If you’re searching for a dessert that will leave your kitchen smelling like heaven and your table full of smiles, Swedish Apple Cake with Caramel is going to be your new autumn (or anytime!) favorite. Imagine: tender slices of tart apples nestled into a buttery, golden cake, with a luscious homemade caramel sauce cascading over the top. It’s rustic, it’s cozy, and it’s just the right mix of sweet and tangy. There’s a reason this treat is a classic—both in Sweden and in every home that’s had the pleasure of baking it!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredient list for Swedish Apple Cake with Caramel is beautifully simple, yet every component adds something special. Each element brings out the best in the apples and creates a harmonious blend of flavors, textures, and that irresistible caramel finish.
- Apples: Tart varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp hold their shape and provide a delightful contrast to the sweetness of the cake.
- Lemon juice: A splash of freshness brightens the apples and prevents browning.
- Granulated sugar: Adds structure and balanced sweetness to the cake batter.
- Eggs: Help the cake rise and bind everything together for a luscious crumb.
- Unsalted butter: Rich, melted butter creates a moist and flavorful cake base.
- Vanilla extract: Brings a warm, aromatic note that pairs beautifully with apples and caramel.
- All-purpose flour: Gives the cake its signature tender structure.
- Baking powder: Ensures your cake is light and has just the right lift.
- Cinnamon: Infuses the cake with a cozy spice that complements the apples.
- Salt: A pinch sharpens all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- Brown sugar (for caramel): For that deep, toasty caramel flavor that’s the heart of this dessert.
- Heavy cream (for caramel): Makes the caramel sauce velvety and rich.
- Unsalted butter (for caramel): Adds shine and a buttery backbone to the caramel sauce.
- Vanilla extract (for caramel): Rounds out the caramel with a touch of warmth.
- Pinch of salt (for caramel): Accentuates and deepens the caramel flavor—don’t skip it!
How to Make Swedish Apple Cake with Caramel
Step 1: Preheat and Prep Your Pan
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F. Take a moment to grease a 9-inch round cake pan—this will ensure your Swedish Apple Cake with Caramel comes out clean and beautiful every time. Prep work done now makes for a smooth, stress-free baking later.
Step 2: Prepare the Apples
Peeled, thinly sliced apples are the star of the show here! Toss them gently with lemon juice to keep them fresh and add a light zing that heightens their natural flavor. Set them aside while you whip up the cake batter.
Step 3: Whisk Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the sugar and eggs. Whisk until the mixture turns delightfully light and fluffy—it should almost look like a pale ribbon. Then slowly pour in the melted (but slightly cooled) butter and vanilla extract, whisking until everything is smooth and inviting.
Step 4: Mix the Dry Ingredients
Grab a separate bowl for this part. Whisk together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. These pantry staples will give your cake its signature body and a gently spiced background note that perfectly frames the apples and caramel.
Step 5: Combine and Fold
Add the dry ingredients to the sugar-butter mixture and stir just until combined—don’t over-mix, or your cake may lose some of its tender crumb. Then gently fold in your prepared apple slices, ensuring every bite will have that signature apple warmth.
Step 6: Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into your greased pan and spread it out evenly. Place in the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Your kitchen is about to smell like a Swedish bakery—enjoy every minute of it!
Step 7: Make Homemade Caramel Sauce
While the cake bakes, prepare the caramel sauce: In a saucepan, combine brown sugar, heavy cream, and butter. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring frequently for 3 to 4 minutes (watch it, as caramel can bubble up fast!). Remove from heat and stir in vanilla and a pinch of salt. Let it cool slightly so it’s thick and glossy but still pourable.
Step 8: Assemble and Serve
Once the cake has cooled for 10 to 15 minutes, liberally drizzle the warm caramel sauce over the top. If you’re feeling extra indulgent, add a bit more on each plated slice when serving. This is where Swedish Apple Cake with Caramel truly shines, inviting everyone to dive in fork-first.
