If you’re looking for a cozy dessert that combines the warm flavors of cinnamon and nutmeg with the natural sweetness of apples, this Swedish Apple Cake Recipe is about to become your new favorite. It’s a delightful cake with tender apple chunks and a luscious caramel topping that creates a perfect balance of soft texture and rich, buttery sweetness. This cake isn’t just beautiful to look at, it also feels like a comforting hug straight from a Swedish grandmother’s kitchen. Whether you’re serving it for a family gathering or craving a special treat, this recipe will bring smiles all around.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting ready to bake this Swedish Apple Cake Recipe is a breeze with just a handful of ingredients that work together to create undeniable flavor and texture. Each one plays an essential role, from the tender apples lending moisture and freshness to the spices that bring warmth and depth.
- ½ cup butter, room temperature: Brings richness and helps create a tender crumb.
- 1 ⅔ cups sugar: Sweetens the cake, balancing the tartness of the apples.
- 2 eggs: Provide structure and help bind the ingredients.
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract: Adds a subtle, aromatic sweetness for depth.
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour: The base that holds everything together perfectly.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Ensures the cake rises beautifully with a light texture.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the sweet flavors and balances the spices.
- 1 ½ teaspoons cinnamon: The star spice that gives the cake its comforting warmth.
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg: Adds a spicy, nutty undertone.
- 3 cups diced & peeled apples (about 2 large apples): Provides moisture, freshness, and wonderful texture.
- Optional: ¼ cup chopped pecans or walnuts: For an extra crunch and nutty flavor.
- For the caramel:
- 1 ⅓ cup brown sugar: Gives the caramel its deep, molasses-like sweetness.
- 2 tablespoons half & half: Creates a creamy, smooth consistency.
- 4 tablespoons butter: Adds richness and glossy finish to the caramel topping.
How to Make Swedish Apple Cake Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) because a properly heated oven is key to that perfect rise and golden crust. Grease a 9-inch springform pan thoroughly so your cake won’t stick and comes out in one beautiful piece ready to impress.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a small bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This step ensures your spices are evenly distributed and your cake bakes with a consistent texture and flavor throughout, which is crucial in the Swedish Apple Cake Recipe.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
Take your softened butter and sugar and beat them together in a large bowl until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy. This process is where the magic begins—it incorporates air, helping your cake to be tender and light.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully mixed in before adding the next. Then blend in the vanilla extract for that subtle fragrance that ties all the flavors together beautifully.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually fold your sifted dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir just until combined to avoid overmixing, which can make the cake dense. Keeping it gentle ensures your Swedish Apple Cake Recipe stays soft and fluffy.
Step 6: Fold in Apples and Nuts
Gently fold in those juicy diced apples along with the nuts if you’re using them. These pieces add delightful texture contrasts, and moisten the cake from the inside, making every bite a memorable one.
Step 7: Bake Your Cake
Pour the batter into your prepared springform pan, spreading it out evenly so it cooks uniformly. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes. This is the moment where aromas start filling your kitchen, teasing you with what’s to come.
Step 8: Prepare and Add the Caramel
About 30 minutes into baking, start the caramel sauce by combining brown sugar, half & half, and butter in a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir it until smooth and glossy. Once the cake is out of the oven, pour this luscious caramel over the top and pop the cake back in for another 10 to 15 minutes to meld those flavors together into pure bliss.
Step 9: Cool and Enjoy
Let the cake cool for at least 15 minutes so that the caramel sets slightly but the cake remains moist. Serve warm or at room temperature—the Swedish Apple Cake Recipe shines either way.
How to Serve Swedish Apple Cake Recipe
Garnishes
A dusting of powdered sugar, a dollop of fresh whipped cream, or even a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream takes this cake from wonderful to utterly unforgettable. These simple garnishes complement the sweet, spiced apples and caramel perfectly.
