Swedish Apple Cake (Äppelkaka)

Swedish Apple Cake (Äppelkaka) is a traditional Scandinavian dessert made with soft buttery cake and sweet cinnamon apples. It’s simple, comforting, and often served with vanilla sauce or whipped cream.

🧾 Ingredients (Serves 8)

Apples

3 medium apples (peeled, sliced)
2 tbsp sugar
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tbsp butter

Cake Batter

1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1½ cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
½ tsp salt
½ tsp vanilla extract
2 tbsp milk

Topping

2 tbsp brown sugar
1 tbsp sugar
½ tsp cinnamon

🔥 Preparation

Preheat oven to 175°C (350°F).
Grease a 9-inch round cake pan or springform pan.

🍏 Prepare the Apples

Melt 1 tbsp butter in a pan over medium heat.
Add apple slices, sugar, and cinnamon.
Cook for 4–5 minutes until slightly soft.
Set aside to cool.

🥣 Make the Cake Batter

In a large bowl cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each.
Stir in vanilla extract.
In another bowl mix:
- Flour
- Baking powder
- Salt
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the batter.
Add milk and mix until smooth.

🍰 Assemble the Cake

Spread half the batter in the cake pan.
Add a layer of cooked apples.
Spread the remaining batter on top.
Arrange a few extra apple slices on top if desired.
Sprinkle brown sugar, sugar, and cinnamon mixture over the cake.

🔥 Bake

Bake for 35–40 minutes until golden brown.
A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean.

❄️ Cool

Let the cake cool for 15 minutes before slicing.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

Traditionally served with:

Vanilla sauce (vaniljsås)
Whipped cream
Vanilla ice cream

✅ Baking Time: ~40 minutes
✅ Total Time: ~1 hour
✅ Servings: 8

⭐ Optional Variations

🌰 Add chopped almonds or walnuts to the topping.
🍯 Drizzle honey or caramel sauce before serving.
🍋 Add lemon zest to the batter for freshness.
🍎 Use tart apples like Granny Smith for balanced sweetness.

If you want, I can also show you:

Authentic Swedish grandmother-style Äppelkaka (very famous in Scandinavia)
or a super moist Swedish apple cake made in one bowl