How to Serve Swedish Apple Cake with Caramel
Garnishes
For elegance as well as taste, a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream instantly upgrades each slice. If you really want to impress, add a sprinkle of toasted nuts or a dusting of cinnamon for an extra flourish over your Swedish Apple Cake with Caramel.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs beautifully with a hot cup of coffee, strong tea, or even a mulled cider. The richness of the caramel and apples is lovely with something to sip between bites, especially on cool evenings or special occasions.
Creative Ways to Present
You can bake the batter in individual ramekins for adorable single-servings, or arrange thin apple slices in a fan pattern on top before baking for a visually stunning dessert. Another fun tip: serve each slice with a drizzle of extra caramel and a sprinkle of flaked sea salt to really bring out the flavors of this Swedish Apple Cake with Caramel.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any cake left, simply cover the pan tightly with plastic wrap or transfer slices to an airtight container. Your Swedish Apple Cake with Caramel will keep its moisture and flavor at room temperature for up to two days, or in the refrigerator for up to four days.
Freezing
This cake freezes like a dream! Once completely cool, wrap slices individually in plastic wrap, then in foil, and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to three months. For the caramel sauce, freeze it separately in a small lidded container; thaw both at room temperature when you’re ready for a treat.
Reheating
To bring back that just-baked warmth, simply pop a slice in the microwave for 10–15 seconds or warm gently in a 300°F oven for a few minutes. If the caramel thickens in the fridge, warm it briefly in the microwave or on the stove until pourable before drizzling over your reheated Swedish Apple Cake with Caramel.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Dessert
Absolutely! While Granny Smith and Honeycrisp apples hold their shape beautifully and provide a tart balance to the sweetness, feel free to use whatever apples you love or have on hand.
Is the homemade caramel sauce necessary?
The cake is delicious on its own, but the homemade caramel sauce truly makes this a “Swedish Apple Cake with Caramel” and gives an extra layer of indulgence. It really only takes a few minutes to whip up and makes all the difference!
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Yes, you can swap out the all-purpose flour for a good-quality gluten-free blend. Just ensure your baking powder is gluten-free as well for the perfect gluten-free Swedish Apple Cake with Caramel.
Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?
Definitely! Chopped walnuts, pecans, or even a little shredded coconut can add delightful texture and flavor. Mix them right into the batter or sprinkle some over the top before baking.
Can I double the recipe for a larger group?
You sure can. Just bake in a 9 x 13-inch pan, and increase the baking time by about 10–15 minutes. Keep an eye on it and use the toothpick test for doneness.
Final Thoughts
This is one of those recipes you’ll want to pull out again and again—whether it’s for a holiday gathering, a cozy Sunday treat, or just to make an ordinary week feel special. Swedish Apple Cake with Caramel is pure comfort, pure joy, and a delicious way to celebrate the beauty of baking with apples. Give it a try, and don’t forget to share a slice (and maybe the recipe!) with someone you love.
Print
Swedish Apple Cake with Caramel Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Swedish
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the delicious flavors of this Swedish Apple Cake with a decadent caramel sauce. This rustic dessert is perfect for fall gatherings or anytime you crave a sweet treat.
Ingredients
Main Cake:
- 2 cups peeled and thinly sliced apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup unsalted butter (melted and slightly cooled)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Caramel Sauce:
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 9-inch round cake pan.
- Prepare the apples: Toss the sliced apples with lemon juice.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk sugar and eggs until light. Add melted butter and vanilla.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
- Combine wet and dry: Add dry ingredients to wet mixture, then fold in apple slices.
- Bake the cake: Spread batter in pan and bake for 35–40 minutes.
- Make caramel sauce: In a saucepan, combine brown sugar, cream, and butter. Cook until thickened.
- Finish and serve: Drizzle warm caramel sauce over the cake before serving.
Notes
- Best served slightly warm with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
- You can substitute pears for apples or add chopped nuts for extra texture.
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