This Swedish Apple Cake (often called Äppelkaka) is a warm, cinnamon-spiced dessert with tender apple slices baked into a soft, lightly sweet cake. This version is adapted to be Weight Watchers-friendly, using less fat and sugar while keeping the classic cozy flavor.

Servings: 8 slices
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Bake Time: 35–40 minutes
Total Time: ~1 hour

🛒 Ingredients

🍎 Apple Layer

3 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work well)
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 tablespoon brown sugar or sweetener (optional)

🍰 Cake Batter

1 cup (125 g) all-purpose flour
½ cup (50 g) rolled oats (lightly blended optional for finer texture)
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon cinnamon
¼ teaspoon salt
2 large eggs 🥚
⅓ cup unsweetened applesauce (replaces butter)
⅓ cup sugar or sugar substitute (adjust to taste)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ cup low-fat milk (or almond milk)

✨ Optional Topping

1 teaspoon cinnamon + 1 teaspoon sweetener (for dusting)
2 tablespoons sliced almonds (light crunch)

🔪 Step 1: Prepare the Apples

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease an 8-inch (20 cm) round baking pan.
Peel and core apples.
Slice thinly.

In a bowl mix:

Apple slices 🍎
Lemon juice 🍋
Cinnamon
Optional sugar/sweetener

Set aside.

💡 Lemon juice prevents browning and enhances flavor.

🥣 Step 2: Make the Batter

In a large bowl combine dry ingredients:

Flour
Oats
Baking powder
Baking soda
Cinnamon
Salt

In another bowl whisk:

Eggs 🥚
Applesauce
Sugar or sweetener
Vanilla
Milk

🍰 Step 3: Combine

Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients.
Stir gently until just combined.

💡 Don’t overmix—keeps cake soft.

🍎 Step 4: Assemble Cake

Pour half the batter into the pan.
Layer half the apples.
Add remaining batter.
Top with remaining apple slices.

Sprinkle:

Cinnamon + sweetener mix
Optional almond slices

🔥 Step 5: Bake

Bake for 35–40 minutes.

Cake is ready when:

Golden on top 🍰
A toothpick comes out clean
Apples are soft and caramelized

⏲️ Step 6: Cool

Let cool in pan for 10–15 minutes.
Transfer to a wire rack.

Serve warm or at room temperature.

🍽️ Serving Ideas

Light whipped cream (low-fat) 🍦
Sugar-free vanilla yogurt
Dusting of cinnamon
Warm with tea or coffee ☕

🌟 Variations

🍯 Extra Cozy Version

Add:

½ teaspoon nutmeg
Pinch of cloves

🍏 High-Fiber Version

Replace:

Half flour with whole wheat flour

🥥 Dairy-Free Version

Use:

Almond milk or oat milk
Coconut yogurt topping

🍫 Light Dessert Twist