Of course! Here is the full, beautifully expanded recipe for Swedish Apple Cake, crafted with love and detail, just as you remember it.
A Taste of Home: Swedish Apple Cake
My mom used to make this Swedish Apple Cake for family gatherings, and it was always the first dessert to disappear! This isn’t just a cake; it’s a warm, spiced memory. It perfectly embodies the Swedish concept of “mys”—a feeling of cozy contentment. With a tender, buttery crumb and layers of soft, cinnamon-kissed apples, it’s a humble yet utterly irresistible dessert that feels like a hug from the inside.
Swedish Apple Cake 🍎
Ingredients
For the Cake:
· ½ cup (1 stick / 113g) unsalted butter, room temperature
· 1 ⅔ cups (330g) granulated sugar
· 2 large eggs, room temperature
· 1 ½ teaspoons pure vanilla extract
· 1 ½ cups (188g) all-purpose flour
· 1 teaspoon baking soda
· 1 teaspoon salt
· 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
For the Apple Layers:
· 4-5 medium-sized tart apples (like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
· 2 tablespoons granulated sugar mixed with 1 teaspoon cinnamon (for sprinkling)
For Serving (Optional):
· Vanilla ice cream or freshly whipped cream
· A dusting of powdered sugar
Instructions & Methods
Method: The Creaming Method
This cake uses the classic creaming method,which incorporates air into the butter and sugar for a light, tender texture.
1. Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch springform pan or a deep cake pan.
2. Cream Butter & Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the room-temperature butter and 1 ⅔ cups sugar together on medium-high speed for 3-5 minutes, until the mixture is pale, fluffy, and light.
3. Incorporate Eggs & Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Scrape down the bowl. Beat in the vanilla extract.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and 1 ½ teaspoons cinnamon.
5. Form the Batter: With the mixer on low, gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. The batter will be thick.
6. Layer the Cake: Spread half of the batter into the bottom of your prepared pan. It will be a thin layer. Arrange half of the sliced apples evenly over the batter. Sprinkle with half of the cinnamon-sugar mixture. Carefully spread the remaining batter over the apples (it’s okay if it doesn’t cover perfectly). Top with the remaining apples and sprinkle with the last of the cinnamon-sugar.
7. Bake: Place the pan on a baking sheet (to catch any drips) and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake (not just an apple) comes out clean.
8. Cool & Serve: Let the cake cool in the pan on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes before releasing from the springform or slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature.
A Slice of History: The Origins of Äppelkaka
Swedish Apple Cake, or Äppelkaka, is a staple in Swedish home baking, falling under the broader category of “småkakor” (small cakes and cookies) and everyday cakes. Unlike the French tarte tatin or American deep-dish pie, Swedish apple desserts are typically less sweet and emphasize the natural flavor of the apple, enhanced by warm spices like cinnamon and cardamom. This style of cake evolved from the practical need to use abundant autumn harvests. It’s a “potluck darling” and a standard feature in the famous Swedish coffee break, fika—a testament to its role in fostering community and comfort.
Nutrition & Benefits
While a dessert, this cake offers more than just indulgence:
· Apples: Provide dietary fiber (especially pectin) for digestive health, along with vitamin C and antioxidants.
· Eggs & Butter: Supply essential fats for brain health and fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E).
· Mindful Indulgence: Baking and sharing food made from scratch is an act of care, benefiting emotional well-being. The cinnamon in the recipe is also noted for its anti-inflammatory properties and ability to help regulate blood sugar.
Approximate Nutrition per Serving (1/12 of cake, without toppings):
· Calories: ~320
· Fat: 10g
· Carbohydrates: 56g
· Fiber: 2g
· Sugar: 40g
· Protein: 3g
For the Lovers of This Cake
This cake is for:
· The Nostalgic Soul: Who treasures family recipes and the stories they hold.
· The Fika Enthusiast: Who understands that coffee and cake are a sacred ritual.
· The Beginner Baker: Seeking an impressive yet straightforward showpiece.
· The Autumn Adventurer: Who finds joy in the flavors of the season.
· The Comfort Seeker: Who believes the best desserts are the ones that feel like home.
Conclusion
This Swedish Apple Cake is more than a list of ingredients and steps—it’s a legacy of simplicity, warmth, and shared joy. It proves that the most beloved dishes are often the uncomplicated ones, passed down through generations and worn smooth with love like a well-kept stone. By baking it, you’re not just making a dessert; you’re continuing a story, creating a moment of mys, and guaranteeing that your own gathering will have a plate that empties just as quickly as Mom’s always did. Enjoy every delicious, comforting bite.
