Swedish Apple Cake Recipe: A Cozy, Spiced, and Rustic Dessert Favorite
Swedish Apple Cake is a warm, comforting dessert that captures the essence of cozy fall baking. With its moist, tender crumb, layers of sweet-tart apples, and a delicate touch of cinnamon, this traditional Scandinavian treat is perfect with a cup of coffee or tea. The cake is simple yet rich in flavor, often topped with a crackly sugar crust or served with a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla sauce. Unlike dense American-style apple cakes, the Swedish version is light, soft, and subtly spiced—more of a tea cake than a heavy dessert. It’s ideal for brunches, afternoon fika, or as a homey dessert after dinner.
What Makes This Cake Special?
Swedish Apple Cake (Äppelkaka) is known for its simplicity and natural flavors. The apples are the stars of the show—thinly sliced and layered or arranged beautifully on top. The batter is buttery and gently spiced, allowing the fruit to shine. It’s not overly sweet, making it a perfect balance of fruit and cake. Its rustic, home-baked charm makes it feel like a warm hug in dessert form.
Cooking Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45–50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Servings: 8–10 slices
Ingredients
- 2 medium apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled and thinly sliced
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ cup milk or cream
Optional Topping:
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar
- ½ tsp cinnamon
Instructions
1. Prep the Apples
Peel, core, and thinly slice the apples. Toss with lemon juice to prevent browning and set aside.
2. Prepare the Cake Batter
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan or cake pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.
In a small bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
In a larger bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, then mix in the vanilla extract.
Add the dry ingredients in batches, alternating with the milk, and mix until just combined. Do not overmix.
3. Assemble the Cake
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Arrange the apple slices in a circular pattern or layer them gently over the batter. Sprinkle the optional cinnamon-sugar topping over the apples.
4. Bake the Cake
Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the top is golden and set. If the top browns too quickly, loosely cover with foil during the last 10–15 minutes of baking.
Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before removing the sides of the springform. Allow to cool completely or serve warm.
Variations
- Nutty Crunch: Add sliced almonds or chopped walnuts on top before baking for added texture.
- Raisin Apple Cake: Stir in ¼ cup of raisins into the batter for extra sweetness.
- Vanilla Sauce: Serve warm with Swedish-style vanilla cream or sauce.
- Caramel Twist: Drizzle with caramel sauce before serving for extra indulgence.
- Gluten-Free: Substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Mixing bowls
- Hand or stand mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- 9-inch springform or cake pan
- Spatula
- Knife and cutting board
Nutritional Information (Per Slice, Approx.)
- Calories: ~230
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fat: 10g
- Protein: 3g
- Sugar: 18g
Storage Tips
- Room Temperature: Store covered at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- Refrigerator: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: Wrap slices individually and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat gently before serving.
My Cooking Experience
I’ve baked Swedish Apple Cake many times, and it always brings me joy—especially during the fall. The smell of apples and cinnamon filling the kitchen is unmatched. It’s one of those desserts that looks beautiful with minimal effort and tastes even better the next day. I love serving it with a spoonful of vanilla whipped cream or crème fraîche. It’s rustic, comforting, and always a crowd-pleaser.
Conclusion
Swedish Apple Cake is a heartwarming dessert that captures the flavors of fall in every bite. With its tender crumb, delicate spice, and fresh apples, it’s the perfect bake for anyone looking to enjoy a slice of Scandinavian coziness. Whether you’re enjoying it with coffee or as a light dessert, this cake is sure to become a favorite in your recipe box.
Swedish Apple Cake
Ingredients
Method
- Peel, core, and thinly slice the apples. Toss with lemon juice to prevent browning and set aside.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan or cake pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.
- In a small bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
- In a larger bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, then mix in the vanilla extract.
- Add the dry ingredients in batches, alternating with the milk, and mix until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Arrange the apple slices in a circular pattern or layer them gently over the batter. Sprinkle the optional cinnamon-sugar topping over the apples.
- Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the top is golden and set. If the top browns too quickly, loosely cover with foil during the last 10–15 minutes of baking.
- Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before removing the sides of the springform. Allow to cool completely or serve warm
Notes
- Room Temperature: Store covered at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- Refrigerator: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
