If you’ve ever longed for that warm, comforting slice of fall on your plate, the Swedish Apple Cake with Caramel Recipe is exactly what your heart and kitchen need. This cake is a beautifully simple blend of tender apples, fragrant spices, and a moist sour cream-infused batter baked to golden perfection. The crowning glory is the luscious homemade caramel sauce that adds a rich, buttery sweetness, perfectly complementing the fruity and spiced elements. Each bite feels like a cozy hug and a celebration of classic Swedish flavors, making it an absolute favorite for gathering around with loved ones or treating yourself to a slice of pure happiness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering fresh, simple ingredients is the secret to this Swedish Apple Cake with Caramel Recipe’s magic. Every component plays an essential role, whether it’s creating a tender crumb, layering in delightful spice, or delivering smooth, velvety caramel sauce that finishes the dish.
- All-purpose flour (1 1/2 cups): The sturdy base that holds the cake together while keeping it light and fluffy.
- Baking powder (1 teaspoon): Helps the cake rise to that perfect, tender height.
- Baking soda (1/2 teaspoon): Works alongside baking powder to give lift and texture.
- Ground cinnamon (1/2 teaspoon): Adds warm, familiar spice that complements the apples beautifully.
- Ground cardamom (1/4 teaspoon): A subtly fragrant spice that brings an authentic Swedish touch.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances flavors and enhances sweetness.
- Unsalted butter, softened (1/2 cup): Provides rich flavor and moist texture to the cake.
- Granulated sugar (3/4 cup + 1/2 cup for caramel): Sweetens the cake and creates the caramel’s golden shine.
- Eggs (2 large): Bind the ingredients and add structure.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Lends a mellow aromatic depth to the batter.
- Sour cream (1/2 cup): Key to the moist, tender crumb and subtle tang.
- Apples (2 medium, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced): The star ingredient—fresh, juicy, and tart, perfectly layered on top.
- Water (2 tablespoons): Used to dissolve sugar for the caramel sauce.
- Heavy cream (1/4 cup): Makes the caramel sauce smooth, rich, and creamy.
- Unsalted butter for caramel (2 tablespoons): Adds lusciousness and depth.
- Pinch of salt (for caramel): Enhances the buttery sweetness of the caramel sauce.
How to Make Swedish Apple Cake with Caramel Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Dry Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and greasing your 9-inch springform or round cake pan. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, cardamom, and salt. This combination of dry ingredients ensures your cake will have the perfect rise and that warm, comforting spice profile that brings the Swedish charm to life.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes. This step is essential because it incorporates air into your batter, giving the cake that delicate crumb and tender texture that melts in your mouth. Every time I do this, the kitchen aroma reminds me of cozy autumn afternoons.
Step 3: Add Eggs, Vanilla, and Sour Cream
Next, add the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition to ensure an even blend. Stir in the vanilla extract and sour cream until the batter is smooth and rich. The sour cream adds just the right amount of tang and moisture to the cake, making it irresistibly soft and tender.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and fold until just combined. Avoid over-mixing here to keep the cake light. The batter will be thick and creamy—perfect for cradling those apple slices.
Step 5: Arrange Apples and Bake
Spread the batter evenly into your prepared pan. Now, gently arrange the thinly sliced apples on top in an overlapping circular pattern; this not only looks stunning but allows the apples to caramelize beautifully as the cake bakes. Press them lightly into the batter so they stick. Pop the cake in the oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the apples have softened to tender, juicy perfection.
Step 6: Make the Caramel Sauce
While the cake bakes, it’s time to make that dreamy caramel sauce. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the sugar and water. Stir gently just until the sugar dissolves, then leave it alone to boil without stirring, allowing the syrup to develop a deep golden color—around 6 to 8 minutes. Be careful here, as the caramel can go from perfect to burnt in seconds. Remove from heat and slowly stir in the heavy cream and butter, which will bubble up beautifully. Add a pinch of salt and stir until smooth. Let the caramel cool slightly before drizzling.
Step 7: Cool and Drizzle
Once your cake is out of the oven, let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes before removing the sides of the springform. Allow it to cool just enough so it’s warm but not hot, then drizzle your homemade caramel sauce over the top. This final touch ties the whole Swedish Apple Cake with Caramel Recipe together into a harmonious dessert that’s sure to impress.
How to Serve Swedish Apple Cake with Caramel Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a light dusting of powdered sugar for an elegant touch, or add a few fresh apple slices and a sprinkle of chopped toasted almonds for a bit of crunch. A dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream complements this cake beautifully, balancing warm spice and sweet caramel with cool creaminess.
