If you’re craving a comforting dessert that perfectly blends spiced apples with soft, buttery cake, you’re in the right place. This article will guide you through making Swedish Apple Cake (Äppelkaka)—a traditional, heartwarming recipe that’s simple, rustic, and absolutely delicious. We’ll explore the cake’s origin, ideal apple varieties, and its cultural significance in Sweden. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced home baker, this guide offers detailed steps, tips, and a pinch of personal story to inspire your next baking session.
The Story Behind Swedish Apple Cake (Äppelkaka)
A cozy Swedish memory in every bite
From my earliest days in the kitchen, the smell of apples, cinnamon, and sugar felt like a warm hug. I still remember visiting a family friend from Sweden who brought over a homemade dessert that instantly captured my heart. It wasn’t overly sweet or fancy—it was simple, homey, and packed with layers of tender apples. That was my first experience with Swedish apple cake, or as it’s called in Swedish, Äppelkaka.
Unlike American apple pie, Äppelkaka feels more rustic—less about presentation and more about comfort. It’s often made in a single bowl, with sliced apples nestled into a buttery, lightly spiced cake batter. Baked until golden, it smells like fall in a Swedish cottage. I remember my guest serving it with warm vanilla custard, and from that moment, I knew I’d be making this again and again. The charm of Swedish apple cake lies in its simplicity—and that’s what makes it so unforgettable.
f you enjoy traditional European bakes, don’t miss my Moist Sour Cream Coffee Cake, another comforting classic.
Why Äppelkaka is more than just apple cake
At its core, Swedish apple cake (Äppelkaka) is a celebration of seasonal fruit and slow, mindful baking. It’s often passed down through generations, baked not just for holidays, but for cozy Sundays and everyday gatherings. Whether topped with sugar crystals or served with rich vaniljsås, every family has their own twist.
Äppelkaka isn’t just a recipe—it’s a feeling. A bite into this warm, spiced dessert reminds us why simple ingredients, when prepared with love, can create lasting memories.
What Makes Swedish Apple Cake (Äppelkaka) Special?
Äppelkaka vs. other Swedish cakes
While Sweden is known for its incredible desserts—from kladdkaka (gooey chocolate cake) to prinsesstårta (princess cake)—Äppelkaka, or Swedish apple cake, holds a unique place in local tradition. Unlike most Swedish cakes that are whipped or layered, Äppelkaka is more rustic, often made with everyday pantry ingredients and seasonal apples. This makes it a staple during the colder months when apples are harvested across the Nordic countryside.
What sets Äppelkaka apart is its structure. It’s not quite a pie, yet not your typical sponge cake either. The apples are either layered into the batter or arranged beautifully on top, allowing them to caramelize slightly while baking. A light dusting of cinnamon and sugar creates a tender crust, giving each slice a perfect balance between soft and slightly crisp textures. And unlike princess cake, which requires delicate layering and fondant, Äppelkaka is forgiving—even charming—when a little imperfect.
If you love simple, cozy bakes, you might also enjoy this rustic Apple Cranberry Pie or my take on Carrot Cake — both seasonal favorites with classic flair.
A humble cake with comforting flavors
What makes Swedish apple cake (Äppelkaka) truly comforting is its modesty. There’s no need for elaborate decorations or complicated techniques. The star of the show is the apple—tart, juicy, and enhanced with just enough cinnamon to evoke memories of fall. The batter is usually flavored with a hint of vanilla and butter, allowing the apples to shine without being overpowered.
This cake is often served with vaniljsås (vanilla sauce), whipped cream, or even ice cream. It’s the kind of dessert that welcomes second helpings and feels just as good the next morning with coffee. It’s warm, satisfying, and familiar—like coming home.
Choosing the Right Apples for Äppelkaka
Best apple varieties for flavor and texture
The apples you choose can make or break your Swedish apple cake (Äppelkaka). You want varieties that hold their shape while baking and provide a perfect balance of tartness and sweetness. In Sweden, apples like ‘Ingrid Marie’ or ‘Gravenstein’ are often used, but if you’re in the U.S., you can achieve the same results with Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn.
Granny Smith apples are known for their tart bite and firm texture, making them a solid base for your cake University of Minnesota – Apple Varieties. Honeycrisp adds a natural sweetness and juiciness that elevates the flavor without becoming mushy. Braeburn apples bring depth, combining a slight spice with a crisp bite. These apples won’t disintegrate during baking, which is crucial for the layered texture in Äppelkaka.
