Swedish Apple Cake

This Swedish Apple Cake is a heartwarming dessert that pairs the natural sweetness of apples with a spiced, tender cake base. Topped with a luscious caramel glaze, it’s the perfect treat to enjoy with a cup of coffee or serve at a cozy gathering. Simple, rustic, and delicious this cake will fill your home with the comforting aromas of cinnamon, nutmeg, and warm apples.

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Why You’ll Love This Swedish Apple Cake 🍎

This cake is all about balance. It’s soft and moist with just the right amount of sweetness and spice. The diced apples keep it tender and add pops of natural sweetness throughout. And the caramel glaze? That’s the crowning touch that adds a luxurious layer of rich flavor, making each slice irresistible. This cake is easy enough for a weeknight bake but special enough for a celebration.

Ingredients You’ll Need 🧄

For the Cake:

• ½ cup butter, at room temperature – Adds richness and moisture.
• 1 ⅔ cups sugar – Sweetens and helps create a tender crumb.
• 2 eggs – Gives structure and stability.
• 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract – Adds warmth and depth to the flavor.
• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour – The main base of the cake.
• 1 teaspoon baking soda – Ensures the cake rises properly.
• 1 teaspoon salt – Balances the sweetness.
• 1 ½ teaspoons cinnamon – Provides a warm spice that complements the apples.
• ½ teaspoon nutmeg – Adds a hint of earthiness.
• 3 cups diced, peeled apples (around 2 large apples) – The star ingredient that adds texture and sweetness.
• ¼ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional) – For a crunchy contrast.

For the Caramel Glaze:

• 1 ⅓ cups brown sugar – The base of the caramel with a deep, molasses flavor.
• 2 tablespoons half & half – Gives the caramel a creamy consistency.
• 4 tablespoons butter – Adds richness and smoothness.

Step-by-Step Directions 🍏🍰

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Pan

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Prepare the Pan: Thoroughly grease a 9-inch springform pan with butter or nonstick spray, ensuring that the cake will release easily.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

1. Sift Together the Dry Ingredients: In a small bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Sifting these ingredients helps ensure a lump-free, evenly spiced batter.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar

1. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the room-temperature butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This takes about 2-3 minutes and helps create a light cake texture.
2. Add Eggs One at a Time: Add the eggs to the mixture one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This helps to incorporate air into the batter.
3. Add Vanilla: Stir in the vanilla extract, adding an extra layer of flavor.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

1. Gradually Add Dry Ingredients: With your mixer on low, slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix, which can make the cake dense.
2. Fold in Apples and Nuts: Gently fold in the diced apples and nuts (if using), distributing them evenly throughout the batter.

Step 5: Bake the Cake

1. Pour Batter into the Pan: Pour the batter into the prepared springform pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
2. Bake for 35-40 Minutes: Place the cake in the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. While the cake is baking, prepare the caramel glaze.

Step 6: Make the Caramel Glaze

1. Start the Caramel Around the 30-Minute Mark: When the cake has about 10 minutes left in the oven, start the caramel sauce.
2. Combine Ingredients in a Saucepan: In a small saucepan, add the brown sugar, half & half, and butter. Place over medium-low heat and stir often until the mixture is smooth and the sugar has dissolved. No need to bring it to a boil; just ensure it’s fully combined.

Step 7: Add the Caramel Glaze and Finish Baking

1. Pour Caramel Over the Cake: When the cake has baked for 35-40 minutes, remove it from the oven and pour the caramel sauce evenly over the top.
2. Return to Oven: Place the cake back in the oven for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the caramel is bubbling and beginning to crack slightly on the top. This extra time allows the caramel to seep into the cake, adding flavor and moisture.

Step 8: Cool and Serve

1. Cool Before Slicing: Let the cake cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes before removing it. This allows the caramel to set slightly, making it easier to slice.
2. Serve and Enjoy: Slice and serve warm, perhaps with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra treat.

Tips for the Best Swedish Apple Cake 📝

• Use Fresh Apples: Fresh, crisp apples hold up well during baking and add natural sweetness and moisture. Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples work wonderfully.
• Opt for a Springform Pan: A springform pan makes it easier to release the cake, especially with the sticky caramel topping.
• Customize the Spice: If you like more spice, consider adding a pinch of ground cloves or allspice to the dry ingredients.
• Double the Caramel: Love caramel? Feel free to double the caramel glaze recipe for an even more decadent topping.

Serving Suggestions 🍽️

• With Ice Cream: Vanilla or caramel ice cream is the perfect match for this spiced apple cake.
• Whipped Cream: A dollop of fresh whipped cream adds a lovely lightness.
• Drizzle with Extra Caramel: If you’re a caramel lover, drizzle some extra caramel sauce over each slice before serving!

Storing and Reheating 🍎

• Store at Room Temperature: Keep the cake covered at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
• Reheat Before Serving: If refrigerated, warm individual slices in the microwave for a few seconds to bring back the cake’s soft texture.

A Perfectly Spiced, Caramel-Infused Treat 🍏🍰

This Swedish Apple Cake combines everything we love about fall baking warm spices, tender apples, and a caramel finish. It’s a simple cake that doesn’t require frosting or fancy toppings; the caramel glaze is all it needs to shine.