Authentic Gluten-Free Swedish Apple Cake (Äppelkaka) with Caramel Drizzle & Nutty Topping | Dairy-Free Option

This delightful Swedish apple cake, affectionately known as äppelkaka, is a true celebration of autumn flavors. Imagine a tender, moist cake infused with warm, aromatic spices, generously topped with sweet-tart apples and crunchy nuts. Finally, a luxurious drizzle of homemade caramel brings it all together, creating a rustic yet elegant dessert that’s perfect for cozy fall gatherings. What makes this recipe even better? It’s completely gluten-free and can easily be adapted to be dairy-free, ensuring everyone can enjoy a slice of this Scandinavian comfort.

Embrace Autumn with a Moist, Rustic Apple Cake (Äppelkaka)

One of the true joys of the fall season is the bountiful harvest of crisp, flavorful apples. This abundance signals the perfect opportunity to indulge in a myriad of apple-infused delights! From classic apple crumble and fluffy moist apple muffins to wholesome apple oatmeal bars, and even staples like homemade applesauce and apple pie filling, there’s a whole world of apple recipes waiting to be explored.

And today, we’re adding another exquisite creation to that list: a beautiful Swedish apple cake, or äppelkaka. This isn’t just any cake; it’s a recipe designed to evoke pure comfort and warmth. Nothing encapsulates the spirit of hygge – the Danish and Norwegian word for a mood of coziness and comfortable conviviality with feelings of wellness and contentment – quite like this. Imagine curling up by a crackling fire, a steaming mug of hot tea or a rich cup of coffee in hand, accompanied by a generous slice of this Scandinavian masterpiece.

This traditional Swedish cake boasts an incredibly moist and tender crumb, perfectly complemented by a vibrant topping of tart apple pieces. These apples are then lovingly drizzled with a rich, buttery caramel sauce and finished with a scattering of crunchy, chopped nuts, adding both texture and an extra layer of flavor. Each bite is a harmonious blend of sweetness, spice, and natural apple goodness, making it an irresistible treat that’s destined to become a fall favorite in your home.

Are you ready to bake this quintessential autumn dessert and fill your kitchen with the most inviting aromas?

Why This Gluten-Free Swedish Apple Cake Will Be Your New Favorite

There are countless reasons why this particular Swedish apple cake recipe stands out and is bound to become a staple in your baking repertoire. From its straightforward preparation to its inclusive dietary options, here’s why you’ll adore making (and eating!) this äppelkaka:

• Simple, Accessible Ingredients: You don’t need to hunt for exotic or specialty items to create this masterpiece. All the main ingredients required for this rustic apple cake recipe are readily available at your local grocery store. This makes it a fantastic option for a spontaneous baking session or when you just want a comforting dessert without a complicated shopping list. Quality ingredients are key, but “fancy” isn’t a prerequisite here, ensuring a delicious outcome every time.
• Effortlessly Easy to Make: Don’t let the elegant appearance fool you – preparing this Swedish äppelkaka is remarkably simple. The process involves just a few straightforward steps: first, you’ll mix the wet and dry ingredients to form a smooth batter. Next, you’ll artfully arrange cubed apples on top, which will bake beautifully into the cake. The final touch involves a quick, homemade caramel sauce drizzled over the baked cake, followed by a brief return to the oven to meld the flavors. This ease of preparation makes it perfect for both novice bakers and experienced cooks looking for a delightful, low-stress dessert.
• Completely Gluten-Free & Dairy-Free Options Available: Perhaps the most appealing aspect of this Swedish apple cake recipe is its commitment to inclusivity. It is 100% gluten-free, making it a safe and delicious choice for individuals with Celiac disease or gluten intolerances. Moreover, with simple substitutions, it can easily be made dairy-free, catering to those with lactose sensitivities or dietary preferences. This means more people can gather around the table and enjoy a slice of this tender, spiced apple cake without any concerns, making it ideal for entertaining diverse palates.

Essential Ingredients for Your Gluten-Free Äppelkaka

Crafting this delicious Swedish apple cake begins with selecting the right ingredients. Here’s a helpful visual overview of the components you’ll need to create this comforting dessert. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in achieving the cake’s signature tender crumb, spiced aroma, and delightful apple topping, ensuring a perfect balance of flavors and textures.

(For precise measurements and a comprehensive list, please scroll down to the detailed printable recipe card located at the very bottom of this post.)

