Swedish Apple Cake

### **Step-by-Step Instructions for Swedish Apple Cake**

Making Swedish Apple Cake at home is easy, and the result is a delicious, comforting dessert that will fill your kitchen with the enticing scent of cinnamon and baked apples. Follow these simple steps to create your own Swedish Apple Cake.

#### **Step 1: Prepare the Apples**
1. Preheat your oven to **350°F (175°C)** and grease and flour a round cake pan (8-9 inches) or line it with parchment paper.
2. **Peel, core, and slice the apples** into thin wedges. Set them aside.

#### **Step 2: Make the Cake Batter**
1. In a large bowl, **cream together the butter and sugar** using an electric mixer or a whisk. Beat until the mixture becomes light and fluffy.
2. Add the **eggs one at a time**, beating well after each addition. Then add the **vanilla extract** and mix to combine.
3. In a separate bowl, **whisk together the flour, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt**.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the **milk**. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overwork the batter.

#### **Step 3: Assemble the Cake**
1. **Fold the sliced apples** into the batter, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
2. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.

#### **Step 4: Add the Topping (Optional)**
1. In a small bowl, **mix the melted butter, sugar, and cinnamon** together. Drizzle this mixture over the top of the cake batter. This topping will give the cake a caramelized, sweet, and slightly crispy layer once it bakes.

#### **Step 5: Bake the Cake**
1. Bake the cake for **35-45 minutes**, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The top of the cake should be golden brown, and the apples should be tender.
2. Allow the cake to **cool** in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

#### **Step 6: Serve and Enjoy**
1. Once the cake has cooled, **dust the top** with powdered sugar for a finishing touch, if desired.
2. Slice and serve! This cake is delicious on its own or paired with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

### **Tips for Perfect Swedish Apple Cake**

– **Use tart apples**: Apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp are perfect for this cake because they offer a nice balance of tartness and sweetness. Tart apples also hold their shape better during baking.
– **Don’t overmix the batter**: To keep the cake light and airy, mix the batter until the ingredients are just combined. Overmixing can result in a dense cake.
– **Add extra spices**: While cinnamon is the traditional spice in Swedish Apple Cake, you can add a pinch of nutmeg or ginger for extra warmth and complexity.
– **Serve warm**: Swedish Apple Cake is particularly delicious when served slightly warm from the oven. It can also be reheated the next day in the microwave for a cozy treat.
– **Make ahead**: You can make this cake a day in advance. Just store it in an airtight container, and it will stay fresh for up to 3 days.

### **Serving Suggestions**

– **For a Swedish Fika**: Pair your Swedish Apple Cake with a cup of Swedish coffee or tea for the ultimate fika experience. The balance of sweetness from the cake and the robust flavor of the coffee will complement each other perfectly.
– **As a dessert**: This cake can be served at the end of a meal, either warm or at room temperature, with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
– **For gatherings**: Swedish Apple Cake is an excellent dessert for parties or family gatherings, especially in the fall when apples are in season.

### **Conclusion**

Swedish Apple Cake is a beautifully simple dessert that combines the natural sweetness of apples with the comforting flavors of cinnamon and butter. It’s perfect for cozy afternoons, family gatherings, or when you just need a little slice of something sweet. Whether served warm or at room temperature, this cake is sure to please everyone who tastes it.

With its easy preparation and irresistible flavor, Swedish Apple Cake is a must-try for any baking enthusiast. So next time you have a few apples on hand, why not make this delightful treat and bring a bit of Swedish warmth to your kitchen? Happy baking!