Swedish Apple Cake Recipe

Introduction

This Swedish Apple Cake is a cozy, comforting dessert featuring tender apples layered within a spiced, buttery batter. Its subtle cardamom and cinnamon notes make it a perfect treat for any season. Easy to prepare and delightful to share, it’s a classic recipe that brings warmth to your table.

Ingredients

• 3 medium apples (e.g., Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom (optional)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup plain yogurt or sour cream
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (for topping)
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for topping)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round or square baking pan and line it with parchment paper.
2. Step 2: Peel, core, and thinly slice the apples. Set them aside while you prepare the batter.
3. Step 3: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and cardamom until well combined.
4. Step 4: In a separate bowl, whisk the melted butter, granulated sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and yogurt or sour cream until smooth.
5. Step 5: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until incorporated. The batter should be thick but spreadable.
6. Step 6: Spread half of the batter evenly in the prepared pan. Arrange half of the apple slices in a single layer over the batter.
7. Step 7: Dollop the remaining batter on top and gently spread it to cover the apples. Arrange the remaining apple slices decoratively over the batter.
8. Step 8: In a small bowl, mix the 2 tablespoons of sugar with 1 teaspoon cinnamon. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the apples.
9. Step 9: Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the cake is golden brown, the apples are tender, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
10. Step 10: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 to 15 minutes before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature, optionally with whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or caramel sauce.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, try adding a handful of chopped walnuts or almonds between the batter and apple layers.
• Substitute the plain yogurt with sour cream for a richer texture and tangy taste.
• If you prefer a less sweet cake, reduce the granulated sugar by 1/4 cup.
• Use different apple varieties to change the flavor profile—tart apples hold up well, while sweeter ones add more natural sweetness.

Storage

Store the cake covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or a low oven before serving to restore its softness.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen apples for this cake?

Fresh apples are best for texture and flavor, but if using frozen, thaw and drain them well to prevent excess moisture from affecting the batter.

Is it possible to make this cake gluten-free?

Yes, you can replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend of equal measure. Make sure it includes xanthan gum or add it separately for structure.

Swedish Apple Cake Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 655 reviews

• Author: Naomi
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x

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Description

This classic Swedish Apple Cake features tender layers of spiced batter and thinly sliced apples, topped with a cinnamon-sugar mixture for a sweet, aromatic finish. Perfectly moist and fragrant, it’s an ideal dessert for cozy gatherings or afternoon treats.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Apple Layer

• 3 medium apples (e.g., Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced

Dry Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom (optional)

Wet Ingredients

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup plain yogurt or sour cream

Topping

• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

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Instructions

1. Prepare Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round or square baking pan thoroughly and line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal.
2. Prepare Apples: Peel, core, and thinly slice the apples. Set them aside as you prepare the batter.
3. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, and optional ground cardamom until evenly combined.
4. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted and cooled unsalted butter, granulated sugar, lightly beaten eggs, vanilla extract, and plain yogurt or sour cream until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring gently just until everything is incorporated. The batter will be thick but spreadable, so avoid overmixing to keep the cake tender.
6. Layer Batter and Apples: Spread half of the batter evenly in the prepared baking pan. Arrange half of the thinly sliced apples in a single, decorative layer over the batter.
7. Add Remaining Batter and Apples: Dollop the remaining batter on top of the apples and gently spread it to cover evenly. Next, arrange the remaining apple slices decoratively over the top layer of batter.
8. Prepare and Add Topping: In a small bowl, mix together 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Sprinkle this cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the arranged apple slices to create a sweet, aromatic crust.
9. Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes. Bake until the cake turns golden brown, the apples are tender, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
10. Cooling and Serving: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 to 15 minutes. Then slice and serve warm or at room temperature. For an extra indulgence, garnish with whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or drizzle caramel sauce over each slice.

Notes

• The type of apples used affects flavor and texture; tart varieties like Granny Smith hold up well and balance sweetness.
• Using yogurt or sour cream adds moisture and slight tang to the cake, enhancing flavor complexity.
• Do not overmix the batter to maintain a tender crumb.
• The optional cardamom adds a unique warm spiciness but can be omitted if unavailable.
• Line the pan with parchment for easy cake removal and cleaner edges.
• Serving the cake slightly warm enhances the flavors and texture, especially when paired with ice cream or whipped cream.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Swedish

Keywords: Swedish apple cake, apple dessert, spiced cake, classic apple cake, cinnamon apple cake