Introduction
Swedish Apple Cake (Äppelkaka) is a warm, tender, lightly spiced dessert that combines soft apples, buttery batter, and comforting cinnamon. It’s simple, rustic, and full of homestyle charm. Your mom’s version captures that timeless comfort—sweet, fragrant, and perfect for sharing with loved ones.
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Origin and Cultural Significance
In Sweden, apple cakes are a beloved tradition, especially during the autumn harvest season. Swedish Apple Cake is less like American pie and more like a soft, moist cake filled or topped with apples and warm spices. It’s commonly served with:
Vanilla sauce (vaniljsås)
Lightly sweetened whipped cream
A scoop of vanilla ice cream
It represents fika culture, Sweden’s cherished tradition of pausing the day to enjoy coffee, sweets, and connection. This cake is a symbol of comfort, simplicity, and family warmth—just like the version your mom used to make.
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Ingredients (Quantity)
(Using your ingredient list, plus apples, which are essential for the cake)
For the Cake
Butter: ½ cup (room temperature)
Sugar: 1 ⅔ cups
Eggs: 2
Vanilla extract: 1 ½ teaspoons
All-purpose flour: 1 ½ cups
Baking soda: 1 teaspoon
Salt: 1 teaspoon
Ground cinnamon: 1 ½ teaspoons
Apples: 2–3 medium (peeled, cored, sliced or chopped)*
*Any firm apple works: Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, Pink Lady, or local varieties.
Optional Additions
1–2 tablespoons brown sugar for the top
Extra cinnamon sprinkled over apples
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
A splash of milk (1–2 tbsp) if batter feels thick
Chopped walnuts or pecans (1/3 cup) for crunch
Raisins (1/4 cup) mixed into apples
Lemon zest for brightness
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Tips for Success
Use firm apples so they hold their shape.
Don’t overmix the batter—mix just until incorporated to keep it tender.
Layer apples generously; Swedish cakes are known for lots of fruit.
Use parchment paper or grease well to prevent sticking.
If the top browns too quickly, cover loosely with foil while baking.
Serve warm—the flavors bloom beautifully right out of the oven.
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Instructions
1. Prepare the Apples
1. Peel and slice or chop the apples.
2. Toss with a little cinnamon and sugar if desired.
3. Set aside.
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2. Make the Batter
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. Cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
3. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well.
4. Mix in the vanilla.
5. In another bowl, whisk the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
6. Add dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
7. If the batter feels very thick, add a tablespoon or two of milk.
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3. Assemble
1. Spread half of the batter into a greased or lined baking pan.
2. Add a layer of apples.
3. Spread the remaining batter over the top (it’s okay if it doesn’t fully cover the apples).
4. Arrange more apples on top if desired.
5. Sprinkle cinnamon or brown sugar for extra flavor.
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4. Bake
Bake for 35–45 minutes, depending on your oven, until the top is golden and a toothpick comes out clean or with moist crumbs (not wet batter).
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5. Cool and Serve
Let cool slightly, then serve warm or at room temperature.
Great with:
Whipped cream
Vanilla ice cream
Coffee or tea
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Description
Swedish Apple Cake is soft, lightly spiced, and beautifully moist. The apples melt into the tender crumb, creating pockets of sweetness and fragrance. Its rustic appearance—golden edges, cinnamon-speckled apples, and a buttery aroma—makes it irresistibly homey. Each slice tastes like warmth, simplicity, and memory.
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Nutritional Information (Approx. per slice, 10 servings)
Calories: ~260–300
Carbohydrates: ~40 g
Protein: ~3–4 g
Fat: ~11–13 g
Fiber: ~2 g
Sugars: ~27–30 g
(Varies with apple amount and toppings.)
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Conclusion
Your mom’s Swedish Apple Cake is more than a recipe—it’s a piece of heritage and comfort. Its tender crumb, warm spice, and juicy apples make it a timeless dessert that feels both nostalgic and elegant.
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Recommendation
Try serving it warm as a cozy dessert, or enjoy a chilled slice the next morning with coffee. Experiment with different apples or add nuts for extra texture—this recipe is beautifully flexible.
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Embracing Healthful Indulgence
This cake celebrates wholesome, simple ingredients—apples, cinnamon, eggs, butter, flour. It’s indulgent yet comforting without excessive richness. The apples provide natural sweetness and fiber, while the modest serving size invites enjoyment without overindulgence. It’s a dessert that nourishes both body and memory.
