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
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan or springform pan.
- Toss the apple slices with cinnamon and set aside.
Step 2: Make the Cake Batter
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and cardamom.
- In a separate large bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Mix in the sour cream until smooth.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined.
Step 3: Assemble and Bake
- Pour half of the batter into the prepared cake pan.
- Layer the cinnamon-coated apple slices on top.
- Spread the remaining batter over the apples, smoothing it out evenly.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- 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
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.
- Stir in the brown sugar and heavy cream, whisking constantly until smooth.
- Bring to a gentle simmer and let cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Remove from heat and stir in the salt and vanilla extract.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
- Drizzle the warm caramel sauce over the cooled apple cake.
- 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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Swedish Apple Cake with Caramel
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8–10 slices 1x
Description
A classic Swedish Apple Cake (Äppelkaka) with spiced apples and a tender cake base, topped with a rich homemade caramel sauce. Perfect for fall gatherings and cozy desserts.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 2 large apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and sliced
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom (optional, for extra warmth)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup sour cream or plain yogurt
For the Caramel Sauce:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Apples
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan or springform pan.
- Toss the apple slices with cinnamon and set aside.
Step 2: Make the Cake Batter
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and cardamom.
- In a separate large bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Mix in the sour cream until smooth.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined.
Step 3: Assemble and Bake
- Pour half of the batter into the prepared cake pan.
- Layer the cinnamon-coated apple slices on top.
- Spread the remaining batter over the apples, smoothing it out evenly.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- 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
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.
- Stir in the brown sugar and heavy cream, whisking constantly until smooth.
- Bring to a gentle simmer and let cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Remove from heat and stir in the salt and vanilla extract.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
- Drizzle the warm caramel sauce over the cooled apple cake.
- Slice and serve, optionally with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
Notes
- 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.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: swedish
Keywords: Swedish apple cake, Äppelkaka, apple dessert, caramel apple cake, Scandinavian dessert