Scandinavian Apple Cake

Prep: 20 min Cook: 45 min Serves: 8 Cuisine: Scandinavian

A warm, spiced apple cake featuring tart apples, cinnamon, and allspice, perfect for cozy gatherings and satisfying fans of fruity, aromatic desserts.

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Ingredients

  • 4 large tart apples
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 cup chopped nuts
  • 2/3 cup melted butter
  • 2 eggs
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 2 teaspoons cinnamon
  • 2 teaspoons allspice
  • 1 teaspoon cardamom
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Peel, core, and chop the apples; combine apples, sugar, chopped nuts, and melted butter in a large bowl.
  2. Stir in the beaten eggs and vanilla extract.
  3. Sift together all dry ingredients: flour, baking soda, cinnamon, allspice, cardamom, and salt; add to the apple mixture, stirring until blended.
  4. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  5. Grease two 8-inch square cake pans.
  6. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  7. Allow the cakes to cool before serving.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider using brown sugar instead of white sugar. You can also substitute walnuts or pecans for the chopped nuts based on your preference. If you want a lighter cake, try using applesauce in place of some of the melted butter. Make sure to peel the apples for a smoother texture in the cake.

Serving Suggestions

Serve slices of Scandinavian Apple Cake warm or at room temperature, optionally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for added indulgence. This cake pairs beautifully with Creamy Mints for a delightful contrast in flavors. You might also enjoy it alongside a cup of spiced tea or coffee.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate the cake for up to a week or freeze slices in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Scandinavian Apple Cake contains roughly 241 calories, with 3g protein, 35g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (21% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 805mg per serving (35% of the Daily Value).

241 kcal 12% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 2.8g 6% DV
Total Fat 2.9g 4% DV
Carbs 35.3g 13% DV
Fiber 2.5g 9% DV
Sugar 4.1g 8% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 804.9mg 35% DV
Potassium 300.5mg 6% DV
Cholesterol 53.5mg 18% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 13mcg 1% DV
Vitamin C 18.7mg 21% DV
Calcium 72.3mg 6% DV
Iron 0.9mg 5% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal Low-fat
Contains Milk Egg Wheat/Gluten

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use different types of apples for this recipe?

Yes, you can use a variety of apples! Tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best for a balanced flavor. You can also mix different types of apples to enhance the texture and taste of the cake.

Is there a gluten-free option for this Apple Cake?

Absolutely! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just ensure that the blend you choose includes xanthan gum or a similar binding agent for optimal texture.

How do I know when the cake is done baking?

The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Keep an eye on the cake during the last few minutes of baking to prevent over-baking.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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