Name: Swedish Apple Cake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 60 min
Ingredients: 1/2 cup Butter (at room temperature); 1 2/3 cups Sugar; 2 large Eggs; 1 1/2 teaspoons Vanilla Extract; 1 1/2 cups All-Purpose Flour; 1 teaspoon Baking Soda; 1 teaspoon Salt; 1 1/2 teaspoons Cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon Nutmeg; 3 cups Diced and Peeled Apples ((about 2 large apples)); 1/4 cup Chopped Pecans or Walnuts ((optional)); 1 1/3 cups Brown Sugar; 2 tablespoons Half & Half; 4 tablespoons Butter

Jump to Recipe

Step into the warmth of a Scandinavian kitchen with Swedish Apple Cake, a cozy, irresistibly moist dessert that brings out the best in every juicy apple! Imagine gathering around the table on a crisp evening, your home filled with the scent of tender apples and cinnamon wafting from the oven. This cake is a brilliant reminder that the simplest recipes are sometimes the most rewarding. Swedish Apple Cake isn’t just quick to make—it’s a family pleaser and makes for a perfect weekday treat or casual weekend dessert. Did you know apple cake is a Swedish coffee-break staple, often baked for friendly “fika” gatherings? It’s just as inviting as our ever-popular Cinnamon Roll Loaf but boasts a rich caramel sauce and rustic, fruit-packed crumb you won’t be able to resist. Settle in—this recipe’s blend of tradition and ease makes it a must-bake for any apple lover.

What is Swedish Apple Cake?

So, what exactly is Swedish Apple Cake? With a name this charming (and delicious-sounding), you might wonder: did someone in Sweden just slice apples into a cake and call it a day? Well, not quite—but wouldn’t that be a story! In reality, Swedish Apple Cake is a beloved Scandinavian dessert featuring layers of soft apples enveloped in a spiced, buttery batter, then finished with a gooey caramel drizzle. Like the old saying goes, “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach”—and this cake might just win over everyone’s heart at your table. Ready to win over yours? Grab your apples and let’s bake!

Why You’ll Love This

Swedish Apple Cake is pure comfort in every bite. The moist crumb comes alive with chunks of sweet, tender apple and a hint of cinnamon and nutmeg—it’s like autumn in dessert form. Making this at home saves you a trip (and a few dollars) to the bakery, plus your kitchen will smell amazing! The crowning glory is the buttery caramel sauce that soaks into every slice, adding a decadent finish that makes this cake stand out from everyday apple desserts. If you’ve enjoyed our Apple Cinnamon Mug Cake, you’ll adore this layered, serve-a-crowd version even more. Need a family dessert for tonight? This cake is waiting for you.

How to Make

Quick Overview

This Swedish Apple Cake is as effortless as it is delicious. Its secret? Simple ingredients you likely have on hand, minimal prep, and a forgiving baking process. The batter comes together quickly, the apples stay juicy, and the caramel sauce adds a touch of wow—no fancy techniques required! From prep to table, you’ll need just about an hour, making it a sweet option for busy nights or last-minute gatherings. The hardest part will be resisting that warm, caramel-scented aroma while it bakes.

Slice of Swedish Apple Cake with caramel sauce drizzled over the top on a dessert plate

Ingredients

To make Swedish Apple Cake, you’ll need:

1/2 cup butter, at room temperature
1 2/3 cups sugar
2 eggs
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
3 cups diced and peeled apples (about 2 large apples)
1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

For the caramel sauce:

1 1/3 cups brown sugar
2 tablespoons half & half
4 tablespoons butter

Step-by-Step

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round or square cake pan and set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the room temperature butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each, then stir in vanilla extract.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. The batter will be thick.
Gently fold in the diced apples and optional chopped nuts, distributing them evenly throughout the batter.
Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan.
Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the top is golden brown.
While the cake bakes, make the caramel sauce. In a small saucepan, combine brown sugar, half & half, and butter. Cook over medium heat, stirring until the butter melts and the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened (about 3-5 minutes).
When the cake is done, remove it from the oven and poke small holes all over the top using a skewer or toothpick.
Pour the warm caramel sauce over the cake and allow it to soak in for at least 15 minutes before serving.
Slice and serve warm, or at room temperature, with more caramel drizzle if desired.

What to Serve Swedish Apple Cake With

This cake shines on its own, but for special occasions, try pairing it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream for added creaminess. It’s also wonderful with a hot cup of coffee or spiced chai tea. If you’re serving a cozy brunch, Swedish Apple Cake makes a lovely companion to savory quiches or a simple green salad tossed with nuts and goat cheese for a balanced plate.

Top Tips for Perfecting

Choose crisp, tart apples like Granny Smith for maximum flavor that stands up to baking.
Don’t skip the caramel sauce—pour it on while the cake is still warm so it soaks into every bite.
If you’re low on time, you can prepare the sauce ahead and reheat gently before serving.
Substitute pecans or walnuts with seeds or omit for a nut-free version.
Keep an eye on the cake as it bakes; every oven is different and you don’t want to overbake it.

Storing and Reheating Tips

To store leftovers, allow the cake to cool completely, then cover tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. Swedish Apple Cake will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Want to keep it longer? Wrap slices individually and freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, warm slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in a preheated 300°F (150°C) oven for about 8 minutes. If frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as above for best texture and flavor.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of apple for this cake?
Yes! While tart apples like Granny Smith are traditional, any baking apple—Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Pink Lady—will give great results.

Can I make Swedish Apple Cake gluten-free?
Absolutely. Simply substitute your favorite 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour.

Do I have to make the caramel sauce?
While optional, the caramel sauce is what sets this cake apart. For a lighter version, sprinkle with powdered sugar instead.

Can I prepare this cake ahead of time?
Yes, it keeps well and the flavors deepen as it sits. Bake it a day in advance and drizzle the sauce just before serving for the best presentation.

Can I add raisins or dried fruit to the batter?
Definitely! Add up to 1/2 cup of raisins, dried cranberries, or chopped dried apricots for a fun twist.

Conclusion

Swedish Apple Cake is a true crowd-pleaser, offering comfort and old-world charm in every bite. Whether you’re sharing it with friends over coffee or treating your family to a sweet surprise, this cake promises flavorful simplicity and loads of rustic appeal. With its buttery crumb, juicy apples, and rich caramel finish, it’s sure to become a new favorite in your baking rotation. Gather your apples, preheat that oven, and enjoy the magic of Swedish home baking—because everyone deserves a little slice of happiness. Happy baking!