Step 1: Prepare the apples
- Peel and slice the apples: Peel the apples and cut them into thin slices. If you prefer a finer texture, you can chop them into small cubes. Set the apples aside.
Step 2: Make the cake batter
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan or a springform pan with butter or cooking spray. You can also line the bottom with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Mix the dry ingredients: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, cardamom (if using), and salt. Set this dry mixture aside.
- Cream the butter and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. This should take about 3-4 minutes. If you’re mixing by hand, you can use a whisk and a little elbow grease.
- Add the eggs and vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each one is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract until smooth.
- Incorporate the dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, alternating with the milk or heavy cream. Start and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined — be careful not to overmix, or the cake may become dense.
- Add the apples: Gently fold the apple slices into the batter using a spatula. You want the apples to be evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Step 3: Bake the cake
- Transfer the batter: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
- Bake the cake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick or cake tester inserted into the center comes out clean, with a few moist crumbs. The cake should be golden on top and firm to the touch.
Step 4: Add the topping
- Prepare the topping: While the cake is baking, mix together the sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. Melt the butter in a separate dish.
- Apply the topping: Once the cake has finished baking, remove it from the oven and brush the melted butter over the top of the warm cake. Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the top.
- Return to the oven: Place the cake back in the oven and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, until the topping is slightly caramelized and fragrant.
Step 5: Cool and serve
- Cool the cake: Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Optional garnish: Once cooled, dust the top of the cake with powdered sugar for a delicate touch. Serve it warm or at room temperature.
- Serve with whipped cream or ice cream: This Swedish Apple Cake is delicious on its own, but for an extra indulgent treat, serve it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Serving Suggestions:
This cake is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways. Here are some ideas for serving:
- With tea or coffee: The spiced flavors of this cake pair wonderfully with a hot cup of tea or coffee, making it a perfect dessert for afternoon tea.
- With caramel sauce or vanilla sauce: For extra sweetness, drizzle some warm caramel sauce or Swedish vanilla sauce (a custard-like sauce) over the cake.
- As part of a festive dessert spread: This cake makes a beautiful addition to any holiday or fall dessert table, especially when paired with other autumn treats like pumpkin pie or pecan tarts.
Tips for Success
- Use firm apples: Apples that hold their shape during baking, like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp, are ideal for this recipe. They provide a nice contrast to the soft cake and add a delightful texture.
- Don’t overmix the batter: Overmixing the batter can lead to a dense cake. Stir just until everything is combined.
- Storage: Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the cake (without the topping) for up to 3 months. Just thaw and reheat before serving.
Conclusion:
This Swedish Apple Cake is a perfect celebration of fall flavors, with tender apples, a moist, spiced cake, and a delicious cinnamon-sugar topping. It’s a simple yet comforting dessert that can easily become a family favorite. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just a cozy night at home, this cake will warm your heart and satisfy your sweet tooth with its irresistible combination of flavors and textures. Enjoy!