If you’re searching for a dessert that wraps cozy flavors and a little touch of elegance into one delightful package, this Swedish Apple Cake with Caramel Recipe is going to be your new best friend. Imagine tender diced apples mingling with warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg inside a moist, buttery cake base, all crowned with a luscious, homemade caramel sauce that sets into a crackly top. Every bite promises a comforting, slightly nostalgic taste of autumn, perfect for sharing with family or friends, yet easy enough to whip up on any day you’re craving a special treat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Swedish Apple Cake with Caramel Recipe lies in its simplicity and how each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating the perfect harmony of flavors and textures. From the buttery base to the sweet-tart apples and the rich caramel topping, every item is thoughtfully chosen.
- Butter, 1/2 cup, room temperature: Adds richness and moisture for a tender crumb.
- Sugar, 1 2/3 cups: Balances the tartness of apples and provides sweetness in the batter.
- Eggs, 2: Bind the ingredients together and support a light structure.
- Vanilla extract, 1 1/2 teaspoons: Enhances the overall flavor with warm, aromatic notes.
- All-purpose flour, 1 1/2 cups: The backbone of the cake’s structure.
- Baking soda, 1 teaspoon: Helps the cake rise beautifully and stay fluffy.
- Salt, 1 teaspoon: Highlights all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- Ground cinnamon, 1 1/2 teaspoons: Brings warmth and a classic apple pie spiciness.
- Ground nutmeg, 1/2 teaspoon: Adds a subtle, nutty depth to the cake.
- Apples, 3 cups diced and peeled (about 2 large): Fresh and juicy for bursts of natural sweetness and texture.
- Optional chopped pecans or walnuts, 1/4 cup: Adds delightful crunch and rustic flavor.
- Brown sugar, 1 1/3 cups: Main ingredient for the luscious caramel topping.
- Half & half, 2 tablespoons: Creates a creamy richness in the caramel sauce.
- Butter, 4 tablespoons (for caramel): Helps achieve the smooth, glossy finish of the caramel.
How to Make Swedish Apple Cake with Caramel Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
First things first, preheat your oven to a toasty 350°F (175°C) so it’s at the perfect temperature to gently bake your cake. Grease a 9-inch springform pan generously to ensure your cake doesn’t stick and can be easily removed once it’s perfect and golden.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg. This step is crucial because it evenly disperses the spices and leavening agents, setting a solid foundation for the wonderful aroma and rise of your cake.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar, then Add Eggs and Vanilla
Using a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until you get a light and smooth blend – this process helps incorporate air which will give your cake a soft crumb. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then stir in the fragrant vanilla extract to lift the flavors even higher.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry, then Fold in Apples and Nuts
Gently add the dry ingredient mixture into your wet batter little by little, mixing just until combined—overmixing can lead to a tougher texture, so be gentle! Finally, fold in those juicy diced apples and the optional chopped nuts, which add wonderful bursts of flavor and texture with every bite.
Step 5: Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into your prepared springform pan, smoothing out the top for an even bake. Pop it into the oven and bake for about 35 to 40 minutes. You’ll want to check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs clinging to it.
Step 6: Make the Caramel Sauce
While the cake bakes, it’s caramel o’clock! In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, combine the brown sugar, half & half, and butter. Stir frequently until smooth and velvety. This homemade caramel sauce is what transforms this Swedish Apple Cake with Caramel Recipe into a showstopper, balancing sweet and buttery richness with the cake’s spice and fruit.
Step 7: Pour Caramel and Finish Baking
As soon as you pull the cake from the oven, carefully pour the warm caramel sauce evenly over the top. Return the cake to the oven for an additional 10-15 minutes. This step sets the caramel, creating that irresistibly crackly, glossy topping everyone will love.
Step 8: Cool and Serve
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes before removing the springform sides. This resting time lets everything set nicely for cleaner slices. Serve warm for gooey caramel bliss, or at room temperature if you prefer the flavors nicely melded.
How to Serve Swedish Apple Cake with Caramel Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of powdered sugar or a dollop of freshly whipped cream can add an elegant touch, while a few extra chopped nuts on top complement the existing flavors and textures beautifully. If you’re feeling bold, a small scoop of vanilla ice cream pairs perfectly with the warm caramel and spicy apple notes.
