Description
This Swedish Apple Cake is a classic and simple dessert featuring tender, cinnamon-spiced cake topped with juicy apple slices. Perfect for fall, this moist and flavorful cake combines the sweetness of apples with a buttery crumb and optional crunchy almonds or sparkling turbinado sugar topping.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Cake:
- 2 cups apples (peeled and thinly sliced, about 2–3 medium apples)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons milk
Optional Topping:
- 2 tablespoons sliced almonds
- or turbinado sugar for sprinkling
Instructions
- Prepare the Oven and Pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan and line the bottom with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Toss Apples: In a bowl, combine the peeled and thinly sliced apples with lemon juice and set them aside. This will prevent browning and add a subtle tartness.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes on medium speed.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition to ensure they are fully incorporated. Stir in the vanilla extract for flavor.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening and spices.
- Mix Batter: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk. Mix gently until just combined to avoid overworking the batter.
- Assemble Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Arrange the apple slices on top in a circular pattern, slightly overlapping each slice for an attractive finish.
- Add Topping: If desired, sprinkle the sliced almonds or turbinado sugar evenly over the apples to add crunch and sweetness.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the top is golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 to 15 minutes before removing it. Serve warm or at room temperature, optionally with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
Notes
- This cake can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature for the best flavor and texture.
- Toppings such as whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or a light dusting of powdered sugar complement the cake beautifully.
- Choose tart apple varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the perfect balance of sweetness and acidity.
- Make sure not to overmix the batter to keep the cake tender.
- Use room temperature ingredients to ensure even mixing and texture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Swedish
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