Side Dishes
Pair your Swedish Apple Cake with a cup of brewed coffee or a cup of rich black tea to balance the sweetness. For a brunch twist, serve with a fresh green salad or some creamy yogurt on the side to keep things light and fresh.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress your guests? Serve slices on pretty dessert plates topped with chopped toasted nuts and a sprinkle of cinnamon. Drizzle extra caramel sauce on top or add a crunchy streusel topping before baking for a delightful variation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can keep leftover Swedish Apple Cake Recipe covered at room temperature for up to two days or refrigerate it in an airtight container for up to five days. The caramel may thicken as it chills, so letting it sit at room temperature for a bit before serving brings out its best texture again.
Freezing
This cake freezes beautifully. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. To thaw, simply transfer it to the fridge overnight, then serve at room temperature or warm it gently in the oven for that freshly baked feeling.
Reheating
To enjoy the cake warm, reheat individual slices in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds or place the whole cake in a 325°F oven covered with foil to prevent drying out, heating for about 10 minutes. This brings back the caramel’s gooey charm and soft cake texture.
FAQs
Can I use other types of apples for this recipe?
Absolutely! Apples like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala work wonderfully. Just choose firmer apples to maintain some bite and avoid mushiness.
Is it necessary to use a springform pan?
While a springform pan is ideal for easy removal and presentation, you can use a regular 9-inch cake pan—just be sure to grease it well and possibly line it with parchment paper.
Can I make the caramel sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the caramel sauce in advance and gently warm it before pouring over the cake. Freshly made caramel, though, always tastes best.
What’s the best way to dice the apples for this cake?
Peel the apples and cut them into small, even cubes about ½ inch in size. This ensures they cook evenly and distribute throughout the cake nicely.
Can I substitute nuts or omit them?
Definitely! The nuts are optional and can be omitted if you prefer a nut-free cake. You can also swap pecans or walnuts for almonds or hazelnuts for a different crunch.
Final Thoughts
There’s something simply magical about this Swedish Apple Cake Recipe—a perfect melody of spices, apples, and rich caramel that feels like a warm embrace. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just because you want to brighten your day, this cake invites you to slow down, savor each bite, and smile. I encourage you to try it soon; it’s a sweet slice of Sweden you’re going to love sharing.
Print
Swedish Apple Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Swedish
Description
This classic Swedish Apple Cake combines tender, cinnamon-spiced cake packed with juicy diced apples and a luscious homemade caramel sauce topping. Perfectly baked and finished with a rich caramel glaze, this cake offers comforting autumn flavors with a delightful balance of sweetness and spice.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- ½ cup butter, room temperature
- 1 ⅔ cup sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ teaspoons cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg
- 3 cups diced and peeled apples (approximately 2 large apples)
- Optional: ¼ cup chopped pecans or walnuts
For the Caramel:
- 1 ⅓ cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons half & half
- 4 tablespoons butter
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and thoroughly grease a 9-inch springform pan to ensure the cake doesn’t stick.
- Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a small bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Set this mixture aside for later.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the room temperature butter and sugar together until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy, which helps incorporate air for a light texture.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time to the creamed butter and sugar, mixing well after each addition. Then stir in the vanilla extract to enhance the cake’s flavor depth.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined to avoid overworking the batter.
- Fold in Apples and Nuts: Gently fold the diced apples and optional chopped pecans or walnuts into the batter, ensuring they are evenly distributed without breaking down the fruit.
- Transfer Batter: Pour the fully combined batter into the prepared springform pan and spread it evenly for uniform baking.
- Bake the Cake: Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake for about 35-40 minutes. Halfway through, prepare the caramel sauce.
- Make the Caramel: While the cake bakes, combine the brown sugar, half & half, and butter in a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir frequently until the caramel is smooth and fully combined.
- Add Caramel to Cake: After the cake has baked for 30 minutes, remove it from the oven and pour the prepared caramel sauce evenly over the top. Return the cake to the oven and bake for another 10-15 minutes until the caramel bubbles and the cake is cooked through.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature to enjoy the full flavors and gooey texture.
Notes
- You can substitute half & half with heavy cream for a richer caramel sauce.
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a balanced sweet-tart flavor.
- Ensure the butter is at room temperature for easier creaming and better cake texture.
- Optional nuts add a lovely crunch but can be omitted for a nut-free version.
- Cool the cake slightly before serving to allow the caramel to set for easier slicing.
