Method:
1. Prepare the Apples:
• Begin by peeling, coring, and slicing the apples into thin wedges. It's essential to use apples that hold their shape while baking, such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp. These varieties bring the right amount of tartness to contrast the sweetness of the cake batter.
• Toss the apple slices with the sugar, cinnamon, and a squeeze of lemon juice. The lemon prevents the apples from browning and enhances their flavor.
• Set the apples aside to allow the flavors to meld while you prepare the batter.
2. Make the Cake Batter:
• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch (23 cm) round cake pan or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar. Beat with a hand mixer or stand mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about 3-5 minutes.
• Add the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract.
• In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk or cream. Start and finish with the flour mixture. Mix until smooth, but avoid over-mixing to keep the cake light and airy.
3. Assemble the Cake:
• Pour half of the cake batter into the prepared cake pan and spread it evenly with a spatula.
• Layer half of the prepared apple slices on top of the batter. Place them in a circular pattern, fanning them out from the center.
• Add the remaining batter on top of the apples, gently spreading it to cover them. Don’t worry if some of the apples peek through the batter—it will look beautiful once baked.
• Arrange the remaining apple slices on top in a decorative pattern. You can fan them out in a spiral or line them up neatly.
4. Bake the Cake:
• Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The cake should be golden brown, and the apples should be tender but still slightly holding their shape.
• If the top is browning too quickly, you can cover it loosely with aluminum foil for the last 10-15 minutes of baking.
5. Cool and Serve:
• Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
• Once the cake has cooled, slice it into wedges and serve. For an extra indulgent treat, top each slice with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It also pairs wonderfully with a cup of coffee or tea for an authentic Swedish fika experience.
Tips for a Perfect Swedish Apple Cake:
• Apple Variety: Choose a tart apple variety to balance the sweetness of the cake. Apples that hold their shape well when baked, such as Granny Smith, are ideal.
• Spices: Feel free to adjust the spices. Some variations include nutmeg, cardamom, or cloves for added warmth and complexity.
• Texture: For a more crumbly cake, you can fold in chopped nuts like walnuts or almonds. Alternatively, a sprinkle of sugar on top before baking will create a delightful crunchy top layer.
• Serving: Swedish Apple Cake is often served warm, so you might want to heat up any leftovers for 10-15 seconds in the microwave to revive the cozy flavors.
Conclusion:
Swedish Apple Cake is a heartwarming dessert that brings the flavors of Swedish home baking into your kitchen. With its soft, moist batter and flavorful apple topping, it’s a perfect way to celebrate the apple harvest or simply enjoy a traditional Swedish treat. Whether you're serving it for a special occasion or as an everyday indulgence.
