Short Description
Swedish Apple Cake with Caramel is a cozy, spiced dessert featuring tender apples, warm cinnamon, and nutmeg flavors, all baked into a moist cake. Topped with a rich caramel glaze, this cake is a delightful treat for fall or any time you crave a comforting dessert. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for the perfect finishing touch.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Warm, spiced flavors that pair beautifully with apples
- Moist, tender cake with a gooey caramel topping
- Simple ingredients and easy preparation
- Perfect for fall gatherings, holidays, or an afternoon treat
- Can be served warm or at room temperature
Ingredients
For the Cake:
½ cup butter, room temperature
1 ⅔ cups sugar
2 eggs
1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 ½ teaspoons cinnamon
½ teaspoon nutmeg
3 cups diced and peeled apples (about 2 large apples)
¼ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
For the Caramel:
1 ⅓ cups brown sugar
2 tablespoons half & half
4 tablespoons butter
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
1. Prepare the Cake Batter
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch springform pan.
- In a small bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and sugar until light and smooth.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in the diced apples and nuts (if using).
2. Bake the Cake
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
3. Prepare the Caramel Sauce
- While the cake is baking, combine the brown sugar, half & half, and butter in a small saucepan over medium-low heat.
- Stir frequently until smooth and well combined (no need to bring it to a boil).
4. Add the Caramel Topping
- Remove the cake from the oven and pour the warm caramel sauce evenly over the top.
- Return the cake to the oven and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the caramel sets slightly and the cake is fully cooked through.
5. Cool and Serve
- Let the cake cool for at least 15 minutes before slicing.
- Serve warm or at room temperature with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 8-10 slices
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Baking Time: 45-55 minutes
- Total Time: About 1 hour 10 minutes
Variations
- Extra Crunch – Add more chopped nuts or a streusel topping for extra texture.
- Apple Variety – Use a mix of tart and sweet apples, such as Granny Smith and Honeycrisp, for a balanced flavor.
- Maple Caramel Twist – Replace half of the brown sugar in the caramel sauce with maple syrup for added depth.
- Dairy-Free Version – Substitute coconut oil for butter and use coconut cream instead of half & half.
- Spiced Version – Add a pinch of ground cloves or allspice for a deeper spice profile.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
- Reheating: Warm slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds to soften the caramel topping.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of apple?
Yes, Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji apples work well for this recipe.
Do I need a springform pan?
A regular 9-inch cake pan works, but a springform pan makes it easier to remove the cake.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, it can be baked a day ahead and stored at room temperature or in the refrigerator.
Can I use store-bought caramel sauce?
Yes, but homemade caramel provides a richer flavor and better texture.
How do I know when the cake is done?
Insert a toothpick into the center—if it comes out clean, the cake is ready.
Can I skip the nuts?
Yes, the nuts are optional and can be omitted if desired.
What’s the best way to serve this cake?
Warm, with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, but the texture may be denser. A mix of half whole wheat and half all-purpose flour works well.
How can I prevent the caramel from hardening too much?
Let the caramel cool slightly before pouring, and avoid overbaking after adding the caramel.
Is this cake overly sweet?
The caramel adds sweetness, but the tart apples and warm spices help balance the flavor.
Conclusion
Swedish Apple Cake with Caramel is a comforting, spiced dessert perfect for fall or any time you crave a warm, apple-filled treat. With its moist cake base, rich caramel topping, and optional crunchy nuts, this cake is sure to become a family favorite. Try it today and enjoy a taste of Sweden in every bite!
Print
Swedish Apple Cake with Caramel
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50-55 minutes
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: 8-10 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Swedish, Scandinavian
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This Swedish Apple Cake with Caramel is a warm and comforting dessert made with tender spiced apples, a moist cake base, and a rich, buttery caramel topping. Perfect for cozy fall days or as a holiday treat, this classic Scandinavian cake is best enjoyed with a cup of coffee or a scoop of vanilla ice cream!
Ingredients
Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat & Prepare the Pan:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9-inch springform pan or line it with parchment paper.
2️⃣ Mix the Dry Ingredients:
- In a small bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
3️⃣ Prepare the Batter:
- In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until smooth and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in vanilla extract.
4️⃣ Combine & Fold in Apples:
- Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
- Gently fold in diced apples and nuts (if using).
5️⃣ Bake the Cake:
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
6️⃣ Prepare the Caramel Sauce:
- While the cake is baking, heat brown sugar, half & half, and butter in a small saucepan over medium-low heat.
- Stir frequently until smooth and combined (no need to boil).
7️⃣ Add Caramel & Finish Baking:
- Remove the cake from the oven and pour the warm caramel sauce over the top.
- Return the cake to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the caramel is slightly cracked and the cake is fully set.
8️⃣ Cool & Serve:
- Let the cake cool for at least 15 minutes before slicing.
- Serve warm with whipped cream, ice cream, or a dusting of powdered sugar.
Notes
- Use Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples for the best balance of tartness and sweetness.
- Add a pinch of sea salt to the caramel for a salted caramel twist.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
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