When it comes to comforting desserts, there’s nothing quite like the combination of apples, cinnamon, and cake. This Swedish Apple Cake is an absolute crowd-pleaser, offering the perfect balance of sweet, spiced apples and a moist, fluffy cake base. It’s simple to make, uses basic ingredients you likely already have in your pantry, and best of all—it’s incredibly delicious. Inspired by classic Swedish flavors, this cake is a perfect addition to your autumn baking repertoire or anytime you want a homemade dessert that feels warm and inviting. The apples provide a natural sweetness, while the cinnamon topping gives the cake a comforting spiced crunch. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering, celebrating a special occasion, or just indulging in something homemade, this cake never disappoints. Let’s dive into what you’ll need and the first steps to get this beautiful apple cake baking.

Ingredients You’ll Need:

For the cake:

• 2 large apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup whole milk

For the topping:

• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Cake Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan to ensure the cake doesn’t stick once it’s baked.

Step 2: Prepare the Apple Topping

In a small bowl, combine the sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Take the apple slices and toss them in the mixture until they’re evenly coated. Set the apples aside while you prepare the cake batter.

 

Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. This dry mixture will give the cake structure and the cinnamon flavor that complements the apples perfectly.

 

Baking and Assembling Your Swedish Apple Cake

Now that your apples are ready and the dry ingredients are mixed, it’s time to focus on the batter. With the sweet and spiced apple slices as a topping and the soft, fluffy cake base beneath them, this dessert comes together quickly. The process is simple, but the result is a showstopper—perfect for any occasion.

Step 4: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together using a hand mixer or stand mixer. Beat them until the mixture is light and fluffy—this usually takes about 2-3 minutes. This process incorporates air into the batter, making the cake light and tender.

 

Step 5: Add the Eggs and Vanilla

Add the eggs, one at a time, to the butter-sugar mixture, beating well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract. The eggs help bind the ingredients and add richness to the cake.

 

Step 6: Add the Dry Ingredients and Milk

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined—be careful not to overmix, as this could make the cake dense. The batter will be smooth and thick.

Step 7: Pour the Batter into the Pan

Pour the batter into your prepared cake pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. This will be the base for the sweet apple topping, so make sure it’s evenly spread.

 

Step 8: Arrange the Apple Slices on Top

Gently place the coated apple slices on top of the batter, covering the surface evenly. The apples will sink slightly into the batter as it bakes, creating a beautiful, rustic look.

 

Step 9: Sprinkle the Cinnamon Sugar Topping

In a small bowl, mix together the sugar and cinnamon for the topping. Sprinkle it evenly over the apples. This adds a nice touch of sweetness and an extra layer of cinnamon flavor to the cake.

 

Step 10: Bake the Cake

Place the cake in the preheated 350°F (175°C) oven and bake for 45–50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The top of the cake should be golden brown, and the apples will have softened and sunk slightly into the batter. Keep an eye on it towards the end to ensure it doesn’t overbake.

Step 11: Cool and Serve

Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Once the cake is fully cooled, it’s ready to serve. You can enjoy it as is, or for an extra touch, dust the cake with some powdered sugar before serving for a beautiful, finishing touch.

Tips and Variations to make it your own- Swedish Apple Cake Recipe:

Swedish Apple Cake, with its tender crumb and juicy apple slices, is already a cozy and comforting dessert on its own. But the beauty of this simple, rustic treat is that it’s easy to adapt based on what you have in your pantry—or your personal taste. Below are some thoughtful tips and creative variations to help you make your Swedish Apple Cake truly your own.

• Use Tart Apples: Choose firm, slightly tart apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn for the best balance of sweetness and acidity. They hold their shape and add a bright flavor to the cake.

• Don’t Overmix the Batter: Once you add the dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to a denser texture.

• Cool Before Slicing: Let the cake cool before cutting into it. This helps the crumb set and gives cleaner slices.

• Add a Streusel Topping: For extra texture and flavor, sprinkle a simple streusel made of flour, sugar, and butter on top before baking.

• Dust with Powdered Sugar or Glaze: Finish the cooled cake with a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of vanilla glaze to elevate presentation and flavor.

Delicious Variations:

• Add Spices: Enhance the warm flavors by adding cinnamon, cardamom, or nutmeg to the batter. Cardamom is especially traditional in Scandinavian baking.

• Incorporate Nuts: Add a handful of chopped walnuts or almonds to the batter or sprinkle them on top for a little crunch.

• Swap Apples for Pears: For a slight twist, substitute pears for the apples. Just make sure they’re ripe but still firm.

• Mix in Raisins or Dried Cranberries: Stir a small amount into the batter for added sweetness and a hint of chew.

• Serve with Vanilla Sauce or Ice Cream: In Sweden, this cake is often served with vaniljsås (vanilla custard sauce). A scoop of vanilla ice cream or lightly sweetened whipped cream works just as well.

• Make it Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free 1:1 flour blend and ensure your baking powder is gluten-free. This cake holds up well to substitutions.

• Add a Citrus Note: Mix in a little lemon or orange zest to the batter for a bright, fresh flavor contrast.

 

Swedish Apple Cake: FAQ and Final Thoughts

Your Swedish Apple Cake is now ready to come out of the oven and cool, bringing with it the irresistible aromas of cinnamon and apples. This simple yet flavorful cake is perfect for any occasion, offering the perfect balance of light, fluffy cake and sweet, spiced apple topping. Let’s wrap things up with some common questions and final thoughts on why this cake is bound to become a family favorite.

Can I use other fruits instead of apples?

While apples are traditional in this recipe, you can absolutely swap them for other fruits. Pears or plums would work beautifully in place of apples, offering a different but equally delicious flavor profile. If you choose to use a more watery fruit, like berries, be sure to reduce the amount of liquid in the batter to avoid making the cake soggy.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, this cake actually gets better the next day as the flavors meld together. You can bake it the day before and store it at room temperature in an airtight container. For longer storage, you can refrigerate it for up to 3–4 days.

Can I freeze this cake?

Definitely! Once the cake has completely cooled, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. To serve, allow the cake to thaw at room temperature or gently warm it in the oven.

What can I use instead of butter?

If you’re looking for a dairy-free alternative, you can substitute the butter with margarine or vegetable oil. The texture may change slightly, but the flavor will still be delicious.

Can I add nuts to the cake?

Yes, adding chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter is a great idea if you like a bit of crunch and nutty flavor. Just fold them in gently before pouring the batter into the cake pan.

Final Thoughts: Why You’ll Love This Swedish Apple Cake

This Swedish Apple Cake is one of those recipes that’s easy enough for beginners but still delivers big, comforting flavors that will impress any guest. The combination of soft, moist cake and sweet, cinnamon-scented apples makes this dessert a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for any season. What I love most about this cake is its simplicity—there’s no need for fancy equipment or complicated techniques. With just a few ingredients, you can create a dessert that’s rich in flavor and feels homemade from start to finish. Whether you’re making it for a holiday celebration, a casual family gathering, or just to enjoy a slice with a cup of tea, this cake will always bring a smile to your face. So, give this Swedish Apple Cake a try—you won’t regret it. Print