🍏 The moment you catch the first aroma of apples baking in the oven, you’ll know you’re about to experience something magical 🍎. This Swedish classic is not just a cake, but a heartwarming tradition that instantly transforms an ordinary day into a celebration. Imagine tender slices of apple tucked into a soft, buttery crumb, kissed with cinnamon sugar, and finished with a gentle crunch of almonds ✨. It’s the kind of dessert that whispers comfort with every bite, whether you’re serving it warm with a dollop of cream or enjoying it as a sweet start to the day. The golden crust hides a moist, fluffy centre that makes your fork glide effortlessly, revealing layers of apple nestled inside 🍰. This cake captures the essence of Scandinavian coziness — simple, elegant, and deeply satisfying. You don’t need to be a master baker to create this beauty; it’s surprisingly easy, yet it looks like something from a charming countryside café.
Friends and family will gather around the table the moment you set it down, their eyes lighting up with anticipation. The cinnamon sugar topping caramelises beautifully in the oven, filling your kitchen with irresistible warmth. Every slice tastes like a sweet embrace, reminding you of cosy evenings by the fire 🔥. Serve it after Sunday lunch, bring it to a potluck, or keep it just for yourself with a cup of tea — it’s perfect for all occasions. This cake is a bridge between tradition and modern simplicity, proof that great baking is timeless. The apples bring natural sweetness and a slight tartness that balances perfectly with the tender crumb. And let’s not forget the almonds — they give just the right amount of texture to elevate every mouthful. You’ll find yourself baking it again and again, not because you have to, but because you’ll crave the way it makes your home feel. It’s more than dessert; it’s a memory in the making.
⏱️ Quick Overview
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 55 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 10
Difficulty: Easy
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Swedish
⭐ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
🍏 Filled with juicy apples that stay tender and moist.
✨ Simple ingredients that you already have in your kitchen.
🍰 Perfectly fluffy crumb with a golden, caramelised crust.
☕ Ideal companion for coffee, tea, or mulled wine.
🌿 Balanced sweetness that feels indulgent but not heavy.
🥄 Easy to prepare — no fancy techniques needed.
🏡 Brings comforting Scandinavian vibes into your home.
📅 Nutrition Per Serving (entire recipe: 10 servings)
Calories: 276 kcal
Carbohydrates: 39 g
Protein: 4 g
Fat: 12 g
Saturated Fat: 6 g
Cholesterol: 53 mg
Fibre: 2 g
Sugar: 23 g
Sodium: 180 mg
Calcium: 45 mg
👨🍳 How to Make It (Step-by-step)
✔️ Prepare the pan
Grease and line a 9-inch springform pan for easy release.
💡 Tip: Use parchment paper at the base to prevent sticking.
✔️ Preheat the oven
Set your oven to 175°C (350°F) before you begin.
💡 Tip: Always start with a fully heated oven for even baking.
✔️ Cream butter & sugar
Beat butter and sugar until pale and fluffy.
💡 Secret: Creaming for at least 2–3 minutes ensures lightness.
✔️ Add eggs & vanilla
Mix in eggs one by one, then add vanilla extract.
💡 Tip: Room temperature eggs blend better with the batter.
✔️ Mix dry ingredients
Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
💡 Secret: Sift flour for extra softness in the crumb.
✔️ Combine wet & dry
Alternate flour mixture and milk, beginning and ending with flour.
💡 Tip: Stop mixing as soon as flour disappears to avoid toughness.
✔️ Fold in apples
Gently stir in apple slices until evenly spread.
💡 Secret: Coat apples lightly in flour so they don’t sink.
✔️ Fill the pan
Pour batter into the pan and smooth the top.
💡 Tip: Tap the pan on the counter to remove air bubbles.
✔️ Add topping
Sprinkle cinnamon sugar and almonds over the batter.
💡 Secret: A generous sprinkle of sugar creates a crisp crust.
✔️ Bake to perfection
Bake for 50–60 minutes until golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
💡 Tip: If top browns too quickly, cover loosely with foil.
✨ The result? A soft, cozy apple cake with a hint of spice and a lightly crisp topping
🛒 Ingredients
For the cake:
🧈 ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
🍚 1 cup granulated sugar
🥚 2 large eggs
🌿 1 tsp vanilla extract
🌾 1½ cups all-purpose flour
🥄 1 tsp baking powder
🧂 ½ tsp salt
🥛 ½ cup whole milk
🍏 3 large apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
For the topping:
🍚 ¼ cup sugar
🌿 ½ tsp ground cinnamon
🌰 ¼ cup sliced almonds (optional)
🧊 Storage & Freshness Tips
❄️ Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
🍎 Refrigerate for up to 5 days, covered tightly to keep it moist.
🧊 Freeze slices individually wrapped for up to 2 months.
🔥 Warm leftover cake in the oven at low heat to refresh texture.
☕ Best enjoyed within 24 hours when the topping is crisp.
