The Swedish Apple Cake That’s Like a Hug from Grandma (Even If You’re Not Swedish!)

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!

The Swedish Apple Cake cools on the white marble cooktop, its springform pan removed to reveal a caramel-cracked top. Slices are plated with forks, accompanied by a small pitcher of extra caramel sauce for drizzling.

Swedish Apple Cake Recipe

This apple cake is full of warm spices, tender apples, and a rich caramel glaze. A comforting dessert, perfect for fall, with a delicious caramel topping that adds extra sweetness and depth!
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 8

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.
    A small glass bowl on the white marble cooktop contains sifted flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. A sieve hovers above the bowl, releasing a fine dusting of spices, blending into an aromatic mixture.
  • In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until smooth.
  • Add eggs one at a time, then vanilla.
    The large glass bowl on the white marble cooktop shows eggs being cracked one by one into the creamy butter-sugar mixture. A measuring spoon of vanilla is poised to be added, while the mixture appears golden and smooth.
  • Slowly add dry ingredients to the wet mixture until just combined.
    The large glass bowl on the white marble cooktop contains the wet mixture as sifted dry ingredients are slowly folded in using a spatula. The thick batter is speckled with spices, blending into a cohesive mix.
  • Fold in apples and nuts if using.
    The large glass bowl on the white marble cooktop shows diced apples and chopped nuts being folded into the batter. A wooden spoon mixes the chunky batter, with apple peels and nut shells scattered nearby.
  • Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 35-40 minutes.
    A prepared 9-inch springform pan on the white marble cooktop is being filled with thick batter. Visible chunks of apple and nuts dot the surface, as the batter is spread evenly, ready for baking.
  • For the caramel: In a small saucepan, combine brown sugar, half & half, and butter. Heat over medium-low until smooth.
    A small saucepan on the white marble cooktop contains brown sugar, butter, and half & half, gently heated. A wooden spoon stirs the smooth, rich caramel mixture as steam rises delicately from the pot.
  • 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.
    The caramel-covered cake is back in the oven, sitting on the white marble cooktop. The caramel topping develops a cracked, golden crust as it bakes, with gentle steam escaping the oven.

Expert Tips for Apple Caramel Cake!

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. Even Apple Dice: Dice the apples into uniform, small pieces (about ½-inch cubes). This ensures even baking and distribution throughout the cake.
  4. Avoid Overmixing: When incorporating the dry ingredients, mix just until no streaks of flour remain. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. Cooling Matters: Let the cake cool slightly before slicing. This allows the caramel to firm up for cleaner cuts, preventing it from sliding off.
  9. 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.
  10. Garnish for Flair: Sprinkle chopped pecans, walnuts, or even a dusting of cinnamon over the caramel topping for added texture and visual appeal.
  11. 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!

Please Rate this Recipe
Recipe Image

Planning to try this recipe? Save it for later on Pinterest! 📌

Noah Baker

Hi! I’m Noah Baker

Noah Baker is a California-born food blogger behind "FreshmanCook," whose culinary journey began in his tiny apartment kitchen experimenting with recipes that blend innovative techniques and personal passion. After leaving his graphic design career, Noah transformed his love for cooking into a vibrant online platform that celebrates accessible, creative cuisine, capturing food lovers' attention with his stunning photography and approachable recipes. When he's not crafting mouthwatering dishes or styling food for his blog, Noah lives in a cozy apartment with his rescue dog, Basil.

More About Me

Please Leave a Star Rating and Comment Below

Leave a Comment

Recipe Rating