Swedish Apple Cake
Oh my goodness, let me introduce you to a recipe that will have your kitchen smelling like the coziest apple orchard! This Swedish Apple Cake is the kind of dessert that feels like a warm hug in every bite. Picture a soft, slightly spiced cake packed with juicy apple chunks and topped with a golden, buttery crumble. As it bakes, the aroma will make you feel like you’re wrapped in a cozy blanket by the fire. Seriously, it’s a game-changer. Whether you’re treating yourself after a long day or serving it at a gathering, this cake will be the star of the show!
I know, you’re probably thinking, “Is it really that good?” Trust me—it is. This cake is simple but so delicious. The apples add moisture, the cinnamon gives it just the right amount of warmth, and that crumbly topping? Pure perfection. It’s the kind of dessert that leaves everyone asking for the recipe.
Why You’ll Love Swedish Apple Cake
This isn’t just any apple cake—it’s the kind of recipe that makes people go, “Wow, I need more of this in my life.” Here’s why it’s a favorite:
- Versatile: Whether you’re baking it for a holiday gathering, a family dinner, or just because it’s a cozy Sunday, this cake fits every occasion. You can enjoy it warm from the oven with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or as a sweet treat with your afternoon coffee. It’s perfect for any moment.
- Budget-Friendly: Using just a handful of pantry staples like flour, sugar, apples, and butter, this cake is incredibly budget-friendly. But don’t let the simplicity fool you—it’s packed with flavor and will make you feel like you’ve created something special.
- Quick and Easy: Even if you’re not a seasoned baker, you’ll find this recipe easy to follow. There’s no need to stress over complicated techniques. The beauty of this cake is in its simplicity, and you’ll be able to enjoy it in no time!
- Crowd-Pleasing: I can’t think of anyone who wouldn’t love a slice of this cake. The sweet apples, the spice from cinnamon, and that crumbly topping will have people coming back for seconds—and asking for the recipe!
- Customizable: Want to add a twist? You can! Toss in some chopped walnuts, a handful of raisins, or a dash of vanilla extract. This cake can be made your own with a little creativity.

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Ingredients
Here’s the magic behind this Swedish Apple Cake—it’s made with just a few simple ingredients that come together to create something truly amazing. Let’s break it down:
Apples: The star of the show. Use your favorite baking apples—Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work wonders. Their tartness balances out the sweetness of the cake.
Flour: A key ingredient for the cake’s structure. Regular all-purpose flour does the job here.
Butter: This gives the cake its rich flavor and soft texture. Don’t skimp on this—it’s what makes this cake so irresistible.
Sugar: A little sweetness goes a long way. The sugar in the cake balances the apples’ natural tartness and gives the crumb topping a golden crunch.
Eggs: Eggs help bind everything together, giving the cake structure and a soft crumb.
Baking Powder: This little helper makes sure your cake rises to perfection—light and fluffy.
Cinnamon: A touch of cinnamon gives the cake that cozy, spiced warmth we all love in an apple dessert.
Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla rounds out the flavors and gives the cake a subtle, aromatic sweetness.
Topping (Optional): The buttery, sugar-filled topping is what makes this cake extra special. It adds a delightful crunch to each bite.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps for making this deliciously comforting Swedish Apple Cake:
Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to [temperature]. Preheating is key to getting that perfect golden-brown finish on your cake.
Prepare the Apples:
Peel, core, and slice your apples into thin wedges. The thinner the slices, the better they’ll soften as the cake bakes. Set them aside to mix into the batter later.
Mix the Wet Ingredients:
In a large bowl, beat your butter and sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. Then, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and keep the good vibes going with that heavenly scent.
Combine the Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, and cinnamon. Slowly add this dry mixture into the wet ingredients and mix just until combined. You don’t want to overmix it—just enough to bring it all together into a smooth batter.
Add the Apples:
Fold the prepared apples gently into the batter. You want them evenly distributed, so every slice gets a bite of cake.
Prepare the Pan:
Grease your baking pan and pour in the batter, spreading it evenly with a spatula. The pan should be ready to go—don’t forget this step, or your cake might stick!
Make the Crumb Topping:
In a small bowl, mix together a little extra butter, sugar, and flour until you get that crumbly texture. Sprinkle the crumb mixture over the top of the cake—this is where the magic happens!
