Cozy Swedish Apple Cake with Caramel Recipe for Fall Baking

Sweet autumn afternoons call for a delightful Swedish apple cake with caramel that sparks joy in every bite.

Crisp apples mingle with warm spices, creating a dessert that feels like a cozy embrace.

The rich, golden caramel weaves through layers of tender cake, promising a symphony of flavors.

Fragrant cinnamon and buttery notes dance together, making this traditional Swedish treat irresistible.

Each slice tells a story of comfort and culinary tradition passed down through generations.

The combination of tart apples and smooth caramel transforms a simple dessert into a memorable experience.

Bake this cake and watch as smiles spread around the table.

Swedish Apple Cake with Caramel: Why You’ll Adore It

• This Swedish apple cake delivers warm, nostalgic flavors that wrap you in cozy kitchen memories, perfect for family gatherings and sweet moments.
• With straightforward ingredients and easy mixing techniques, even novice bakers can create a stunning dessert without complicated steps or professional skills.
• The magical caramel topping transforms an ordinary apple cake into an extraordinary treat, adding rich, golden depth and irresistible sweetness that makes every bite memorable.
• Suitable for casual afternoons, special celebrations, or weekend brunches, this cake appeals to all ages and serves as a delightful centerpiece that sparks conversation and smiles.

What Goes Into Swedish Apple Cake

• Flour: A key component that provides structure to the Swedish apple cake.
• Butter: Adds rich flavor and helps create a tender cake texture.
• Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps with caramelization.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and contribute to the cake's structure.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile of the cake.

• Apples: Fresh fruit that adds moisture and natural sweetness to the cake.
• Cinnamon, Nutmeg: Warm spices that complement the apple flavor and add depth.

• Brown Sugar, Half & Half, Butter: Create a rich, smooth caramel sauce that adds a luxurious finish to the cake.

• Nuts: Provide an extra crunch and nutty flavor to the cake.

• Baking Soda, Salt: Help the cake rise and balance the flavors.

Bakeware Needed for Caramel Apple Cake

• 9-inch springform pan: Essential for baking the cake with easy removal.
• Large mixing bowl: Perfect for combining wet ingredients and beating butter and sugar.
• Small mixing bowl: Ideal for sifting and mixing dry ingredients.
• Sifter or fine-mesh strainer: Helps create a smooth, lump-free dry ingredient mix.
• Small saucepan: Necessary for preparing the rich caramel topping.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring caramel and folding ingredients.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Crucial for accurate ingredient measurements.
• Electric mixer or whisk: Helps create a smooth, creamy butter and sugar mixture.

Swedish Apple Cake: Baking Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Baking Station

Get your oven warmed up to 350F and generously coat a 9-inch springform pan with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create Dry Mixture

• All-purpose flour
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Ground cinnamon
• Ground nutmeg

Make sure these ingredients are well blended with no lumps.

Step 3: Cream Butter And Sweetness

In a large mixing bowl, whip butter and sugar until they transform into a smooth, creamy texture.

Add eggs one at a time, gently incorporating each.

Splash in vanilla extract for extra flavor depth.

Step 4: Combine Cake Batter

Gradually fold the dry mixture into the wet ingredients.

Stir until just combined – avoid overmixing.

• Diced fresh apples
• Chopped walnuts (optional)

The batter should look slightly rustic and hearty.

Step 5: Bake Initial Cake

Pour the batter into the prepared pan.

Slide into the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes until golden and fragrant.

Step 6: Craft Luxurious Caramel

When cake has been baking for 30 minutes, start the caramel sauce.

• Brown sugar
• Half & half
• Butter

Stir over medium-low heat until silky smooth and fully integrated.

Step 7: Finish With Caramel Magic

Pull the cake from the oven and generously drizzle the caramel across the top.

Return to oven for another 10-15 minutes until caramel looks crackling and cake is completely baked.

Step 8: Serve With Love

Allow the cake to rest and cool for at least 15 minutes.

This helps the caramel set and makes slicing easier.

Serve warm and watch everyone’s eyes light up with delight.

Apple Cake Wisdom for Perfect Results

• Choose firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best texture and flavor balance in your Swedish apple cake.
• Toss diced apples in a bit of lemon juice to stop oxidation and maintain their fresh, vibrant color.
• Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake – if it comes out clean with just a few moist crumbs, your cake is perfectly baked.
• Watch the caramel closely while cooking to prevent burning; it should be smooth and golden brown when ready to pour.
• Let the cake cool slightly so the caramel sets but serve warm for the most delightful taste and texture experience.

Apple Cake Twists & Optional Additions

• Gluten-Free Swedish Apple Delight: Replace wheat flour with almond or gluten-free blend for a celiac-friendly version that maintains the cake's rich texture and flavor.
• Vegan Apple Caramel Creation: Substitute butter with coconut oil, eggs with flax eggs, and use plant-based milk for caramel to create a dairy-free, egg-free alternative.
• Low-Sugar Apple Spice Cake: Use monk fruit sweetener instead of sugar, reduce caramel quantity, and incorporate Greek yogurt for a healthier, lower-calorie option that doesn't compromise taste.
• Nutty Harvest Variation: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter, sprinkle extra nuts on top of caramel for additional crunch and depth of flavor.

How to Serve Swedish Apple Cake with Flair

• Cozy Coffee Companion: Pair this warm Swedish apple cake with a steaming mug of robust coffee or creamy cappuccino for a delightful afternoon treat.
• Elegant Dessert Plating: Serve slices on beautiful white plates, garnished with a light dusting of powdered sugar and a small scoop of vanilla bean ice cream.
• Festive Holiday Option: Present the cake during autumn gatherings or Thanksgiving, creating a stunning centerpiece that celebrates seasonal apple flavors and comforting spices.
• Textural Nut Enhancement: Sprinkle toasted chopped almonds or walnuts around the cake's edges for added crunch and nutty depth that complements the caramel's sweetness.

Keeping Swedish Apple Cake Fresh

• Store cake in an airtight container for up to 4 days, covering loosely with plastic wrap to prevent moisture loss and maintain freshness.
• Wrap individual slices or whole cake tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months; place in freezer-safe container to prevent freezer burn.
• Keep cake at room temperature for 1-2 days if serving soon, covering with a cake dome or loose plastic wrap to preserve texture.
• Warm individual slices in microwave for 15-20 seconds or in oven at 300F for 5-7 minutes, ensuring caramel topping doesn't burn and cake remains moist.

FAQs

• What kind of apples work best for this Swedish apple cake?

Use firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp. These varieties hold their shape during baking and provide a nice balance to the sweet caramel topping.

• Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure to use one designed for baking to maintain the cake’s texture and structure.

• Is it possible to make the caramel sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the caramel sauce up to 3 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and gently reheat before using on the cake.

Swedish Apple Cake with Caramel Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 20 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Swedish Apple Cake delights dessert enthusiasts with its rich, buttery layers and warm spices. Scandinavian baking traditions shine through this elegant pastry that combines tart apples and sweet caramel into a comforting Nordic treat you’ll want to savor.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 3 cups diced & peeled apples
• 2 eggs
• 1 1/2 cups flour
• 1 1/3 cup brown sugar

Spices and Seasonings:

• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla
• 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg

Dairy and Nuts:

• 1/2 cup butter (room temperature)
• 2/3 cup sugar
• 2 tablespoons half & half
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by heating to 350°F and coating a 9-inch springform pan with grease to prevent sticking.
2. Sift flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg together in a separate mixing bowl, ensuring smooth integration of dry ingredients.
3. Cream butter and sugar in a large bowl until light and fluffy, then incorporate eggs individually, mixing thoroughly after each addition, and blend in vanilla extract for enhanced flavor.
4. Gently fold dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined to maintain cake’s tender texture, then carefully incorporate diced apples and optional nuts.
5. Spread batter evenly into prepared pan, creating a smooth surface for uniform baking.
6. Place cake in preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes, preparing caramel simultaneously by combining brown sugar, half & half, and butter in a saucepan over medium-low heat.
7. Stir caramel continuously until smooth and glossy, watching for consistent texture and preventing burning.
8. Remove cake from oven after initial 30-minute baking, then generously pour warm caramel over the surface, ensuring complete coverage.
9. Return cake to oven for additional 10-15 minutes, allowing caramel to caramelize and cake to finish cooking completely.
10. Remove from oven and let cake rest for 15-20 minutes, allowing it to set and cool slightly before serving.
11. Slice and serve, enjoying the warm, aromatic dessert with its rich caramel glaze.

Notes

• Swap apples for pears or peaches to create seasonal variations that keep the cake exciting and versatile.
• Use gluten-free flour blend for a celiac-friendly version without compromising the cake’s rich texture and flavor.
• Select firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp to maintain structural integrity and prevent soggy cake bottom.
• Ensure caramel reaches a golden amber color by monitoring heat carefully, stirring constantly to prevent burning and achieving perfect consistency.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Swedish

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 18 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Fat: 16 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 42 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg