If you’re searching for a warm hug in dessert form, look no further than this Swedish Apple Cake with Caramel Recipe. It’s an irresistibly cozy cake packed with soft, spiced apples and topped with a luscious, buttery caramel glaze that creates just the right balance of sweet and comforting. Every bite brings a gentle crunch, a rich caramel swirl, and a delicate warmth from cinnamon and nutmeg that feel like fall wrapped into a hug. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, this recipe will quickly become a beloved classic in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Swedish Apple Cake with Caramel Recipe lies in its simple, thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each component plays a vital role: creamy butter for moisture and richness, the perfect blend of spices for warmth, crisp apples for freshness and texture, and a caramel topping that ties everything together with decadent sweetness.
- Butter (1/2 cup, room temperature): Adds moisture and helps create a tender crumb in the cake.
- Sugar (1 2/3 cups): Sweetens and balances the spices and tart apples perfectly.
- Eggs (2): Provide structure and richness to the batter.
- Vanilla extract (1 1/2 teaspoons): Enhances the overall flavor with a subtle, sweet aroma.
- All-purpose flour (1 1/2 cups): The base that holds the cake together with just the right density.
- Baking soda (1 teaspoon): Helps the cake rise and stay light.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and intensifies flavors.
- Ground cinnamon (1 1/2 teaspoons): Brings warm, aromatic spice essential to the cake’s character.
- Ground nutmeg (1/2 teaspoon): Adds depth and a little festive flair to the spice mix.
- Diced peeled apples (3 cups, about 2 large): Provide tender chunks that burst with freshness and natural sweetness.
- Chopped pecans or walnuts (optional, 1/4 cup): Introduce a delightful crunch and nutty contrast.
- Brown sugar (1 1/3 cups): Key for the rich, caramel sauce topping with its deep molasses notes.
- Half & half (2 tablespoons): Makes the caramel silky and smooth.
- Butter (4 tablespoons): Enhances the caramel’s creamy texture and flavor.
How to Make Swedish Apple Cake with Caramel Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready to go when your batter is mixed. Grease a 9-inch springform pan well to prevent the cake from sticking and to make removal easy later on. This simple step ensures your Swedish Apple Cake with Caramel Recipe bakes evenly and looks perfect when served.
Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Taking the time to sift these ingredients ensures there are no lumps and that the warming spices are evenly distributed throughout the cake batter for a consistent and fragrant spice profile.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar, Then Add Eggs and Vanilla
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy; this will give your cake that irresistible tender crumb. Add the eggs one by one, beating well after each addition to create a smooth, uniform batter. Stir in the vanilla extract to elevate the overall aroma and flavor of your Swedish Apple Cake with Caramel Recipe.
Step 4: Fold Dry Ingredients and Apples Into the Wet Mixture
Gently add the dry ingredients into the wet batter a little at a time, stirring just until combined to avoid overmixing. Then fold in the diced apples and optional nuts to evenly distribute those fresh, juicy apple pieces and crunchy bits throughout the cake, bringing layers of texture to every bite.
Step 5: Bake the Cake
Pour the apple-studded batter into your prepared springform pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake it for 35 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, signaling the cake is perfectly cooked but still moist and tender inside. This forms the delicious base for the caramel topping that will come next.
Step 6: Make the Caramel Sauce
While the cake is baking, combine brown sugar, half & half, and butter in a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir frequently until the mixture becomes smooth and fully combined. This luscious caramel sauce is what makes this Swedish Apple Cake with Caramel Recipe truly stand out, adding richness and a glossy finish.
Step 7: Pour Caramel Over the Cake and Return to Oven
Once the cake comes out of the oven, immediately pour the warm caramel sauce evenly over the top so it seeps into every nook and cranny. Then return the cake to the oven for another 10 to 15 minutes, allowing the caramel to set and create a slightly crackled, shiny surface that’s as gorgeous as it is flavorful.
Step 8: Cool and Serve
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes before removing the sides of your springform. This resting time lets the caramel fully set without running, making slicing easier and neater. Serve your Swedish Apple Cake with Caramel Recipe warm or at room temperature to truly enjoy the harmony of flavors and textures.
