As someone who has always loved simple yet deeply comforting desserts, I’ve found Swedish Apple Cake, or Appelkaka, to be the perfect blend of traditional Nordic flavours and straightforward preparation.
If you’re new to baking or just want something reliable for a weekend treat, this is the ideal starting point. In this post, I’ll walk you through everything from the cake’s history to chef-inspired variations, with clear, beginner-friendly steps.
What is Swedish Apple Cake?
Swedish Apple Cake, known locally as Appelkaka, is a rustic, moist apple-filled dessert often served during fika, Sweden’s cherished coffee break tradition.
It’s not overly sweet, which allows the natural tartness of the apples to shine through, and it carries hints of cinnamon and sometimes cardamom for depth.
Historically, this cake has been a staple in Swedish households, particularly in the autumn months when apples are in season.
Unlike a British crumble or American pie, Appelkaka is typically baked in a round tin and has a sponge-like batter that envelopes the apple slices rather than sitting atop them.
You’ll find slight differences in its preparation across Sweden, some versions are heavy on almond flour, others include buttermilk or yoghurt for added moisture. However, the heart of the cake lies in its simplicity.
Key characteristics of a traditional Swedish Apple Cake:
- Moist, soft crumb
- Layered or embedded apple slices
- Warm spice notes (usually cinnamon or cardamom)
- Typically served with vanilla sauce or whipped cream
This cake is not just a dessert but a reflection of Swedish hospitality and their love for uncomplicated, honest flavours.
What Ingredients Do You Need to Make Swedish Apple Cake?
Choosing the right ingredients is key to achieving the soft, aromatic texture that makes this cake so special. Below is a table showing quantities, specifications, and roles of each ingredient:
Ingredients Table
| Ingredient | Quantity | Specification | Purpose |
| Apples | 2–3 medium | Tart variety (like Bramley) | Main fruit component |
| Caster sugar | 150g | White, fine | Sweetens and tenderises |
| Unsalted butter | 125g | Softened | Adds richness |
| Eggs | 2 large | Room temperature | Binds and lifts |
| Plain flour | 180g | Sifted | Main structure |
| Baking powder | 1 ½ tsp | Fresh | Leavening agent |
| Whole milk | 100ml | Room temperature | Moisture addition |
| Ground cinnamon | 1 tsp | Optional | Flavour enhancer |
| Vanilla extract | 1 tsp | Pure | Flavour depth |
| Flaked almonds | 30g | Optional topping | Crunch and presentation |
Tips for ingredients:
- Use tart apples like Bramley, Granny Smith, or Discovery for better flavour contrast.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute the butter with plant-based spread and milk with almond or oat milk.
Step-by-Step Method to Make a Swedish Apple Cake
Baking this cake is a rewarding process that doesn’t require special tools or advanced techniques. Here’s how I make mine:
Preparation Steps
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan)/350°F. Grease and line a 20cm round baking tin.
- Peel, core, and slice the apples thinly. Toss lightly in a bit of lemon juice to prevent browning.
Mixing and Baking
- Cream the butter and sugar together until pale and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs, one at a time. Add the vanilla extract.
- Sift in the flour and baking powder. Fold gently to combine.
- Stir in the milk gradually to loosen the batter.
- Pour half the batter into the tin. Layer half the apples over it. Repeat with the remaining batter and apples.
- Sprinkle cinnamon and flaked almonds on top.
- Bake for 40–45 minutes or until golden and a skewer comes out clean.
Notes for Beginners
- Don’t overmix the batter; it should be soft and pourable.
- Tent the cake with foil halfway if the top browns too quickly.
Tips for Making a Moist and Flavourful Apple Cake
After several test bakes, I’ve found a few key techniques that make all the difference:
- Use room-temperature ingredients: This ensures even mixing and consistent texture.
- Choose apples with a strong tart profile: This balances the cake’s sweetness.
- Don’t overbake: Start checking at the 40-minute mark. A slightly underbaked centre will finish as it cools.
Additional Tips
- Add a tablespoon of Greek yoghurt or sour cream to make the crumb more tender.
- Toast your flaked almonds before topping for extra nutty depth.
- A dusting of demerara sugar before baking gives a caramelised crunch.
Traditional vs Modern Swedish Apple Cake
There’s a delightful evolution to Swedish Apple Cake, with some bakers embracing classic methods and others leaning toward innovation.
Key Differences
| Aspect | Traditional Appelkaka | Modern Interpretations |
| Sweeteners | Caster sugar | Brown sugar, maple syrup |
| Texture | Dense sponge | Moist, lighter, or yoghurt-based crumb |
| Spices | Cinnamon only | Cinnamon + cardamom, ginger |
| Add-ins | None | Almond flour, lemon zest, nuts |
| Toppings | Plain or cinnamon sugar | Flaked almonds, streusel, glazes |
Modern takes often aim for complexity, adding layers of flavour or alternative flours. Still, at their core, all variations retain the essential apple-forward focus.