Expert Recipe Notes and Smart Substitutions

To ensure your Swedish apple cake turns out perfectly every time, and to cater to various dietary needs or ingredient availability, here are some detailed notes and potential substitutions for the core components:

• Apples: The choice of apple can significantly impact the final texture. For this recipe, I highly recommend using sturdy green apples, such as Granny Smith. Their firm texture allows them to hold their shape beautifully even after baking, providing distinct pockets of tart, sweet apple within the moist cake. Their natural tartness also offers a wonderful contrast to the sweetness of the cake and caramel.
• Oil: I typically use sunflower oil for its neutral flavor profile and because it’s a staple in my pantry. However, you have flexibility here. Feel free to substitute with other mild-flavored vegetable oils, such as canola oil, grapeseed oil, or a light olive oil, if you prefer. The key is to choose an oil that won’t overpower the delicate flavors of the apples and spices.
• Sugar: While this recipe calls for standard granulated white sugar, which provides a clean sweetness and contributes to the cake’s light texture, you can experiment with other sugars. Cane sugar, light brown sugar, or even dark brown sugar will work beautifully. Keep in mind that brown sugars will add a deeper, more molasses-like flavor and can contribute to a slightly moister, denser crumb. Adjust to your personal preference for sweetness and flavor complexity.
• Eggs: Eggs are more than just a binder in baking; they contribute to the cake’s structure, richness, and moisture. They help to emulsify the batter and create a tender crumb. For best results, use large eggs and ensure they are at room temperature, which helps them incorporate more easily and create a smoother batter.
• Sour Cream: Sour cream adds a wonderful tang and considerable moisture to the cake, resulting in a super tender and flavorful crumb. If you are lactose-intolerant or following a dairy-free diet, a high-quality dairy-free sour cream alternative can be used as a direct 1:1 substitute. Ensure the dairy-free option is thick and creamy for the best results.
• Vanilla Extract: A dash of vanilla extract is included to enhance the overall flavor profile of the cake, adding a subtle sweetness and aromatic depth. If you’re not a fan of vanilla or wish to let the apple and spice flavors shine even more prominently, feel free to omit it without significantly altering the cake’s structure.
• Gluten-Free Flour: The success of gluten-free baking heavily relies on the right flour blend. I strongly recommend using a good-quality gluten-free 1:1 all-purpose flour blend. Look for blends that primarily consist of lighter flours and starches (like rice flour, potato starch, tapioca starch) rather than heavier, denser flours (such as garbanzo bean flour or bean flours). Lighter blends will yield a delicate, moist, and airy final texture, while heavier blends can result in a dense or gummy cake.
• Xanthan Gum: In gluten-free baking, xanthan gum is often the substitute for gluten, providing elasticity and helping to bind the ingredients, preventing crumbling. If your chosen gluten-free flour blend already lists xanthan gum (or guar gum) in its ingredients, you can safely omit adding extra. If it doesn’t, adding the specified amount is crucial for the cake’s structure and texture.
• Spices: The warm, comforting notes of ground cinnamon and ground nutmeg are indispensable for this Swedish apple cake. They are the heart of its fall-inspired flavor, complementing the apples beautifully. Do not skip these; they transform a simple cake into an aromatic, flavorful experience. You can even add a pinch of ground cardamom for an extra touch of Scandinavian flair.
• Leavening Agents: To ensure a light and airy rise, this recipe utilizes both baking powder and baking soda. Baking soda reacts with the acidic sour cream to provide lift, while baking powder offers additional leavening. If you only have baking powder on hand, you can replace the 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda with an additional 1 teaspoon of baking powder (making a total of 2 teaspoons baking powder).
• Butter (for Caramel): The caramel sauce gets its rich flavor and smooth texture from butter. For a dairy-free caramel, simply substitute with an equal amount of good quality unsalted dairy-free butter. Ensure it’s a brand that melts well and is suitable for cooking.
• Heavy Cream (for Caramel): Just like butter, heavy cream is essential for creating a luscious, creamy caramel. For a dairy-free version, use a full-fat dairy-free heavy cream substitute, such as full-fat coconut cream (from a can, chilled and only the thick cream used) or a suitable plant-based whipping cream. The consistency of the dairy-free cream will affect the final caramel texture, so choose wisely.
• Toppings: The crunchy topping adds an important textural contrast to the soft cake. I’m particularly fond of sprinkling chopped unsalted hazelnuts – their buttery, slightly sweet flavor is a fantastic match for apples and caramel. However, feel free to get creative! Almond flakes (slivered almonds), chopped walnuts, pecans, or even macadamia nuts would all be delicious. Toasting the nuts lightly before sprinkling can further enhance their flavor.
• Powdered Sugar: Powdered sugar, also known as confectioner’s sugar, is sugar that has been finely milled into a delicate powder. A light dusting over the finished cake serves purely as a beautiful finishing touch, adding an elegant, snowy appearance. It’s completely optional but certainly elevates the visual appeal of this rustic cake.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Gluten-Free Swedish Apple Cake (Äppelkaka)

