If you’re looking for that perfect cozy treat to usher in fall or impress dinner guests with something special, Swedish Apple Cake with Caramel will completely win your heart. This delightful dessert layers tender apples, fragrant spices, a buttery vanilla cake, and luscious caramel in every bite, giving you a show-stopper that’s both rustic and utterly irresistible. The combination of tart apples and glossy caramel sauce makes this cake a standout, and every time I bake it my kitchen is filled with the warmest, happiest aromas. Trust me, Swedish Apple Cake with Caramel is destined to become a go-to favorite for gatherings, celebrations, or anytime you want to savor a taste of Swedish-inspired comfort.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What I absolutely love about this Swedish Apple Cake with Caramel is how accessible and wholesome the ingredient list is—each item brings its own magic, transforming simple pantry staples into a truly memorable dessert. Let’s take a peek at what you’ll need to create that dreamy aroma and classic flavor.
- Apples (2 large): Choose tart varieties like Granny Smith for contrast—they keep their shape and add fresh zing.
- Lemon juice (1 tbsp): Prevents apples from browning and enhances their natural brightness.
- All-purpose flour (1½ cups): The base of the cake, providing structure and a tender crumb.
- Baking powder (1 tsp): Ensures the cake rises beautifully and stays light.
- Ground cinnamon (1/2 tsp): Lends that classic, comforting warmth that pairs perfectly with apples.
- Ground cardamom (1/4 tsp): Adds a uniquely Scandinavian touch—a little goes a long way for aroma.
- Salt (1/4 tsp): Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- Unsalted butter, softened (1/2 cup): For rich flavor and a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Granulated sugar (3/4 cup): Sweetens the cake without overpowering the apples or spices.
- Eggs (2 large): Helps the cake set and brings everything together for the perfect consistency.
- Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Infuses the cake with lovely depth and enhances the caramel notes.
- Whole milk (1/2 cup): Keeps the batter moist for a beautifully soft crumb.
- Caramel sauce (1/2 cup plus more for drizzling): The superstar topping that seeps into the cake for dreamy sweetness.
- Powdered sugar (optional): Perfect for an elegant dusting just before serving.
How to Make Swedish Apple Cake with Caramel
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Apples
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9-inch springform or round cake pan. Peel, core, and thinly slice the apples, then gently toss them with lemon juice in a mixing bowl. This quick toss ensures the apples stay beautifully crisp and vibrant until it’s time for them to shine.
Step 2: Whisk the Dry Ingredients
In a separate medium bowl, whisk together your all-purpose flour, baking powder, cinnamon, cardamom, and salt. This aromatic blend is the backbone of your Swedish Apple Cake with Caramel, offering warm spice and structure in every bite.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In your largest mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer—or some energetic arm power—until the mixture is light and fluffy. This important step means a tender, delicate crumb later on.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then, mix in the vanilla extract. Your batter should look creamy and velvety at this stage, promising a flavorful cake ahead.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Alternate adding the dry flour mixture and milk to your creamed mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Take your time and mix gently—just until the last streaks of flour disappear. Overmixing isn’t welcome here; you want a light, just-homemade texture!
Step 6: Assemble the Cake
Pour the batter into your prepared pan, then smooth out the top with a spatula. Arrange the apple slices in a lovely circular pattern over the batter, slightly pressing them in so every wedge has its moment. Now, the magical part—drizzle a hearty 1/2 cup of caramel sauce over the apples, setting the stage for gooey, golden perfection.
Step 7: Bake and Finish
Bake your cake for 40–45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean (it’s okay if there’s a little caramel on it). Allow the cake to cool slightly before removing it from the pan. When you’re ready to serve, don’t forget to give it an extra kiss of caramel sauce and a shower of powdered sugar—it’s all about that sweet, glossy finish.