Tips for prepping your apples
To bring out the best in your apples, peel and core them, then slice them evenly—about ¼-inch thick is ideal. This ensures even baking and a tender texture. For extra flavor, toss the slices in lemon juice, a pinch of cinnamon, and just a touch of sugar before folding them into your batter or layering them on top.
Avoid mealy or overly soft apples like Red Delicious, as they tend to collapse and make the cake soggy. Also, don’t skip the lemon juice—it prevents browning and brightens the apple flavor during baking.
With the right apples, your Swedish apple cake (Äppelkaka) becomes not just a dessert, but a standout seasonal dish.
How to Serve and Store Swedish Apple Cake (Äppelkaka)
The best way to serve Swedish apple cake
One of the best things about Swedish apple cake (Äppelkaka) is how incredibly versatile it is when serving. While the cake is delicious on its own, serving it warm with vaniljsås—a traditional Swedish vanilla sauce—takes it to a whole new level. The creamy texture of the sauce complements the slight tartness of the apples, turning every bite into something rich and nostalgic.
If you can’t make vanilla sauce from scratch, a scoop of vanilla ice cream or lightly sweetened whipped cream also works beautifully. For a cozy autumn twist, sprinkle a little extra cinnamon on top before serving. And if you’re entertaining, consider dusting the cake with powdered sugar and pairing it with warm drinks like mulled cider or spiced tea.
How to store Äppelkaka for later
Swedish apple cake stores surprisingly well, which makes it great for meal prepping or baking ahead of time. Once the cake has cooled completely, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. It will stay fresh at room temperature for up to two days, but refrigerating it can extend its shelf life to about five days.
To reheat, pop individual slices in the microwave for 15–20 seconds or warm the entire cake in a low oven (300°F) for about 10 minutes. Just be sure not to overheat it, or you’ll lose that tender crumb.
You can also freeze Äppelkaka. Wrap slices individually and freeze for up to two months. When you’re ready, thaw at room temperature and reheat gently for a fresh-baked feel.
Swedish Apple Cake (Äppelkaka)
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan.
- Peel, core, and slice apples. Toss with lemon juice, 1/4 cup sugar, and cinnamon.
- In a bowl, cream butter and remaining sugar. Add eggs one at a time, then vanilla.
- Mix in flour, baking powder, and salt until just combined.
- Pour batter into the pan. Arrange apple slices on top in a spiral pattern.
- Bake for 35–40 minutes or until golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool slightly. Serve warm with vanilla sauce or whipped cream.
Nutrition
Notes
Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze for 2 months.
From your stove to our hearts
share your delicious take!Frequently Asked Questions About Swedish Apple Cake (Äppelkaka)
What is Swedish apple cake called in Swedish?
In Swedish, apple cake is called Äppelkaka. The word comes from “äpple” meaning apple and “kaka” meaning cake. It’s a traditional dessert that’s beloved across Sweden, especially during the fall harvest season. If you love learning about cultural desserts, you might also enjoy exploring Swedish-style baking.
What is the most popular Swedish cake?
One of the most popular cakes in Sweden is Prinsesstårta, or Princess Cake. It’s a layered sponge cake filled with custard and whipped cream, topped with green marzipan. However, Äppelkaka remains a top choice for homestyle baking due to its simplicity and comfort-factor. Both are often featured in Swedish fika culture, alongside treats like Cardamom Buns.
What are the best apples to use in apple cake?
The best apples for Swedish apple cake (Äppelkaka) are firm, tart-sweet varieties that hold their shape when baked. Great choices include Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, and Braeburn. Avoid soft apples like Red Delicious, as they tend to become mushy and lose flavor. For more seasonal baking tips, check out my Autumn Baking Guide
What is the most delicious cake in the world?
Taste is subjective, but many consider Swedish apple cake (Äppelkaka) to be among the most comforting and flavorful cakes globally. Its balance of spiced apples, buttery cake, and simple presentation makes it a standout. For those who love moist, fruit-forward desserts, this cake is often a favorite alongside other classics like banana bread.
Conclusion
Swedish apple cake (Äppelkaka) is more than just a dessert — it’s a celebration of comfort, heritage, and simple ingredients done right. Whether you’re baking it as a cozy treat for yourself or to share at your next gathering, this cake brings the warmth of a Scandinavian kitchen straight into your home. With the right apples, a sprinkle of cinnamon, and a generous helping of love, Äppelkaka might just become your new favorite fall dessert