Flash Sale! Try our Healthy & Delicious Greek Yogurt Zucchini Bread — now only $2.49!

1-Hour Swedish Apple Cake – Cozy, Best Buttery & Cinnamon-Spiced

Swedish Apple Cake
Swedish Apple Cake

A Tender, Buttery Cake Studded with Juicy Apples and a Touch of Cinnamon! 🍂💛

This Swedish Apple Cake is pure, cozy comfort! With tender slices of tart apples nestled into a soft, buttery vanilla cake and a gentle dusting of cinnamon sugar, it’s a simple yet show-stopping dessert that’s perfect for fall, coffee breaks, or lazy Sunday afternoons. Bonus: it’s surprisingly easy to make with pantry staples!

Love rustic, heartwarming desserts like this? Subscribe for more cozy bakes straight to your inbox!

Swedish Apple Cake Recipe Overview

A beautiful, light cake that isn’t too sweet—highlighting the natural tartness of apples and the warmth of cinnamon. This cake is beloved for its delicate crumb and old-world charm.

  • Flavor: Lightly sweet vanilla cake with pockets of tender apple and cinnamon
  • Texture: Moist and fluffy inside, lightly crisped edges from cinnamon sugar
  • Perfect For: Fall baking, brunches, tea time, or a simple dessert
  • Bonus: No special equipment needed—just a bowl and whisk!

Ingredients List

For the Cake:

  • 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1¼ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1½ tsp baking powder
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • ¼ cup milk

For the Topping:

  • 2 tbsp granulated sugar
  • ½ tsp ground cinnamon
  • Powdered sugar (for dusting, optional)

Necessary Tools for Preparation

  • 9-inch round cake pan or springform pan
  • Mixing bowls
  • Hand whisk or electric mixer
  • Spatula
  • Parchment paper (optional, for lining)

Quick Overview of Instructions

  1. Prep Apples
    Toss apple slices with lemon juice. Set aside.
  2. Cream Butter and Sugar
    In a large bowl, cream softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
  3. Add Eggs and Vanilla
    Beat in eggs one at a time. Stir in vanilla extract.
  4. Mix Dry Ingredients
    In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
  5. Combine and Add Milk
    Gradually add dry ingredients into the wet mixture, alternating with milk.
  6. Assemble Cake
    Spread batter into the prepared pan. Arrange apple slices neatly on top. Sprinkle with cinnamon sugar.
  7. Bake
    Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 35–40 minutes until golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
  8. Cool and Dust
    Let cool before dusting with powdered sugar, if desired.

Tips for Perfecting the Swedish Apple Cake Recipe

  • Use firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for best results.
  • Slice apples thinly for even baking.
  • Let the cake cool fully before dusting with powdered sugar to avoid melting.
  • Serve slightly warm for extra coziness!

What to Serve With It

  • A scoop of vanilla ice cream
  • Fresh whipped cream
  • Hot coffee, mulled cider, or chai tea
  • A drizzle of warm caramel sauce

Storage Instructions

  • Room Temp: Store covered for 2–3 days
  • Fridge: Keeps up to 5 days (reheat slices gently)
  • Freezer: Freeze slices individually for up to 2 months

General Information

  • Occasions: Coffee breaks, family gatherings, cozy nights
  • Texture Tip: Don’t overmix the batter for the fluffiest cake
  • Customization: Add a sprinkle of chopped walnuts or pecans on top!

FAQ

Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes—use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend!

Which apples are best?
Tart, firm apples like Granny Smith or Braeburn hold their shape beautifully.

Can I double the recipe?
Sure! Use a 9×13-inch pan and watch the bake time.

Do I need to peel the apples?
Peeling helps the apples meld beautifully into the cake.

Conclusion

This Swedish Apple Cake is a timeless, cozy bake that’s simple, sweet, and soul-warming. Perfect for chilly mornings, festive brunches, or an afternoon treat with tea—once you try it, it’ll become a yearly tradition!

Baked it? Show off your cozy cake on Pinterest @poulefrecipe!

More Cozy Bakes You’ll Love:

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Swedish Apple Cake
PIN IT

Cozy Swedish Apple Cake – Buttery, Soft & Cinnamon-Kissed 🍏🍰


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

  • Author: Poulef
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 810 slices 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This Swedish Apple Cake is buttery, light, and filled with tender apple slices and warm cinnamon—a cozy, simple dessert perfect for any occasion.


Ingredients

Scale

Cake:

  • 2 medium apples, thinly sliced

  • 1 tbsp lemon juice

  • ½ cup unsalted butter

  • ¾ cup granulated sugar

  • 2 large eggs

  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

  • 1¼ cups all-purpose flour

  • 1½ tsp baking powder

  • ¼ tsp salt

  • ¼ cup milk

Topping:

  • 2 tbsp granulated sugar

  • ½ tsp ground cinnamonPowdered sugar (optional)


Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and line a cake pan.

  • Toss apples with lemon juice.

  • Cream butter and sugar. Beat in eggs and vanilla.

  • Mix flour, baking powder, salt.

  • Add dry ingredients to wet, alternating with milk.

  • Spread batter in pan. Top with apples. Sprinkle cinnamon-sugar.

  • Bake 35–40 minutes. Cool and dust with powdered sugar.

Notes

Use tart apples for best flavor. Thin slices help apples bake evenly. Dust with sugar just before serving.

  • Prep Time: 20
  • Cook Time: 40
  • Category: Cake
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Swedish
Product Image

26-Piece Stainless Steel Mixing Bowls Set

A versatile set of mixing bowls with airtight lids and non-slip bottoms. Includes 3 grater attachments for added convenience in the kitchen!

Walmart Available on Walmart
This post may contain affiliate links. Learn more
I’m Poulef from Poulef Recipes. I love sharing perfected dishes from my kitchen. I’m sure they’ll earn a spot in your heart. Let’s savor this journey together!. Let’s be friends!