Swedish Apple Cake

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Swedish Apple Cake: A Cozy Classic Dessert

This Swedish Apple Cake is the ultimate cozy dessert—rich with warm spices, loaded with tender apple chunks, and finished with an optional drizzle of caramel and a sprinkle of nuts. With a moist, buttery crumb and just the right balance of sweetness and spice, this simple yet irresistible cake is perfect for fall gatherings, family dinners, or a quiet afternoon treat with a cup of coffee or tea.

Prep Time:

15 minutes

Cook Time:

45–50 minutes

Total Time:

1 hour

Yield:

8–10 servings

Ingredients

  • ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
  • 1⅔ cups granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1½ teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 1½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 3 cups peeled and diced apples (about 2 large apples – Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji work well)
  • Optional: ¼ cup chopped walnuts or pecans, for added crunch
  • Optional: Caramel sauce, for drizzling

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch square baking dish (or an 8×8-inch dish for thicker pieces) and line it with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together using an electric hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed. Beat until the mixture is pale and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes.

Step 3: Add the Eggs and Vanilla

Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then mix in the vanilla extract until fully incorporated. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure everything is evenly blended.

Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg until evenly mixed.

Step 5: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing on low speed or gently folding with a spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—this batter is meant to be thick.

Step 6: Fold in Apples and Nuts

Using a spatula, gently fold the diced apples into the batter. If you’re adding nuts, stir them in at this stage. The batter will be thick and chunky, which gives the cake its hearty texture and rustic charm.

Step 7: Spread the Batter and Bake

Transfer the batter into your prepared pan and spread it evenly. Smooth out the top—don’t worry if it looks uneven due to the apple chunks. Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.

Step 8: Cool and Finish with Caramel

Let the cake cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes before removing it. If desired, drizzle with warm caramel sauce for an extra touch of sweetness and indulgence.

Step 9: Slice and Serve

Cut into squares and serve warm or at room temperature. This cake is especially delightful with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream.

Storage Tips

  • Room Temperature: Store covered for up to 2 days.
  • Refrigerator: Keeps well for up to 5 days.
  • To Reheat: Warm individual slices in the microwave or a low oven for a fresh-out-of-the-oven taste.

Pro Tips for Success

  • Best Apples to Use: A mix of tart (like Granny Smith) and sweet (like Honeycrisp or Fuji) apples adds the best flavor balance and texture.
  • Nut-Free Option: Simply omit the nuts if you prefer a smoother texture or have allergies.
  • Make Ahead Friendly: This cake can be baked the day before and stored at room temperature. Warm it slightly before serving for a cozy, homemade touch.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving, based on 10 servings)

  • Calories: 280
  • Protein: 3g
  • Carbohydrates: 48g
  • Fat: 10g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Sugar: 30g

Note: Nutrition facts are approximate and may vary depending on ingredients used.

Why This Cake Will Become a Family Favorite

Soft, fluffy, and loaded with apple flavor, this Swedish Apple Cake feels like a warm hug in dessert form. The combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, and sweet apple pieces creates a nostalgic, comforting flavor profile that’s hard to resist. Whether you enjoy it plain or dressed up with caramel and nuts, this cake is a simple yet elegant crowd-pleaser.

 

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