Swedish Apple Cake (Äppelkaka)

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Absolutely! Here’s a long, rich, and love-filled recipe for Swedish Apple Cake (Äppelkaka)—a traditional Scandinavian dessert that brings warmth, nostalgia, and the comforting aroma of cinnamon and baked apples into your home. Let’s make this more than just a recipe; let’s make it a story.

Swedish Apple Cake (Äppelkaka)

“The warmth of a Swedish hearth, wrapped in apples and love.”

A Little Slice of History

Swedish Apple Cake, or Äppelkaka, is a cherished traditional dessert in Sweden, often served with warm vanilla sauce or whipped cream. The origins of this cake stretch back generations, often made in farmhouse kitchens after autumn apple harvests. Each region—and sometimes each family—has their own take, but the soul of the cake remains the same: tender apples nestled in soft, buttery cake, kissed with spice.

This dessert is more than just food—it’s memories. It’s family. It’s that quiet sigh of comfort after the first bite. And it was, just like in your family, the first dessert to disappear at gatherings.

Ingredients

For the Cake:

  • ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ½ cup sour cream or plain yogurt

For the Apple Filling:

  • 2 large apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or any firm baking apple), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice (to prevent browning)

Optional Topping:

  • Powdered sugar for dusting
  • Slivered almonds or chopped walnuts for crunch
  • Warm vanilla sauce or whipped cream for serving

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat & Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8-inch springform pan or standard cake pan. You can also line the bottom with parchment paper for easier release.

Step 2: Apple Preparation

In a bowl, toss the sliced apples with sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Set aside and let them soak in the spice-love.

Step 3: Creaming the Base

In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy (about 3-5 minutes). Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.

Step 4: Dry Meets Wet

In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Gradually add this to the wet mixture, alternating with the sour cream. Begin and end with the flour mixture. Do not overmix.

Step 5: Assemble the Magic

Spread half the batter into your prepared pan. Layer half the apple mixture on top. Repeat with remaining batter and apple slices. Slightly press the apples into the batter.

Step 6: Bake With Love

Bake in the preheated oven for 45–55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the top is golden and a little crisp.

Step 7: Cool & Adorn

Let the cake cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then remove it and let cool on a wire rack. Dust with powdered sugar, sprinkle with nuts, or drizzle with vanilla sauce.

Conclusion: A Cake for Lovers of Life

This cake is best shared—at family dinners, friendly brunches, or quiet coffee moments. It’s soft yet structured, sweet but not too much, and every bite speaks of home. Whether you make it for loved ones or just yourself, it will fill your space with comfort and your heart with warmth.

For the Lovers of Flavor and Tradition

  • Pair With: A cup of hot coffee, Swedish-style. Or a glass of apple cider.
  • Best Eaten: Warm. With someone you love.
  • Keeps For: 3–4 days in an airtight container. But let’s be real—it won’t last that long.

Would you like a printable version of this recipe, or want it turned into a cute card or social media post? I got you. Just say the word.

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