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Swedish Apple Cake (Äppelkaka) pinterest

Swedish Apple Cake (Äppelkaka)

This traditional Scandinavian dessert combines a buttery cake base with caramelized apples and warm spices for the perfect balance of simplicity and satisfaction. With its delicate cardamom-infused crumb and beautiful arrangement of apple slices, this Swedish classic requires minimal effort for maximum flavor impact.
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Cooling Time 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 25 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine Nordic, Scandinavian, Swedish
Servings 10 slices
Calories 320 kcal

Equipment

  • 9-inch (23cm) springform pan
  • Electric Mixer (optional)
  • Mixing Bowls

Ingredients
  

For the cake batter:

  • 1 cup unsalted butter room temperature (225g)
  • 1 cup granulated sugar (200g)
  • 2 large eggs room temperature
  • 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour (240g)
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp ground cardamom
  • 1/4 tsp salt

For the apple topping:

  • 3-4 medium apples preferably Granny Smith or Honeycrisp
  • 2 tbsp granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg

For serving (optional):

  • Vanilla sauce or ice cream
  • Powdered sugar for dusting
  • Fresh mint leaves for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and position a rack in the center. Butter and flour a 9-inch (23cm) springform pan, or line with parchment paper.
  • Core and slice the apples into thin, uniform wedges (approximately 1/8-inch thick). In a small bowl, mix together the sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg, then gently toss with the apple slices to coat evenly. Set aside.
  • In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until pale and fluffy – approximately 3-4 minutes if using an electric mixer, or 5-6 minutes by hand.
  • Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. If the mixture appears to curdle, add a tablespoon of the measured flour to re-emulsify. Stir in the vanilla extract.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cardamom, and salt. Gradually fold into the wet ingredients using a rubber spatula, mixing just until combined.
  • Transfer the thick batter to your prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Arrange the apple slices on top in an overlapping circular pattern, starting from the outside edge and working toward the center. Gently press the apples slightly into the batter.
  • Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the cake portion comes out clean and the top is golden brown. If the cake is browning too quickly, loosely cover with aluminum foil after 30 minutes.
  • Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 15 minutes before removing the springform sides. Serve warm or at room temperature, dusted with powdered sugar if desired.

Notes

For an authentic Swedish experience, serve your Äppelkaka slightly warm with vaniljsås (vanilla custard sauce) poured over the top.
This cake keeps well at room temperature for up to 2 days, refrigerated for up to 5 days, or can be frozen for up to 3 months.
The cardamom is what gives this cake its distinctive Swedish character - while optional, it provides a complex flavor experience that differentiates it from other apple desserts.

Nutrition

Calories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 38gProtein: 3gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 11gCholesterol: 75mgSodium: 80mgFiber: 2gSugar: 22g
Keyword Apple Cake, Swedish Dessert, Äppelkaka, Scandinavian Baking, Fall Dessert
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