How to Serve Swedish Apple Cake with Caramel Recipe
Garnishes
A dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream beautifully complements this cake’s warm spices and rich caramel tones. For an elegant touch, sprinkle a few toasted pecans or a light dusting of powdered sugar on top to enhance the visual appeal and add a hint of extra crunch.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or spiced chai, intensifying the cozy feel of the dessert. If you want to stretch the flavor experience, serve slices alongside fresh fruit or a lightly spiced compote to add bright, contrasting notes to the luscious caramel and apples.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive gathering, serve the Swedish Apple Cake with Caramel Recipe in individual ramekins, drizzled with extra caramel sauce and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt. You can also turn it into a trifle by layering crumble pieces, whipped cream, and diced apples for a stunning, crowd-pleasing showstopper that’s as delicious as it is beautiful.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Swedish Apple Cake with Caramel Recipe covered tightly in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually meld and deepen after resting, making day-two servings even more irresistible. Just bring to room temperature or warm gently before enjoying again.
Freezing
If you want to save this cake for later, wrap individual slices or the whole cake tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm gently to revive that fresh-baked goodness and melty caramel topping.
Reheating
To reheat, place slices on a microwave-safe plate and heat in short bursts of 20 seconds until warm. Alternatively, warm in a preheated 300°F oven for 10-15 minutes for a more evenly heated, tender cake that tastes like it just came out of the oven.
FAQs
Can I use other types of apples in this recipe?
Absolutely! While tart apples like Granny Smith work great for balance, you can also use sweeter varieties like Fuji or Honeycrisp depending on your taste preference. Just ensure they’re peeled and diced for the best texture.
Do I have to use a springform pan?
While a springform pan is ideal for easy removal without damaging the cake, you can use a regular 9-inch cake pan. Just be sure to grease and line it well, and invert carefully once cooled.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend, ensuring it contains xanthan gum for structure. The texture may vary slightly but the delicious flavors will remain.
Is it possible to prepare the caramel sauce in advance?
You can make the caramel sauce a day ahead and refrigerate it. Gently rewarm it on the stove before pouring it over the cake so it’s smooth and pourable.
What’s the best way to dice apples evenly?
Use a sharp knife or an apple corer/slicer to first cut the apple into even wedges, then dice each wedge into uniform cubes. This helps the apples cook evenly within the cake.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the Swedish Apple Cake with Caramel Recipe that makes every gathering feel cozy and joyful, from its comforting spices to the rich, buttery caramel that crowns it. Don’t be surprised if it quickly becomes your go-to dessert when you want to impress with minimal effort but maximum deliciousness. Give this recipe a try and watch it bring smiles around your table every time.
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Swedish Apple Cake with Caramel Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50-55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Swedish
Description
This Swedish Apple Cake with Caramel is a delightful autumn-inspired dessert featuring tender apple-packed cake topped with a luscious homemade caramel sauce. The spiced batter blends cinnamon and nutmeg perfectly with sweet apples, crowned by a buttery brown sugar caramel that sets with a slight crackle. Ideal for sharing, this cake is both comforting and elegant, perfect for gatherings or a cozy treat.
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
- 1 1/3 cups brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons half & half
- 4 tablespoons butter
Instructions
- Preheat the oven and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- 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 for later incorporation.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until the mixture is light, smooth, and fluffy. This ensures a tender cake crumb.
- Add eggs and vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to incorporate fully. Then stir in the vanilla extract for flavor.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients and fold in apples: Gradually add the sifted dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing just until combined to avoid overworking. Gently fold in the diced peeled apples and optional chopped nuts, distributing them evenly.
- Pour batter and bake first stage: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared springform pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 35-40 minutes until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Prepare caramel sauce: While the cake is baking, combine brown sugar, half & half, and butter in a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir frequently until the caramel sauce is smooth, fully combined, and slightly thickened.
- Add caramel over cake: Once the cake has finished the initial bake, carefully remove it from the oven. Pour the prepared caramel sauce evenly over the top of the hot cake.
- Bake the cake with caramel topping: Return the cake to the oven for another 10-15 minutes. This allows the caramel to set well and develop a slightly cracked surface.
- Cool and serve: Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes. Carefully remove the sides of the springform pan. Slice the cake and serve warm or at room temperature for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- For added crunch and flavor, include the optional nuts such as pecans or walnuts.
- Make sure the butter for the cake is at room temperature for proper creaming and texture.
- Use peeled apples to avoid bitterness; tart varieties like Granny Smith work best for balance.
- The caramel sauce should be stirred continuously to prevent burning.
- Serving the cake warm enhances the gooey caramel experience.
- Storage: Keep leftovers covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate up to 5 days.