Side Dishes
This cake stands out wonderfully on its own, but serving it alongside a mild, sharp cheese like aged cheddar or a small dish of cinnamon-spiced yogurt can add another layer of savory depth that enhances the apples and caramel’s sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving individual portions with a drizzle of extra caramel sauce and a cinnamon stick for stirring if you’re feeling fancy. You can also cut the cake into small squares and serve them on a wooden board with an array of autumn fruits and nuts for a rustic dessert spread that invites sharing and smiles.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your cake, simply cover leftovers with plastic wrap or keep in an airtight container. Stored at room temperature, it stays fresh and delicious for up to 2 days, and if refrigerated, it will last up to 5 days.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. It keeps well in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before enjoying, then warm gently if desired.
Reheating
To bring back that just-baked warmth and softness, reheat individual slices in a microwave for about 15-20 seconds or pop them in a 300°F oven for 10 minutes wrapped in foil. Add a bit of extra caramel or a scoop of ice cream to get that fresh-out-of-the-oven experience.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of apple?
Absolutely! While tart apples like Granny Smith work beautifully by balancing sweetness, sweeter varieties like Fuji or Honeycrisp can also be used if you prefer a naturally sweeter bite. Just remember to peel and slice them thinly for even baking.
Is it possible to make the caramel sauce ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the caramel sauce a day or two in advance and keep it in the fridge. Warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave before drizzling over the cake to get that smooth, flowing texture.
Can I substitute sour cream with something else?
Sour cream is key for moisture and the slight tang that balances the sweetness, but you can substitute it with Greek yogurt (full fat) or crème fraîche if needed. These alternatives keep the rich texture intact.
How do I know when the cake is done?
Use the toothpick test—insert a toothpick into the center, and if it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, your cake is perfectly baked. The apples on top should be tender and slightly caramelized.
Can this recipe be made gluten-free?
You can give it a try by swapping the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend. Be sure the blend contains xanthan gum or another binder to keep the cake’s texture moist and tender, much like the original.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about the Swedish Apple Cake with Caramel Recipe that invites warmth, joy, and a touch of home into your kitchen. It’s a dessert that’s simple to make, incredibly flavorful, and perfect for any occasion where you want to share something comforting and impressive. I hope you enjoy baking and savoring this cake as much as I do—it’s sure to become a beloved staple in your recipe collection.
Print
Swedish Apple Cake with Caramel Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Swedish
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Swedish Apple Cake with Caramel is a rustic and comforting dessert featuring tender cake layers infused with warm spices, topped with thinly sliced apples and a rich homemade caramel sauce. Perfect for fall or any time you crave a cozy treat, it’s best enjoyed warm or at room temperature, optionally paired with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
Ingredients
Cake
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
Caramel Sauce
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preparation: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch springform or round cake pan thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground cardamom, and salt until evenly combined.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter with the granulated sugar using an electric mixer or by hand until the mixture is light and fluffy, approximately 2 to 3 minutes.
- Add Eggs, Vanilla, and Sour Cream: Incorporate the eggs one at a time into the butter mixture, mixing well after each addition. Then stir in the vanilla extract and sour cream until the batter is smooth and uniform.
- Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, folding or mixing gently until just combined to avoid overmixing and ensure a tender crumb.
- Assemble Cake: Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan. Neatly arrange the thinly sliced apples on top in a circular, overlapping pattern, pressing them gently into the batter to secure them.
- Bake: Bake the cake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the apples are tender.
- Cool Cake: Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then carefully remove the sides of the springform pan and let it cool slightly on a wire rack.
- Prepare Caramel Sauce: While the cake bakes, combine the granulated sugar and water in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir just until the sugar dissolves, then stop stirring and allow the mixture to boil until it turns a deep golden color, about 6 to 8 minutes.
- Finish Caramel Sauce: Remove the caramel from heat and carefully stir in the heavy cream and unsalted butter; be cautious as it will bubble vigorously. Add a pinch of salt and stir until the sauce is smooth and glossy. Let the sauce cool slightly before use.
- Serve: Drizzle the warm caramel sauce over the cooled or slightly warm cake before serving. Enjoy as is or with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.
Notes
- Best served warm or at room temperature for the fullest flavor and tender texture.
- Pairs beautifully with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream to complement the spiced apple flavors.
- Store leftover cake covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.
