Swedish Apple Cake

This Swedish Apple Cake is packed with fresh apples, warm cinnamon, nutmeg, and a buttery caramel drizzle. A simple, cozy dessert perfect for fika!

this Recipe

There’s just something about apple cake that feels like home, isn’t there? It’s warm, it’s nostalgic, and it makes your kitchen smell like a cozy autumn afternoon.

The first time I had äppelkaka—Swedish Apple Cake—was on a trip to Stockholm in the fall. It was one of those gray, drizzly days where the air smells like leaves and chimney smoke. I ducked into a tiny café, ordered a coffee, and pointed to a golden slice of cake behind the glass. The first bite? Absolute magic. Soft apples, warm cinnamon, and this sticky-sweet caramel that seeped into every crumb.

I had to recreate it when I got home. And after some trial and error (read: baking disasters where the caramel turned into cement), I finally nailed it. This recipe is the perfect balance of sweet, spiced, and buttery goodness. Whether you’re making it for a cozy night in or sharing it over coffee with friends, trust me—this cake needs to be in your life.

Why You’ll Love This Swedish Apple Cake Recipe?

• Packed with apples – No dry, sad cake here. Every bite is bursting with juicy apples.
• Warm & cozy spices – Cinnamon and nutmeg make it taste like fall in cake form.
• Easy to make – No fancy techniques, just mix, bake, and drizzle.
• That caramel topping – It soaks into the cake while baking, making it extra rich and indulgent.
• Perfect for fika – Because every coffee break deserves cake.

Ingredient Notes:

This cake keeps it simple, but each ingredient plays a role:

• Butter – Gives the cake a rich, buttery base. Room temp is key!
• Sugar – Granulated sugar for the cake, brown sugar for that dreamy caramel.
• Eggs – Helps bind everything together.
• Vanilla Extract – Adds warmth and depth.
• Flour – All-purpose flour keeps it light yet sturdy.
• Baking Soda – Gives the cake just the right amount of rise.
• Salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances flavor.
• Cinnamon & Nutmeg – The secret to that warm, comforting flavor.
• Apples – Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best. You want firm apples that hold up while baking!
• Pecans/Walnuts (Optional) – Adds a little crunch if you’re into that.
• Brown Sugar, Butter & Cream – The holy trinity of caramel sauce.

Pro Tip: If you want to get extra fancy, sprinkle a little flaky sea salt on top of the caramel before serving. It’s life-changing.

How To Make Swedish Apple Cake?

Step 1: Preheat & Prep

Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch springform pan. I highly recommend using a springform—it makes it so much easier to remove the cake later.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This ensures the spices get evenly distributed throughout the cake.

Step 3: Cream the Butter & Sugar

In a separate bowl, beat together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This step is key—it creates tiny air pockets that make the cake soft. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each one. Stir in vanilla extract.

Step 4: Combine & Fold in Apples

Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined—don’t overmix! Gently fold in the diced apples and nuts (if using).

Step 5: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 35-40 minutes.

Step 6: Make the Caramel Sauce

While the cake bakes, melt brown sugar, butter, and cream in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir until smooth and slightly thickened.

Step 7: Drizzle & Bake Again

After 35-40 minutes, remove the cake from the oven and drizzle half the caramel sauce over the top. Return to the oven for another 10-15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 8: Cool & Serve

Let the cake cool for at least 15 minutes before serving. Drizzle the remaining caramel on top and dig in!

Storage Options:

• At Room Temperature – Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Refrigerate – Keeps well in the fridge for up to a week (just warm it up before serving!).
• Freeze – Wrap slices tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.

Variations and Substitutions:

Want to switch things up? Here are some fun ideas:

• Apple Cinnamon Sugar Topping – Sprinkle cinnamon sugar on top before baking for a crispier crust.
• Gluten-Free Version – Swap out the flour for a 1:1 gluten-free blend.
• Pear Caramel Cake – Use ripe pears instead of apples for a softer texture.
• Nut-Free Option – Skip the nuts entirely—this cake is just as good without them!
• Extra Decadent? – Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. You won’t regret it.

