Introduction: The Magic of Norwegian Apple Cake
There’s something deeply comforting about the aroma of apples and cinnamon baking in the oven. It’s the kind of scent that makes your whole home feel warmer—like a hug you can eat. And few desserts capture that feeling better than a Norwegian Apple Cake.
This beautiful Scandinavian classic, known in Norway as “Eplekake,” is a simple yet stunning dessert that embodies everything we love about Nordic baking: clean flavors, rustic presentation, and wholesome ingredients. It’s the kind of cake you can whip up with pantry staples, yet it feels elegant enough for guests.
I first discovered Norwegian Apple Cake during a cozy autumn trip to Bergen. The weather was chilly, the mountains dusted with snow, and the cafés smelled like cinnamon and butter. One bite of the warm, tender cake—served with a dollop of whipped cream—and I was instantly hooked. It tasted like home, even though I was thousands of miles away.
What makes this cake so special is its simplicity. There’s no need for fancy frosting or layers. The beauty lies in the golden, buttery crumb paired with soft, baked apple slices nestled right into the top. It’s part cake, part fruit dessert, and 100% irresistible.
If you’re craving something cozy, easy to make, and impressive enough to share—this Norwegian Apple Cake is exactly what you need.
🍰 Ingredients for Norwegian Apple Cake
Here’s everything you’ll need to bring this cozy Scandinavian treat to life.
🧂 Dry Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups (190g) all-purpose flour
Substitute: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version. - 1 ½ tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
🍯 Wet Ingredients:
- ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
Substitute: Use coconut oil or vegan butter for a dairy-free version. - ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup (120ml) milk
Substitute: Almond milk or oat milk work perfectly for a dairy-free option. - 1 tsp vanilla extract
🍎 For the Apples:
- 2 large apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
Best varieties: Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Braeburn—they hold their shape and add a lovely tart balance. - 1 tbsp sugar (for sprinkling)
- 1 tsp cinnamon (for dusting)
🧁 Optional Add-Ins:
- ¼ tsp nutmeg or cardamom – for a warm Nordic touch.
- Chopped nuts (like almonds or walnuts) – add crunch and texture.
- Raisins or sultanas – for extra sweetness and chew.
This cake is naturally nut-free (if you skip the nuts), and can easily be made dairy-free or gluten-free—making it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
🥄 Step-by-Step Instructions for the Perfect Norwegian Apple Cake
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9-inch round cake pan (springform works best).
Pro Tip: Line the bottom with parchment paper for easy removal—it makes cleanup a breeze!
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures even distribution and prevents clumping later on.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes). This step creates a soft, tender crumb that’s essential for a good cake.
If using a hand mixer, keep it on medium speed—don’t rush it! You’re incorporating air, which makes the cake rise beautifully.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to make sure everything is combined evenly.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Alternate adding the dry mixture and the milk to your butter mixture—starting and ending with the flour. Mix just until combined. Overmixing can make your cake dense instead of fluffy.
You should now have a thick, creamy batter that smells like sweet vanilla heaven.
Step 6: Pour and Arrange the Apples
Pour the batter into your prepared pan and spread it evenly. Arrange the apple slices on top in a circular pattern, slightly overlapping.
Sprinkle the top with sugar and cinnamon—this gives the apples a gorgeous caramelized look once baked.
Optional: Add a sprinkle of chopped almonds for a Scandinavian touch and extra crunch.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Bake in the preheated oven for 40–45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
The top should be golden brown, the apples tender, and the edges lightly crisped.
Step 8: Cool and Serve
Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then remove it carefully and transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely—or serve it warm, if you just can’t wait (no judgment!).
Serving Suggestion: Top with whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or a dollop of crème fraîche. In Norway, it’s often enjoyed with strong coffee or tea.
☕ Extra Tips for a Perfect Norwegian Apple Cake
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
- Warm & Cozy: Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for the ultimate comfort dessert.
- Afternoon Treat: Pair it with a cup of black coffee or herbal tea—it’s a match made in heaven.
- Holiday Brunch: Slice it thin and serve alongside other Scandinavian favorites like cinnamon rolls or cardamom buns.
🧊 Storage and Reheating Advice
- Room Temperature: Keep covered at room temp for up to 2 days.
- Refrigerate: Store in the fridge (covered) for up to 5 days.
- Reheat: Warm individual slices in the microwave for 15–20 seconds to bring back that just-baked goodness.
- Freeze: Yes! Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
🥧 Ingredient Variations and Swaps
- Gluten-Free Version: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
- Dairy-Free Version: Swap butter for coconut oil or vegan butter, and milk for almond milk.
- Lower Sugar: Reduce sugar by ¼ cup or use coconut sugar for a deeper caramel note.
- Apple Options: Try mixing apple varieties for more complexity—tart Granny Smith with sweet Honeycrisp is a winner.
- Spice It Up: Add a dash of cardamom or nutmeg for authentic Scandinavian flavor.
🍏 Nutritional Information (per serving, based on NYT recipe)
- Calories: ~290 kcal
- Fat: 13g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Protein: 4g
- Sugar: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
This Norwegian Apple Cake is rich enough to feel indulgent but not too heavy—a perfect balance of sweet and wholesome.
❓ FAQ Section
1. How long does it take to make Norwegian Apple Cake?
From start to finish, it takes about 1 hour—15 minutes for prep and 45 minutes of baking time.
2. Can I substitute the apples?
Absolutely! Pears or peaches work wonderfully in this recipe. Just make sure to adjust the baking time slightly since they cook faster than apples.
3. Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes! This cake actually tastes better the next day as the flavors deepen. Just store it covered at room temperature or in the fridge.
4. Can I freeze Norwegian Apple Cake?
Definitely. Wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight and reheat briefly before serving.
5. What makes Norwegian Apple Cake different from other apple cakes?
It’s simpler and less sweet than many other versions. The focus is on natural apple flavor, buttery texture, and just a hint of spice—true to Scandinavian baking traditions.
🌲 Conclusion: The Heartwarming Simplicity of Norwegian Apple Cake
Norwegian Apple Cake is more than just a dessert—it’s a taste of Scandinavian coziness. It’s what Norwegians call “koselig” (pronounced koosh-lee)—a word that means warmth, comfort, and the joy of simple moments.
Every slice brings that feeling to life: the tender crumb, the sweet-tart apples, the aroma of cinnamon and butter filling your kitchen. It’s rustic, beautiful, and made for sharing.
Whether you bake it for a cozy Sunday afternoon, a fall gathering, or just to make your home smell incredible, this Norwegian Apple Cake will never disappoint.
So preheat your oven, grab those apples, and bring a bit of Nordic charm into your kitchen today. 🌿
And if you try this recipe, please leave a comment below—I’d love to hear how it turned out! Snap a photo, tag it #CozyBakes, and share your delicious slice of Norway with the world. ❤️