. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until everything is incorporated.
6. Gently fold in the chopped apples and, if desired, the nuts.
7. Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan and bake for 35-40 minutes.
8. While the cake bakes, prepare the caramel topping: Combine brown sugar, half-and-half, and butter in a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir continuously until smooth.
9. At the 30-minute mark, start the caramel. When the cake has baked for 35-40 minutes, pour the caramel over the top.
10. Return the cake to the oven for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the caramel is bubbling and slightly cracking.
11. Let the cake cool for at least 15 minutes before removing from the pan and slicing.

Notes

Use tart apples for best flavor. Cool cake completely to allow caramel to set. Can be made ahead and stored for several days.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Swedish

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice
• Calories: 420
• Sugar: 45g
• Carbohydrates: 64g
• Protein: 3g