This Swedish Apple Cake is a soft, buttery dessert filled with tender cinnamon-spiced apples and a light cake batter. Simple, rustic, and comforting, it’s perfect served warm with coffee, tea, or vanilla ice cream.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Bake Time: 40–45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Servings: 8
Ingredients
For the Apples
- 3 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled and sliced
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
For the Cake Batter
- 1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup milk
Optional Topping
- Powdered sugar for dusting
- Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for serving
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the apples
In a bowl, toss sliced apples with sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice.
Set aside while preparing the batter so they slightly soften.
Step 2: Preheat the oven
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease and lightly flour an 8-inch or 9-inch cake pan.
Step 3: Make the cake batter
In a mixing bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
Stir in vanilla extract.
Step 4: Combine dry ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together:
- Flour
- Baking powder
- Salt
Gradually add dry ingredients into the butter mixture, alternating with milk.
Mix until smooth and thick.
Step 5: Assemble the cake
Spread half the batter into the prepared pan.
Layer half the apples on top.
Add remaining batter, then arrange the rest of the apples on top.
Step 6: Bake
Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until:
- Golden on top
- A toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean
Step 7: Cool and serve
Let the cake cool for 10–15 minutes.
Dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Serve warm or at room temperature.
Tips for Best Results
- Tart apples give the best flavor balance
- Don’t overmix the batter to keep it soft
- Serve warm for a traditional Swedish-style experience
- Add a pinch of cardamom for a more authentic Nordic flavor
Storage
- Room temperature: up to 2 days (covered)
- Refrigerator: up to 5 days
- Reheat slightly before serving for best texture
What is Swedish Apple Cake?
Swedish Apple Cake is a rustic Scandinavian dessert made with spiced apples baked into a simple butter-based cake. It is known for its soft texture, warm cinnamon flavor, and homestyle comfort.
If you want, I can also give you a moist version with caramel topping or a gluten-free Swedish apple cake variation.