Swedish Apple Cake

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Absolutely! Here’s a big, warm-hearted, and beautifully written full recipe for Swedish Apple Cake, complete with history, method, love, and a tender connection to tradition—just like your mom used to make.

Swedish Apple Cake (Äppelkaka) 🍎🇸🇪

A sweet slice of heritage, warmth, and love from the Swedish kitchen.

🍂 Introduction

Swedish Apple Cake, or Äppelkaka, is a rustic and beloved dessert that’s been passed down through generations in Sweden—and clearly made its way into your family’s traditions too. Known for its tender, buttery crumb and cinnamon-sugar apple layers, this cake is less about decoration and more about soul.

Perfect with a hot cup of coffee or a dollop of whipped cream, this dessert disappears fast from any table. It’s not just a recipe—it’s a warm memory on a plate.

🧾 Ingredients

For the Cake:

  • ½ cup (1 stick) butter, room temperature
  • 1 ⅔ cups granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 ½ teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ⅓ cup milk

For the Apple Layer:

  • 2–3 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work beautifully), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
  • 2 teaspoons cinnamon
  • 2 tablespoons sugar

Optional Toppings:

  • Powdered sugar (for dusting)
  • Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream

🥄 Method

1. Prepare the Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round or square cake pan. You can also use a springform pan for easier serving.

2. Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy—about 3-5 minutes. This step builds the base of your cake’s tender texture.

3. Add Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla.

4. Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.

5. Combine Wet and Dry

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined—don’t overmix.

6. Pour Batter into the Pan

Spread half the batter into the bottom of your prepared pan.

7. Add Apple Layer

Arrange a layer of thinly sliced apples over the batter. Sprinkle with the cinnamon-sugar mixture.

8. Top with Remaining Batter and Apples

Spread the remaining batter on top. (It’s okay if some apples peek through.) Add another layer of apples on top if you like, and finish with more cinnamon-sugar.

9. Bake

Bake for 45–55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the top is golden brown.

10. Cool and Serve

Let the cake cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Serve warm or at room temperature.

📜 A Slice of History

Apple trees have long thrived in Sweden’s cool climate, and apples were often baked into rustic cakes, tarts, and puddings. The Swedish apple cake reflects a farmhouse aesthetic—simple ingredients, easy preparation, and a satisfying result. Historically, it’s been a centerpiece for fika (the Swedish coffee break), and today it still brings together families for casual gatherings or special holidays.

❤️ Made with Love

This cake is a memory wrapped in cinnamon and butter. When your mom made it, she wasn’t just baking—she was creating a ritual of warmth and love. That same love continues when you make it now. Each apple slice is a note in the melody of tradition, and every bite reconnects you to a moment when the kitchen was filled with laughter and the smell of cinnamon.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 For Lovers of All Kinds

This cake is for:

  • Lovers of fall
  • Lovers of family
  • Lovers of fika
  • Lovers of cake that’s both humble and heart-melting
  • Lovers who steal the last slice and smile sheepishly 🥰

✅ Formation Tips

  • Slice apples thinly and evenly to ensure they soften properly in the oven.
  • Don’t skip the cinnamon-sugar topping—it creates a golden, caramelized crust.
  • Want a richer cake? Add a handful of chopped nuts (like almonds or walnuts) on top.
  • Lactose-free? Use plant-based butter and oat milk—this cake adapts well!

🎉 Conclusion

Swedish Apple Cake is more than dessert—it’s an experience, a tradition, and a story you bake into each layer. Whether served for Sunday fika or at a big family reunion, it’s always the first to vanish.

So light the oven, peel those apples, and bring your mom’s legacy to life again. 🍎

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