Swedish Apple Cake Recipe

Swedish Apple Cake Recipe: A Deliciously Spiced Dessert

Swedish Apple Cake is a timeless dessert that combines tender, spiced cake with sweet, juicy apples. It’s a comforting treat that’s perfect for any occasion, whether you’re enjoying a cozy family dinner or hosting a special gathering. This cake is known for its moist texture, rich flavors, and the irresistible caramel glaze that takes it to the next level. In this article, we’ll take you through the entire process of making this delectable dessert, providing detailed instructions, tips, and variations to ensure your Swedish Apple Cake turns out perfectly every time.

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• ½ cup butter, room temperature
  The butter should be softened to ensure a smooth and creamy batter.
• 1 ⅔ cup sugar
  This provides the cake with its sweetness and contributes to the caramelized flavor when baked.
• 2 eggs
  Eggs help bind the ingredients together and give the cake its structure.
• 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
  Vanilla adds a subtle, aromatic flavor that complements the apples and spices.
• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  Flour is the base of the cake, giving it its body and texture.
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
  Baking soda helps the cake rise, making it light and fluffy.
• 1 teaspoon salt
  Salt balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors.
• 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
  Cinnamon adds warmth and spice to the cake, pairing beautifully with the apples.
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  Nutmeg adds a hint of nuttiness and depth to the flavor profile.
• 3 cups diced and peeled apples (approximately 2 large apples)
  The star of the show, these apples add moisture, flavor, and texture to the cake.
• Optional: ¼ cup chopped pecans or walnuts
  Nuts add a delightful crunch and a nutty flavor that complements the apples and spices.

For the Caramel:

• 1 ⅓ cup brown sugar
  Brown sugar gives the caramel its rich, molasses-like flavor.
• 2 tablespoons half & half
  This adds creaminess to the caramel, making it smooth and luscious.
• 4 tablespoons butter
  Butter enriches the caramel, giving it a silky texture and a buttery taste.

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Thoroughly grease a 9-inch springform pan. This will help the cake release easily once it’s baked, ensuring a smooth, even surface.

2. Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a small bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Set this mixture aside. Sifting the dry ingredients ensures they are well combined and helps to aerate the flour, making for a lighter cake.

3. Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until smooth and creamy. This step is crucial as it incorporates air into the mixture, which helps the cake rise and gives it a light, tender texture.

4. Add the Eggs and Vanilla

Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract. Beating the eggs thoroughly into the mixture helps to create a uniform batter and ensures that the cake has a good structure.

5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cake dense. You want the batter to be smooth and free of lumps.

6. Fold in the Apples and Nuts

Gently fold in the diced apples and nuts (if using). Folding, rather than stirring, ensures that the apples and nuts are evenly distributed throughout the batter without deflating the mixture.

7. Transfer to the Pan and Bake

Transfer the batter into the prepared springform pan. Spread it out evenly to ensure that the cake bakes uniformly. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

8. Prepare the Caramel Glaze

While the cake is baking, prepare the caramel. In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, combine the brown sugar, half & half, and butter. Stir frequently until the mixture is smooth and fully combined. This caramel is rich and buttery, with a deep, sweet flavor that complements the spiced apple cake perfectly.

9. Add the Caramel and Finish Baking

After the cake has baked for 30 minutes, pour the caramel over the top. Return the cake to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the caramel is bubbling and the cake is cooked through the center. This final bake ensures that the caramel seeps into the cake, infusing it with even more flavor.

10. Cool and Serve

Allow the cake to cool for at least 15 minutes before slicing and serving. This gives the caramel time to set slightly, making it easier to slice and serving.

Notes

• Apple Variety:
  You can use any apple variety you prefer, but Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples work particularly well due to their balance of sweetness and tartness.
• Nut-Free Option:
  If you have a nut allergy or prefer a nut-free cake, simply omit the pecans or walnuts. The cake will still be delicious!
• Serving Suggestions:
  This cake is delicious on its own, but you can also serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat.

Details

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45-55 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Swedish
• Diet: Vegetarian

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 400 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 58g
• Protein: 3g
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Cholesterol: 90mg
• Sodium: 420mg
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 38g
• Vitamin A: 600 IU
• Vitamin C: 3mg
• Calcium: 60mg
• Iron: 1.5mg

FAQs

Q1: Can I use a different type of apple?

Yes, you can use any apple variety you prefer. Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are great choices, but feel free to experiment with other types like Fuji or Gala.

Q2: How should I store the cake?

Store the Swedish Apple 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.

Q3: Can I freeze this cake?

Yes, this cake freezes well. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

Q4: What can I use instead of nuts?

If you’re looking for a nut-free option, you can simply omit the nuts. You could also add raisins or dried cranberries for a different texture and flavor.

Q5: Can I make this cake gluten-free?

To make this cake gluten-free, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure the blend you use contains a binder like xanthan gum to help the cake hold together.

Swedish Apple Cake Recipe

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• Author: recipevalue.com
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Swedish Apple Cake is a delightful dessert that combines a spiced, moist cake with tender, juicy apples. The cake is topped with a rich caramel glaze, adding a sweet and buttery finish to each slice. This cake is perfect for fall or any time you crave a comforting, home-baked treat.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• For the Cake:
  • ½ cup butter, room temperature
  • 1 ⅔ cup sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 3 cups diced and peeled apples (approximately 2 large apples)
  • Optional: ¼ cup chopped pecans or walnuts
• For the Caramel:
  • 1 ⅓ cup brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons half & half
  • 4 tablespoons butter

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Instructions

• Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch springform pan.
• Mix Dry Ingredients: Sift together flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Set aside.
• Cream Butter and Sugar: Beat butter and sugar until creamy. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla.
• Combine and Fold: Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture until combined. Fold in diced apples and nuts.
• Bake the Cake: Transfer batter to the springform pan and bake for 35-40 minutes.
• Prepare Caramel: While the cake bakes, combine brown sugar, half & half, and butter in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir until smooth.
• Add Caramel: Pour caramel over the cake after 30 minutes of baking. Return to the oven for an additional 10-15 minutes.
• Cool and Serve: Let the cake cool for at least 15 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

• Apple Choice: Use Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best balance of sweetness and tartness.
• Nut-Free Option: Omit the nuts if preferred.
• Serving Tip: Serve with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an extra indulgence.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45-55 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Swedish

Nutrition

• Calories: 400 kcal
• Sugar: 38g
• Sodium: 420mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Carbohydrates: 58g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 90mg

Keywords: Swedish Apple Cake Recipe