Side Dishes
This cake stands well on its own but can be lovely alongside a cup of strong coffee or a fragrant black tea for an afternoon treat. For a festive twist, try serving it with a simple cinnamon-spiced custard or a tangy cranberry sauce to brighten the sweet profile.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider cutting individual mini cakes for personal portions at a brunch or party. Another fun idea is to serve slices atop plates drizzled with extra caramel sauce and a few fresh apple slices for added freshness and flair. The crackled caramel top also makes it a stunning centerpiece dessert for your holiday table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Swedish Apple Cake with Caramel Recipe keeps beautifully for up to 3 days if covered tightly in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container at room temperature. This way, the cake retains its moist texture and the caramel topping stays just right—ready to be enjoyed again later.
Freezing
You can freeze this cake either whole (well wrapped) or in individual slices. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then foil to protect it from freezer burn. When properly frozen, it can last up to 2 months without losing its flavor or texture.
Reheating
For the best experience, gently reheat slices in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10-15 minutes to refresh the caramel topping and warm the cake through. Microwaving works too but can soften the caramel’s crackly texture. Serve warm for that melted caramel dream.
FAQs
Can I use different types of apples for this cake?
Absolutely! While tart apples like Granny Smith work wonderfully, you can mix in sweeter varieties such as Fuji or Honeycrisp to customize the flavor to your liking. Just make sure to peel and dice them evenly for consistent baking.
Is it necessary to use a springform pan?
The springform pan is ideal because it allows you to remove the cake sides easily without damaging the delicate caramel topping. If you don’t have one, a well-greased 9-inch cake pan will do, but be extra careful when removing the cake.
Can I make this recipe vegan or dairy-free?
To adapt this recipe, substitute the butter with vegan margarine, use flax eggs instead of real eggs, and swap the half & half for a plant-based cream. Keep in mind that caramel sauce may need adjustments to achieve the right texture without dairy.
What is the best way to dice apples for this cake?
Peel the apples and cut them into roughly 1/2-inch cubes to ensure they cook evenly and distribute nicely throughout the batter, providing the perfect balance of apple in every bite.
Can I prepare the caramel sauce ahead of time?
You can make the caramel sauce in advance and gently reheat it before pouring over the baked cake. Just keep it warm over low heat, stirring occasionally so it doesn’t harden or scorch.
Final Thoughts
This Swedish Apple Cake with Caramel Recipe is an absolute joy to bake and share. It captures the essence of homemade comfort with a sweet, slightly crunchy caramel topping that everyone will rave about. Whether it’s a simple family dessert or a special occasion centerpiece, give this recipe a try—you might just find it becomes a treasured classic in your kitchen.
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Swedish Apple Cake with Caramel Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Swedish
Description
Enjoy a warm slice of Swedish Apple Cake draped in rich caramel sauce. This moist and flavorful cake combines tender diced apples, aromatic cinnamon and nutmeg, and a buttery crumb topped with a luscious homemade caramel that hardens beautifully after baking. Perfect for cozy afternoons or special occasions, this cake brings comforting fall flavors to your table with a delightful texture and taste.
Ingredients
Cake
- 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 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 flour, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg. Set this mixture aside for later.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the room temperature butter and sugar together until the mixture is light and smooth to create a fluffy base.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time to the creamed butter and sugar, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract to infuse flavor.
- Combine Ingredients: Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until just combined to avoid overmixing.
- Fold in Apples and Nuts: Gently fold in the diced apples and the optional chopped pecans or walnuts, distributing them evenly throughout the batter.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared springform pan and smooth the top evenly. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Prepare Caramel Sauce: While the cake is baking, combine the brown sugar, half & half, and butter in a small saucepan. Heat over medium-low heat, stirring frequently until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Add Caramel to Cake: Once the cake is baked, remove it from the oven and pour the caramel sauce evenly over the top of the cake.
- Set Caramel Topping: Return the cake to the oven for an additional 10-15 minutes to allow the caramel to set and the surface to slightly crack for a delightful texture.
- Cool and Serve: Let the cake cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes before removing the sides of the springform pan. Slice and serve warm or at room temperature for best flavor.
Notes
- You can substitute pecans or walnuts with other nuts like almonds if desired.
- For a deeper caramel flavor, consider adding a pinch of sea salt to the caramel sauce before pouring over the cake.
- Apples Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best for baking as they hold shape and add tanginess.
- Ensure the butter is at room temperature for easier creaming and better texture.
- Serve with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
