Cozy Swedish Apple Cake Recipe: A Homey Treat to Cherish

Sweet aromas of cinnamon and apples waft through the kitchen during this delightful rustic Swedish apple cake recipe that promises pure comfort.

Nordic baking traditions shine through in every golden-brown slice of this beloved dessert.

Generations of Swedish families have cherished this simple yet extraordinary treat passed down through time.

Tender apples nestled beneath a buttery, crumbly crust create a harmonious blend of textures and flavors.

The cake’s rustic charm reflects the warmth of Scandinavian home cooking, inviting you to savor each delectable bite.

Prepare to transport your taste buds to the cozy countryside with this irresistible apple cake that celebrates seasonal ingredients and time-honored baking techniques.

One forkful of this delightful dessert will make you fall in love with Swedish culinary traditions.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Calories: 220 kcal

Servings: 9

Ingredient List for a Cozy Swedish Apple Cake

• All-Purpose Flour: Sturdy foundation that creates soft, tender cake structure with delicate crumb.
• Baking Powder: Essential leavening agent ensuring cake rises beautifully and maintains airy texture.
• Salt: Enhances flavors and balances sweetness, bringing depth to the cake's overall taste.
• Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps create golden caramelized exterior.

• Unsalted Butter: Adds rich, creamy flavor and contributes to cake's tender texture.
• Milk: Introduces moisture and helps blend ingredients smoothly.
• Eggs: Bind ingredients together, provide structure, and contribute to cake's smooth consistency.
• Vanilla Extract: Infuses warm, aromatic flavor that complements apple's natural sweetness.

• Apples: Fresh, crisp fruit that adds natural sweetness and delightful texture to the cake.
• Ground Cinnamon: Warm, comforting spice that perfectly complements apple's flavor profile.

Everything You’ll Need for a Simple Apple Cake

• Cake Pan (8-inch round): Essential for baking the cake, preferably with non-stick surface or lined with parchment paper.
• Mixing Bowls (medium and large): Needed for combining dry ingredients and creating cake batter.
• Whisk: Perfect for blending dry ingredients and creating smooth mixtures.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Crucial for accurate ingredient measurements.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring and folding cake batter.
• Sharp Knife: Required for peeling and slicing apples into thin wedges.
• Cutting Board: Helps with preparing apples safely.
• Toothpick: Used to test cake doneness by checking for clean insertion.

Bake the Perfect Swedish Apple Cake in Just a Few Steps

• Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to 350F and get a cake pan ready by greasing it or lining with parchment paper.

• Slice the Fruit

Grab your apples and cut them into delicate, thin wedges. Add a sprinkle of cinnamon if you want extra pizzazz.

• Mix the Base

Whip together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt in one bowl. In another bowl, cream butter and sugar until fluffy and light. Drop in eggs one by one, stirring after each. Pour in vanilla for an aromatic touch.

• Create the Batter

Slowly blend dry ingredients into the butter mixture, alternating with milk. Stir gently until everything just comes together.

• Build the Cake

Pour your silky batter into the prepared pan. Artfully arrange apple slices on top, pressing them slightly into the surface. Dust with a touch more cinnamon for extra warmth.

• Bake to Perfection

Pop the cake into the oven and let it transform for 45-50 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top turns golden and a toothpick comes out clean.

• Serve and Enjoy

Let the cake rest for a few minutes, then carefully remove from the pan. Serve with a dollop of vanilla ice cream or a light sprinkle of powdered sugar for pure delight.

Tips to Make It Moist, Tender, and Aromatic

• Ensure butter and eggs are at room temperature for smoother batter mixing and better cake texture.
• Prepare cake batter night before and refrigerate, then add apple slices just before baking for stress-free morning baking.
• Swap all-purpose flour with gluten-free blend and add xanthan gum to maintain cake's classic tender crumb and structure.
• Experiment with different apple varieties like Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Braeburn for unique flavor profiles and texture variations.
• Replace milk with almond milk and use coconut oil instead of butter to create a delicious dairy-free version of this classic Swedish dessert.

