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
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)
Instructions
- Prepare the oven by heating to 350°F and coating a 9-inch springform pan with grease to prevent sticking.
- Sift flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg together in a separate mixing bowl, ensuring smooth integration of dry ingredients.
- 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.
- 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.
- Spread batter evenly into prepared pan, creating a smooth surface for uniform baking.
- 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.
- Stir caramel continuously until smooth and glossy, watching for consistent texture and preventing burning.
- Remove cake from oven after initial 30-minute baking, then generously pour warm caramel over the surface, ensuring complete coverage.
- Return cake to oven for additional 10-15 minutes, allowing caramel to caramelize and cake to finish cooking completely.
- Remove from oven and let cake rest for 15-20 minutes, allowing it to set and cool slightly before serving.
- 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