Hey there, fellow baking enthusiasts! If you’re anything like me, your kitchen is your happy place, a cozy corner where you escape from the chaos of everyday life. There’s something magical about the smell of freshly baked goodies wafting through the air, wrapping you in a warm hug. Today, I’m excited to introduce you to a delightful treat that feels like a warm, loving embrace: Swedish Apple Cake. This comforting dessert pairs perfectly with a cup of tea or coffee and is a fantastic way to showcase the beauty of apples, making it an ideal choice for any occasion.
Why Make This Recipe
You may wonder why you should dive into making this Swedish Apple Cake. Well, for starters, it’s packed with tender apples, rich butter, and warm spices that create a symphony of flavors in every bite. Plus, it’s super easy to make, even if you’re a budding baker. Whether you are looking for a sweet treat to impress your guests or simply want to indulge in something comforting for yourself, this recipe will not let you down.
The delightful combination of spices, especially the hint of cardamom, adds a unique twist that celebrates Swedish culinary traditions. Baking this cake allows you to create a moment of cozy joy in your own home, reminding you that life’s simple pleasures are often the sweetest. So, whether you’re preparing for a gathering, celebrating a birthday, or just want to treat yourself, this Swedish Apple Cake fits perfectly into your plans!
How to Make Swedish Apple Cake
Making Swedish Apple Cake is as easy as pie, well, easier, actually! Let’s get into the fun part: the steps to create your very own masterpiece in the kitchen.
Ingredients
Before we get into the baking process, here’s a list of the ingredients you’ll need:
- 3 medium apples (such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground cardamom (optional, but adds authentic Swedish flair)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt or sour cream
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar (for topping)
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon (for topping)
Directions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round or square baking pan and line it with parchment paper for easy removal. This step is key to ensuring your cake comes out beautifully!
While your oven is getting warm, take those lovely apples, peel them, core them, and slice them thinly. Set them aside while we whip up the batter.
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and cardamom. This dry mix is the foundation of your cake, giving it that beloved structure.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted butter, sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and yogurt (or sour cream) until everything is smooth and lovely. Make sure it’s well combined!
Gradually add your dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined. Don’t overmix; the batter should be thick but spreadable!
Spread half of that beautiful batter evenly into your prepared pan. Then, arrange half of the apple slices in a single layer over the batter. Think of it as a canvas where the apples will shine.
Next, dollop the remaining batter on top and gently spread it to cover the apples. Now’s the fun part! Arrange the remaining apple slices in a decorative pattern to give your cake a stunning look.
In a small bowl, mix together the two tablespoons of sugar and one teaspoon of ground cinnamon for the topping. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the apples for a lovely finishing touch.
Bake in your preheated oven for 40–45 minutes, or until the cake turns golden brown, the apples become tender, and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Your kitchen is going to smell SO good right about now!
Once baked, let the cake cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes before slicing. Serve it warm or at room temperature, perhaps with a dollop of whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce for extra indulgence!
How to Serve Swedish Apple Cake
Serving your Swedish Apple Cake is simple. You can slice it into generous squares or wedges and place them on a beautiful plate. Add a few apple slices or some fresh mint leaves for garnish to make it visually appealing. Whether it’s a casual family dinner or a fancy gathering with friends, this cake is bound to impress!
How to Store Swedish Apple Cake
If by some miracle you have leftovers (which I doubt!), you can store your Swedish Apple Cake airtight at room temperature for 1-2 days. For anything longer, place it in the fridge where it can comfortably sit for up to 5 days. Just remember to cover it well to keep it fresh and moist.
Tips to Make Swedish Apple Cake
- Make sure your apples are fresh; the taste of the cake relies heavily on the quality of your fruit.
- Don’t skip the cardamom, it adds an authentic Swedish flair that transforms the flavor.
- If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a handful of chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for extra crunch and flavor.
- This cake can be enjoyed for breakfast or as a delicious snack, so don’t hesitate to have a slice first thing in the morning!
Variation
While this recipe is delightful as is, you can experiment to make it your own. Consider adding dried fruits like raisins or cranberries, or mixing in a bit of lemon zest for a refreshing twist. You can also substitute the plain yogurt with flavored yogurt for an extra flavor boost.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of fruit instead of apples?
Absolutely! Pears or even a mix of apples and pears would be delicious. Just make sure to adjust the amount to achieve a similar consistency.
2. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to check that your baking powder is also gluten-free.
3. Can I freeze Swedish Apple Cake?
Yes, you can freeze the cake! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil to prevent freezer burn. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To eat, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight.
And there you have it, a beautiful Swedish Apple Cake that’s as delightful to make as it is to eat. Happy baking, friends!
Print
Swedish Apple Cake
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful and comforting Swedish Apple Cake made with tender apples, warm spices, and a rich batter, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 3 medium apples (such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground cardamom (optional)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt or sour cream
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar (for topping)
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon (for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round or square baking pan and line it with parchment paper.
- Peel, core, and slice the apples thinly, then set aside.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and cardamom.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted butter, sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and yogurt until smooth.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.
- Spread half the batter evenly into the prepared pan, then arrange half of the apple slices on top.
- Dollop the remaining batter over the apples and spread it gently, then arrange the remaining apple slices decoratively on top.
- Mix the sugar and cinnamon for the topping, then sprinkle it evenly over the apples.
- Bake for 40–45 minutes until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
For extra indulgence, serve with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Swedish
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 40mg