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. And if you’re into Nordic-inspired comfort food, don’t miss my Frozen Meatballs in the Crockpot —a simple dish that captures Swedish heartiness in savory form.

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.

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

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

Description

A traditional Swedish apple cake with cardamom-spiced, dense crumb and layered apples. Perfect for fika (coffee breaks) or dessert.

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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Instructions

Prep the pan: Butter a 9-inch springform pan and dust with flour.
Mix dry ingredients: Whisk flour, sugar, baking powder, cardamom, and salt. Rub in cold butter until mixture resembles wet sand.
Add eggs: Beat in eggs one at a time until just combined.
Layer apples: Spread half the dough in pan, layer apple slices, then top with remaining dough.
Bake: At 175°C (350°F) for 40-45 minutes until golden and skewer comes out clean.
Cool: Let rest 15 minutes before slicing.

Notes

Storage: Keeps 2 days at room temp or 5 days refrigerated. Freezes well for up to 3 months.

Substitutions: For gluten-free version, use 140g almond flour + 60g tapioca starch + ½ tsp xanthan gum.

Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Category: Desserts
Method: Baked
Cuisine: Swedish

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 320
Sugar: 25g
Sodium: 150mg
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Unsaturated Fat: 5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 42g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 4g
Cholesterol: 80mg