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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- Prepare Apples: Peel, core, and thinly slice the apples. Set them aside as you prepare the batter.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
