Quick Description:
This traditional Swedish Apple Cake is soft, buttery, and bursting with tender apple slices in every bite. With a subtle cinnamon-sugar crust on top, it’s the perfect cozy dessert for fall—or any time you want something sweet, simple, and homey. Serve warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream!
Servings and Timing:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40–45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Servings: 8–10 slices
- WW SmartPoints: ~8–10 (depending on portion size and substitutions)
Nutritional Info (Per Serving – Approximate):
- Calories: 310
- Protein: 3g
- Fat: 13g
- Carbs: 45g
- Sugar: 28g
- WW Points: ~9 (with real butter and sugar)
Ingredients List:
For the Cake Batter:
- ½ cup (1 stick) butter, room temperature
- 1 ⅔ cups granulated sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp cinnamon (optional, for warm flavor)
- ½ cup milk (or unsweetened almond milk)
For the Apples & Topping:
- 2–3 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and sliced thin
- 1 tbsp sugar + ½ tsp cinnamon (for sprinkling on top)
Instructions:
-
Preheat Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan or springform pan and line the bottom with parchment paper. -
Make the Batter:
- Cream butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon (if using).
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with milk. Mix until just combined.
-
Layer the Apples:
- Pour half the batter into the prepared pan.
- Layer half the sliced apples over the batter.
- Add the remaining batter on top, followed by a final layer of apples arranged neatly.
-
Add Topping:
- Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the top.
-
Bake:
- Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
-
Serve:
- Serve warm or at room temperature with whipped cream, ice cream, or a light dusting of powdered sugar.
Additional Notes:
- Swap out sugar for a sugar substitute to lower points.
- Apples can be chopped or sliced, depending on your texture preference.
- Let it cool fully before slicing for clean edges.
Dietary Info:
- Vegetarian
- WW-Friendly (with adjustments)
- Can be made Dairy-Free (use plant-based butter and milk)
- Can be made Gluten-Free with 1:1 gluten-free flour blend
Brief Introduction:
Swedish Apple Cake—also known as “Äppelkaka”—is a beloved Scandinavian treat that highlights the simplicity of baking with fresh apples and pantry staples. It’s not overly sweet, making it perfect for dessert or a cozy afternoon coffee break.
Flavor Tips & Variations:
- Add Crunch: Top with sliced almonds before baking.
- Spice It Up: Add nutmeg or cardamom for deeper fall flavor.
- Fruity Twist: Mix in thinly sliced pears or cranberries.
- Richer Cake: Serve with warm vanilla custard or caramel drizzle.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips:
- Room Temp: Store covered for up to 2 days.
- Fridge: Lasts up to 5 days in an airtight container.
- Freezer: Freeze slices individually wrapped for up to 3 months.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: Can I make this in a loaf pan?
A: Yes, just adjust the baking time and make sure not to overfill the pan.
Q: What apples work best?
A: Tart-firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp hold up well during baking.
Q: Can I reduce the sugar?
A: Absolutely! Reduce by ⅓ or use a sugar substitute like monk fruit or Swerve.
Optional Personal Note or Story:
I grew up watching my grandmother bake versions of this cake with whatever fruit was in season—but apples were always the favorite. Now, it’s my go-to dessert when I want something classic, cozy, and easy to share.
Call-to-Action:
Tried this Swedish Apple Cake? Snap a pic, tag your slice, and let me know how you topped it—classic cinnamon sugar or something totally your own? I’d love to see your twist!
