Swedish Apple Cake (Air Fryer Version)
Intro
Swedish Apple Cake, known as Äppelkaka, is a beloved Scandinavian treat that’s cozy, comforting, and perfect for apple season—or really, any time you crave a lightly spiced, moist dessert. Unlike American-style apple pies, this cake features tender slices of apple layered or pressed into a buttery sponge-like batter and is traditionally served with vanilla sauce or whipped cream.
In this air fryer version, we simplify the baking process without sacrificing texture or flavor. Expect a golden, tender cake with lightly crisp edges, warm cinnamon-apple notes, and a soft, moist center—all without heating up your entire kitchen!
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time (Air Fryer): 25–30 minutes at 320°F (160°C)
Cooling Time: 10–15 minutes
Total Time: ~1 hour
Ingredients
For the Cake:
2 medium apples (firm, tart like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled and thinly sliced
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
¼ tsp salt
½ tsp ground cinnamon
⅛ tsp ground cardamom (optional but traditional)
½ cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
½ cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 tbsp milk (or plant-based milk)
Optional Topping:
1 tbsp sugar + ½ tsp cinnamon (for sprinkling before baking)
Powdered sugar (for dusting after baking)
Instructions
Prep Air Fryer & Pan
Preheat your air fryer to 320°F (160°C) for about 3–5 minutes.
Line a 6-inch round cake pan (or any air fryer-safe baking dish that fits) with parchment paper and lightly grease the sides.
Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together:
Flour
Baking powder
Salt
Cinnamon
Cardamom (if using)
Mix Wet Ingredients
In a separate large bowl, whisk:
Melted butter
Sugar
Eggs
Vanilla
Milk
Combine
Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until smooth—don’t overmix.
Pour batter into your prepared cake pan and smooth the top.
Add Apples
Arrange apple slices on top of the batter in a circular pattern (slightly press into the batter).
Optionally, sprinkle with the cinnamon-sugar topping.
Air Fry
Carefully place the pan in the air fryer basket.
Bake at 320°F (160°C) for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Check at 20 minutes and tent with foil if top is browning too quickly.
Cool & Serve
Let the cake cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes.
Gently remove from the pan and dust with powdered sugar.
Serve warm with whipped cream, ice cream, or vanilla sauce.
Tips & Tricks
Use tart apples like Granny Smith for the best contrast in sweetness.
Don’t skip the cardamom if you want that authentic Swedish touch—it adds a beautiful floral spice.
No parchment? Just butter and flour the pan well.
Check early: Air fryers vary! Test with a toothpick around 23–25 minutes.
Want extra moisture? Add a spoon of sour cream or Greek yogurt to the batter.
For crunch: Add sliced almonds or chopped walnuts on top before baking.