Äppelkaka, the Swedish apple cake, is a delightful treat that embodies the warmth and coziness of a Swedish “fika” – the cherished tradition of coffee and cake breaks. Imagine sinking your teeth into a slice of this rustic beauty: tender, spiced cake studded with sweet-tart apples, often topped with a dollop of vanilla ice cream or a sprinkle of powdered sugar. It’s a simple pleasure that’s sure to become a family favorite. This recipe will guide you through each step, ensuring a perfect äppelkaka every time.
Let’s Gather Our Ingredients:
For this recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients:
For the cake:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 medium apples, such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp, peeled, cored, and sliced
For the topping:
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
Tools of the Trade:
- 9-inch springform pan
- Parchment paper
- Mixing bowls (one large, one medium)
- Electric mixer
- Whisk
- Rubber spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
Baking Up Swedish Happiness:
-
Preheat and prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan with butter and line the bottom with parchment paper.
-
Combine dry ingredients: In your medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
-
Cream together butter and sugar: In the large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer.
-
Incorporate eggs and vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
-
Gradually add dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk, and beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
-
Fold in the apples: Gently fold in the sliced apples until they’re evenly distributed throughout the batter.
-
Prepare the topping: In a small bowl, combine the sugar and cinnamon.
-
Assemble the cake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the batter, then sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture on top.
-
Bake: Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
-
Cool and serve: Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before removing the sides of the springform pan. Serve warm with a dollop of vanilla ice cream or a sprinkle of powdered sugar.
