If you’re looking for a dessert that’s equal parts cozy and elegant, this Swedish Apple Cake is the one.
With its soft, tender crumb and layers of spiced apples, this cake strikes a beautiful balance between sweet and tangy.
What makes it truly special is the cardamom-spiced batter, giving it a subtle yet distinctive flavor that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day.
This cake is a showstopper on its own, but drizzle it with a bit of Caramel Sauce for an indulgent twist, or serve it alongside warm, gooey Cinnamon Rolls for the ultimate comfort food spread.
Whether it’s for a holiday gathering or a quiet evening at home, this dessert brings a touch of Nordic charm to your table.
What I Didn’t Expect About This Recipe?
- Unique flavor profile: The subtle cardamom pairs beautifully with the sweet-tart apples.
- Perfectly moist texture: The apples keep the cake soft and tender with every bite.
- Versatile pairing: Serve with Caramel Sauce for a rich finish or Cinnamon Rolls to complement its cozy vibes.
- A classic with a twist: This Scandinavian-inspired recipe feels both familiar and exciting.
- Effortless elegance: It’s simple to make but looks and tastes impressive enough for any occasion.
Try this Swedish Apple Cake, and let its warm flavors and delicate aroma transport you to a cozy Nordic kitchen!
Swedish Apple Cake Recipe
Equipment
- 9-inch springform pan
- Small Bowl
- Large bowl
- Electric Mixer or Hand Mixer
- Small saucepan
- Spatula
Ingredients
- ½ cup butter room temp
- 1 ⅔ cup sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla
- 1 ½ cups flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ teaspoons cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg
- 3 cups diced & peeled apples ~2 large apples
- Optional: ¼ cup chopped pecans or walnuts
- Caramel
- 1 ⅓ cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons half & half
- 4 tablespoons butter
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch springform pan.
- Sift together flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a small bowl.
- In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until smooth.
- Add eggs one at a time, then vanilla.
- Slowly add dry ingredients to the wet mixture until just combined.
- Fold in apples and nuts if using.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 35-40 minutes.
- For the caramel: In a small saucepan, combine brown sugar, half & half, and butter. Heat over medium-low until smooth.
- After 30 minutes of baking, pour the caramel over the cake and return to the oven for 10-15 minutes or until the caramel cracks.
- Cool for at least 15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Expert Tips for Apple Caramel Cake!
- Choose the Right Apples: Opt for tart and firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp. Their tartness balances the sweetness of the cake and caramel, while their firmness ensures they hold up during baking.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter, eggs, and any other refrigerated ingredients are at room temperature. This allows for better emulsification, resulting in a smoother batter.
- Even Apple Dice: Dice the apples into uniform, small pieces (about ½-inch cubes). This ensures even baking and distribution throughout the cake.
- Avoid Overmixing: When incorporating the dry ingredients, mix just until no streaks of flour remain. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake.
- Springform Pan Prep: Line the bottom of your springform pan with parchment paper before greasing it. This makes it easier to remove the cake without losing any caramel topping.
- Watch the Caramel: When making the caramel, stir constantly and keep the heat on medium-low to prevent scorching. Look for a smooth, thick texture before pouring over the cake.
- Caramel Timing: Be precise with the timing when pouring the caramel onto the partially baked cake. Doing this too early or late can affect the caramel’s ability to set properly.
- Cooling Matters: Let the cake cool slightly before slicing. This allows the caramel to firm up for cleaner cuts, preventing it from sliding off.
- Optional Salted Caramel Twist: Add a pinch of flaky sea salt to the caramel for a salted caramel variation. The salty-sweet combination complements the spiced apple cake beautifully.
- Garnish for Flair: Sprinkle chopped pecans, walnuts, or even a dusting of cinnamon over the caramel topping for added texture and visual appeal.
- Serve Warm with Extras: Serve the cake slightly warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to enhance the indulgence.
With its tender spiced apple base and rich caramel topping, this cake will be a showstopper at any gathering. Happy baking!