Swedish Apple Cake (Äppelkaka) Recipe

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Description:

This Swedish Apple Cake is a moist and flavorful cake made with fresh apples, a simple batter, and spiced with cinnamon and cardamom. It’s often served warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The Swedish version has a delightful texture, thanks to the apples baked right into the cake, making it both light and satisfying.

Ingredients:

For the Cake:

  • 2 large apples (peeled, cored, and sliced; tart varieties like Granny Smith work best)
  • 1 1/2 cups (180g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp ground cardamom (optional, but traditional in Swedish recipes)
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/2 cup (120g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) whole milk

For the Topping (optional but recommended):

  • 1-2 tbsp granulated sugar (for sprinkling over the top)
  • 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon (for sprinkling over the top)

Optional Ingredients:

  • 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or almonds (for added crunch, can be sprinkled on top or folded into the batter)
  • Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream (for serving)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the Oven:
  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a round 9-inch (23 cm) cake pan, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
  1. Prepare the Apples:
  • Peel, core, and slice the apples thinly. Set them aside. You can arrange them in a decorative pattern in the cake batter, or mix them directly into the batter for a more uniform texture.
  1. Mix Dry Ingredients:
  • In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, cardamom (if using), and salt. Set aside.
  1. Cream Butter and Sugar:
  • In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together with an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes.
  1. Add Eggs and Vanilla:
  • Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then, mix in the vanilla extract.
  1. Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients:
  • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can make the cake dense.
  1. Fold in Apples:
  • Gently fold the sliced apples into the batter. You can either mix them throughout the batter, or you can reserve some slices to arrange neatly on top for a decorative finish.
  1. Bake the Cake:
  • Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and spread it evenly. If you’re using the reserved apple slices, arrange them on top of the batter.
  • Sprinkle the top with a mixture of granulated sugar and cinnamon for a lovely, caramelized topping.
  1. Bake for 45-55 minutes:
  • Bake the cake in the preheated oven for about 45-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean (with just a few crumbs). The cake should be golden brown on top.
  1. Cool and Serve:
    • Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
    • Serve warm, optionally with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. You can also drizzle it with a little warm caramel sauce for extra indulgence.

Tips for Success:

  • Apple Variety: Use a mix of tart and sweet apples for the best flavor. Granny Smith apples are great for their tartness, but adding a few Honeycrisp or Fuji apples will balance the flavor with sweetness.
  • Moisture: If your apples are especially juicy, you can lightly pat them with a paper towel before adding them to the batter to prevent the cake from getting too soggy.
  • Cardamom Flavor: Cardamom is traditional in Swedish apple cakes, but it’s a strong spice. Start with a small amount and adjust to your taste, or omit it if you prefer a simpler cinnamon flavor.
  • Topping Variations: For extra flavor, you can sprinkle some chopped nuts (like walnuts, almonds, or hazelnuts) over the top before baking, or stir them into the batter.

Recommendations:

  • Storage: This cake stores well in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days. You can also refrigerate it to keep it fresh for up to a week, though it’s best enjoyed within the first few days.
  • Make Ahead: The cake can be made in advance and reheated gently in the microwave or oven before serving.
  • Serve with Coffee or Tea: Swedish Apple Cake is perfect for a fika (Swedish coffee break), so serve it with a cup of coffee, tea, or even hot cider.

Nutritional Information (per slice, assuming 10 slices):

  • Calories: 280 kcal
  • Protein: 3g
  • Carbs: 35g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Sugar: 20g
  • Fat: 14g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
  • Cholesterol: 65mg
  • Sodium: 80mg

(Note: Nutritional values are approximations and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.)

Enjoy your warm and comforting Swedish Apple Cake! It’s a delightful dessert that’s sure to become a family favorite.

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