Swedish Apple Cake (Äppelkaka) Recipe

Swedish Apple Cake, or Äppelkaka, is a moist and tender Scandinavian dessert that highlights the natural sweetness of apples with a touch of warm spices. Traditionally served during fika, Sweden’s cherished coffee break, this cake is simple yet elegant, featuring caramelized apples nestled into a lightly spiced batter. The addition of cardamom and cinnamon enhances the flavor, making it a perfect autumn treat or a comforting dessert year-round.

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Ingredients

For the Apple Topping

• 3 medium Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 tablespoons light brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

For the Cake Batter

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon fine salt
• ½ teaspoon ground cardamom
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup light brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• ¼ cup sour cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Glaze (Optional)

• 2 teaspoons water
• Reserved butter and sugar mixture from the apple topping

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Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Apple Topping

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch springform pan.
2. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
3. Add the apple slices and sauté until lightly caramelized, about 5-8 minutes.
4. Stir in brown sugar and cinnamon, cooking for 1 more minute until the apples are evenly coated.
5. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Cake Batter

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and cardamom. Set aside.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together granulated sugar, brown sugar, and eggs until fully combined.
3. Slowly add melted butter, whisking until smooth.
4. Stir in sour cream and vanilla extract.
5. Gradually add the flour mixture, whisking until the batter just comes together.

Step 3: Assemble & Bake

1. Pour the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top.
2. Arrange the caramelized apple slices over the batter in two concentric circles, ensuring they touch but do not overlap.
3. Bake for 40-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 4: Prepare the Glaze (Optional)

1. Add 2 teaspoons of water to the reserved butter and sugar mixture from the apple topping.
2. Heat over medium until warm and syrupy, about 1-2 minutes.
3. Brush the glaze over the warm cake, focusing on the apples.

Step 5: Cool & Serve

1. Let the cake cool for at least 20 minutes on a wire rack.
2. Slice and serve with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Authentic Scandinavian Flavor: The cardamom and cinnamon add a warm, aromatic touch.
• Moist & Tender: The sour cream and butter create a soft, rich texture.
• Beautiful Presentation: The caramelized apples make this cake visually stunning.

Enjoy this Swedish Apple Cake, a cozy, spiced dessert that pairs perfectly with coffee or tea! 🍏🍰

You can explore more variations of this recipe here or here.