Description
This traditional Swedish Apple Cake recipe combines tender spiced cake layers with thinly sliced apples for a moist, flavorful dessert perfect for autumn. With warm cinnamon and cardamom, and optional crunchy nuts on top, this easy-to-make cake is a Scandinavian classic ideal for cozy gatherings or a comforting treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup milk
Fruit and Nuts
- 3 medium apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup chopped almonds or walnuts (optional)
Topping
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, ground cinnamon, and ground cardamom until evenly combined to ensure the spices are well distributed.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and creamy, creating a smooth base for the batter.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next, then mix in the vanilla extract for flavor depth.
- Combine Batter: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture alternately with milk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until smooth and well combined but do not overmix to maintain a tender cake texture.
- Layer Batter and Apples: Pour half of the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Arrange half of the sliced apples over the batter. Then pour the remaining batter on top, spreading gently, and arrange the remaining apples on the cake’s surface.
- Add Nuts (Optional): Sprinkle chopped almonds or walnuts over the top of the cake for added texture and flavor.
- Bake the Cake: Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. Once cooled slightly, dust with powdered sugar if desired and serve warm for the best flavor experience.
Notes
- Brush apple slices with lemon juice before layering to prevent browning and add a subtle tang.
- For a deeper caramel-like sweetness, substitute brown sugar with coconut sugar.
- Serve warm with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for an authentic Swedish treat.
