Swap: Butter → 150g coconut oilEggs → 2 flax eggs (2 tbsp flax + 6 tbsp water) Add ½ tsp almond extract for flavor boost.

Swedish Apple Cake Recipe: Simple Cardamom-Spiced Delight

Name: Swedish Apple Cake Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Swedish
Ingredients: 200g (1 ½ cups) all-purpose flour; 150g (¾ cup) granulated sugar, plus 2 tbsp for sprinkling; 150g (⅔ cup) unsalted butter, cold and cubed; 2 large eggs, room temperature; 3 medium apples (about 400g), peeled and thinly sliced; 1 tsp ground cardamom; 1 tsp baking powder; ½ tsp salt

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“Why does every Swedish apple cake recipe either turn out too dry or too soggy?” As a Colorado-based baker with Creole roots and a Paris pastry class under my belt, I’ve cracked the code. A true Swedish apple cake recipe balances tender apples with a spiced, buttery crumb—no guesswork needed. My kitchen disasters (thanks, Kiwi the macaron-thieving parrot!) taught me precision matters. Here’s the foolproof version, tested in my grandma’s cast iron and approved by my 6-year-old egg-cracking assistant. Skip the fluff: below are exact measurements, layering tricks, and why cardamom beats cinnamon. Let’s bake it right—once.

Table of Contents

Authentic Swedish Apple Cake Ingredients (No Substitutions Yet!)

Let’s cut to the chase—the magic of a proper Swedish apple cake recipe lies in its simplicity. No fancy ingredients, just pantry staples transformed into something extraordinary. After testing this authentic Swedish apple cake recipe in my Colorado kitchen (and rescuing it from my cat Miso’s cheese-stealing paws), here’s the exact lineup you’ll need.

Metric & U.S. Measurements for Foolproof Baking

Precision matters, especially in Scandinavian baking where ratios make or break the texture. Here’s your no-fail shopping list:

Flour: 200g (1 ½ cups) all-purpose—skip the cake flour; we want structure.
Sugar: 150g (¾ cup) granulated, plus 2 tbsp for sprinkling.
Butter: 150g (⅔ cup) unsalted, cold and cubed. Pro tip: Grate it frozen if your kitchen’s warm.
Eggs: 2 large, room temp (let them sit in warm water for 5 mins if you forgot).
Apples: 3 medium (about 400g)—Honeycrisp or Granny Smith, peeled and thinly sliced.
Cardamom: 1 tsp ground (trust me, this is the Swedish secret).
Baking powder: 1 tsp (not soda—we’re not making pancakes).
Salt: ½ tsp (because unseasoned desserts are a crime).

Why both measurements? My Paris pastry instructor drilled this into me: Metric weights ensure accuracy, but I know not everyone has a scale. Just don’t pack your flour—fluff it first!

Swedish Apple Cake Recipe Ingredients — Swedish Apple Cake Recipe: Simple Cardamom-Spiced Delight 13

Why Cardamom? The Secret Swedish Spice

Most apple cakes scream cinnamon, but a traditional Swedish apple cake recipe whispers cardamom. This floral, citrusy spice is Scandinavia’s answer to depth, and what makes this Swedish apple cake recipe stand out from other desserts. My Creole grandma would’ve balked (she swore by nutmeg), but one bite of this cardamom apple cake changed her mind.

The science bit: Cardamom’s oils enhance the apples’ sweetness without overpowering. Use freshly ground if possible—pre-ground loses potency fast. And if you’re tempted to swap in cinnamon? Fine, but you’ll miss that Stockholm bakery vibe.

Step-by-Step Swedish Apple Cake Instructions

Now, the fun part. This Swedish apple cake recipe is forgiving—perfect for when your kid “helps” crack eggs (Sophie’s record: 3 shells in the batter).

Layering Apples Like a Stockholm Baker

Prep the pan: Butter a 9-inch springform pan. Dust with flour like you’re shaking snow off a boot—just a light coat.
Mix dry ingredients: Whisk flour, sugar, baking powder, cardamom, and salt. Toss in cold butter, then rub between fingers until it resembles wet sand.
Add eggs: Beat them in one at a time. The dough will be thick—like cookie dough, not batter. No worries!
Apple arrangement: Spread half the dough in the pan. Artfully layer apple slices (or dump them—it’s your cake). Top with remaining dough. Pro tip: Leave some apple edges peeking out for caramelization.