Serve That Swedish Apple Cake with Warm Whip or Ice Cream

• Cozy Coffee Companion: Pair this Swedish apple cake with a steaming mug of freshly brewed coffee or hot tea to enhance the warm, comforting flavors of the dessert.
• Creamy Vanilla Delight: Top a slice with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to add a luxurious, cool contrast to the warm cake.
• Breakfast Breakfast Bliss: Enjoy a slice for a delightful morning treat, perfectly complemented by a side of Greek yogurt or a light sprinkle of chopped nuts for added texture and protein.
• Elegant Afternoon Treat: Serve small squares at a mid-afternoon gathering with friends, garnished with a light dusting of powdered sugar and accompanied by a sweet dessert wine.

How to Keep Apple Cake Soft for Days

• Let the cake rest at room temperature for 15-20 minutes after baking, allowing flavors to settle and texture to stabilize before serving.
• Store leftover cake in an airtight container within the refrigerator for up to 4 days, maintaining its moisture and preventing staleness.
• Wrap individual slices or whole cake tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, storing in the freezer for maximum 2 months without compromising taste or texture.
• Warm refrigerated cake slices in microwave for 15-20 seconds or in oven at 300F for 5-7 minutes to restore original soft, tender consistency and enhance apple's natural sweetness.

FAQs

• Is this cake difficult to make for beginners?

No, Swedish Apple Cake is very beginner-friendly. The recipe uses basic ingredients and simple mixing techniques that anyone can follow easily. Even novice bakers can successfully create this delicious dessert with clear instructions.

• Can I use different types of apples for this recipe?

Yes, you can use various apple varieties like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji. Choose apples that are firm and slightly tart for the best texture and flavor in the cake. Just ensure they are fresh and ripe.

• How do I know when the cake is fully baked?

Check the cake around 45 minutes by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean with no wet batter, the cake is done. The top should also be golden brown and slightly firm to the touch.

• Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Use a 1:1 baking mix that contains xanthan gum for the best texture. The rest of the ingredients remain the same.

Rustic Swedish Apple Cake Recipe

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4.7 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 9 1x

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Description

Malmö’s classic Swedish apple cake delights dessert enthusiasts with its buttery crumb and caramelized apple layers. Cinnamon-spiced apples nestled in a tender cake create a comforting Nordic treat you’ll savor with each delectable bite.

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Ingredients

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• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup brown sugar, packed
• 3 medium apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
• ¼ cup milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ¼ tsp salt
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp granulated sugar
• ½ tsp ground cinnamon
• ¼ tsp ground cardamom (optional, for extra warmth)
• ½ tsp almond extract (optional, for traditional flavor)
• ¼ cup sliced almonds
• Powdered sugar for dusting

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Instructions

1. Prep Pan: Butter an 8-inch round pan and dust lightly with flour to ensure effortless cake release.
2. Prepare Apples: Slice apples into delicate, uniform wedges that will elegantly crown the cake’s surface.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients: Whisk flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt in a medium bowl to create a uniform dry mixture.
4. Cream Base: Blend softened butter and sugar until the mixture becomes light and airy, developing a pale, fluffy consistency.
5. Build Batter: Incorporate eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly, then gently fold in vanilla extract to infuse aromatic depth.
6. Develop Texture: Alternately add dry ingredients and milk to the butter mixture, stirring minimally to maintain the batter’s delicate structure.
7. Assemble Cake: Pour batter into prepared pan, creating an even foundation, then meticulously arrange apple slices across the surface, gently pressing them into the batter.
8. Season Topping: Sprinkle a delicate layer of cinnamon and sugar over the apple arrangement to enhance flavor complexity.
9. Bake and Transform: Position in a preheated 350F oven for 45-50 minutes, watching as the cake develops a golden, inviting appearance.
10. Finish and Serve: Test doneness with a toothpick, then allow cake to rest 10-15 minutes. Release from pan and serve warm, optionally dusted with powdered sugar or accompanied by vanilla ice cream.

Notes

Prevent Apple Browning: Toss sliced apples in a touch of lemon juice to maintain their crisp, fresh appearance and prevent oxidation.

Achieve Perfect Texture: Mix batter minimally to avoid developing gluten, which can result in a tough, dense cake instead of a tender crumb.

Control Moisture Balance: Pat apple slices dry before arranging to prevent excess liquid from making the cake soggy or unevenly baked.

Customize Dietary Needs: Substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free alternatives or almond flour for those with wheat sensitivities, ensuring the cake remains light and delicious.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Swedish

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 9
• Calories: 220
• Sugar: 14 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg