If you’ve never tried Swedish Apple Cake, you’re in for a delightful treat that perfectly bridges the gap between cozy comfort food and understated elegance. With tender apples tucked into a moist, buttery crumb and just a hint of spice, it’s the kind of cake that fills your kitchen with enticing scents and instantly draws everyone to the table. Whether you serve it as an afternoon pick-me-up or a homey dessert, Swedish Apple Cake is a classic you’ll want to bake again and again.

Swedish Apple Cake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredient list for Swedish Apple Cake is refreshingly straightforward, but each element has an important role to play. It’s the combination of simple pantry staples and fresh apples that makes this cake’s flavor truly shine.

Apples: Choose crisp, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for a bright, juicy bite that holds its shape in the cake.
All-purpose flour: Provides the structure for the cake, ensuring it’s sturdy while remaining soft and tender.
Granulated sugar: Adds the perfect level of sweetness, balancing the tartness of the apples.
Butter: Brings richness and a lovely golden hue to the crumb.
Eggs: Give the cake both lift and a delicate texture.
Baking powder: Ensures your cake rises evenly, creating a light bite.
Cinnamon: Delivers just the right hint of warming spice, which really enhances the apples.
Milk: Adds moisture so each forkful is perfectly soft.
Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavors with a sweet, fragrant note.
Salt: Don’t skip it! Salt helps sharpen the flavors and prevents the cake from tasting flat.

How to Make Swedish Apple Cake

Step 1: Prep Your Apples

Start by peeling and slicing your apples into thin wedges, about a quarter-inch thick. This ensures they bake evenly and nestle into the cake just right. For extra visual appeal, you can fan the slices, but simple wedges work beautifully, too!

Step 2: Mix the Batter

Cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is pale and fluffy—this step sets the tone for a soft, tender crumb. Add in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt together, then add the dry mixture to the wet in batches, alternating with the milk. Mix gently just until everything is combined; overmixing will make the cake tough.

Step 3: Assemble the Cake

Pour the batter into a greased and floured cake pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Arrange the apple slices over the top, lightly pressing them into the batter. For that signature Swedish Apple Cake look, spiral the apple wedges or fan them in rows, making sure every bite will get a taste of fruit.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 40-45 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The scent of apples and cinnamon will make it incredibly hard to wait! Let the cake cool in the pan for about ten minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 5: Garnish and Enjoy

Once cooled (or just barely warm), dust the top with a snow-like sprinkle of powdered sugar just before serving. It adds sweetness and a bakery-style finish that looks irresistible.

How to Serve Swedish Apple Cake

Garnishes

A light dusting of powdered sugar is a classic finish for Swedish Apple Cake, giving it that charming, rustic look. If you’re looking to go a step further, a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a small scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side makes this dessert downright decadent. You can even add a sprinkle of toasted almonds for a little crunch and extra nuttiness.

Side Dishes

This cake truly shines next to warm beverages like coffee, chai, or black tea—the flavors mingle in such a cozy way. For brunch, consider serving Swedish Apple Cake with a platter of cheeses or even a simple fruit salad. The fruity, spiced notes of the cake complement creamy dairy and bright fresh flavors wonderfully.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re looking to impress, bake the Swedish Apple Cake in individual ramekins for single-serving desserts with restaurant flair. Alternatively, turn it into a trifle by layering cubes of the cake with custard and extra apple compote in clear glasses. If you have extra apples, decorate the platter with thin fan-sliced fruit for a festive touch that echoes the cake’s flavors.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Swedish Apple Cake keeps beautifully for a couple of days at room temperature, tightly covered to keep it from drying out. If your kitchen is warm or humid, pop the cake in the refrigerator; just bring it to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.

Freezing

You’ll be happy to know that Swedish Apple Cake freezes surprisingly well! Once cooled completely, wrap individual slices (or the whole cake) tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It can be frozen for up to three months—simply thaw overnight in the fridge when you need a treat.

Reheating

To bring back that fresh-baked taste, warm leftover slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds, or pop them in a low oven (about 300°F/150°C) for a few minutes. The apples regain some of their lovely softness, and any sweetness in the crumb gently warms through, making it just as inviting as day one.

FAQs

What apples are best for Swedish Apple Cake?

Tart, crisp apples like Granny Smiths are traditional because they keep their shape and provide a nice contrast to the sweet cake. Other firm varieties like Honeycrisp, Braeburn, or Fuji work well too—just avoid mushy apples like Red Delicious, which can get lost in the batter.

Can I make Swedish Apple Cake gluten free?

Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free baking blend. Just make sure it contains a binder like xanthan gum so the cake holds together. The result is just as tender and delicious.

Do I have to peel the apples?

Peeling is recommended for the best, smoothest texture in Swedish Apple Cake, but you can leave the skins on if you like a little extra color and fiber. Just be sure to slice them thin so they bake fully into the cake.

Can I reduce the sugar?

Yes! If you prefer a less-sweet dessert, feel free to cut the sugar by one-third. The flavors of the apples and cinnamon still come through beautifully, making this a great option for those who enjoy subtler sweetness.

How far ahead can I bake Swedish Apple Cake?

You can bake the cake a day or two in advance; just wait to dust it with powdered sugar or add garnishes until right before serving, so the top stays pretty. The flavors even deepen as it rests, making leftovers especially wonderful.

Final Thoughts

There’s something irresistibly welcoming about a freshly made Swedish Apple Cake, whether you’re serving close friends or treating yourself to a quiet afternoon slice. Give this recipe a try—I promise, your kitchen will smell amazing and everyone who tastes it will be asking for seconds!

Swedish Apple Cake Recipe