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    Home » Recipes » Cakes

    Traditional Swedish Apple Cake (Äppelkaka)

    Published: Sep 2, 2023 · Modified: Jul 10, 2025 by Neriz · This post contains some affiliate links.

    Jump to Recipe

    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!

    A freshly baked Swedish apple cake, ready for slicing, with powdered sugar and fresh apples next to it.

    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!

    Jump to:
    • Why this apple cake is a keeper!
    • Ingredients
    • How to make Swedish apple cake
    • Helpful notes
    • Recipe variation
    • Serving suggestions
    • More Swedish dishes
    • 📖 Recipe

    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

    All the ingredients you need to make an authentic Swedish apple cake at home.

    (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.
    A slice of authentic Swedish apple cake, served with vanilla sauce on the side.

    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. 

    Softening the apple slices by cooking it a bit prior to adding to the cake batter.

    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.

    Sifting the flour and baking powder for preparing äppelkaka at home.

    Using a larger bowl, combine sugar and butter.

    Combining sugar and butter as the first step in preparing the batter for an authentic Swedish apple cake.

    Add vanilla extract and eggs, one at a time while mixing.

    Adding eggs one at a time is important in making äppelkaka at home.

    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.

    The final texture of the batter for a traditional apple cake from Sweden.

    Transfer three-quarters of the batter into the prepared cake pan.

    Use a spatula to even the top.

    Authentic apple cake batter from Sweden, placed in a cake pan, before adding the apples.

    Arrange the drained apples on top.

    Softened apple slices added on top of äppelkaka batter.

    Use your hands to add the remaining batter on top of the apples randomly.

    Bits of äppelkaka batter scatterred on top of the slices of apples.

    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!

    A closer shot of the sides of a traditional äppelkaka, highlighting the golden color of the cake.

    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.
    A closer shot of a slice of äppelkaka, with vanilla sauce dripping from the top.

    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.

    Chocolate balls served with coffee, for afternoon snack.

    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!

    Feature image for Swedish Almond Paste Cookies, with the cookies served on a basket.

    Swedish Almond Cookies

    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:

    Feature image for Swedish Apple Pie with no crust, showing the golden crumble on topl.

    Swedish Apple Pie

    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.

    A slice of cardamom sponge cake, served with a cup of coffee.

    Swedish Cardamom Cake

    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.

    Feature image for tosca cake, showing two slices ready for serving.

    Tosca Cake

    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

    Freshly baked apple cake from Sweden, a traditional recipe that's been handed down to generations.

    Traditional Swedish Apple Cake Recipe (Äppelkaka)

    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!
    No ratings yet
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    Course: Dessert
    Cuisine: Swedish
    Prep Time: 40 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 45 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 1 hour hour 25 minutes minutes
    Servings: 10
    Calories: 320kcal
    Author: Neriz

    Equipment

    • Measuring cups
    • Measuring Spoons
    • Mixing Bowls
    • Strainer for Sifting
    • Hand Mixer
    • Rubber Spatula
    • 8-inch Cake Pan

    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.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 320kcal | Carbohydrates: 52g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 0.4g | Cholesterol: 60mg | Sodium: 180mg | Potassium: 100mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 32g | Vitamin A: 387IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 62mg | Iron: 1mg
    Tried this Recipe? Pin it for Later!Mention @foodandjourneys or tag #foodandjourneys!

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