Swedish Apple Cake

Swedish Apple Cake (Äppelkaka)

Ingredients:

For the Cake:

• 2 large apples (such as Granny Smith or Golden Delicious, peeled, cored, and sliced)
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for flavor depth)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup milk (you can substitute with cream for a richer texture)
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar (for sprinkling on top, optional)

For the Topping (optional but recommended):

• 1/4 cup sliced almonds (for extra texture and nutty flavor)
• Powdered sugar (for dusting on top after baking)

Instructions:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Apples

1. Preheat your oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan (or an equivalent-sized pan), or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Prepare the apples: Peel, core, and slice the apples into thin wedges. If you prefer a softer texture, you can also cut them into small chunks. Set the apples aside.

Step 2: Make the Cake Batter

1. Combine dry ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, and 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. This helps distribute the dry ingredients evenly throughout the cake.
2. Cream butter and sugar: In a separate large bowl, beat 1/2 cup of softened butter and 1 cup of granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes using a hand mixer or stand mixer.
3. Add eggs and vanilla: Add 2 large eggs, one at a time, to the butter and sugar mixture, beating well after each addition. Stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract for a fragrant base flavor.
4. Incorporate the dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture into the butter mixture in batches, alternating with 1/2 cup of milk. Start with the flour mixture, then add some milk, and continue alternating until both are incorporated into the batter. Mix just until combined—be careful not to overmix.

Step 3: Assemble the Cake

1. Layer the apples: Spread half of the cake batter into the prepared pan and level it out. Place half of the apple slices (or chunks) evenly on top of the batter. Then, add the remaining batter on top of the apples and smooth it out with a spatula.
2. Top with remaining apples: Arrange the remaining apple slices on top of the batter. Gently press them into the batter to ensure they cook into the cake. If you’d like, sprinkle 1 tablespoon of brown sugar on top for an extra caramelized finish.
3. Optional topping: For a bit of crunch and nuttiness, sprinkle 1/4 cup of sliced almonds on top of the apples. This is completely optional but adds a wonderful texture.

Step 4: Bake the Cake

1. Bake: Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake for about 40-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean, with just a few moist crumbs. The top should be golden brown, and the apples should be soft.
2. Cool: Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes. Then, carefully remove the cake from the pan and let it cool completely on a wire rack.

Step 5: Serve the Swedish Apple Cake

1. Dust with powdered sugar: Once the cake has cooled, you can dust it lightly with powdered sugar for a touch of elegance. This is optional but adds a beautiful finish.
2. Serve: Slice the cake and serve it on its own, or with a dollop of whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or even a drizzle of caramel sauce. It’s wonderful with a warm beverage, like Swedish coffee (kaffe), tea, or even a glass of milk.

Tips for the Best Swedish Apple Cake:

• Use tart apples: Granny Smith apples work especially well in this recipe because they add a tart contrast to the sweet cake. You can mix and match apple varieties for a more complex flavor profile.
• Cinnamon sugar: You can mix some cinnamon and sugar together and sprinkle it over the apples for an extra burst of flavor.
• Moistness: The milk and butter in the batter create a soft, moist cake, but if you prefer a denser cake, you can use sour cream instead of milk to make it richer.
• Apple variety: Feel free to use your favorite type of apple. For example, Fuji or Honeycrisp apples will add extra sweetness to the cake.
• Storage: The cake stays fresh for up to 3-4 days when stored in an airtight container. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months and thaw it in the fridge before serving.

Variations:

• Spiced version: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cloves to the cake batter for more warmth and complexity.
• Caramelized apples: Before adding the apples to the batter, you can sauté them in butter with a bit of sugar for a caramelized effect.
• Vegan version: Substitute the butter with plant-based margarine and the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water). Use plant-based milk, like almond or oat milk.