Swedish Apple Cake Recipe — a timeless Scandinavian delight that captures the heart of cozy home baking. Hi, I’m Amanda, the creator of BeamRecipes, where simple, soulful cooking meets real-life joy. This cake embodies everything I love about baking: warmth, comfort, and connection. Inspired by my passion for turning everyday ingredients into something special, this Swedish Apple Cake is soft, buttery, and fragrant with cinnamon — perfect for sharing with family or savoring during quiet moments. At BeamRecipes, I believe cooking should feel inviting, not intimidating. Let’s bake together and fill your kitchen with the comforting aroma of apples and love.
Serving Versatility
This Swedish Apple Cake Recipe is wonderfully adaptable. Enjoy it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Serve it as a coffee cake for brunch, a light dessert after dinner, or even as an afternoon snack with tea. You can also make it low-carb by using almond flour or serve it with a drizzle of vanilla custard for a richer treat.
Ingredients:
- 3 medium apples (preferably tart varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp milk
- 1 tbsp demerara or raw sugar for topping
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8-inch round baking pan.
- Peel, core, and slice the apples thinly. Toss with a sprinkle of cinnamon and set aside.
- In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
- In another bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and creamy. Add eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla.
- Fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture alternately with milk until just combined.
- Spread batter evenly into the prepared pan. Arrange apple slices on top in a circular pattern, pressing slightly into the batter.
- Sprinkle demerara sugar over the apples for a lovely golden crust.
- Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings: 8
Calories: Approximately 250 per slice
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick preparation: Simple steps and no fancy equipment required.
- Budget-friendly ingredients: Uses everyday staples found in your pantry.
- Big, cozy flavor: Warm cinnamon and buttery apples make this cake unforgettable.
- Nutritional value: Apples add natural sweetness and fiber.
- Customizability: Easy to adapt with nuts, raisins, or different apple varieties.
Cultural or Cooking Technique Note
Known as Äppelkaka in Sweden, this apple cake is a beloved tradition that blends rustic charm with elegance. Unlike dense European tortes such as the German or Dutch apple cakes, Swedish Apple Cake is lighter and fluffier, often served with a side of vanilla sauce or cream. It’s a dessert that perfectly reflects Scandinavian simplicity and comfort.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or custard.
- Pair with a cup of strong coffee for a true Swedish fika experience.
- Enjoy chilled with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of powdered sugar.
- Slice leftovers into bars and pack them for a cozy lunchbox treat.
Pro Tips for Success
- Use firm apples to prevent them from turning mushy during baking.
- Don’t overmix the batter; this keeps the crumb tender.
- Sprinkle extra cinnamon-sugar on top before baking for a caramelized finish.
- Let the cake rest 10 minutes before slicing to help it hold shape.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for 4–5 days. To freeze, wrap slices individually and store for up to 2 months. Reheat gently in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10 minutes or microwave briefly for a warm, fresh-out-of-the-oven taste.
5 Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using overly soft apples: Choose firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp. Softer varieties can turn mushy and make the cake soggy.
- Overmixing the batter: Stir just until combined. Overmixing develops gluten and can make the cake dense instead of tender.
- Skipping the sugar topping: That sprinkle of demerara or raw sugar creates the cake’s signature golden crust and light crunch.
- Baking at the wrong temperature: Too high and the edges burn before the center cooks; too low and the cake becomes heavy. Stick to 350°F (175°C).
- Not letting it cool properly: Allow the cake to rest at least 10 minutes before slicing to maintain structure and moisture.
4 Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use other fruits instead of apples?
Yes! Pears, peaches, or even mixed berries work beautifully. Just adjust the baking time slightly if using softer fruits.
2. Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Absolutely. Substitute the flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. The texture remains light and fluffy.
3. How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Use plant-based butter and your favorite non-dairy milk like almond or oat. The flavor stays rich and buttery.
4. Can I prepare this cake in advance?
Yes! You can bake it a day ahead and store it tightly covered. Warm individual slices in the oven before serving for that fresh-baked feel.
Closing Paragraph
This Swedish Apple Cake Recipe is the kind of bake that never fails to bring joy. Whether you’re serving it for brunch, dessert, or a cozy coffee break, it’s a simple yet elegant cake that captures the heart of home baking. Give it your own twist — maybe a sprinkle of nutmeg, a handful of walnuts, or a drizzle of caramel — and make it uniquely yours. Don’t forget to share, rate, and tell me how it turned out in the comments!
🎀 Final Thoughts
There’s magic in baking something that fills your kitchen with the scent of apples and cinnamon. Every time I make this Swedish Apple Cake, I’m reminded that the simplest recipes often bring the most comfort. I hope this cake warms your home as much as it does mine.
Swedish Apple Cake
Equipment
- 8-inch round baking pan
- Mixing Bowls
- Electric Mixer
- Whisk
Ingredients
Cake Batter
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 0.5 tsp ground cinnamon
- 0.25 tsp salt
- 0.5 cup unsalted butter softened
- 0.75 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp milk
Apple Topping
- 3 medium apples peeled, cored, and thinly sliced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp preferred)
- 1 tbsp demerara sugar for topping
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8-inch round baking pan.
- Peel, core, and thinly slice the apples. Toss with a sprinkle of cinnamon and set aside.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
- In another bowl, beat the butter and sugar until light and creamy. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in the vanilla extract.
- Fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture alternately with milk until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Spread batter evenly into the prepared pan. Arrange apple slices on top in a circular pattern, pressing gently into the batter.
- Sprinkle demerara sugar over the apples for a golden crust.
- Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool slightly before slicing.