What Makes Swedish Apple Cake Special?
Unlike American-style pies or crumbly crisps, the Swedish version combines moist sponge cake with freshly sliced apples, often arranged in a beautiful spiral. It’s lightly sweet, never overwhelming, and best served slightly warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of vanilla sauce.
✅ Light, tender crumb
✅ Subtle spice and apple flavor
✅ Easy to make in one bowl
✅ Works with all kinds of apples
✅ Great for fika (Swedish coffee break)
Ingredients – Simple, Pantry-Friendly & Delicious
For the Cake Batter:
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1 stick (½ cup) unsalted butter, melted and cooled
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¾ cup granulated sugar
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2 large eggs
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1 tsp pure vanilla extract
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½ cup whole milk
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1¼ cups all-purpose flour
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1½ tsp baking powder
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¼ tsp salt
For the Apple Topping:
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2–3 medium apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or any tart variety)
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1 tbsp sugar
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1 tsp ground cinnamon
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Optional: powdered sugar for dusting or sliced almonds for garnish
๐ Pro Tip: Peel the apples for a softer texture or leave the skins on for a rustic finish.
Step-by-Step: How to Make Traditional Swedish Apple Cake
Step 1: Preheat & Prepare
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
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Grease a 9-inch springform pan or round cake pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.
Step 2: Mix the Cake Batter
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In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs and sugar until light and fluffy.
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Stir in melted butter, vanilla, and milk.
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In a separate bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder, and salt.
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Add the dry ingredients to the wet and stir until just combined—don’t overmix!
Step 3: Prepare the Apples
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Peel, core, and thinly slice your apples.
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Toss them in a bowl with cinnamon and sugar until evenly coated.
Step 4: Assemble & Bake
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Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly.
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Arrange the apple slices on top in a circular pattern, overlapping slightly.
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Bake for 35–45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the apples are tender.
Step 5: Cool & Serve
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Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
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Dust with powdered sugar or top with sliced almonds before serving.
☕ Serve warm with whipped cream, vanilla sauce, or a dollop of crรจme fraรฎche.
Optional Additions & Variations
๐ฐ Add Nuts – Mix ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter
๐ง Brown Butter – Use brown butter instead of regular melted butter for a nutty twist
๐ Zest It Up – Add lemon or orange zest to the batter for brightness
๐ฅ Spiked Apples – Soak apple slices in a splash of rum or brandy for a grown-up version
Why This Cake is Perfect Year-Round
While apple desserts are often associated with autumn, the Swedish apple cake makes a delightful dessert any time of year. It’s lighter than a pie, simpler than a tart, and heartier than a sponge cake.
Whether it’s a holiday gathering, a Sunday brunch, or a midweek coffee break, this cake fits right in.
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
๐ง Store: Keep leftovers covered at room temp for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
๐ฅ Reheat: Warm slices in the microwave for 20–30 seconds.
❄️ Freeze: Wrap slices individually and freeze for up to 2 months.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use gluten-free flour?
Yes, a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend works well in this recipe.
What type of apples is best?
Granny Smith for tartness, Honeycrisp or Fuji for a sweeter result. A mix also works beautifully.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Absolutely! Use plant-based butter and almond or oat milk as substitutes.
Is this cake overly sweet?
Not at all! It’s delicately sweet with a mild apple-cinnamon flavor—perfect with coffee.
Final Thoughts
The Swedish Apple Cake is a testament to Scandinavian baking—simple, comforting, and naturally beautiful. With just a few ingredients and minimal effort, you can bring a taste of Sweden into your home. It’s a dessert that feels like a warm hug and smells like a cozy Sunday morning.
So whether you’re hosting a fika, celebrating fall, or simply craving something heartfelt and homemade, this recipe will not disappoint.
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