Introduction:
Swedish Apple Cake, or Äppelkaka, is a beloved dessert in Sweden, typically enjoyed during the fall when apples are at their peak.
This warm, moist cake is infused with the natural sweetness of apples and the comforting spices of cinnamon and cardamom.
Often served with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream, it’s a perfect treat for cozy gatherings or family meals.
Its tender texture and flavorful combination of apples and cake make it a timeless classic in Swedish homes.
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
2-3 medium-sized apples (preferably tart apples like Granny Smith)
1 cup (200g) sugar
1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour
1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground cardamom (optional)
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 cup (60ml) milk
For the Topping (optional):
2 tbsp sugar
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for serving
Instructions:
Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease a round 9-inch cake pan or line it with parchment paper.
Prepare the Apples: Peel, core, and slice the apples thinly. Set aside.
Make the Batter: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the sugar, flour, cinnamon, cardamom, baking powder, and salt. Add the melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and milk. Stir until smooth and well combined.
Assemble the Cake: Pour half of the batter into the prepared cake pan. Layer the apple slices over the batter. Pour the remaining batter over the apples, making sure they’re covered.
Topping: In a small bowl, mix the sugar and cinnamon for the topping, then sprinkle it over the top of the cake.
Bake: 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.
Cool and Serve: Let the cake cool for 10 minutes in the pan, then transfer it to a wire rack. Serve warm or at room temperature, with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream if desired.
Description:
Swedish Apple Cake is a delightful dessert that combines the flavors of fresh apples, warm spices, and a rich, moist cake base. The apples soften as they bake, blending with the cake to create a comforting texture, while the cinnamon and cardamom provide a fragrant aroma. This cake is not too sweet, allowing the natural taste of the apples to shine through. It’s perfect for autumn, but versatile enough to be enjoyed all year round.
Tips:
Apple Selection: Use a variety of apples for a mix of tartness and sweetness. Granny Smith apples are ideal, but a mix of tart and sweet apples can also work well.
Moisture: If you like a slightly moister cake, you can add a couple of tablespoons of sour cream or yogurt to the batter.
Spices: Cardamom is optional, but it adds a lovely Swedish touch. If you don’t have cardamom, you can skip it or replace it with nutmeg.
Serving: This cake is delicious on its own, but pairing it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream makes it even more indulgent.
Variations:
Nuts: You can add chopped nuts such as walnuts or almonds to the batter for extra texture and flavor.
Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version.
Crumble Topping: For added crunch, top the cake with a streusel topping made from butter, sugar, flour, and oats before baking.
Correction:
If the top of the cake starts to brown too quickly while baking, cover it loosely with aluminum foil to prevent burning and ensure the cake cooks through without over-browning.
Enjoy:
Serve the Swedish Apple Cake warm with a side of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for a delightful treat. It’s perfect for a cozy dessert or a casual fika break with friends and family!