This cozy Swedish Apple Cake with Caramel Topping is the perfect dessert to warm up any gathering. Made with tender chunks of cinnamon-spiced apples and topped with a smooth, buttery caramel glaze, this cake is rich, comforting, and packed with flavor. The delicate balance of sweet apples and warm spices wrapped in a moist, dense crumb makes this a crowd-pleasing treat ideal for fall, the holidays, or anytime you crave a homemade dessert with rustic charm.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe delivers on every level—comfort, flavor, and texture. The fresh apples provide natural sweetness and moisture, while the combination of cinnamon and nutmeg brings warmth to every bite. The caramel topping, poured over the cake during the final stage of baking, adds a glossy, melt-in-your-mouth finish that sets this apart from traditional apple cakes. It’s easy to make, travels well, and serves beautifully at family dinners or potlucks.

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Cake:

½ cup butter, at room temperature
1 ⅔ cup sugar
2 large eggs
1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
3 cups diced, peeled apples (about 2 large apples)
Optional: ¼ cup chopped pecans or walnuts

For the Caramel Topping:

1 ⅓ cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons half & half
4 tablespoons butter

directions

Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch springform pan thoroughly.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a small bowl, sift together flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
Prepare Batter: In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until smooth and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract.
Combine: Slowly add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Fold in diced apples and nuts, if using.
Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Bake for 35–40 minutes.
Make Caramel Topping: Around the 30-minute mark of baking, prepare the caramel by combining brown sugar, half & half, and butter in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir until smooth—no need to boil.
Add Caramel: Remove the cake from the oven and gently pour the caramel over the top. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes, or until the caramel has set and the cake is cooked through.
Cool and Serve: Let the cake cool for at least 15 minutes before slicing and serving warm or at room temperature.

Servings and timing

Servings: 10–12 slices
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 45–55 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Calories per serving: Approximately 330 kcal

Variations

Add a Crumb Topping: Before pouring on the caramel, top with a cinnamon-brown sugar streusel for added texture.
Apple Varieties: Use tart apples like Granny Smith for contrast or sweeter varieties like Honeycrisp for a more mellow flavor.
Gluten-Free Version: Substitute the flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.
Spiced Caramel: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the caramel for an extra layer of flavor.
Individual Servings: Bake in muffin tins for portable mini cakes—adjust the baking time accordingly.

storage/reheating

Store the cake covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days. To reheat, microwave individual slices for about 20 seconds or warm in a low oven until heated through. If frozen, wrap tightly and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

FAQs

What apples are best for this cake?

Firm apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn hold their shape well and provide a good balance of sweetness and tartness.

Can I use store-bought caramel sauce?

Yes, but the homemade caramel in this recipe is quick and adds a buttery depth that complements the cake beautifully.

Can I make this cake without nuts?

Absolutely. The nuts are optional and can be omitted without affecting the overall structure or flavor.

Do I need a springform pan?

A springform pan helps with easy removal, but a well-greased 9-inch round or square pan can also be used.

Can I prepare the cake in advance?

Yes, it can be baked a day ahead. Store at room temperature and reheat slightly before serving for the best experience.

Is the caramel poured on hot or cooled?

The caramel should be warm and smooth when poured onto the cake but does not need to be boiling.

Can I use a hand mixer?

Yes, a hand mixer works well for combining the butter, sugar, and eggs. The rest can be folded in with a spatula.

How do I know when the cake is done?

Insert a toothpick into the center—it should come out mostly clean. The caramel topping may remain slightly sticky.

Swedish Apple Cake with Caramel Topping

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Author: Olivia
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 45–55 minutes
Total Time: 0 hours
Yield: 10–12 slices
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This Swedish Apple Cake is a comforting dessert loaded with tender apple chunks and warm spices, topped with a rich caramel glaze. Moist, flavorful, and perfect for gatherings, it’s a must-bake for lovers of homemade apple cake. #applecake #swedishrecipes #carameldessert

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Set oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan.
Dry Ingredients: Sift flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a bowl.
Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until creamy. Add eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla.
Combine: Add dry ingredients to wet mixture; mix until just combined. Fold in diced apples and optional nuts.
Bake: Pour into pan and bake for 35–40 minutes.
Caramel Sauce: Around the 30-minute mark, heat brown sugar, butter, and half & half in a saucepan over medium-low heat until smooth.
Top and Finish Baking: Pour caramel over cake and return to oven for 10–15 minutes, until bubbling and golden.
Cool and Serve: Let cool at least 15 minutes before slicing.

Notes

Best served warm or at room temperature.
Great with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples work beautifully in this recipe.