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.
Ingredients
- 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
Instructions
- Prep Pan: Butter an 8-inch round pan and dust lightly with flour to ensure effortless cake release.
- Prepare Apples: Slice apples into delicate, uniform wedges that will elegantly crown the cake’s surface.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: Whisk flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt in a medium bowl to create a uniform dry mixture.
- Cream Base: Blend softened butter and sugar until the mixture becomes light and airy, developing a pale, fluffy consistency.
- Build Batter: Incorporate eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly, then gently fold in vanilla extract to infuse aromatic depth.
- Develop Texture: Alternately add dry ingredients and milk to the butter mixture, stirring minimally to maintain the batter’s delicate structure.
- 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.
- Season Topping: Sprinkle a delicate layer of cinnamon and sugar over the apple arrangement to enhance flavor complexity.
- Bake and Transform: Position in a preheated 350F oven for 45-50 minutes, watching as the cake develops a golden, inviting appearance.
- 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