Swedish Vasa Apple Cake
A moist, flavorful Swedish apple cake featuring cinnamon, walnuts, and tender apple slices, perfect for cozy gatherings or dessert with a hint of spice and fruitiness.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare your baking pan.
- In a large bowl, combine oil, sugar, eggs, and vanilla until well mixed.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, soda, cinnamon, and salt.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing until smooth.
- Stir in chopped walnuts and moistened raisins.
- Core, unpeel, and thickly slice apples.
- Fold apple slices into the batter gently.
- Pour batter into the prepared baking pan.
- Bake at the appropriate temperature until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow to cool slightly before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter cake, consider substituting half of the oil with unsweetened applesauce. If walnuts aren't available, pecans or almonds can be used instead. Feel free to mix in some raisins for added sweetness. Make sure to use tart apples for a nice balance against the sugar. Be careful not to overmix the batter after adding the dry ingredients to keep the cake tender.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Swedish Vasa Apple Cake with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat. It pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea. For a delightful contrast, consider serving it alongside a light salad like A Very Different Potato Salad to balance the sweetness of the cake.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover apple cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, refrigerate it for up to a week. To reheat, simply warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or place the whole cake in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Swedish Vasa Apple Cake contains roughly 717 calories, with 5g protein, 57g carbohydrates, and 48g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (38% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1115mg per serving (48% of the Daily Value).
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 in this recipe?
Absolutely! Mixing several types of apples can enhance the flavor. Tart varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work well, while sweeter apples like Fuji can add a nice contrast. Aim for a mix of textures and flavors for depth.
What can I do if I don't have walnuts?
If walnuts are unavailable, you can easily substitute them with pecans, almonds, or even sunflower seeds for a nut-free option. Each will add a different flavor and texture, making the cake versatile to your preferences.
How can I make this cake gluten-free?
To make a gluten-free version of this cake, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to check that the baking soda is also gluten-free. You may need to adjust the baking time slightly, so keep an eye on it while it bakes.
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).