Swedish Apple Cake with Caramel Recipe
If you’re craving a soul-warming dessert that blends tender apples, a fluffy crumb, and a rich sauce, the Swedish Apple Cake with Caramel is about to make your day. Imagine buttery apple slices nestled in a sweet, cinnamon-kissed cake—baked until golden and finished with a lush caramel drizzle. This irresistible treat is perfect for cozy gatherings, coffee breaks, or when you just need to spoil yourself a little. You’ll love the delightful contrast of soft fruit and dreamy caramel in every bite!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Swedish Apple Cake with Caramel is just how accessible the ingredients are. Every item on this list is simple, but together, they create a cake with incredible depth, aroma, and that signature melt-in-your-mouth comfort.
- Apples (3 medium): Choose firm, tart apples for the juiciest, most flavorful results.
- Lemon juice (1 tablespoon): Stops the apples from browning and brings brightness to the cake.
- Granulated sugar (1 cup + ½ cup for caramel): Adds sweetness and helps caramelize the apples in the batter.
- Unsalted butter (½ cup for cake + 2 tablespoons for caramel): Gives the cake its tender crumb and ultra-rich flavor.
- Large eggs (2): Bind everything together and provide structure so the cake stays wonderfully moist.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Adds a warm aroma that rounds out the apples and caramel beautifully.
- All-purpose flour (1 ¼ cups): The base of your cake, giving it body without heaviness.
- Baking powder (1 ½ teaspoons): Ensures a lovely lift.
- Ground cinnamon (½ teaspoon): Essential for that classic apple cake warmth and coziness.
- Salt (¼ teaspoon for cake + pinch for caramel): Balances out sweet flavors and enhances every bite.
- Whole milk (½ cup): Adds moisture and helps create a velvety batter.
- Heavy cream (¼ cup, for caramel sauce): Gives the caramel sauce its signature silkiness.
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 round cake pan with butter or nonstick spray, then dusting it lightly with flour. Peel, core, and slice your apples thinly. Toss them in lemon juice to prevent browning and to brighten their flavor. Set them aside and let them soak in that citrusy goodness while you get started on the batter.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and granulated sugar until it looks pale and fluffy. This step is crucial because it adds air to the batter, setting the stage for a tender, light crumb. Don’t rush—let the mixer work its magic for at least 3-4 minutes.
Step 3: Mix in Eggs and Vanilla
Add in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition to fully incorporate (this keeps your cake wonderfully cohesive). Then, stir in the vanilla extract for that irresistible aroma and flavor depth that makes Swedish Apple Cake with Caramel shine.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. This ensures that the leavening and spices are evenly distributed and there are no unexpected lumps.
Step 5: Bring the Batter Together
Add the dry ingredients to your wet mixture gradually, alternating with the whole milk. Start and finish with the flour mixture. Gently fold until just combined—over-mixing can make the cake dense.
Step 6: Fold in Apples and Assemble
Stir half of the sliced apples into the batter. Pour the mixture into your prepared pan, then neatly arrange the remaining apples on top. This not only looks beautiful but guarantees juicy apple bites in every slice.
Step 7: Bake
Slide your cake into the oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The heavenly aroma wafting through your kitchen is a great sign that your Swedish Apple Cake with Caramel is almost ready!
Step 8: Make the Caramel Sauce
While the cake bakes, get your caramel sauce started. In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the granulated sugar, swirling (not stirring) until it turns a deep golden brown. Add the butter and let it sizzle, then carefully stir in the heavy cream, letting it bubble up and smooth out. Finish with a pinch of salt, and set aside until you’re ready to drizzle over your gorgeous cake.
Step 9: Cool and Serve
Let the cake cool slightly before running a knife around the edge and removing it from the pan. Generously drizzle with the warm caramel sauce. Now all you have to do is slice, serve, and watch the smiles light up around your table!
How to Serve Swedish Apple Cake with Caramel
Garnishes
For the ultimate finish, sprinkle your Swedish Apple Cake with Caramel with toasted chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans. A light dusting of powdered sugar or a swirl of extra caramel sauce makes it visually stunning. If you’re feeling decadent, a dollop of softly whipped cream truly takes it over the top.
Side Dishes
This cake shines alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a scoop of cinnamon-scented whipped cream. If you’d like to keep things simple (yet sophisticated), serve with strong Swedish coffee—perfect for balancing the cake’s rich caramel.
Creative Ways to Present
For something different, try baking the cake in individual ramekins for personal soufflé-style servings. You can also use cookie cutters to cut the cake into fun shapes once cooled, then drizzle with caramel for a kid-friendly, playful twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover Swedish Apple Cake with Caramel, simply wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. Refrigeration will keep it fresh for a few more days—just remember the flavors are best enjoyed at room temperature or slightly warm.
Freezing
To freeze, wrap individual slices of cake (without caramel sauce) in plastic and foil, and store in a freezer-safe bag. The caramel sauce can be frozen separately in an airtight container. The cake will stay delicious for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or warm at room temperature before serving.
Reheating
To get back that fresh-from-the-oven magic, reheat your cake slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or warm in a low oven (300°F) for a few minutes. Gently reheat the caramel in the microwave in short bursts, stirring until smooth, then pour over your warmed cake.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Dessert
Absolutely! While tart apples like Granny Smith work beautifully for Swedish Apple Cake with Caramel, feel free to mix in sweeter varieties such as Honeycrisp or Fuji for added complexity.
Is it necessary to peel the apples?
Peeling the apples before baking gives you that classic, tender texture, but you can leave the skins on for extra fiber and a slightly rustic feel.
Can I make the caramel sauce in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the caramel sauce a few days ahead. Store it in the refrigerator and gently reheat before drizzling over your Swedish Apple Cake with Caramel.
Can I substitute non-dairy milk or butter?
Swapping in plant-based butter and milk works well for a dairy-free version, though the flavor and texture of your Swedish Apple Cake with Caramel might be slightly different. The caramel sauce also adapts with coconut cream.
What’s the best way to ensure the cake is moist?
The key is not to over-mix the batter and watch your bake time—test for doneness with a toothpick. Folding the apples into the batter ensures bursts of juiciness throughout your Swedish Apple Cake with Caramel.
Final Thoughts
This Swedish Apple Cake with Caramel isn’t just a dessert—it’s a cozy experience waiting to happen in your kitchen. If you’re looking for something nostalgic, heartwarming, and perfect for sharing, this cake has it all. Gather your apples, whip up that sauce, and treat yourself (and your loved ones) to a slice of pure joy!
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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. A moist and tender cake filled with layers of thinly sliced apples and drizzled with a rich caramel sauce, this dessert is a perfect blend of sweet and tart.
Ingredients
For the cake:
- 3 medium apples, peeled and thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup whole milk
For the caramel sauce:
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven and prepare the pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan.
- Prepare the apples: Toss the apple slices with lemon juice in a bowl and set aside.
- Make the cake batter: Cream the butter and sugar, then add eggs and vanilla. In a separate bowl, whisk dry ingredients and add to wet mixture alternately with milk. Fold in half the apple slices.
- Bake the cake: Pour batter into the pan, arrange remaining apple slices on top, and bake for 40-45 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Prepare the caramel sauce: Heat sugar in a saucepan until golden brown, then add butter and cream. Stir until smooth, add salt, and remove from heat.
- Finish the cake: Let the cake cool slightly and drizzle with warm caramel sauce before serving.
Notes
- Best served warm or at room temperature.
- Add chopped nuts for extra texture.
- Caramel sauce can be made ahead and reheated gently.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Swedish
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 34g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