Bake to Perfection:
Pop the cake into the oven and bake for about [time duration], or until the top is golden and a toothpick comes out clean. The house will smell absolutely divine while it’s baking, and you’ll be counting down the minutes!
Finishing Touches:
Once the cake is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. It’s tempting to dig in right away, but a little cooling time makes a big difference!
Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the cake warm, with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence. Trust me, you’re going to love this.
How to Serve Swedish Apple Cake
This cake is delicious on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a few sides to make the experience even better. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your dessert game:
- Vanilla Ice Cream: A warm slice of cake with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream is a match made in heaven.
- Whipped Cream: A dollop of fresh whipped cream adds a light, fluffy contrast to the dense cake.
- Fresh Berries: Serve with a handful of fresh berries for a sweet-tart contrast to the rich cake.
- Tea or Coffee: Pair this cake with a cup of warm tea or coffee for a cozy afternoon treat.
Additional Tips
- Prep Ahead: You can peel and slice the apples ahead of time and store them in a bowl with a little lemon juice to prevent browning. This will save you time when you’re ready to bake.
- Spice It Up: If you love a bit more warmth, try adding a pinch of nutmeg or allspice to the batter. It’ll give the cake an extra layer of flavor!
- Dietary Adjustments: To make this cake gluten-free, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. For a dairy-free version, swap in vegan butter and your favorite plant-based milk.
- Storage Tips: Leftover cake can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to a month—just be sure to let it cool completely before wrapping and storing.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use any type of apple for this cake?
A1: Yes! While tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best, you can use whatever apples you have on hand. Just keep in mind that sweeter apples will make the cake a little less tangy.
Q2: Can I make this cake ahead of time?
A2: Absolutely! This cake actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors have time to meld. You can bake it the night before and serve it at room temperature or warmed up.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it for up to a month.
Q4: Can I add nuts to the cake?
A4: Yes! Chopped walnuts or pecans would be a great addition to this cake. Just fold them into the batter along with the apples.
Q5: How do I know when the cake is done?
A5: Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake—if it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs attached, the cake is ready!
Conclusion
This Swedish Apple Cake is everything you’ve ever wanted in a dessert—comforting, simple, and absolutely irresistible. Whether you’re baking it for a special occasion or just because you deserve something sweet, this cake is guaranteed to impress. So, go ahead, grab those apples and let’s get baking! You’re going to love this one
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Swedish Apple Cake
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50-55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10-15 minutes
- Yield: 8–10 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Swedish
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Swedish Apple Cake is a warm and comforting dessert with a rich caramel topping. It’s loaded with tender apples, cinnamon, and nutmeg, giving it that perfect fall flavor. The homemade caramel glaze adds the finishing touch for a delectable treat that’s sure to impress!
Ingredients
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For the Cake:
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½ cup butter, room temp
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1 ⅔ cup sugar
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2 eggs
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1 ½ teaspoons vanilla
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1 ½ cups flour
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1 teaspoon baking soda
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1 teaspoon salt
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1 ½ teaspoons cinnamon
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½ teaspoon nutmeg
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3 cups diced & peeled apples (~2 large apples)
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Optional: ¼ cup chopped pecans or walnuts
For the Caramel:
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1 ⅓ cup brown sugar
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2 tablespoons half & half
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4 tablespoons butter
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Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch springform pan.
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In a small bowl, sift together flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
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In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until smooth, then add eggs one at a time. Stir in vanilla.
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Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined. Fold in apples and nuts (if using).
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Transfer the batter to the prepared pan and bake for 35-40 minutes.
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While the cake is baking, prepare the caramel: in a small saucepan, combine brown sugar, half & half, and butter. Heat over medium-low, stirring frequently until smooth (no need to boil).
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After the cake has baked for 30 minutes, remove from the oven and pour the caramel over the top. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the caramel is cracking and the cake is cooked through.
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Allow the cake to cool for at least 15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
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Be sure to allow the cake to cool slightly before cutting so the caramel can set.
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You can use any type of apple, but tart apples like Granny Smith work wonderfully in this cake.
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If you don’t have a springform pan, you can use a regular cake pan, but be sure to grease it well.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 42g
- Sodium: 170mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 55mg