Creating this delicious äppelkaka is a rewarding experience, and following these steps carefully will ensure a perfect result. Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and let’s begin baking this heartwarming fall dessert!

Step 1: Combine Wet Ingredients. In a spacious mixing bowl, begin by thoroughly whisking together the vegetable oil and granulated sugar until well combined. Next, crack in the two large eggs and continue whisking vigorously until the mixture is light, fluffy, and well emulsified. Finally, stir in the vanilla extract and sour cream, mixing until all wet ingredients are smoothly incorporated and uniform. This creates the foundational moisture and richness of your cake.

Step 2: Prepare Dry Ingredients. In a separate, medium-sized bowl, combine all your dry ingredients. Whisk together the gluten-free 1:1 flour blend, xanthan gum (if your flour blend doesn’t already contain it), ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, baking powder, baking soda, and a pinch of salt. Ensure these are thoroughly mixed together, perhaps by sifting or whisking vigorously, to prevent lumps and ensure even distribution of the leavening agents and spices throughout the cake.

Dish by Dish Tips for the Perfect Apple Cake

Achieving the best Swedish apple cake involves a few helpful tricks and personalized touches. Here are some “Dish by Dish” tips to elevate your baking experience and ensure a delightful result:

• Customize Your Apple Cut: While I’ve recommended cubing the apples for even distribution and a rustic look, don’t feel limited. You can absolutely use thin apple slices instead, arranging them in an attractive pattern on top of the batter before baking. This can create a beautiful, fanned-out presentation. Just ensure slices are uniform in thickness for consistent cooking.
• Experiment with Nuts: The addition of chopped nuts provides a delightful textural contrast and nutty flavor that complements the soft cake and sweet caramel. My personal preference is chopped hazelnuts, which pair wonderfully with apples. However, feel free to use any type of chopped unsalted nuts you enjoy! Consider the rich flavor of macadamia nuts, the earthy crunch of walnuts, or the sweet notes of pecans. You could also use toasted almond flakes for a lighter, crispier topping. Toasting the nuts briefly before adding them can enhance their flavor significantly.
• Flexible Pan Shapes: This recipe is quite versatile when it comes to bakeware. While I’ve used a classic round springform pan for its traditional aesthetic and easy release, a square or rectangular cake pan will work just as well. Simply adjust baking time slightly if using a pan that alters the cake’s thickness. For a square 8×8 inch pan, the baking time should be similar, but for a larger rectangular pan (like 9×13 inch), the cake will be thinner, so check for doneness a bit earlier. Always grease and line your chosen pan thoroughly!

More Gluten-Free Apple Recipes to Savor

If you’re an apple enthusiast, the joy doesn’t have to end with this Swedish apple cake! Explore these other fantastic gluten-free apple recipes that celebrate the crisp, sweet, and tart flavors of autumn. Each recipe is designed to be delicious and accessible, perfect for any occasion:

• Baked Apples (Gluten-Free, Vegan): A simple yet elegant dessert featuring tender baked apples, often stuffed with cinnamon and oats.
• Easy Apple Crumble (Gluten-Free, Vegan): A classic comfort food with a buttery, crisp topping and soft, spiced apple filling.
• Homemade Applesauce (Gluten-Free, Vegan): Fresh, flavorful applesauce that’s incredibly easy to make and perfect as a side, snack, or baking ingredient.
• Apple Pie Filling (Gluten-Free, Vegan): The perfect base for pies, tarts, or even served warm over ice cream, made with fresh, perfectly spiced apples.

