Swedish Apple Cake

There are certain desserts that you can’t just stop eating once you start, and Swedish Apple Cake is definitely one of them. This cake is the perfect balance of sweet, tart apples, a buttery cake base, and a rich, caramelized topping. If you’re someone who loves the combination of apples and cake, then this dessert will quickly become one of your favorites.

A few years ago, my sister-in-law made Swedish Apple Cake for a family gathering, and I couldn’t get enough of it. I was practically out of control—just one slice turned into two, then three. It was so good that I couldn’t help myself. The cake is so simple, but it packs a punch of flavor that makes it incredibly addictive.

Whether you’re looking for a new dessert for the holidays or a sweet treat for a casual family gathering, this Swedish Apple Cake is a must-try. It’s not only easy to make, but it also features a classic flavor profile that will never go out of style.

Why You’ll Love Swedish Apple Cake

There’s a lot to love about Swedish Apple Cake:

Simple Ingredients: It doesn’t require complicated ingredients or techniques. With just a few basic pantry items and fresh apples, you can create a decadent, mouthwatering cake.

Classic Flavors: The combination of fresh apples, cinnamon, and a buttery cake base is timeless. It’s comforting, warm, and perfect for any occasion.

Easy to Make: The recipe is incredibly simple, which makes it a great option for beginner bakers or anyone looking for a quick and easy dessert to whip up.

Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a casual family meal, a holiday gathering, or a weekend treat, this cake fits the bill. It’s sure to impress your guests with its rich flavor and texture.

Ingredients for Swedish Apple Cake

This Swedish Apple Cake comes together with basic ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Cake:

3-4 medium-sized apples (use a variety like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for a balance of tartness and sweetness)

1 cup all-purpose flour (for the cake base)

½ teaspoon baking powder (helps the cake rise)

½ teaspoon cinnamon (adds warmth and flavor)

1/4 teaspoon salt (balances the sweetness of the apples)

1 stick (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, softened (gives the cake its rich texture)

1 cup granulated sugar (for sweetness)

2 large eggs (for structure and moisture)

1 teaspoon vanilla extract (adds a hint of flavor)

1/2 cup milk (provides moisture and smoothness to the batter)

For the Topping:

1 tablespoon butter, melted (to drizzle over the apples)

1/4 cup brown sugar (for sweetness and caramelization)

1/4 teaspoon cinnamon (to enhance the flavor of the apples and add a little warmth)

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Swedish Apple Cake

Now that we’ve gathered all the ingredients, it’s time to get baking! This Swedish Apple Cake is easy to prepare, and the results are absolutely delicious. Follow these simple steps for a perfect cake every time.

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that the oven is hot and ready for the cake once your preparation is complete.

Step 2: Prepare the Apples

Begin by peeling, coring, and slicing the apples into small, bite-sized chunks. You don’t need to worry about making the apple slices too uniform—this is a rustic-style cake, so a variety of shapes and sizes is perfectly fine.

Once the apples are prepared, set them aside. If you want to avoid browning, you can toss them in a little lemon juice to keep them fresh while you prepare the rest of the ingredients.

Step 3: Make the Cake Batter

In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Mix these dry ingredients until they are well combined.

In a separate bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. This will take about 2-3 minutes using an electric mixer. The goal is to incorporate air into the butter and sugar to make the cake light and fluffy.

Next, add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add the vanilla extract and mix until combined.

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix gently until just combined; do not overmix.

Step 4: Assemble the Cake

Grease a 9-inch round cake pan (or a square pan, depending on what you have on hand) and lightly flour it, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Pour the cake batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly across the surface. Then, gently fold in the apple chunks, distributing them evenly throughout the batter.

Step 5: Add the Topping

In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Stir until well mixed.

Drizzle this mixture over the top of the cake batter, making sure the apples are covered. The brown sugar and butter will melt into the cake, creating a beautiful caramelized topping as it bakes.

Step 6: Bake the Cake

Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake for about 35-45 minutes, or until the cake is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

As the cake bakes, the apples will soften, and the topping will form a delicious caramelized crust over the cake. The aroma of the cinnamon and apples will fill your kitchen, creating a truly comforting atmosphere.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Once the cake is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. This will help the cake set and make it easier to remove from the pan.

After it’s slightly cooled, transfer the cake to a wire rack to cool completely. While it’s cooling, you can serve it as-is, or you can top it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for extra indulgence.

Why This Swedish Apple Cake is So Addictive

This Swedish Apple Cake is one of those desserts that you can’t stop eating once you take the first bite. Here’s why it’s so irresistible:

The Apples: The apples bring a natural sweetness and tartness to the cake, balancing the richness of the buttery cake base. The chunks of apples become soft and tender during baking, creating a perfect contrast to the slightly crisp top.

The Cinnamon and Sugar Topping: The combination of brown sugar and cinnamon creates a caramelized crust on top of the cake. This topping is a game-changer, adding both texture and flavor that perfectly complements the apple filling.

The Soft, Moist Cake: The cake itself is rich and moist, with a slight crumb that melts in your mouth. It’s not too heavy, but it’s still dense enough to hold up to the apple filling.

Tips for the Perfect Swedish Apple Cake

Use Firm Apples: For the best texture, use firm apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji. These apples hold their shape well when baked and won’t turn mushy.

Don’t Overmix the Batter: Be careful not to overmix the cake batter. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake, which is not the texture you want. Mix just until combined.

Let the Cake Cool Before Serving: Let the cake cool for at least 10 minutes before removing it from the pan. This helps it set and prevents the cake from falling apart.

Customize the Topping: Feel free to experiment with the topping. You can add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for extra crunch, or sprinkle some shredded coconut on top for a tropical twist.

Serve with Whipped Cream or Ice Cream: This cake is fantastic on its own, but if you want to elevate it even further, serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of fresh whipped cream. It’s the perfect finishing touch.

Conclusion: A Timeless Favorite

This Swedish Apple Cake is the perfect dessert to add to your repertoire. With its warm, comforting flavors, rich apple filling, and buttery cake, it’s a dessert that will always be in style. Whether you’re serving it at a holiday gathering, a family dinner, or just as a sweet treat for yourself, this cake is sure to impress.

Give this recipe a try, and soon you’ll see why it’s become a family favorite that disappears in no time. The combination of apples, cinnamon, and cake is pure magic, and with every slice, you’ll be reminded of the beauty of simple, homemade desserts.

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