Swedish Apple Cake is a warm, comforting dessert featuring tender apples and spices, finished with a rich caramel topping. This cake combines the heartiness of apples and the warmth of cinnamon and nutmeg, making it perfect for autumn or any time you crave a cozy treat.
Why This Recipe Works
- Moist and Flavorful: The diced apples add moisture to the cake, while cinnamon and nutmeg give it a warm, aromatic flavor.
- Simple Caramel Topping: The caramel topping adds a rich sweetness and a slightly chewy texture that balances the cake’s spiced flavors.
- Balanced Ingredients: The recipe combines butter, sugar, and eggs for a soft cake, and a touch of baking soda for a light rise.
What You’ll Need for This Recipe
For the Cake:
- Butter: ½ cup at room temperature, to cream with the sugar.
- Sugar: 1 ⅔ cup, for sweetness and structure.
- Eggs: 2, to bind the ingredients and add richness.
- Vanilla Extract: 1 ½ teaspoons, for a touch of warmth and depth.
- All-Purpose Flour: 1 ½ cups, to build the cake’s base.
- Baking Soda: 1 teaspoon, to help the cake rise.
- Salt: 1 teaspoon, to enhance flavor.
- Ground Cinnamon: 1 ½ teaspoons, for warmth.
- Ground Nutmeg: ½ teaspoon, to complement the apples and cinnamon.
- Apples: 3 cups diced, peeled apples (about 2 large apples, your choice of variety).
- Chopped Nuts (Optional): ¼ cup of pecans or walnuts for added texture.
For the Caramel Topping:
- Brown Sugar: 1 ⅓ cup, for a deep caramel flavor.
- Half & Half: 2 tablespoons, to add creaminess.
- Butter: 4 tablespoons, to create a smooth, rich caramel.
How to Make Swedish Apple Cake
Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan thoroughly to ensure the cake releases easily.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a small bowl, sift together flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg to combine and aerate.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the room-temperature butter and sugar until smooth and fluffy.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Add the eggs one at a time to the butter mixture, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the sifted dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in Apples and Nuts: Gently fold in the diced apples and nuts (if using), ensuring they are evenly distributed.
Step 2: Bake the Cake
- Transfer to Pan and Bake: Pour the batter into the greased springform pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Prepare Caramel Topping: When the cake has been baking for about 30 minutes, start preparing the caramel. Combine the brown sugar, half & half, and butter in a small saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring frequently until smooth.
Step 3: Add Caramel and Finish Baking
- Add Caramel Topping: Remove the cake from the oven after 35-40 minutes and pour the caramel sauce over the top.
- Bake Again: Return the cake to the oven for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the caramel is bubbling and slightly crackled.
Step 4: Cool and Serve
- Allow to Cool: Let the cake cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes before slicing, so the caramel topping has time to set slightly.
Tips + Tricks for Recipe Success
- Choose the Right Apples: Use firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for a balance of tartness and sweetness.
- Check Doneness Carefully: The cake is done when a toothpick comes out mostly clean (a few moist crumbs are okay).
- Caramel Texture: Avoid overcooking the caramel sauce to prevent it from hardening too much as it cools.
Serving Suggestions
This Swedish Apple Cake is delightful on its own but pairs wonderfully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For extra flair, drizzle with a little warm caramel or sprinkle with a dusting of cinnamon.
Time
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Baking Time: 45-55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
This Swedish Apple Cake with Caramel Topping is an inviting dessert that combines tender spiced cake with rich caramel, making it the perfect centerpiece for gatherings or a cozy night in. Enjoy each slice of this autumn-inspired treat!