What to Serve with Swedish Apple Cake?

This cake is perfect on its own, but if you want to make it even better:

• Hot Coffee or Tea – Because fika isn’t complete without a warm drink.
• Vanilla Ice Cream – The hot-and-cold combo is unbeatable.
• Whipped Cream – Light and fluffy, it balances the richness of the caramel.
• Sharp Cheddar Cheese – Sounds weird, but trust me—it’s a thing in Sweden!

Frequently Asked Questions:

What apples work best for this cake?

Firm apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn hold their shape best.

Can I make it without the caramel?

You can, but why would you? That caramel adds so much richness!

Can I double the recipe?

Yes! Use a 9×13-inch pan and bake for an extra 10-15 minutes.

You Need to Make This Cake

This Swedish Apple Cake is warm, cozy, and just the kind of dessert that makes any day feel special. Whether you’re making it for a gathering, a fika moment, or just because—it’s guaranteed to be a hit.

Now tell me—what’s your favorite apple dessert? Drop a comment below!

Keep the Flavor Coming – Try These:

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Key Lime Pound Cake

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5 from 8 votes

Swedish Apple Cake

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 50 minutes mins

Step into the inviting warmth of a Swedish kitchen, with this delightful Apple Cake, where the nostalgic scents of cinnamon and nutmeg gracefully fill the air. Each slice tells a story of apples their natural sweetness beautifully blending with the rich and buttery texture all adorned with a homemade caramel that whispers tales of golden Scandinavian autumns. This cake encompasses more, than a recipe; it represents comfort embracing the harvest and exemplifies the simple joys that epitomize Swedish coffee breaks known as Swedish fika. Share this treat with loved ones and relish in the moment as it transforms any gathering into a heartwarming affair.

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6 Servings

Ingredients

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• ½ c butter room temperature
• 1 ⅔ c sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 ½ tsp vanilla extract
• 1 ½ c all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon
• ½ tsp ground nutmeg
• 3 c diced & peeled apples approximately 2 large apples
• Optional: ¼ c chopped pecans or walnuts

For the Caramel:

• 1 ⅓ c brown sugar
• 2 tbsp half & half
• 4 tbsp butter

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Instructions

 

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9-inch springform pan by greasing it.
2. In a bowl combine 1 ½ cups of flour, 1 tsp of baking soda, 1 tsp of salt, 1 ½ tsp of cinnamon and ½ tsp of nutmeg.
3. In another bowl cream together ½ cup of butter at room temperature, with 1⅔ cups of sugar. Add the eggs one at a time. Mix after each addition. Stir in 1½ tsp of vanilla extract.
4. Gradually add the ingredients to the mixture and mix until well combined. Gently fold in apples (three cups) and optionally add nuts (about a quarter cup).
5. Pour the batter into the pan. Bake for approximately 35 to 40 minutes.
6. While baking for about half an hour prepare the caramel sauce. In a saucepan over medium-low heat combine 1⅓ cups of brown sugar, two tablespoons of half & half (or cream) and four tablespoons of butter. Warm the mixture until it becomes smooth.
7. After baking for 35 to 40 minutes remove the cake from the oven. Drizzle it with caramel sauce. Return it to the oven for an additional 10 to 15 minutes.
8. To check if it's done baking insert a toothpick into the cake; if it comes out clean or, with a few crumbs clinging to it then your cake is ready. Allow it to cool for fifteen minutes before serving.

Notes

For those who are navigating the world of baking within the constraints of a gluten-free diet, this Swedish Apple Cake can easily be transformed into a gluten-free delight without losing its soul-warming charm. Swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite gluten-free flour blend — one that's designed for a 1:1 substitution to ensure your cake rises to the occasion with the same tender crumb. Look for a blend that incorporates xanthan gum, which acts as a binder in the absence of gluten, to achieve that perfect, sliceable texture. Be sure to dice your apples finely for an even distribution, ensuring each forkful carries the full, comforting flavor of autumn's bounty.

Audrey

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Bitty

I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!

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