This post contains affiliate links and may earn commissions on recommended products. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Swedish apple pie is full of sweet, spiced apples draped in a buttery cakelike crust. It’s an easy dessert that’s perfect for fall!
This recipe has been retested and updated since first publishing October 2015.
Even though my family loves to eat apples all year long, in the fall I tend to start tucking them into everything we eat. I’m not quite sure how apple pie came to be known as such a quintessential American dessert, but plenty of other cultures have embraced the apple pie and put their own spin on it. One of my favorites is Swedish apple pie.
There are all sorts of variations on Swedish apple pie, but this version based on the one in my copy of Swedish Recipes Old and New is a favorite. The cookbook was created in 1955 by the American Daughters of Sweden, so you know these are the recipes that have been cooked for generations!
The best thing about this Swedish apple pie recipe is that there is no fussy pie crust to roll out. In fact, this is more like a cake than a pie, and very similar to a cobbler. As the pie bakes the batter fills in the spaces between the apples, creating bits of buttery, cakey goodness for each bite.
Whether you enjoy it for breakfast, tea time, or dessert, it’s sure to be a new fall classic at your house!
Ingredients for Swedish apple pie
Full list of ingredients including quantities is located in the recipe card.
You’ll need:
- Apples
- Granulated sugar
- Ground cinnamon
- Ground cardamom – A quintessential Swedish baking spice!
- Butter
- Egg
- Vanilla
- All-purpose flour
- Salt
- Baking Soda
When it comes to choosing the apples for this pie, I like to pick ones that are on the tart side to balance the added sugar. Granny Smith or Golden Delicious are good choices. You can also use a mix of sweet and tart apples for a nuanced apple flavor.
Note that the number of apples you’ll need will depend on their size. If using large apples you will need just 2, but with smaller apples you’ll need 3 or 4.
How to make this recipe
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly butter a 9-inch pie plate and set aside.
Core, peel, and thinly slice the apples. Add to a bowl and toss with 1 tablespoon sugar, plus the cinnamon and cardamom. Spread in the bottom of the pie plate.
Cut the butter into pieces and place in a microwave-safe bowl. Place a paper towel on top of the bowl to prevent splatters. Melt in 15 to 30 second increments. When almost completely melted, remove and stir to melt any remaining butter pieces. If the butter feels hot to the touch, let it cool briefly so it does not end up cooking the egg.
In a mixing bowl, stir together the melted butter and sugar. Stir in the egg and vanilla extract until smooth.
In another bowl, stir together the flour, baking powder, and salt, then add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients.
Stir until completely combined and no dry bits remain, making sure to scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl. The batter should be somewhat thick.
Dollop the batter on top of the apples and carefully spread into an even layer, reaching to the edges of the pie plate.
Place in the oven and bake for 30 minutes, until golden brown and baked through.
This pie can be served warm, at room temperature, or chilled from the refrigerator. Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or drizzle over vanilla sauce from my croissant bread pudding.
Storage tips
Cover any leftovers with foil or cling wrap. Swedish apple pie can be stored at room temperature for up to 3 days.
For longer storage, keep it refrigerated. This pie is easier to serve in slices when it is chilled.
Reheat individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds.
More apple recipes you’ll love
Breakfast is obviously a go-to, like whole wheat apple cinnamon muffins, but we also like to go savory with pork cabbage skillet featuring apples.
For more apple desserts, try apple pie with cheese or apple spice cake.
Make it a fully Scandinavian night by cooking up some Swedish meatballs to go with your Swedish apple pie!
Love this recipe? Please leave a 5-star review below!
It means so much when you enjoy my recipes, so let me know how it goes and leave a comment if you have any questions.
Swedish Apple Pie
Ingredients
- 4 cups sliced, peeled apples
- 3/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon granulated sugar, divided use
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F and butter a 9-inch pie plate or cake pan.
- Mix together 1 tablespoon sugar, cinnamon, and cardamom and sprinkle over the sliced apples. Toss together until evenly coated, then spread the apples into the bottom of the pan.
- In a large bowl, stir together the melted butter and sugar until smooth. Beat in the egg and vanilla.
- In another bowl, sift together flour, salt, and baking powder, then stir into butter mixture. Batter will be somewhat thick.
- Spoon batter over apples and spread as best you can to cover all areas.
- Bake for 30-40 minutes, until golden brown.
Recommended Products
Nutrition
Nutrition information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate based on online calculators. Any nutritional information found on Stetted should be used as a general guideline only.
About Megan
I learned how to cook by exploring seasonal ingredients, and you can too! Meal time shouldn’t be stressful or complicated, and with fresh ingredients and easy methods, I’m here to help you enjoy the time spent in the kitchen. Read more…