Swedish Apple Cake, known as “Äppelkaka,” is a delightful dessert that perfectly balances the sweetness of apples with a tender, buttery cake. This recipe is a celebration of simple, high-quality ingredients and straightforward preparation that leads to a beautifully rustic and comforting cake. Whether you’re making this for a special occasion or just a cozy afternoon treat, this guide will walk you through each step, ensuring a delicious result every time.
Swedish Apple Cake is a traditional dessert that’s both simple and elegant. The combination of tender, spiced apples nestled into a buttery, vanilla-scented cake is nothing short of divine. This cake is perfect for serving with a cup of coffee or as a sweet finish to a meal. The addition of a cinnamon-sugar topping and optional almonds adds a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft cake. Let’s dive into the recipe and learn how to bake this delicious treat.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 3 large apples (peeled, cored, and thinly sliced)
For the Topping:
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan or a regular cake pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. This should take about 3-4 minutes using an electric mixer on medium speed.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to ensure the mixture is smooth and well incorporated.
- Mix in the vanilla extract to the butter mixture, blending thoroughly.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk. Start and end with the flour mixture. Mix just until combined, being careful not to overmix.
Step 2: Assemble the Cake
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan, spreading it out evenly.
- Arrange the apple slices on top of the batter, pressing them gently into the surface. You can create a decorative pattern with the apples or simply layer them in a rustic style.
- In a small bowl, mix together the sugar and cinnamon for the topping.
- Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the apples.
- Optional: Scatter the sliced almonds over the top for an added crunch.
Step 3: Bake the Cake
- Bake in the preheated oven for 40-50 minutes, or until the cake is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then remove from the pan and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
- Serve the Swedish Apple Cake warm or at room temperature. It pairs wonderfully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Cook’s Notes
- Apple Variety: Choose apples that are firm and slightly tart, such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp. These types hold up well during baking and provide a nice contrast to the sweet cake.
- Butter Consistency: Ensure the butter is softened but not melted for the best creaming results. This helps create a light and fluffy cake texture.
- Baking Time: Oven temperatures can vary, so start checking your cake at the 40-minute mark. The cake should have a golden color, and a toothpick should come out clean.
Variations
Keto Swedish Apple Cake
For a keto-friendly version of this delicious cake:
- Butter: Use the same amount of unsalted butter.
- Sugar: Replace the granulated sugar with a keto-friendly sweetener such as erythritol or monk fruit sweetener.
- Flour: Substitute the all-purpose flour with almond flour. You might need to slightly adjust the amount to get the right batter consistency.
- Milk: Use unsweetened almond milk instead of whole milk.
- Apples: While apples aren’t typically keto-friendly due to their sugar content, you can use a smaller amount or substitute with a lower-carb fruit like berries.
Low-Carb Swedish Apple Cake
For a lower-carb version that’s not strictly keto:
- Butter and Eggs: These remain the same.
- Sugar: Opt for a low-carb sweetener like Stevia or a blend of Stevia and erythritol.
- Flour: Use a combination of almond flour and coconut flour to keep the carbs low while maintaining a good texture.
- Apples: Use a smaller amount or opt for a type of apple that’s lower in sugar.
Additional Variations
- Pear and Apple Cake: Mix sliced pears with the apples for a delightful variation.
- Caramel Drizzle: Add a homemade or store-bought caramel sauce drizzle on top of the cake before serving for an extra indulgence.
- Spiced Apple Cake: Add a teaspoon of ground cardamom or nutmeg to the cake batter for a warm, spiced flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, Swedish Apple Cake can be made a day in advance. In fact, it often tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Store it at room temperature, covered, until ready to serve.
2. Can I freeze Swedish Apple Cake?
Yes, you can freeze this cake. Once completely cooled, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
3. What kind of apples should I use?
Granny Smith and Honeycrisp apples are excellent choices for this cake because they hold their shape during baking and have a nice balance of sweetness and tartness.
4. Can I use a different type of flour?
You can substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blends if you need a gluten-free version. However, be sure to choose a blend that is designed for baking.
5. How do I prevent the apples from sinking?
To prevent the apples from sinking, you can toss them in a little flour before arranging them on the cake. This helps them stay afloat during baking.
6. Can I omit the almonds?
Absolutely. The almonds are optional and primarily add texture. If you’re allergic or prefer not to use them, simply leave them out.
7. How do I store leftover cake?
Leftover cake can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, consider freezing the cake.
8. What can I serve with Swedish Apple Cake?
Swedish Apple Cake is delicious on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or a dollop of crème fraîche.
Swedish Apple Cake is a timeless dessert that offers the perfect blend of sweet apples, warm spices, and buttery cake. Whether you’re making the traditional version or opting for keto or low-carb alternatives, this recipe is sure to impress. The simplicity of its ingredients and the straightforward preparation make it a go-to recipe for any occasion. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and enjoy the comforting flavors of this delightful Swedish classic.