There’s something magical about this Swedish Apple Cake—tender, buttery cake packed with cinnamon-spiced apples and topped with a crisp, golden sugar crust. My mom made it for every family gathering, and without fail, it vanished before any other dessert! Now, I’m sharing her cherished recipe so you can recreate that same warm, nostalgic comfort in your own kitchen.
Why This Cake is Unforgettable ❤️
✅ Perfectly spiced apples – Soft, fragrant, and caramel-like.
✅ Buttery, moist crumb – Almost like a cross between cake and apple pie.
✅ No fancy techniques – Just mix, layer, and bake!
✅ Smells like heaven while baking (warning: neighbors may drop by).
Ingredients You’ll Need 🛒
For the Apple Layer:
4 cups (about 4 medium) apples, peeled & thinly sliced (Honeycrisp or Granny Smith work great!)
2 tbsp lemon juice (to prevent browning)
½ cup (100g) brown sugar
1½ tsp cinnamon
¼ tsp nutmeg
For the Cake Batter:
1½ cups (190g) all-purpose flour
1½ tsp baking powder
¼ tsp salt
½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
2 large eggs, room temperature
1 tsp vanilla extract
½ cup (120ml) milk
For the Crunchy Topping:
2 tbsp granulated sugar (for sprinkling)
½ tsp cinnamon
Step-by-Step Instructions 👩🍳
1. Prep the Apples
Toss apple slices with lemon juice, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Set aside to macerate (this draws out their juices for extra flavor!).
2. Make the Cake Batter
Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl.
In another bowl, cream butter + sugar until fluffy. Beat in eggs + vanilla.
Alternate adding dry ingredients + milk, mixing just until combined.
3. Layer & Bake
Spread half the batter into a greased 9-inch springform or square baking pan.
Arrange spiced apples evenly over the batter.
Dollop remaining batter on top (it’s okay if it doesn’t fully cover—apples will peek through!).
Mix sugar + cinnamon and sprinkle over the top.
4. Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 40-45 mins, until a toothpick comes out clean.
Let cool 15 mins before slicing.
Pro Tips for the Best Swedish Apple Cake 🔥
✔ Use a mix of tart and sweet apples for balanced flavor.
✔ Don’t overmix the batter—keep it tender!
✔ Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
✔ Storage: Keeps well covered at room temp for 2 days (if it lasts that long!).
Serving Suggestions 🍽️
✨ À la mode – Vanilla ice cream melts beautifully into the warm apples.
✨ With a dollop of custard for a Nordic twist.
✨ Drizzled with caramel sauce for extra decadence.
Final Verdict: Taste the Love!
This Swedish Apple Cake is more than dessert—it’s a memory-maker. Every bite is a hug from the past, and I promise it’ll become your family’s new favorite too.
Bake it today and watch it disappear—just like Mom’s! 😊