The “Knock Test” for Perfect Doneness

Bake at 175°C (350°F) for 40-45 minutes. Here’s how to avoid my first fail (a gooey center):

At 35 mins, knock on the oven door for luck (my ritual).
Insert a skewer—it should come out clean, but with a few moist crumbs.
Edges pulling away? Done. The top should be golden, not dark brown.

Let it cool 15 minutes before slicing. Serve warm with a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla sauce—the Swedish way. And yes, Kiwi the parrot approved the final version (after I guarded it from his sticky beak).

There you have it—the bones of a Swedish apple cake recipe that’ll make your kitchen smell like a Stockholm café. Whether you’re new to Scandinavian baking or a seasoned pro, this Swedish apple cake recipe delivers authentic flavor with foolproof steps.

What Makes This Swedish Apple Cake Recipe Unique?

If you’ve ever wondered why this Swedish apple cake recipe stands out from other apple desserts, let me tell you—it’s all about that perfect balance of textures and flavors. Unlike typical cakes, this traditional Swedish dessert delivers a dense yet tender crumb with pockets of spiced apples that stay just firm enough to give each bite character.

Texture Talk: Dense Sponge vs. Fluffy Cakes

Most cakes aim for airy lightness, but Scandinavian baking embraces density—in the best way possible. This Swedish apple cake recipe creates a tight, buttery crumb that holds up against the juicy apples without turning soggy. Here’s why:

Minimal leavening: Just 1 tsp baking powder (no soda) prevents excessive rising.
Cold butter method: Rubbing cubed butter into flour (like shortcrust pastry) = tender structure.
Layered apples: They sink slightly during baking, creating moist pockets without weighing down the cake.

Pro tip: For authentic texture, avoid overmixing after adding eggs—stop when just combined. My Paris pastry instructor called this “the lazy baker’s secret” to perfect crumb.

Best Apples for Swedish Baking (Granny Smith vs. Honeycrisp)

Not all apples are created equal in this cardamom apple cake. Through trial and error (and Kiwi the parrot taste-testing), here’s what works:

Granny Smith: Tart and firm, holds shape well. Ideal if you prefer pronounced apple bites.
Honeycrisp: Sweeter, softer texture. Melds into the cake for uniform moisture.
Avoid: Red Delicious (too mealy) or Fuji (too sweet).

Fun fact: Swedes often use local varieties like Ingrid Marie—but since we’re not in Stockholm, Honeycrisp is my go-to hybrid. Peel them thinly (save scraps for vinegar!) and slice ¼-inch thick.

Storage & Serving Secrets

Now that you’ve nailed the bake, let’s talk longevity. This Swedish apple cake recipe is surprisingly versatile—here’s how to keep it tasting fresh.

Can You Freeze Swedish Apple Cake? (Spoiler: Yes!)

Good news for planners: This Scandinavian baking gem freezes beautifully.

Cool completely (2 hours minimum—no cheating!).
Wrap tightly in 2 layers: First plastic wrap, then foil.
Freeze flat for up to 3 months.

To serve: Thaw overnight in the fridge, then warm slices in a 150°C (300°F) oven for 10 minutes. Pro tip: Freeze individual portions—my daughter Sophie’s lunchbox hack!

Warm or Cold? How Swedes Eat It

Tradition meets preference:

Warm: 20 seconds in the microwave with vanilla sauce (the Swedish way).
Room temp: Perfect for fika (coffee breaks)—the cardamom shines brighter.
Cold: Firms up the texture; ideal for packed lunches.

Storage timeline:

Counter: 2 days (covered)
Fridge: 5 days (bring to room temp before serving)

Swedish Apple Cake Recipe FAQs

Is Swedish Cake the Best in the World?

While subjective, Swedish cakes offer perfect balance – not too sweet, not too heavy. This Swedish apple cake recipe delivers ideal texture and spice.

The Moisture Secret: Butter or Yogurt?

Butter wins for authentic flavor, but yogurt (60ml) works in a pinch. Reduce bake time by 5 minutes if substituting.

Swedish Apple Pie vs. Cake: What’s the Difference?

Cake has no crust, uses cardamom, and bakes apples inside. Pie has shortbread base with cinnamon-spiced apples on top.

Gluten-Free Swedish Apple Cake Hack

Replace flour with:

140g almond flour60g tapioca starch

Add ½ tsp xanthan gum. Bake 35-38 minutes.

Vegan Version

Swap:

Butter → 150g coconut oilEggs → 2 flax eggs (2 tbsp flax + 6 tbsp water)

Add ½ tsp almond extract for flavor boost.