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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

Scale

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

  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.


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