If you’re ready to indulge in a cozy, comforting dessert that tastes like autumn on a plate, this Swedish Apple Cake with Caramel Recipe is calling your name. Bursting with tender apples spiced just right, and topped with a decadent caramel glaze that sets into a glorious crackling finish, this cake perfectly blends silky sweetness with a hint of warmth. It’s a family favorite that feels both special and effortlessly simple, making it perfect for sharing with loved ones on any occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All the ingredients for this recipe are wonderfully straightforward, yet each one plays a crucial role in creating the cake’s perfect texture, flavor, and appearance. From the creamy butter that lends richness to the warmth of cinnamon and nutmeg, every component comes together to build a harmonious dessert.
- Butter, 1/2 cup, room temperature: Provides a velvety base and rich moisture to the cake batter.
- Sugar, 1 2/3 cups: Sweetens the cake while helping with browning and tenderness.
- Eggs, 2: Bind the ingredients and contribute to the cake’s structure and lightness.
- Vanilla extract, 1 1/2 teaspoons: Adds a warm, aromatic depth to the flavor profile.
- All-purpose flour, 1 1/2 cups: Forms the backbone of the cake’s texture.
- Baking soda, 1 teaspoon: Helps the cake rise just right, keeping it fluffy yet firm.
- Salt, 1 teaspoon: Balances sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- Ground cinnamon, 1 1/2 teaspoons: Brings that classic spicy warmth that pairs perfectly with apples.
- Ground nutmeg, 1/2 teaspoon: Adds a subtle earthiness and spice complexity.
- Diced and peeled apples, 3 cups (about 2 large apples): The star ingredient for juicy sweetness and tender bites.
- Optional chopped pecans or walnuts, 1/4 cup: For a delightful nutty crunch that complements the softness of the cake.
- Brown sugar, 1 1/3 cups: Essential for the luscious caramel sauce with its deep, molasses-like sweetness.
- Half & half, 2 tablespoons: Adds creaminess to the caramel for a perfectly smooth finish.
- Butter, 4 tablespoons (for caramel): Enriches the caramel’s flavor and texture, making it indulgently smooth.
How to Make Swedish Apple Cake with Caramel Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9-inch springform pan. This ensures your cake will bake evenly and come out effortlessly, ready for that beautiful caramel topping later.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This step incorporates air and evenly distributes the spices, which means every bite bursts with flavor.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar, Add Eggs and Vanilla
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy—this process is key for a tender crumb. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each so they blend seamlessly. Stir in the vanilla extract to infuse the batter with its warm aroma.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry, Fold in Apples and Nuts
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet batter, stirring just until combined to maintain that perfect fluffiness. Then fold in the diced apples and, if you’re using them, the chopped nuts. The apples bring moisture and a fresh burst of fruitiness, while nuts introduce a pleasant crunch.
Step 5: Bake the Cake Base
Pour the batter into your prepared springform pan, smoothing out the top for even baking. Pop it in the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the edges are beautifully golden.
Step 6: Make 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 to prevent burning, until the mixture is fully melted and silky smooth—this luscious caramel will take the cake to the next level.
Step 7: Caramelize the Cake Top
When the cake is done, carefully remove it from the oven and evenly pour the warm caramel sauce over the top. This step adds a sticky, shiny glaze that’s pure magic.
Step 8: Final Bake to Set Caramel
Return the cake to the oven for another 10 to 15 minutes, allowing the caramel to set and develop those signature crackled patterns. The texture contrast here will absolutely delight you.
Step 9: Cool and Serve
Let the cake cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes before removing the sides. The Swedish Apple Cake with Caramel Recipe is best enjoyed warm or at room temperature, with the caramel slightly gooey and apples tender.
How to Serve Swedish Apple Cake with Caramel Recipe
Garnishes
Top your slices with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream to complement the warm spices and rich caramel. A sprinkle of finely chopped toasted nuts can add an extra touch of elegance and texture.
