🍏 Swedish Apple Cake (Äppelkaka)
A cozy, rustic Scandinavian dessert made with tender apples and a soft, buttery cake base. This traditional treat is especially popular in Sweden during autumn and is often served with vanilla sauce or whipped cream.
In Sweden, it’s lovingly known as Äppelkaka and is commonly enjoyed during fika (coffee break time).
🛒 Ingredients
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2–3 medium apples (peeled, thinly sliced)
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1 tablespoon lemon juice
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1 teaspoon cinnamon
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½ cup butter (softened)
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¾ cup sugar
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2 eggs
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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1½ cups all-purpose flour
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1½ teaspoons baking powder
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¼ teaspoon salt
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¼ cup milk
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2 tablespoons pearl sugar or brown sugar (for topping, optional)
👩🍳 Instructions
1️⃣ Prepare the Apples
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Preheat oven to 175°C (350°F).
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Toss sliced apples with lemon juice and cinnamon. Set aside.
2️⃣ Make the Batter
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Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
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Beat in eggs one at a time.
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Add vanilla.
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In a separate bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and salt.
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Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture, alternating with milk.
3️⃣ Assemble
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Pour batter into a greased 8-inch round pan.
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Arrange apple slices on top, gently pressing them into the batter.
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Sprinkle with pearl sugar or brown sugar.
4️⃣ Bake
Bake for 35–45 minutes until golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
Cool slightly before serving.
🍦 Serving Ideas
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Serve warm with vanilla sauce
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Add whipped cream
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Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream
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Enjoy with coffee or tea
✨ Variations
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Add chopped almonds on top
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Mix cardamom into the batter for Scandinavian flavor
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Use a mix of tart and sweet apples for depth
❓ Q & A
Q: What apples work best?
Tart apples like Granny Smith hold their shape well.
Q: Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes, use plant-based butter and milk.
Q: Can I store it?
Store covered at room temperature for 2 days or refrigerate up to 4 days.
