Looking for a heartwarming dessert that’s both simple and irresistibly tasty? Swedish Apple Cake is a traditional treat that combines tender apples, warm spices, and a buttery cake base that’s just sweet enough.
Whether you’re baking for a cozy autumn afternoon or want a quick dessert to impress guests, this rustic apple cake delivers every time. In this article, you’ll learn how to make it from scratch, get expert tips, and discover what makes this Scandinavian dessert so special.
What is Swedish Apple Cake?
Swedish Apple Cake—also known as Äppelkaka—is a beloved Scandinavian dessert made with fresh apple slices layered over a soft, buttery cake batter. It’s often topped with cinnamon sugar and sometimes served with vanilla sauce or whipped cream.
Unlike American apple pie, this cake is more like a cross between a sponge cake and a cobbler, with a comforting homemade feel that never fails to please.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
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✅ Easy to make with simple pantry ingredients
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🍎 Full of warm apple-cinnamon flavor
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☕ Perfect for afternoon coffee or weekend brunch
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👌 Great make-ahead dessert that stays moist for days
Ingredients for Swedish Apple Cake
You don’t need anything fancy—just wholesome, everyday ingredients that come together to make magic.
For the Cake Batter:
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1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
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3/4 cup granulated sugar
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2 large eggs
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
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1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
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1/4 teaspoon salt
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1/4 cup milk
For the Apple Topping:
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2–3 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work great), peeled and thinly sliced
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1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
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2 tablespoons sugar
Optional: A handful of slivered almonds or chopped walnuts on top for extra crunch.
How to Make Swedish Apple Cake (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round or square baking pan and line the bottom with parchment paper if you like easy cleanup.
Step 2: Make the Batter
Cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each. Stir in the vanilla. In a separate bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with milk. Mix until just combined.
Step 3: Assemble the Cake
Spread the batter evenly in your prepared pan. Arrange the apple slices over the top in a fan or spiral pattern. Mix the cinnamon and sugar together, then sprinkle it over the apples.
Step 4: Bake
Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The apples should be tender and the cake golden brown.
Step 5: Cool and Serve
Let the cake cool for 15–20 minutes before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature with whipped cream, ice cream, or traditional Swedish vanilla sauce.
Tips for Success
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Use firm apples so they hold their shape during baking.
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Don’t overmix the batter—it should be light and airy.
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Add a pinch of cardamom for a more authentic Swedish flavor.
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Make it ahead—this cake tastes even better the next day!
Serving Suggestions
Swedish Apple Cake is versatile and pairs beautifully with:
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Hot coffee or black tea
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Vanilla custard sauce (Vaniljsås)
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Lightly sweetened whipped cream
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A scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream
It’s ideal for cozy afternoons, holiday gatherings, or a Scandinavian-style fika (coffee break).
Nutrition Facts (Per Slice – Approximate)
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Calories: 280
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Carbohydrates: 35g
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Sugar: 20g
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Fat: 12g
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Protein: 3g
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Fiber: 2g
Note: Nutritional values vary based on portion size and exact ingredients used.
Variations to Try
Want to mix things up? Here are some tasty twists:
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🧁 Muffin-style: Spoon the batter into a muffin tin for individual apple cakes.
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🍐 Pear twist: Replace apples with ripe pears for a milder, sweeter version.
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🥜 Nutty addition: Add chopped hazelnuts or pecans for extra texture.
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🍋 Citrus zing: Add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the batter for brightness.
Why This Cake is Great for AdSense Blogs
From a blogging and monetization perspective, Swedish Apple Cake is:
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Highly searchable (great SEO potential—especially in fall and winter).
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A niche recipe with low competition, perfect for organic traffic.
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Engaging with room for how-to videos, affiliate links, or printable recipe cards.
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Long enough to support multiple ad placements without feeling crowded.
FAQs
Can I freeze Swedish Apple Cake?
Yes! Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or reheat slices in the oven.
Which apples are best?
Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, Braeburn, or any firm tart apple works great.
Can I use gluten-free flour?
Yes, a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour can usually be substituted with good results.
Final Thoughts
Swedish Apple Cake is more than just a dessert—it’s a cozy slice of tradition that brings comfort and joy in every bite. Easy to make, incredibly delicious, and customizable to your taste, it’s a must-try for home bakers of all levels.
Whether you're craving something sweet after dinner or planning a holiday spread, this apple cake will not disappoint. Bookmark this recipe, share it with friends, and enjoy the simple pleasure of baking from scratch.
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