Swedish Apple Cake
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.
6 Servings
Ingredients
- 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
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9-inch springform pan by greasing it.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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).
- Pour the batter into the pan. Bake for approximately 35 to 40 minutes.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.