Indulge in the warm, comforting flavors of Swedish Apple Cake with Caramel Sauce. This delightful dessert combines tender apples, aromatic spices, and a decadent caramel sauce for a treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate dessert experience.
Ingredients
For the Cake
- 1/2 cup butter, room temperature
- 1 2/3 cups sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 3 cups diced and peeled apples (approximately 2 large apples)
- Optional: 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
For the Caramel Sauce
- 1 1/3 cups brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons half-and-half
- 4 tablespoons butter
Instructions
For the Cake
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- Cream Butter and Sugar:
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla:
- Beat in the eggs, one at a time, until well incorporated. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Combine Dry Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in Apples and Nuts (if using):
- Gently fold in the diced apples and chopped nuts, if using, until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Bake:
- Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool:
- Allow the cake to cool slightly in the pan before serving.
For the Caramel Sauce
- Prepare Ingredients:
- In a small saucepan, combine the brown sugar, half-and-half, and butter.
- Cook Caramel:
- Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture comes to a boil.
- Simmer:
- Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 2 minutes, stirring continuously.
- Serve:
- Remove the caramel sauce from the heat and let it cool slightly. Drizzle the warm caramel sauce over individual slices of the apple cake before serving.
Cook’s Tips and Variations
- Apple Varieties: Use your favorite baking apples such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn for the best texture and flavor.
- Nuts: If you prefer a nuttier texture, add chopped pecans or walnuts to the cake batter.
- Serve with Ice Cream: For an extra special treat, serve slices of the Swedish Apple Cake warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and an additional drizzle of caramel sauce.
- Make Ahead: This cake can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Warm individual slices in the microwave before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use a different type of fruit in this cake? A: Yes, you can substitute the apples with pears or a combination of apples and pears for a delicious variation.
Q: Can I freeze this cake? A: Yes, you can freeze the cake (without the caramel sauce) for up to 3 months. Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Q: Can I use store-bought caramel sauce? A: While homemade caramel sauce is recommended for its rich flavor, you can certainly use store-bought caramel sauce as a shortcut.
Q: Can I omit the nuts from the cake? A: Yes, you can omit the nuts if you prefer or if you have allergies.
Q: Can I make this cake in advance for a special occasion? A: Yes, this cake is perfect for making ahead of time. Simply prepare and bake the cake as directed, cool completely, and store in an airtight container. Make the caramel sauce just before serving.
Treat yourself to the comforting flavors of Swedish Apple Cake with Caramel Sauce. With its moist and flavorful cake studded with tender apples and topped with a rich caramel sauce, this dessert is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy a slice with a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful end to any meal.
Delight in the warm and comforting flavors of Swedish Apple Cake with Caramel Sauce, a dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re enjoying it on a cozy evening at home or sharing it with friends and family at a gathering, this cake is sure to impress. Happy baking!
