Swedish Apple Cake – Special Taste

Swedish Apple Cake is a traditional dessert that combines tender apples and warm cinnamon inside a soft, moist cake.

The natural sweetness of the apples blends beautifully with the gentle spices, creating a rich and comforting flavor that delights everyone who tastes it. Making this cake usually takes about an hour from start to finish, including preparation and baking.

The first time I made Swedish Apple Cake, my mother and friend both tried it and shared how much they enjoyed its delicious taste and comforting texture.

Now I will explain what makes Swedish Apple Cake so special and how to make it.

Why This Swedish Apple Cake Is A Must-Try?

This Swedish Apple Cake is a must-try for its perfect balance of simplicity and flavor. With tender slices of apple nestled in a moist, spiced cake, it delivers warm, comforting bites that feel homemade and nostalgic.

Made with basic pantry ingredients, it’s easy to prepare yet offers a deliciously satisfying dessert that pairs perfectly with coffee or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

How To Prepare Swedish Apple Cake?

Recipe Overview

Preparation Time: 20 minutes

Cooking Time: 40–45 minutes

Total Time: Approximately 1 hour 5 minutes

Course: Dessert

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: Swedish

Calories: Approx. 280 per serving (based on 8 servings)

Yield: 8 servings

Kitchen Utensils Needed

• Mixing bowls (medium & large)
• Hand whisk or electric mixer
• Sifter or fine mesh sieve
• Peeler & corer
• Knife & cutting board
• Measuring cups & spoons
• Saucepan
• 9-inch (23 cm) round cake pan
• Parchment paper
• Oven

Ingredients

• 4 large tart apples (e.g., Granny Smith or Braeburn), peeled, cored, and sliced thinly
• 200 g (1 cup) granulated sugar
• 125 g (1 cup) all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 large egg
• 115 g (½ cup) unsalted butter
• 120 ml (½ cup) whole milk
• 1 tsp vanilla sugar (or 1 tsp vanilla extract)
• Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)

How To Make Swedish Apple Cake

1. Peel, core, and thinly slice the apples. Toss them gently with half the cinnamon and a teaspoon of sugar. Set aside. Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F). Line the bottom of a 9-inch round cake pan with parchment paper and lightly grease the sides.

2. In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, salt, and remaining cinnamon. In a large bowl, beat the egg and granulated sugar together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy (about 3–5 minutes by hand or 2 with a mixer).

3. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Remove from heat and stir in the milk and vanilla sugar (or extract). Let cool slightly.

4. Gently fold the dry mixture into the egg-sugar mixture. Gradually stir in the warm milk-butter mixture until a smooth batter forms.

5. Pour half the batter into the prepared pan. Layer half of the apples on top. Repeat with remaining batter and apples. Bake for 40–45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool slightly before dusting with powdered sugar.

Note

This traditional Swedish apple cake is soft, mildly spiced with cinnamon, and best served with a warm drink or a dollop of whipped cream.

Using tart apples provides a pleasant contrast to the sweet batter, while vanilla sugar adds an authentic Scandinavian touch. No shortcuts or store-bought mixes are used.

Expert Tips

➢  Opt for tart and firm apples like Granny Smith, Braeburn, or Jonagold. They hold their shape during baking and provide a balanced sweet-tart contrast to the soft cake.

➢  Once you add the flour and liquid ingredients, gently fold them together. Overmixing will lead to a dense, tough cake instead of a light and tender

➢  Let the egg, milk, and butter (after melting) cool slightly before mixing. Room temperature ingredients incorporate better and help create an even texture.

➢  Create even layers of apples within the batter rather than just topping it. This ensures moistness throughout the cake and infuses the sponge with apple flavor.

➢  For extra texture and flavor, sprinkle a cinnamon-sugar mix on top before baking. It forms a delicate, crisp crust that pairs beautifully with the soft interior.

Swedish Apple Cake Serving Ideas

Swedish Apple Cake pairs beautifully with light, complementary flavors. Try serving it with a spoonful of crème fraîche or Greek yogurt for a tangy contrast, or a light dusting of cardamom for a Nordic twist.

A side of stewed berries or a splash of warm caramel sauce also adds depth without overpowering the delicate apple and cinnamon notes. Serve it slightly warm for the best flavor and texture.

How To Make With More Delicious

1. Caramelized Apples

Before layering the apples into the cake, lightly sauté them in a bit of butter, brown sugar, and a pinch of cinnamon. This deepens the flavor and adds a rich, caramel-like note.

2. Add Texture with Nuts

Mix chopped walnuts, almonds, or pecans into the batter or sprinkle them over the top before baking. They add a satisfying crunch and a nutty flavor that complements the apples beautifully.

3. Brighten with Citrus Zest

Add lemon or orange zest to the batter for a fresh, fragrant contrast to the sweetness of the apples and warmth of the cinnamon.

4. Replace Milk with Buttermilk or Sour Cream

Swap regular milk for buttermilk or sour cream. This gives the cake a richer, more tender crumb and a subtle tang that balances the sweetness.

5. Top with a Crunchy Streusel

Instead of just a dusting of sugar, add a simple streusel topping made with flour, butter, sugar, and cinnamon. It creates a golden, buttery crust for extra texture and flavor.

Health Benefits of Swedish Apple Cake

Swedish Apple Cake offers a comforting treat with some health perks. Apples provide fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants that support digestion and immunity. Using cinnamon adds anti-inflammatory benefits and helps regulate blood sugar.

When made with moderate sugar and healthy fats, this cake can be enjoyed as a balanced dessert that satisfies cravings while offering nutritional value.

Storage & Make Ahead

Swedish Apple Cake can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerated for up to 5 days. To keep it moist, warm slices gently before serving.

You can also bake the cake ahead of time and freeze it wrapped tightly for up to 2 months just thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat lightly before enjoying.

FAQs For Swedish Apple Cake

Conclusion

My Swedish Apple Cake was an easy and rewarding success. The warm cinnamon, tender apples, and moist texture came together perfectly, creating a dessert that my mother and friend truly loved.

Their kind words meant a lot and confirmed how special this cake really is. I’m happy with how it turned out and hope you’ll try making it soon you won’t be disappointed by its comforting flavor and simplicity.

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