Side Dishes
This dessert is so rich and flavorful it stands beautifully on its own but pairs wonderfully with a cup of strong coffee or a soothing black tea. For a brunch setting, serve alongside spiced cider or warm mulled wine for a cozy vibe.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve individual mini cakes by dividing the batter into smaller pans before baking, then drizzle caramel individually on each. Alternatively, try layering the cake with sliced apples and caramel between layers for a dramatic look. For gatherings, plate slices over a smear of caramel and scattered nuts for a rustic yet sophisticated finish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Swedish Apple Cake with Caramel Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. After that, refrigerate it to keep the caramel from spoiling and the apples fresh.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooled cake without caramel for up to three months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge, then warm gently and drizzle fresh caramel sauce before serving.
Reheating
Reheat slices in a low oven or microwave just until warm—this brings back the gooey caramel texture and tender softness of the baked apples without drying out the cake.
FAQs
Can I use other types of apples?
Absolutely! While tart apples like Granny Smith are perfect for balancing sweetness, sweeter varieties like Fuji or Honeycrisp work wonderfully too and give the cake a slightly different flavor profile.
Is it necessary to use a springform pan?
A springform pan is ideal because it allows you to remove the cake’s sides easily without disturbing the caramel topping. If you don’t have one, a regular 9-inch round pan lined with parchment paper can work, but handle carefully.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend, but be sure it contains xanthan gum or another binder to keep the cake’s texture just right.
What if I don’t want nuts?
No problem at all! The chopped pecans or walnuts are optional, so feel free to leave them out if you or your guests have allergies or preferences against nuts.
How long does the caramel topping stay fresh?
The caramel topping is best enjoyed fresh or within a day of baking since it will be softer and more luscious. Stored in the fridge, it may harden but gently reheating will bring back its silkiness.
Final Thoughts
This Swedish Apple Cake with Caramel Recipe is truly one of those desserts that feels like a warm hug on a plate—perfect for holidays, weekend treats, or anytime you want to impress with minimal fuss. Once you try it, the enticing mix of tender apples, warming spices, and that irresistible caramel glaze will make it a beloved staple. So go ahead, bake a batch today and savor every sticky, sweet bite with those you love!
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Swedish Apple Cake with Caramel Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings 1x
Description
This Swedish Apple Cake with Caramel is a delightful autumn dessert featuring tender apples infused with warm cinnamon and nutmeg, baked into a moist cake. The sweet caramel sauce poured over the top and baked again provides a luscious, crackling finish that makes each slice irresistibly rich and flavorful.
Ingredients
Cake Ingredients
- 1/2 cup butter, room temperature
- 1 2/3 cups sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 3 cups diced and peeled apples (about 2 large apples)
- Optional: 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
Caramel Sauce Ingredients
- 1 1/3 cups brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons half & half
- 4 tablespoons butter
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch springform pan to ensure the cake doesn’t stick.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg. Set this mixture aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the room temperature butter and sugar until the mixture becomes light and smooth, creating a fluffy base for the cake.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Incorporate the eggs one at a time into the butter mixture, beating well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract for flavor.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined to avoid overworking the batter.
- Fold in Apples and Nuts: Gently fold in the diced peeled apples along with the optional chopped pecans or walnuts for added texture and flavor.
- Pour Batter and Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared springform pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Prepare Caramel Sauce: While the cake bakes, combine brown sugar, half & half, and butter in a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir frequently until the mixture becomes smooth and combined to form a luscious caramel sauce.
- Top Cake with Caramel: Once the cake is baked, remove it from the oven and pour the warm caramel sauce evenly over the top.
- Bake to Set Caramel: Return the cake to the oven for an additional 10-15 minutes, allowing the caramel to set and the surface to slightly crack, adding a pleasing texture.
- Cool and Serve: Let the cake cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes before carefully removing the sides of the springform pan. Slice and serve the cake warm or at room temperature for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Peeling and dicing the apples ensures an even texture throughout the cake.
- Optional nuts add crunch but can be omitted for a nut-free version.
- Use a light-colored baking pan to prevent over-browning.
- The caramel sauce can be prepared ahead and gently reheated before pouring.
- Allowing the cake to cool slightly before serving enhances flavor absorption.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Swedish