Discover More Irresistible Gluten-Free Cake Recipes

Our culinary journey doesn’t stop at apple cakes! For those who love to bake and enjoy delicious desserts without gluten, we have a curated collection of other incredible gluten-free cake recipes. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply craving a sweet treat, these recipes offer a delightful array of flavors and textures. Explore our favorites below and find your next baking project:

P.S. If you try this incredible Gluten-Free Swedish Apple Cake recipe, I would absolutely love to hear about your experience! Please consider leaving a star rating below and/or sharing your thoughts in a review within the comment section further down the page. Your feedback is truly invaluable and always appreciated. Don’t forget to explore my entire Recipe Index for all the delicious recipes available on the blog. You can also connect with me and find more culinary inspiration by following me on Pinterest, Facebook, or Instagram! And for fresh, delectable recipes delivered straight to your inbox each week, make sure to sign up for my Email List!

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Swedish Apple Cake (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free Option)

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  Author: Felicia Lim
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  Total Time: 1 hour
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  Yield:
  12 slices
  1x
  
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  Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

This Swedish apple cake, also known as äppelkaka, is tender, filled with warm spices, and topped with apples and chopped nuts. Finished off with a drizzle of caramel, this rustic apple cakes is the perfect treat for the fall season. Gluten-free and can easily be made dairy-free too.

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Ingredients

Units

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For the Cake:

• 3 medium green apples, Granny Smith
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups gluten-free 1:1 flour
• 1/2 teaspoon xanthan gum (omit if your gluten-free flour blend already includes it)
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• Pinch of salt

For the Caramel:

• 2/3 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup heavy cream

Optional:

• A handful of chopped unsalted hazelnuts, or almond flakes for topping
• Powdered sugar for dusting

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Instructions

1. Preheat & Line: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking. Prepare your 9-inch round springform pan by lightly greasing its interior surfaces. Then, carefully line the bottom of the pan with a circle of parchment paper. This step is crucial for easy removal of the cake once baked.
2. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, begin by thoroughly whisking together the vegetable oil and granulated sugar until they are well combined. Crack in the two large eggs and whisk vigorously until the mixture is light, airy, and well emulsified. Finally, stir in the vanilla extract and sour cream (or dairy-free sour cream alternative), mixing until all wet ingredients are smoothly incorporated and uniform. This forms the liquid base of your cake.
3. Whisk Dry Ingredients: In a separate, medium-sized bowl, combine all your dry ingredients. Whisk together the gluten-free 1:1 flour blend, xanthan gum (if your flour blend doesn’t already contain it), ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, baking powder, baking soda, and a pinch of salt. Ensure these are thoroughly mixed together, perhaps by sifting or whisking vigorously, to prevent lumps and ensure even distribution throughout the cake.
4. Combine Wet & Dry Ingredients: Gently add the whisked dry ingredients from the separate bowl into the large bowl containing your wet mixture. Using a rubber spatula or a wooden spoon, mix everything together until you achieve a smooth, homogeneous batter. Be careful not to overmix; stop mixing as soon as all the dry streaks have completely disappeared to maintain a tender crumb.
5. Peel & Chop Apples: Take your medium green apples (Granny Smith are highly recommended). Carefully peel away the skin, remove the cores, and then finely chop the apples into small, uniform cubes. Aim for pieces roughly 1/2-inch in size, as this ensures they cook evenly within the cake and provide delightful bursts of apple flavor.
6. Pour Batter into Pan: Pour the prepared cake batter evenly into the greased and parchment-lined springform pan. Use your spatula to gently smooth the top surface of the batter, ensuring it’s level for even baking.
7. Top Batter with Cubed Apples: Now, evenly distribute the finely cubed apple pieces over the entire top surface of the cake batter. Gently press them down into the batter slightly. This ensures the apples are nestled into the cake, becoming tender and flavorful as they bake.
8. Bake Until Ready: Place the pan in your preheated oven. Bake for approximately 35 to 45 minutes. The cake is done when it’s beautifully golden brown on top, and a wooden toothpick inserted into the very center comes out clean, with no wet batter clinging to it. This indicates the cake is fully cooked through.
9. Prepare Caramel & Final Bake: While the cake is in its final baking stages (around the last 10 minutes), prepare your caramel sauce. In a small, heavy-bottomed saucepan, place the granulated sugar. Melt the sugar over very low heat, allowing it to slowly bubble and turn a light golden brown. Patience is key here; do not rush or increase the heat, as burnt sugar is bitter. Once melted and golden, add the unsalted butter (or dairy-free butter) and stir continuously until completely melted and incorporated. The mixture will become thick and sticky. Next, carefully pour in the heavy cream (or dairy-free heavy cream) and stir vigorously until the sauce is smooth and fully combined. Remove from heat and let cool slightly. Once the cake is out of the oven, immediately pour the slightly cooled, luscious caramel evenly over the warm cake. Return the cake to the oven for another 6-7 minutes. This brief second bake allows the caramel to warm, thicken slightly, and fully integrate with the apples and cake.
10. Cool Before Removing & Serving: After the final bake, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan on a wire rack for 10–15 minutes. This crucial cooling period helps the cake to set and prevents it from crumbling when handled. After this time, carefully unclip and remove the sides of the springform pan. For an extra touch of beauty and flavor, lightly dust the top of the cake with powdered sugar and sprinkle generously with chopped hazelnuts or almond flakes. Your exquisite Swedish apple cake is now ready to be sliced and served, ideally while still slightly warm for the ultimate comfort food experience!

