Here’s a delicious recipe for Swedish Apple Cake (Äppelkaka), which is a traditional dessert enjoyed in Sweden:
Ingredients:
- 4 large apples (Granny Smith or any tart variety)
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- 2 large eggs
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ½ cup milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan or springform pan.
- Prepare the apples: Peel, core, and thinly slice the apples. Toss the slices with lemon juice to prevent browning.
- Mix the dry ingredients: In a small bowl, combine the sugar and cinnamon. Set aside 1-2 tablespoons of this mixture to sprinkle over the apples later.
- Make the batter:
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, whisk eggs, melted butter, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Gradually stir this into the flour mixture until combined.
- Assemble the cake:
- Pour half of the batter into the prepared pan. Layer half of the apple slices on top and sprinkle with half of the sugar-cinnamon mixture.
- Pour the remaining batter over the apples, then arrange the rest of the apple slices in a circular pattern on top. Sprinkle with the remaining sugar-cinnamon mixture.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The cake should be golden brown and fragrant.
- Cool the cake in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Serve this Swedish apple cake warm or at room temperature, possibly with a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla custard!