Description
This cozy Swedish apple cake features tender, cinnamon-dusted sliced apples nestled into a buttery batter, creating a rustic dessert that’s easy to make and perfect for autumn gatherings or family treats. Enjoy it warm with ice cream or whipped cream for a true taste of Scandinavian comfort.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour (or cake flour for extra tenderness)
- 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar (or coconut sugar)
- 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (or almond extract)
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground cardamom (optional)
- 2–3 medium apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Gala)
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar (for sprinkling on apples)
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon (for apples)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or almonds (optional)
- Raisins or dried cranberries (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch (23cm) springform or cake pan and line with parchment paper if desired.
- Peel, core, and thinly slice 2–3 apples. Toss slices with lemon juice, 2 tbsp sugar, and 1/2 tsp cinnamon.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, 1/2 tsp cinnamon, and cardamom.
- In a large bowl, beat butter and 1/2 cup sugar until light and fluffy (2–3 minutes).
- Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla or almond extract. Scrape down the bowl as needed.
- Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients in two batches, mixing gently until just combined.
- Spoon batter into prepared pan and smooth the top.
- Arrange apple slices in a circular pattern on top of the batter, gently pressing them in. Sprinkle with extra cinnamon and sugar if desired.
- Bake for 40–50 minutes, until golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool in pan for 15 minutes, then release springform or turn out from cake pan. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
For best results, use a mix of tart and sweet apples and slice them thin. Don’t overmix the batter to keep the cake tender. If apples are very juicy, blot slices before arranging. Sprinkle nuts or extra sugar on top for crunch. Cake can be made gluten-free or dairy-free with simple swaps. Serve warm with ice cream or whipped cream for extra coziness.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40–50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: Swedish
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/10 of cake)
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 15
- Sodium: 120
- Fat: 7
- Saturated Fat: 4
- Carbohydrates: 28
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 3
Keywords: Swedish apple cake, apple dessert, cozy cake, cinnamon apple cake, Scandinavian baking, fall dessert, easy apple cake, rustic cake, autumn recipe