Description
This Swedish Apple Cake brings together the comforting flavors of cinnamon and nutmeg with juicy apples for a cake that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. Topped with a warm caramel sauce that seeps into every corner, this cake is moist and rich, with a hint of crunch from optional pecans or walnuts. Each slice reveals a soft, apple-studded center, perfectly sweetened and gently spiced.
Ingredients
Scale
- For the Cake:
- 1/2 cup butter, at 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, peeled apples (about 2 large apples)
- Optional: 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
- For the Caramel:
- 1 1/3 cups brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons half-and-half
- 4 tablespoons butter
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan thoroughly.
- Prepare the Dry Ingredients: In a small bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until smooth and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then add the vanilla.
- Combine Ingredients: Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Gently fold in the diced apples and nuts if using.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 35-40 minutes.
- Make the Caramel: When the cake has been baking for about 30 minutes, begin the caramel sauce. In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, combine the brown sugar, half-and-half, and butter. Stir frequently until the mixture is smooth and well combined; there’s no need to bring it to a full boil.
- Add the Caramel to the Cake: Remove the cake from the oven and pour the caramel sauce evenly over the top. Return the cake to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes or until the caramel is bubbling and the cake is fully cooked through in the center.
- Cool and Serve: Let the cake cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Best Apples: Use firm, tart apples like Granny Smith for the best texture and flavor in this cake.
- Serving Suggestion: Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence.
- Prep Time: 20 Minutes
- Cook Time: 45 - 55 Minutes