Traditional Swedish Apple Cake (Äppelkaka) is a classic dessert that captures the essence of Swedish home baking. Made with cooked apples, this beloved treat is perfect for fika or any cozy gathering. Enjoy it with vanilla sauce, whipped cream, or on its own — simply delicious!
Like Swedish cinnamon buns, I make this classic Swedish cake all year round.
I typically use different types of apples when Swedish apples are not in season, which I did in this recipe by using red Gala apples.
What is a traditional Swedish apple cake?
Although it’s topped with cooked apple slices, it is unlike your usual soft apple cake.
Known locally as ‘äppelkaka,’ it has a texture closer to a pudding than a cake.
It’s still absolutely delicious, though, and if you want to enjoy it for fika or dessert like the locals, pour a generous helping of vanilla sauce on it. Yum!
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Why this apple cake is a keeper!
This classic treat isn’t just easy to love — it’s easy to make again and again, plus:
- Simple ingredients, big flavor. Made with pantry staples like apples, honey, butter, and flour, this Swedish cake delivers cozy, no-fuss flavors.
- Authentic taste of Swedish home baking. Äppelkaka is a beloved classic, and every bite of it brings a nostalgic taste of Nordic tradition.
- Ideal for fika. Whether served warm or at room temperature, it’s perfect for fika, the Swedish tradition of enjoying coffee with cake and treats, making it both a cultural and culinary delight.
Ingredients
(See the recipe card below for measurements.)
- Apples – as you see from the image above, I use red Gala for this recipe, but you can also use your favorite red apples for baking.
- Flour – all-purpose flour is all you need for this äppelkaka recipe.
- Honey – mild-flavored honey would be excellent.
- Butter – ensure it’s softened before preparing this recipe.
- Eggs – medium-sized (63 to 73 grams per piece) and at room temperature.
- Sugar – granulated white sugar is excellent for making Swedish apple coffee cake.
- Vanilla extract and baking powder – just use your favorite brand.
How to make Swedish apple cake
Start by greasing an 8-inch cake pan with butter and dusting it with a bit of flour; set aside.
Combine the apples and honey with four tablespoons of water in a small saucepan.
Place the pan uncovered over medium-low heat.
Mix gently, being careful not to break the slices of apples, and cook for fifteen to twenty minutes.
Remove from the heat and drain the apple, then set aside.
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
Sift flour and baking powder in a medium bowl.
Using a larger bowl, combine sugar and butter.
Add vanilla extract and eggs, one at a time while mixing.
Add the sifted flour and baking powder.
Use a spatula to fold the dry ingredients gently to combine — note that it is a dry batter.
Transfer three-quarters of the batter into the prepared cake pan.
Use a spatula to even the top.
Arrange the drained apples on top.
Use your hands to add the remaining batter on top of the apples randomly.
Place your pan in the middle of the oven.
Bake for forty to forty-five minutes or until it turns golden and a toothpick comes out clean when inserted.
Set aside to cool.
Your old-fashioned äppelkaka is now ready for slicing and serving!
Helpful notes
- Since it’s a dry batter, you must use a spatula or wooden spoon to transfer it into the pan — you cannot pour it.
- If using a springform pan, removing the sides to smoothen the cake’s top and just placing it back when adding the apple slices is easier.
Recipe variation
- Syrup. Some locals use light syrup instead of honey.
- Vanilla sugar. If you have it on hand, you can replace the extract with the same amount of vanilla sugar.
Serving suggestions
While sprinkling with powdered sugar is fine, we always serve it with vanilla sauce. Remember when I said it resembles a pudding than a cake? Yes, that’s why vanilla sauce pairs excellently with it.
While you’re at it, get some friends over and prepare your table for fika, using other classic Swedish dishes from the blog:
Kanelbullar (Swedish Cinnamon Buns)
Kanelbullar are soft, lightly spiced, and fragrant. Together, they create a classic fika pairing that’s warm, comforting, and full of traditional Swedish flavor.
Chokladbollar (Swedish Chocolate Balls)
Add a sweet, no-bake treat to your fika table by serving these chokladbollar alongside your Swedish apple cake.
The rich cocoa and oat flavor of the chocolate balls pairs perfectly with the warm, vanilla-flavored apple cake!
Locally known as ‘mandelkakor,’ these are light, crispy, and nutty cookies. Their delicate texture and subtle sweetness beautifully balance the apple flavors of the cake, creating an irresistible fika spread!
So you see, äppelkaka is not just a dessert; it’s a slice of Swedish tradition, passed down through generations—a staple in Swedish kitchens.
Give it a try this weekend and let me know!
More Swedish dishes
This traditional apple cake is a classic example of Swedish cuisine because it reflects the country’s love for seasonal and straightforward home baking, just like these dishes:
Rustic and simple, Swedish apple pie showcases the sweet-tart flavor of local apples from Skåne, Sweden’s famed apple-growing region.
With no bottom pastry crust, it’s a cozy dessert that celebrates the best of Swedish seasonal baking.
Fragrant, soft, and delicious, this cardamom sponge cake is a simple, one-bowl treat bursting with the warm aroma and flavor of cardamom. Perfect with a cup of coffee, it’s an ideal everyday treat for fika or dessert.
Swedish desserts are generally less sweet than those in other countries. This cake’s sweetness, even with the caramelized almonds on top, complements Sweden’s restrained and elegant dessert style perfectly.
GET MORE IDEAS FROM THIS LIST OF INTERNATIONAL CAKE RECIPES!
📖 Recipe
Traditional Swedish Apple Cake Recipe (Äppelkaka)
Equipment
Ingredients
- 500 grams apples (1 pound or 3 medium or 5 small ones), chopped into thin wedges
- 4 tablespoons honey
- 4 tablespoons water
- 240 grams flour (8.45 ounces, or about 1 & 1/2 cups), plus more for dusting the cake pan
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 125 grams butter (4.40 ounces or about 1 stick + 2 & 1/2 teaspoons), softened, and more for greasing
- 200 grams sugar (7 ounces or about 3/4 cup)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 medium eggs
Instructions
Prepare the apples:
- Combine apples, honey, and water in a small saucepan.
- Cook for about 15 to 20 mins over medium-low heat.
- Drain the apples and set them aside — throw the liquid away.
Prepare your äppelkaka:
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and prepare your cake pan by greasing it with butter and dusting it with some flour.
- Sift flour and baking powder.
- Cream sugar and butter in a separate, bigger mixing bowl.
- Add vanilla extract and eggs (one at a time) and continue mixing.
- Add the sifted dry ingredients and use a spatula to fold them.
- Transfer about 3/4 of the batter into the pan and use an angled spatula to even the top.
- Add the drained apples and (try) to arrange them evenly.
- Randomly place the remaining batter on top.
- Place in the preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes, until it turns golden on top or a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Set aside cool.
- Your traditional Swedish apple cake is now ready for serving!
Notes
- Cook’s Tip: You would need a spatula or wooden spoon to transfer the dry apple cake batter into the prepared pan — you cannot pour it.
- Refer to the post for more tips and suggestions.
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