This Old Fashioned Swedish Apple Cake is a warm and cozy dessert that smells like home! With tender apples and a soft cake batter, it’s perfect for any gathering.
I love how this cake makes the whole kitchen feel inviting. Plus, it’s great with a scoop of ice cream on top. Enjoying a slice feels like a big hug! 🍏🍰
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: Tart apples like Granny Smith are the best choice as they hold their shape and balance the sweetness of the cake. If they’re not available, Honeycrisp or Braeburn also work well.
Sugar: I used granulated sugar for sweetness, but you can substitute brown sugar for a richer flavor. You could also use coconut sugar if you want a more natural option.
Butter: Unsalted butter is preferred, but if you’re out, you can use margarine or coconut oil. Just know that this may change the cake’s flavor slightly.
Milk: Whole milk provides a creamy texture, but you can swap it with almond milk, soy milk, or even yogurt for a different taste or if you’re dairy-free.
How Do I Get Perfectly Sliced Apples in My Cake?
Slicing your apples evenly is crucial for a tender, well-cooked topping. Here’s a simple technique:
- Use a sharp knife or a mandoline slicer for uniformity.
- Aim for about 1/4-inch slices; this way, they cook through without becoming mushy.
- Keep the slices slightly overlapping in the pan for a beautiful finish.
Don’t forget to peel and core them first! This makes for a better texture as you eat your cake.
Old Fashioned Swedish Apple Cake
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cake:
- 4–5 medium-sized apples (preferably tart varieties like Granny Smith), peeled, cored, and sliced
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional, for apple topping)
- Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful cake takes about 15 minutes to prepare and then 45–50 minutes to bake. You’ll spend a total of around 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes from start to finish, but let it cool for about 10 minutes before serving. It will be the perfect warm dessert!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure that your cake bakes evenly. Don’t forget to grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan or a springform pan to keep the cake from sticking.
2. Prepare the Apples:
Next, take your peeled, cored, and sliced apples and arrange them neatly in the bottom of the prepared cake pan. You can layer them in a circular pattern for a beautiful look!
3. Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined. This will be the foundation of your cake’s texture.
4. Combine Wet Ingredients:
In another bowl, lightly beat the eggs. Add in the melted butter, milk, and vanilla extract. Mix these wet ingredients together until they are well combined.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Now, gently stir the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Mix just until everything is combined. Be careful not to over-mix—it’s okay if there are a few lumps!
6. Pour the Batter:
Pour the batter evenly over the arranged apples in the pan. If you’d like, sprinkle the top with cinnamon for a lovely added flavor.
7. Bake the Cake:
Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake for 45–50 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean.
8. Cool and Invert:
After baking, let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully invert it onto a serving plate so that the baked apples are on top, creating a pretty presentation.
9. Dust with Powdered Sugar:
If you want an extra touch, you can dust the top with powdered sugar before serving, adding a little sweetness and flair.
10. Serve and Enjoy:
This cake is wonderful served warm or at room temperature. It pairs beautifully with a scoop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream. Enjoy this cozy, classic dessert!
Now, you’re ready to bake a scrumptious Swedish Apple Cake that everyone will love!
FAQs About the Old Fashioned Swedish Apple Cake
Can I Use Different Types of Apples?
Absolutely! While tart varieties like Granny Smith are recommended for their flavor and texture, you can also use Honeycrisp or Braeburn apples. Just remember that sweeter apples may result in a sweeter cake!
Can I Make This Cake Gluten-Free?
Yes! You can substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Just ensure your baking powder is gluten-free as well. The texture may vary slightly, but it should still be delicious!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate it for up to a week. Just remember to reheat slices in the microwave for a few seconds before enjoying!
Can I Freeze This Cake?
Yes, you can freeze the cake! Once it’s completely cooled, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It can be kept in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving!