Swedish Apple Cake Recipe
This classic Swedish Apple Cake is a moist, spiced dessert featuring layers of tender apple slices within a soft, cinnamon-infused batter. Enhanced with hints of cardamom for an authentic Nordic touch, this cake offers a delightful balance of sweet and tart flavors. Perfect for cozy autumn gatherings or any occasion craving a comforting, homemade treat.
- Author: Mia
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Swedish
- Diet: Vegetarian
Fruit
- 3 medium apples (such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground cardamom (optional, but adds authentic Swedish flair)
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar (for topping)
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon (for topping)
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt or sour cream
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round or square baking pan and line it with parchment paper to ensure easy cake removal after baking.
- Prepare Apples: Peel, core, and thinly slice the apples. Set them aside while you mix the batter, ensuring they stay fresh and ready to layer.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, and cardamom until evenly combined.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted and cooled butter, granulated sugar, lightly beaten eggs, vanilla extract, and plain yogurt or sour cream until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
- Combine Batter: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring gently just until combined. The batter will be thick but still spreadable; avoid overmixing to keep it tender.
- Layer Batter and Apples: Spread half of the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Arrange half of the sliced apples in a single layer evenly over the batter to create the first apple layer.
- Add Remaining Batter and Apples: Dollop the remaining batter on top of the apples and gently spread it out to cover them completely. Then, arrange the remaining apple slices on top in a decorative pattern for visual appeal.
- Prepare Topping: In a small bowl, mix the 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar with 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Sprinkle this cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the top layer of apples to add a sweet, spiced crunch after baking.
- Bake the Cake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the cake is golden brown, the apples are tender, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean without batter.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 to 15 minutes before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature, optionally accompanied by whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce to elevate the flavors.
Notes
- For best flavor, use tart and firm apples such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn as they hold their shape well during baking.
- Cardamom is optional but adds a traditional Swedish flavor dimension; feel free to omit it if unavailable.
- If you prefer a dairy-free version, substitute the yogurt or sour cream with a plant-based alternative like coconut yogurt.
- Make sure your melted butter is cooled to avoid cooking the eggs when mixing.
- Line the baking pan with parchment paper to ensure the cake releases easily without breaking.
- The cake can be stored covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerated for up to 5 days.
- Reheat slices gently in the microwave or oven before serving for a freshly baked experience.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 of cake)
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 22 g
- Sodium: 180 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
Keywords: Swedish apple cake, apple dessert, cinnamon cake, cardamom cake, traditional Swedish dessert, autumn cake