Swedish Apple Cake

Swedish Apple Cake Recipe

This Swedish Apple Cake, also known as Äppelkaka, is a delightful dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. It features a moist cake base, a cinnamon-sugar apple filling, and a crunchy almond topping. Whether you enjoy it as a simple treat with tea or a more decadent dessert, this cake will surely satisfy your taste buds.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Cake:

2 large apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp are ideal for their balance of tartness and sweetness)

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

1 tsp baking powder

½ tsp salt

1 tsp cinnamon

½ tsp cardamom (optional, but adds a lovely Scandinavian touch)

½ cup unsalted butter, melted

¾ cup granulated sugar

2 eggs

½ cup milk

1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Topping:

¼ cup brown sugar

½ tsp cinnamon

2 tbsp butter, melted

Sliced almonds (optional, for added crunch)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preparing the Apples:

Begin by peeling, coring, and thinly slicing the apples. This helps the apples cook evenly and ensures they meld well with the cake batter.

Toss the apple slices with a little cinnamon and sugar to enhance their natural sweetness and give them extra flavor. Set them aside to let the flavors marinate.

2. Making the Batter:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch cake pan or springform pan to ensure the cake comes out easily after baking.

In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and cardamom (if you’re using it). This will be your dry ingredient mixture.

In another bowl, whisk together the melted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is creamy and smooth.

Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. This ensures that the eggs are fully incorporated into the batter.

Stir in the milk and vanilla extract, making sure everything is mixed well.

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can affect the texture of the cake.

3. Assembling the Cake:

Pour half of the batter into the prepared cake pan. Smooth it out to create an even layer.

Arrange half of the apple slices on top of the batter. You can arrange them in a spiral or circular pattern to make it visually appealing.

Pour the remaining batter over the apples, spreading it gently to cover the fruit.

Layer the remaining apple slices on top in a circular or spiral pattern, ensuring the apples are visible for a beautiful presentation.

4. Adding the Topping:

In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter. This topping will give the cake a sweet, caramelized finish.

Drizzle the mixture over the top of the cake. You can also sprinkle sliced almonds on top if you like a bit of crunch and extra flavor.

5. Baking the Cake:

Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Let the cake cool slightly before serving. This will make it easier to slice and will allow the flavors to set.

Serving Suggestions

Classic: Serve the cake warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side. The cold ice cream contrasts beautifully with the warm, spiced cake.

Traditional Swedish Style: Drizzle with vanilla sauce (called vaniljsås in Swedish) for an authentic touch. This creamy sauce is the perfect complement to the moist apple cake.

Simple: A light dusting of powdered sugar adds a touch of elegance without overpowering the flavors of the cake.

Decadent: For a more indulgent dessert, serve with a dollop of whipped cream. The richness of the cream balances the sweetness and spice of the cake.

Best Apples for Swedish Apple Cake

The choice of apple is essential for a good Swedish apple cake. You want apples that hold their shape when baked, providing a satisfying texture and balance of tartness and sweetness. Here are a few varieties that work particularly well:

Granny Smith Apples: Their tartness and firm texture make them a classic choice. They help balance the sweetness of the cake and add a bit of tang.

Honeycrisp Apples: These apples are sweet, juicy, and firm, making them perfect for this cake. They hold up well during baking and provide a nice contrast to the cake’s richness.

Fuji Apples: If you prefer a sweeter apple, Fuji apples are a great choice. They’re juicy and tender, offering a mild sweetness that complements the spices in the cake.

Additional Tips:

Make it Ahead: This cake keeps well for a few days. In fact, it may even taste better the next day once the flavors have had time to meld.

Texture Variations: For added texture, you can mix in chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter or sprinkle them on top with the almonds.

Spice it Up: Feel free to experiment with the spices. Adding a pinch of nutmeg or ginger can give the cake a more autumnal flavor.

Conclusion

This Swedish Apple Cake is a simple yet elegant dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. Its balance of warm spices, tender apples, and rich cake makes it a comforting treat that pairs beautifully with a hot beverage or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Whether you’re enjoying it in the traditional Swedish way with vanilla sauce or serving it as a simple, comforting slice, this cake is sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire.