Swedish Apple Cake

Here’s a cozy, classic Swedish Apple Cake (Äppelkaka) recipe — soft, buttery cake filled with tender apple slices, warmly spiced, and often served with vanilla sauce or whipped cream. It’s simple, rustic, and perfect for fall (or any time you’re craving something comforting).

🍎 Swedish Apple Cake (Äppelkaka)

🔸 Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 2 medium apples (firm and slightly tart, like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)

• 1 tbsp lemon juice

• 1 tsp ground cinnamon

• 1 tbsp granulated sugar (for apples)

• ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened

• ¾ cup (150 g) granulated sugar

• 2 large eggs

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 1 cup (125 g) all-purpose flour

• 1 tsp baking powder

• ¼ tsp salt

• 2–3 tbsp milk (as needed, for batter consistency)

Optional Topping:

• 2 tbsp pearl sugar or sliced almonds

• Extra cinnamon sugar

🔹 Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8- or 9-inch round springform or cake pan.

2. Prepare the apples:

   • Peel, core, and thinly slice the apples.

   • Toss with lemon juice, cinnamon, and 1 tbsp sugar. Set aside.

3. Make the batter:

   • In a bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.

   • Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla.

   • In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.

   • Add dry ingredients to the wet, mixing just until combined. Add milk as needed to create a smooth, spreadable batter.

4. Assemble the cake:

   • Spread batter into the prepared pan (it will be a relatively thick batter).

   • Arrange the apple slices on top in a circular pattern, slightly overlapping.

   • Sprinkle with pearl sugar or extra cinnamon sugar if using.

5. Bake:

   • Bake for 35–45 minutes, until the cake is golden and a toothpick comes out clean in the center.

   • Let cool slightly in the pan before serving.

6. Serve:

   • Best served warm or at room temperature.

   • Traditionally paired with vanilla sauce, whipped cream, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

✨ Tips:

• Add a pinch of cardamom to the batter for a more authentic Scandinavian flavor.

• You can double the apples for an even fruitier version.

• Store covered at room temp for 1–2 days, or refrigerate for longer freshness.

Would you like a quick vanilla sauce recipe to go with it?