Variations of the Swedish Apple Cake Recipe
Whether you’re inspired by regional tweaks or want to personalise the recipe, there are several delightful variations:
Common Adaptations
- Almond version: Replace part of the flour with almond meal for richness.
- Cardamom-spiced: Add ½ tsp ground cardamom for a Swedish flavour profile.
- Vegan: Use flax eggs and plant-based butter.
- Gluten-free: Substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour mix.
These adaptations allow the cake to cater to dietary preferences without losing its essential charm.
Swedish Apple Cake Recipes by Well-Known Chefs
Several respected chefs have put their own twist on this humble cake:
Donal Skehan – Apple and Almond Cake
- Adds ground almonds for a denser texture.
- Uses sliced apples over the top for presentation.
Kristi (True North Kitchen)
- Includes buttermilk in the batter.
- Creates a fluffier crumb with subtle acidity.
Louise (Nordic Kitchen Stories)
- Incorporates cinnamon and cardamom.
- Pre-cook apples slightly to deepen the flavour.
12 Tomatoes
- Features a quick method ideal for weekday baking.
- Uses brown sugar and butter topping for a caramelised finish.
Each of these versions reflects the cake’s versatility and ability to adapt without losing its roots.
Serving Suggestions and Storage Tips
Swedish Apple Cake is best served warm or at room temperature and makes a lovely end to a family dinner or a sweet fika treat.
Serving Ideas
- With vanilla custard or sauce
- Topped with whipped cream
- Lightly dusted with icing sugar
Storage
- Store at room temperature for 2 days in an airtight container
- Refrigerate for up to 5 days
- Freeze for up to 3 months (wrap in clingfilm and foil)
To reheat, place slices in a microwave or warm oven for a few minutes. The texture holds up remarkably well, even after freezing.
Healthier Alternatives and Ingredient Swaps
For those mindful of dietary needs or simply wishing to lighten the recipe:
Health-Conscious Substitutes
- Butter → Coconut oil or vegan margarine
- Sugar → Coconut sugar or erythritol
- Flour → Wholemeal or gluten-free blends
- Milk → Almond, oat, or soy milk
These changes won’t affect the fundamental texture too much and can even introduce interesting flavour notes.
Nutritional Information (Per Slice, approx. based on standard recipe)
| Nutrient | Amount |
| Calories | 240 kcal |
| Fat | 12g |
| Saturated Fat | 6g |
| Carbohydrates | 30g |
| Sugars | 18g |
| Protein | 4g |
| Fibre | 2g |
| Salt | 0.3g |
Why Swedish Apple Cake Is Perfect for Beginners?
When I first started baking, I was intimidated by pastries and layered cakes. Swedish Apple Cake gave me confidence.
Beginner-Friendly Qualities
- Forgiving batter: doesn’t require precision folding
- Simple equipment: only basic mixing bowls and a tin
- No fancy decoration: rustic is part of its charm
- Easy-to-source ingredients: available in all UK supermarkets
It’s a cake that feels like a reward, not a challenge. Even with little baking experience, you’ll produce a dessert you’ll be proud to share.
Conclusion
Swedish Apple Cake is a beautifully simple yet flavourful dessert that any beginner can master. With its soft crumb, spiced apples, and flexible recipe variations, it’s a timeless favourite that brings warmth to any table.
Whether you’re baking for fika, a family gathering, or just to enjoy a quiet treat, this cake offers reliability and charm in every slice. I hope my experience helps you create your own perfect version of this Scandinavian classic.
FAQs About Swedish Apple Cake Recipe
What type of apples are best for Swedish Apple Cake?
Tart varieties like Bramley or Granny Smith work best, offering a sharp contrast to the sweet cake base.
Can I make Swedish Apple Cake gluten-free?
Yes, use a gluten-free flour blend with xanthan gum for structure. Almond flour can also be partially substituted.
How long does Swedish Apple Cake stay fresh?
Stored properly, it remains fresh for 2 days at room temperature, 5 days refrigerated, and up to 3 months frozen.
Is it possible to make the cake without eggs?
Yes, flax eggs or a commercial egg replacer can be used for a vegan version.
Can I use oil instead of butter?
Yes, light oils like sunflower or vegetable oil can replace butter, though the flavour profile will differ slightly.
Is this cake suitable for diabetics?
With adjustments like using erythritol and reducing overall sugar, it can be modified to be more diabetic-friendly.
What makes Swedish Apple Cake different from other apple desserts?
It combines a soft sponge with layered apples inside the batter, offering a unique textural experience compared to pies or crumbles.
