Swedish Apple Cake: A Classic Scandinavian Delight

Introduction

There’s something magical about a cake that combines the sweet, tart flavor of fresh apples with warm, comforting spices. The Swedish Apple Cake is exactly that—a timeless dessert that has been cherished in Scandinavian kitchens for generations. Its tender crumb, infused with cinnamon and cardamom, perfectly complements the soft, juicy apples nestled throughout. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering, a cozy afternoon with tea, or a special celebration, this cake delivers a perfect balance of flavors and textures.

Unlike overly sweet desserts, this Swedish Apple Cake has a subtle sweetness that allows the natural fruit to shine. The addition of yogurt or sour cream gives the cake a light, moist texture, making it incredibly satisfying without being heavy. The topping, lightly dusted with cinnamon and sugar, adds a delicate crunch and an extra layer of flavor that keeps people coming back for more.

Why This Recipe Works

The beauty of this Swedish Apple Cake lies in its simplicity and balance. Several factors make this recipe a guaranteed success:

Perfect Apple Selection: Using firm apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn ensures the slices hold their shape during baking while maintaining a soft, tender bite. The tartness of these varieties also balances the sweetness of the cake.

Combination of Leavening Agents: The recipe uses both baking powder and baking soda. Baking powder provides the lift, while baking soda helps neutralize the acidity from the apples and yogurt, creating a soft, fluffy texture.

Moisture from Yogurt or Sour Cream: Adding yogurt or sour cream gives the cake its signature moistness. It prevents the cake from drying out and keeps every bite tender.

Warm Spices: Cinnamon and cardamom are classic Scandinavian flavors that enhance the natural sweetness of apples and provide that comforting, fragrant aroma.

Balanced Sweetness: With a moderate amount of sugar in both the batter and the topping, the cake is sweet but not overpowering, making it versatile enough to enjoy for breakfast, dessert, or even an afternoon snack.

What You’ll Need For This Recipe

Before you begin, make sure you have all the ingredients ready. Here’s what you’ll need for the Swedish Apple Cake:

For the Cake:

3 medium apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp salt

1 tsp ground cinnamon

1/4 tsp ground cardamom (optional, but adds authentic Swedish flair)

1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled

3/4 cup granulated sugar

2 large eggs, lightly beaten

1 tsp vanilla extract

1/2 cup plain yogurt or sour cream

For the Topping:

2 tbsp granulated sugar

1 tsp ground cinnamon

Additionally, you’ll need:

A 9-inch round or square baking pan

Parchment paper for lining the pan

Mixing bowls

Whisk and spatula

How To Make Swedish Apple Cake

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your baking pan with butter or non-stick spray and line it with parchment paper. This step ensures that your Swedish Apple Cake will release easily from the pan after baking.

Step 2: Prepare the Apples

Peel, core, and thinly slice the apples. Uniform slices help the cake bake evenly and create a visually appealing layer of apples within the batter. Set them aside while you prepare the batter.

Step 3: Make the Batter

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and cardamom. In a separate bowl, combine the melted butter, sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and yogurt (or sour cream) until smooth. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. The batter should be thick but spreadable—perfect for holding the apple slices in place.

Step 4: Assemble the Cake

Spread half of the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Layer half of the apple slices on top, then cover with the remaining batter. Arrange the rest of the apples on top for a decorative and flavorful finish. Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar topping evenly over the cake.

Step 5: Bake

Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 40–50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The top should be golden brown, and the apples should be tender but not mushy.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10–15 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack. This cooling period helps the cake set and makes slicing easier. Your Swedish Apple Cake is now ready to enjoy!

Tips + Tricks & More For Recipe Success

To make the best Swedish Apple Cake, keep these expert tips in mind:

Choose the Right Apples: Firm, tart apples hold their shape better and provide a nice contrast to the sweet batter. Avoid overly soft or very sweet varieties, as they may turn mushy.

Do Not Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, stir gently until just incorporated. Overmixing can result in a dense, tough cake.

Room Temperature Ingredients: Using room-temperature eggs, butter, and yogurt ensures even mixing and a smoother batter.

Layer Creatively: For a visually stunning cake, arrange apple slices in overlapping rows or a spiral pattern. It looks impressive and bakes beautifully.

Check for Doneness: Baking times may vary depending on your oven. Start checking at 40 minutes and adjust as needed.

Optional Enhancements: For extra flavor, you can add a handful of chopped nuts or a drizzle of caramel sauce over the top before serving.

How To Serve Swedish Apple Cake

The Swedish Apple Cake is versatile and can be served in a variety of ways:

Warm with Ice Cream: Serve a slice warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic dessert experience.

With Whipped Cream: Lightly sweetened whipped cream pairs beautifully with the subtly spiced cake.

As a Breakfast Treat: Enjoy it with a cup of coffee or tea for a cozy morning or afternoon snack.

Elegant Presentation: Garnish with a dusting of powdered sugar or a few fresh apple slices for a café-style presentation.

Serving Suggestions

Slice into 8–10 generous portions and serve on individual plates.

Pair with fresh berries or a dollop of yogurt for a lighter option.

Add a drizzle of warm caramel or a sprinkle of toasted almonds to enhance flavors.

Serve alongside a spiced latte or mulled cider for seasonal gatherings.

Time

Prep Time: 20–25 minutes

Bake Time: 40–50 minutes

Cooling Time: 10–15 minutes

Total Time: 70–90 minutes

This timeline makes the Swedish Apple Cake an ideal recipe for weekend baking, special occasions, or any time you want a comforting, homemade dessert.

With its perfect balance of spices, tender apples, and moist crumb, the Swedish Apple Cake is more than just a dessert—it’s a comforting slice of Scandinavian tradition. Each bite showcases the natural sweetness of apples, enhanced by warm cinnamon and fragrant cardamom. Whether shared with family or served at a special gathering, this cake is sure to become a favorite.