Swedish Apple Cake with Caramel

A Traditional Treat with a Sweet Twist

Swedish Apple Cake, or “Äppelkaka,” is a delightful Scandinavian dessert that combines soft, spiced apples with a tender cake base. This version takes it up a notch by adding a luscious caramel sauce, enhancing the cake’s natural sweetness and adding a rich, buttery depth. It’s the perfect balance of cozy and indulgent, making it a wonderful choice for autumn gatherings, holiday celebrations, or simply a comforting dessert at home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Classic flavors – The combination of cinnamon-spiced apples and a moist cake is timeless.
• Rich caramel topping – A homemade caramel sauce brings a luxurious texture and taste.
• Simple ingredients – Uses pantry staples that are easy to find.
• Perfect for any occasion – Great for holidays, teatime, or a special after-dinner treat.

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 2 large apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and sliced
• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground cardamom (optional, for extra warmth)
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup sour cream or plain yogurt

For the Caramel Sauce:

• ½ cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup brown sugar
• ½ cup heavy cream
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Apples

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan or springform pan.
2. Toss the apple slices with cinnamon and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Cake Batter

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and cardamom.
2. In a separate large bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
3. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
4. Mix in the sour cream until smooth.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined.

Step 3: Assemble and Bake

1. Pour half of the batter into the prepared cake pan.
2. Layer the cinnamon-coated apple slices on top.
3. Spread the remaining batter over the apples, smoothing it out evenly.
4. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
5. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack.

Step 4: Make the Caramel Sauce

1. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.
2. Stir in the brown sugar and heavy cream, whisking constantly until smooth.
3. Bring to a gentle simmer and let cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently.
4. Remove from heat and stir in the salt and vanilla extract.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

1. Drizzle the warm caramel sauce over the cooled apple cake.
2. Slice and serve, optionally with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.

Variations

• Nutty Crunch – Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for extra texture.
• Extra Caramelized Apples – Sauté the apples in butter and sugar before layering them into the cake.
• Dairy-Free Option – Use plant-based butter and coconut cream for the caramel sauce.
• Spiced Twist – Enhance the warmth with nutmeg or ginger.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 8-10 slices
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour

Storage and Reheating

• Room Temperature: Store covered for up to 2 days.
• Refrigerator: Keep in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Freezer: Wrap slices individually and freeze for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: Warm slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-10 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use different apples?

Yes! While Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are great choices, you can also try Fuji, Gala, or Braeburn for different levels of sweetness and texture.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can bake the cake a day in advance and add the caramel sauce before serving.

What can I substitute for sour cream?

Plain yogurt or buttermilk work well as substitutes for sour cream.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes! Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour.

What if my caramel sauce is too thick?

Reheat it gently and add a splash of cream to thin it out.

Can I make this cake without caramel?

Definitely! The cake is delicious on its own, or you can dust it with powdered sugar for a lighter option.

Should I peel the apples?

Peeling is recommended for a softer texture, but if you like a more rustic feel, you can leave the skins on.

Can I use a bundt pan?

Yes, but you may need to adjust the baking time to around 45-50 minutes.

How do I prevent the apples from sinking?

Tossing them in a little flour before adding them to the batter helps keep them in place.

Can I use store-bought caramel?

Yes, but homemade caramel has a richer flavor and fresher taste.

Conclusion

Swedish Apple Cake with Caramel is a cozy, heartwarming dessert that brings a touch of Scandinavian charm to your table. Whether you serve it as a special holiday treat or a casual weeknight dessert, its tender cake, spiced apples, and buttery caramel sauce make it a must-try. Enjoy it with a cup of coffee or tea, and let each bite transport you to a crisp autumn afternoon in Sweden.

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