Swedish Apple Cake

Here’s a classic Swedish Apple Cake (Äppelkaka) — moist, fragrant, and topped with cinnamon-sugar apples 🍎✨. It’s a simple, traditional dessert that’s perfect for cozy afternoons.

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🍎 Swedish Apple Cake (Äppelkaka)

Serves 8–10

Ingredients

Cake

• 1¾ cups (220 g) all-purpose flour

• 1½ tsp baking powder

• ½ tsp salt

• ¾ cup (150 g) granulated sugar

• ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened

• 2 large eggs

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• ½ cup (120 ml) milk

Topping

• 3–4 medium apples (Granny Smith or tart apples), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced

• 2 tbsp granulated sugar

• 1 tsp ground cinnamon

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Step-by-Step Directions

1. Prepare the Pan & Oven

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Grease a 9-inch (23 cm) springform pan or cake pan.

3. Lightly flour the pan or line with parchment paper.

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2. Make the Cake Batter

1. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.

2. In a separate bowl, beat butter and sugar until creamy and fluffy.

3. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each.

4. Stir in vanilla extract.

5. Alternately add dry ingredients and milk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with flour. Mix until smooth.

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3. Prepare Apple Topping

1. Peel, core, and slice apples thinly.

2. In a small bowl, toss apples with sugar and cinnamon.

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4. Assemble the Cake

1. Pour batter into the prepared pan.

2. Arrange apple slices on top in a decorative pattern.

3. Sprinkle any remaining cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the apples.

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5. Bake

1. Bake for 40–50 minutes, or until:

   • A toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean

   • Cake is golden and apples are tender

2. Let cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes.

3. Remove from pan and cool completely on a wire rack.

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6. Serve

• Dust with powdered sugar if desired.

• Optional: serve with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.

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⭐ Tips for Success

• Tart apples (like Granny Smith) balance the sweetness of the cake.

• Slice apples thinly so they bake evenly.

• Let the cake cool slightly before slicing to keep it from falling apart.

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Variations

• Caramel Swedish Apple Cake: drizzle caramel sauce over the top before serving

• Nutty version: sprinkle chopped almonds or hazelnuts over apples before baking

• Spiced version: add ½ tsp ground cardamom or nutmeg to the batter