Scandinavian Apple Cake
Can you think of a better excuse for (multiple) desserts than a holiday brunch? I can’t. But after making (somewhat indulgent) mini mocha cheesecakes for Mother’s Day, I decided I should do something a little healthier too. So I made a Scandinavian Apple Cake.
Scandinavian Apple Cake, Served
Even though apple season is over, I have a tub of frozen, sliced apples in my freezer. I like to eat local or regional as much as possible, so every fall I freeze lots of fruit to get through the winter. I look for an organic apple sale (apples have been on the EWG’s Dirty Dozen, absolutely forever), then core and slice the apples, leaving the skin intact (which is healthier and less wasteful). When winter arrives, they are super quick and easy to use in pies and other recipes since most of the prep work is done. Of course fresh apples would work fine too!
Making Scandinavian Apple Cake
The recipe is from the Edible Door (for Door County) magazine, part of the Edible Feast franchise, from a contributor whose Norwegian neighbor made the cake. I made just a couple of changes (besides leaving the peels on the apples). I increased the spices just a little, and I used half whole wheat flour instead of unbleached. It turned out seriously good and next time I may play with using all whole wheat flour or reducing the sugar and fat some.
Scandinavian Apple Cake in Pan
The original recipe author recommended serving this warm with ice cream. Since that was more work than I wanted to do on Mother’s Day (when I’d rather be sipping a Creasmsicle Martini than scooping ice cream), I topped each piece with a rosette of stabilized whipped cream (a little added gelatin) dusted in cinnamon sugar. This worked perfectly and I can testify that the stabilized whipped cream held up well since my husband and I finished off the leftovers for breakfast a couple days later.
Whipped Cream Rosette
And I didn’t even feel guilty!
Scandinavian Apple Cake
Ingredients
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 tsp vanilla
- 2/3 cup melted butter
- 2 eggs slightly beaten
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup whole wheat flour
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
- 1 tsp ground allspice
- 1/4 tsp ground cardamom
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 4 cups cored coarsely chopped apples
- 1 cup chopped walnuts
Instructions
- Combine the sugar, vanilla, butter, and eggs in a large bowl. In a separate bowl mix the dry ingredients.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients, stirring just enough to combine. Fold in the chopped apples and walnuts.
- Spread the batter into a 9 x 13″ cake pan and bake at 350 degrees for about 35 minutes or until a toothpick is dry.
- Sprinkle with powdered sugar if desired (after it's cool).
I’m looking for the recipe that was on BonAppitte mag. Jan of 1979 anyone have it. Almost the same as this.
The article didn’t mention where the family friend got the recipe–perhaps it was from Bon Appetite, though since she was Norwegian, it may very well be a family recipe. Good luck finding what you are looking for. There are a few old recipes that I dearly miss…
I am looking for the same recipe. I have made it several times years ago and would like to make it again.
If one of you tries this, could you comment how close it is when finished? Guessing that would be a public service for people looking for the missing version 🙂
What a beautiful apple cake! I’ve never frozen apples before, but this sounds like a perfect way to use them.
Apple cake is a favourite, can’t wait to try this recipe 😀
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
I am surprised there aren’t more apple cakes in this world!
Inger this look beautiful and delicious!
Love it!
Thanks Gloria!
Wow, simply damn delicious sweet bites!!!
And without the guilt too!