How to Serve Swedish Apple Cake with Caramel
Garnishes
This cake absolutely loves to be dressed up! A simple dusting of powdered sugar is classic and makes the top gleam. For true indulgence, drizzle a bit more warm caramel sauce over each slice just before serving. Want to go over-the-top? Add a dollop of softly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra richness that melts in all the right places.
Side Dishes
Swedish Apple Cake with Caramel can absolutely stand alone, but it’s also wonderful alongside a cup of strong coffee or hot tea. If you’re serving a crowd, create a little dessert spread with fresh berries, extra apple slices, or a medley of Scandinavian cookies for a truly immersive treat.
Creative Ways to Present
I love to cut generous wedges and serve them on rustic wooden boards for a cozy, homey feel, but you can also go upscale and slice the cake into dainty pieces with a caramel drizzle zigzagged artistically over each. If you’ve baked minis, individual pans make a stunning plated dessert—just sprinkle with toasted nuts or edible flowers for a festive touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (which doesn’t happen often!), wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. The apples help keep the cake moist, and the flavors deepen as they rest—making your Swedish Apple Cake with Caramel surprisingly irresistible as a next-day treat.
Freezing
This cake freezes quite well. Once cooled, wrap individual slices or the whole cake in a double layer of plastic and a layer of foil. Store in the freezer for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy Swedish Apple Cake with Caramel again, just thaw at room temperature and refresh with an extra drizzle of caramel before serving.
Reheating
For that just-baked warmth, pop a slice into the microwave for 15-20 seconds or warm it in a low oven for a few minutes. Add your caramel after reheating, and the sauce will become perfectly gooey, ensuring every bite of Swedish Apple Cake with Caramel is irresistibly cozy.
FAQs
Can I use other types of apples?
Absolutely! While tart apples like Granny Smith are traditional, you can use sweeter varieties such as Honeycrisp or Fuji for a different flavor profile. Just keep in mind that using a mix of apples makes the Swedish Apple Cake with Caramel even more interesting and adds depth to every bite.
Do I have to use cardamom?
If you don’t have cardamom on hand, don’t worry—the cake will still be delicious! Cardamom brings that uniquely Swedish aroma, but a touch more cinnamon or even some nutmeg can stand in without missing a beat.
Can I make the caramel sauce from scratch?
Definitely! Homemade caramel is a wonderful option if you have the time. But honestly, store-bought caramel sauce works beautifully here and saves time, letting you enjoy your warm Swedish Apple Cake with Caramel that much sooner.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
You sure can! Just swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. The flavor and gooey caramel topping will shine just as brightly in every gluten-free slice.
What’s the best way to transport the cake?
Let the cake cool completely, then keep it in the pan for travel. Wrap tightly and add extra caramel sauce just before serving. Swedish Apple Cake with Caramel travels well and is always a crowd-pleaser at potlucks or gatherings.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready for a dessert that radiates comfort and wow-factor, Swedish Apple Cake with Caramel truly delivers. Every slice is a warm embrace of apples, caramel, and spice—so don’t hesitate to share it with family, friends, or just treat yourself. Give this recipe a try and let it brighten up your next cozy night or special celebration!
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Swedish Apple Cake with Caramel Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the delightful flavors of this Swedish Apple Cake with Caramel. This moist and spiced cake topped with tender apple slices and a sweet caramel drizzle is the perfect dessert for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 2 large apples (peeled, cored, and thinly sliced)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup whole milk
For Topping:
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce (plus more for drizzling)
- powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 9-inch springform pan or round cake pan.
- Prepare Apples: Toss sliced apples with lemon juice and set aside.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, cardamom, and salt.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Eggs and Flavorings: Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Alternately add the dry ingredients and milk to the creamed mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients.
- Assemble and Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan, arrange apple slices on top, drizzle with caramel sauce, and bake for 40–45 minutes until done.
- Serve: Let cool slightly, then serve warm or at room temperature with extra caramel sauce and powdered sugar.
Notes
- Best served slightly warm with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith for the best flavor contrast with the caramel.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Swedish
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