Notes

Apples: I recommend using sturdy green apples such as Granny Smith so that they hold their shape even after cooking. Their tartness also balances the sweetness of the cake and caramel.

Oil: I like using sunflower oil because I always have a bottle of it on hand. However, feel free to use other types of neutral vegetable oil like canola or grapeseed oil if you prefer. Avoid strong-flavored oils.

Sugar: This recipe uses granulated white sugar, but cane sugar, light brown sugar, or even dark brown sugar will work as well. Brown sugars will add a deeper, more molasses-like flavor and a slightly moister texture.

Eggs: The eggs are essential for binding the ingredients, contributing to the cake’s structure, and adding moisture. Ensure they are at room temperature for better incorporation into the batter.

Sour Cream: Sour cream imparts a wonderful tang and considerable moisture to the cake. If you are lactose-intolerant, go ahead and use a thick, high-quality dairy-free sour cream substitute instead, ensuring a 1:1 replacement.

Vanilla Extract: I like adding a bit of vanilla extract for enhanced flavor and aroma. If you are not a fan of vanilla or want the spices to dominate, feel free to leave it out, though it does add a lovely depth.

Gluten-Free Flour: I recommend using a good-quality gluten-free 1:1 all-purpose flour blend that is primarily made up of lighter flours/starches (e.g., rice, potato, tapioca). This will ensure a light and tender final texture. I do NOT recommend using gluten-free flour blends made of heavier flours (such as garbanzo bean flour), as these can result in a dense or gummy cake.

Xanthan Gum: Xanthan gum acts as a binding agent, replicating the role of gluten in gluten-free flours. It helps improve the cake’s elasticity and prevents crumbling. If your specific gluten-free flour blend already includes xanthan gum (or guar gum), you can omit adding extra. Otherwise, it’s essential for the cake’s structure.

Spices: I added ground cinnamon and ground nutmeg because they contribute beautiful warm, autumnal flavors to this Swedish apple cake. These spices are central to its comforting aroma and taste, so make sure you don’t leave them out for the best result. A pinch of ground cardamom can also be added for an authentic Scandinavian touch.

Leavening Agents: To help the cake batter rise and achieve a light crumb, I’ve used both baking powder and baking soda. If you only have baking powder on hand, you can replace the 1/2 teaspoon baking soda with an additional 1 teaspoon of baking powder (making a total of 2 teaspoons baking powder). Ensure they are fresh for maximum leavening power.

Butter (for Caramel): For the rich caramel sauce, unsalted butter is specified. If you are lactose-intolerant or dairy-free, go ahead and use an equal amount of good quality unsalted dairy-free butter instead. Choose a brand that melts well and is designed for baking/cooking.

Heavy Cream (for Caramel): Heavy cream provides the necessary richness and creaminess for the caramel. If you are lactose-intolerant or dairy-free, opt for a full-fat dairy-free heavy cream alternative. Full-fat canned coconut cream (use only the thick cream from a chilled can) is an excellent option for a creamy, dairy-free caramel.

Toppings: The crunchy topping adds a wonderful textural contrast. I like sprinkling a handful of chopped unsalted hazelnuts (they taste amazing with apples and caramel!), but you can also use almond flakes, chopped walnuts, pecans, or macadamia nuts instead. Lightly toasting them enhances their flavor.

Powdered Sugar: Powdered sugar (also known as confectioner’s sugar) is superfine sugar used for decorative purposes. A light dusting of powdered sugar as a finishing touch makes the cake look absolutely beautiful and adds a subtle sweetness, but it’s completely optional for taste. It’s primarily for aesthetic appeal.

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  Prep Time: 15 mins
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  Cook Time: 45 mins
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  Category: Cake
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  Method: Baking
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  Cuisine: Swedish