Norwegian Apple Cake (Eplekake)
A simple yet delicious cake featuring a moist, buttery sponge topped with tender, cinnamon-spiced apples. It's a classic Norwegian dessert, perfect with coffee or tea, and often served with whipped cream or vanilla sauce.
🧂 Ingredients
- 200 g Butter(softened, plus extra for greasing)
- 200 g Granulated sugar(plus extra for sprinkling)
- 3 room temperature Large eggs
- 200 g All-purpose flour
- 1.5 tsp Baking powder
- 100 ml Milk
- 3-4 large Apples(peeled, cored, and thinly sliced (e.g., Granny Smith or Gala))
- 2 tsp Ground cinnamon(for sprinkling on apples)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease and flour a 24cm (9-inch) round cake pan or springform pan.
💡 Tip: Lining the bottom with parchment paper can prevent sticking. - 2
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- 3
Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
💡 Tip: Ensure eggs are at room temperature for better incorporation. - 4
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and baking powder.
💡 Tip: Sifting the flour can result in a lighter cake. - 5
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined; do not overmix.
💡 Tip: Overmixing can develop gluten and make the cake tough. - 6
Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and spread evenly.
💡 Tip: A spatula helps to get all the batter out of the bowl. - 7
Arrange the thinly sliced apples over the top of the batter in a decorative pattern (e.g., concentric circles).
💡 Tip: Press the apples slightly into the batter. - 8
Sprinkle the sliced apples evenly with cinnamon and a little extra granulated sugar.
- 9
Bake for 40-50 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
- 10
Let the cake cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Use firm apples that hold their shape when baked.
- ✓Ensure butter and eggs are at room temperature for a smooth batter.
- ✓Don't overmix the batter after adding the flour.
🔄 Variations
- Add a tablespoon of lemon juice to the apple slices to prevent browning and add a hint of tartness.
- Fold a handful of chopped nuts (like almonds or walnuts) into the batter.
- Serve warm with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a drizzle of vanilla sauce.