If you’re craving a cozy, comforting dessert that brings the warmth of autumn right into your kitchen, this Swedish Apple Cake Recipe is the perfect treat to share with friends and family. It’s a beautifully moist and tender cake, layered generously with tart, cinnamon-kissed apples that create a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors. Every bite offers a delightful nostalgic experience, capturing the essence of traditional Scandinavian baking with simple, wholesome ingredients. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just looking for a straightforward recipe to brighten your day, this Swedish Apple Cake Recipe will quickly become a beloved classic in your baking repertoire.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully uncomplicated but each one plays a vital role in delivering the perfect flavor, texture, and aroma to your Swedish Apple Cake Recipe. From the fragrant cinnamon to the luscious butter, every component harmonizes in a way that elevates this humble apple cake into a cherished dessert.
- 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced: Tart varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp add brightness and hold their shape well during baking.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Keeps the apple slices fresh and adds a subtle zing that balances sweetness.
- ¾ cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake perfectly without overpowering the natural apple flavors.
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds rich moisture and a tender crumb to the cake.
- 2 large eggs: Bind the ingredients together, creating structure and a fluffy texture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Brings warmth and depth to the cake’s flavor profile.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: The foundation that gives the cake its soft, yet sturdy texture.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the cake rise beautifully and stay light.
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon: Infuses the batter with a cozy spice that complements the apples beautifully.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors, making the sweetness more pronounced.
- 2 tablespoons milk: Keeps the batter smooth and moist.
- 2 tablespoons turbinado sugar (or granulated sugar) for topping: Adds a delightful crunch and a golden, caramelized finish.
How to Make Swedish Apple Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Apples
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9-inch round cake pan—this sets the stage for a beautifully baked cake with no sticking. Toss the thinly sliced apples with lemon juice to prevent browning and enhance their fresh flavor, then set them aside while you prepare the batter.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. This step is crucial for incorporating air into the batter, which gives your Swedish Apple Cake Recipe its lovely, tender crumb.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then stir in the vanilla extract. This combination adds richness and a subtle aromatic depth that truly makes the cake comforting and inviting.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. This mix guarantees an even distribution of leavening and spice, which means every slice will have a consistent, delightful flavor.
Step 5: Mix Batter and Layer Apples
Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture alternately with the milk, stirring gently until just combined—you want to avoid overmixing for a tender texture. Spread half the batter into your prepared pan, layer half the apple slices evenly on top, then repeat with the remaining batter and apples. This layering ensures that every bite has a perfect balance of cake and tender apple slices.
Step 6: Add Topping and Bake
Sprinkle the turbinado sugar over the top for a crunchy, caramelized surface once baked. Place the cake in the oven, baking for 40 to 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the top is beautifully golden brown. Let it cool slightly before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely or enjoying warm.
How to Serve Swedish Apple Cake Recipe
Garnishes
Serving this Swedish Apple Cake Recipe with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream takes the indulgence to the next level. A light dusting of powdered sugar adds an elegant, Instagram-worthy touch that still feels cozy and approachable.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee, tea, or even mulled cider, making it an ideal dessert or afternoon treat. For a heartier feel, serve alongside a simple green salad dressed with a tangy vinaigrette to contrast the sweetness and add freshness to the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, try serving individual slices topped with a few extra cinnamon-dusted apple slices or caramel drizzle. You can also turn this Swedish Apple Cake Recipe into a trifle layered with custard and berries for a stunning dessert centerpiece that will wow guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap leftover slices tightly in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container, storing at room temperature for up to two days to keep the cake moist and flavorful. If you prefer refrigeration, the cake will last about 4-5 days but may lose some of its tender texture.
Freezing
This Swedish Apple Cake Recipe freezes beautifully. Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil or a freezer bag to prevent freezer burn. Frozen slices can last up to two months — just thaw overnight in the fridge before enjoying.
Reheating
Warm slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or briefly in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) to revive that fresh-baked charm. Reheating is especially lovely if you’re serving this cake with cold ice cream, creating a perfect temperature contrast.
FAQs
Can I use other types of apples for this Swedish Apple Cake Recipe?
Absolutely! While tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best for their firm texture and balanced flavor, you can experiment with Fuji, Braeburn, or even Gala. Just keep in mind sweeter apples may make the cake a bit sweeter overall.
Is it possible to make this cake gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum for structure. The texture might be slightly different but still delicious and moist.
Can I prepare this cake without eggs?
If you want to make this recipe egg-free, try using flax eggs or chia eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed or chia seeds mixed with 3 tablespoons water per egg). The cake’s texture may be a bit denser but still flavorful.
What is the best way to slice the apples thinly?
A mandoline slicer works wonders for achieving evenly thin apple slices quickly. If you’re using a knife, try to cut as uniformly as possible to ensure even baking and texture in the finished cake.
Can I double the recipe to make a larger cake?
Yes! Simply double the ingredients and bake in a larger pan, increasing baking time accordingly. Keep an eye on the cake and check for doneness with a toothpick after 50 minutes. Adjust as needed to avoid over- or under-baking.
Final Thoughts
Sharing the joy of this Swedish Apple Cake Recipe feels like passing along a sweet secret that brightens any day. Simple to make yet full of comforting flavors, it’s an irresistible way to celebrate apples and bring a touch of Scandinavian charm to your table. I encourage you to bake it soon — you might find yourself reaching for this recipe again and again. Happy baking!
Print
Swedish Apple Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 slices
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Swedish
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Swedish Apple Cake is a moist and tender dessert featuring layers of thinly sliced apples and a cinnamon-spiced batter. This classic Scandinavian treat combines the natural tartness of apples with a sweet, buttery cake base, finished with a crunchy sugar topping. Perfect for fall baking, it is delicious served warm or at room temperature, and pairs wonderfully with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
Ingredients
Apples
- 2 medium apples (peeled, cored, and thinly sliced)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Cake Batter
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons milk
Topping
- 2 tablespoons turbinado sugar (or granulated sugar)
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan to ensure the cake releases easily after baking.
- Prepare apples: Toss the peeled, cored, and thinly sliced apples with lemon juice to prevent browning and set aside while you prepare the batter.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, creating a smooth base for the cake.
- Add eggs and vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time to ensure thorough mixing, followed by the vanilla extract for added flavor.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agent and spices.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet mixture alternately with milk, mixing just until combined to maintain a tender cake texture.
- Layer batter and apples: Spread half of the batter evenly into the prepared pan, then layer half of the sliced apples over it. Repeat with the remaining batter and apple slices, creating two distinct layers.
- Add topping: Sprinkle the top layer with turbinado sugar, which will create a crisp, caramelized topping as the cake bakes.
- Bake the cake: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 40–45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the top has turned golden brown.
- Cool and serve: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve warm or at room temperature, optionally with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
Notes
- This cake is delicious on its own or served with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for added indulgence.
- Tart apples such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best to balance the sweetness of the cake.
- Use softened butter at room temperature for easier creaming.
- Do not overmix the batter after adding the dry ingredients to keep the cake tender.
