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
- 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