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Everyone loves this Danish Apple Cake with a sweet tender crumb. It's laced and topped with lots of delicious cinnamon-sugar apple slices and it's perfect for entertaining or to make an ordinary day special.
In Denmark, apple cake is called Æblekage (pronounced like this) which, I discovered, has a zillion different variations within the tiny country! I googled Æblekage and was shocked at the huge list with so many variations. There's everything from beautiful tart-like cakes to pudding with apples layered in glasses to apple topped cakes, similar to my Danish Apple Cake. Some are made with sliced apples, some with diced apples and some with applesauce! Check it out for yourself!
An anytime cake!
I love that this cake is elegant enough to be served for a special occasion and, at the same time, is now super easy to put together.
The Topping,
I can't imagine anything more delicious than this Danish Apple Cake. The cake itself has an incredibly tender crumb and is laced with cinnamon-sugar coated apples. The artistic swirl of apples on the top makes it look like something from a fine bakery.
I remember the first time I made it. I peeked into the oven halfway through the baking process and did a little squeal, it was so pretty! I could hardly wait to finish baking and then, was quite impatient till it was cool enough to take a taste. It didn't disappoint, not even a smidgen and there are always happy faces around the table when I serve this Danish Apple Cake.
What kind of apples should I use for this Danish Apple Cake?
I like to use Honeycrisp, Gala or Fuji apples for this cake. You could also use Jonagold, Golden Delicious, Braeburn, Pink Lady, Granny Smith, Cortland or Northern Spy. After peeling and coring, cut the apples into thin slices, about ¼-inch thick.
Café Tips for making this Danish Apple Cake
- You'll need a 9-inch springform pan or an 11-inch springform pan for this Danish Apple Cake. Springform pans have sides that release easily
- (I love these pre-cut circles) but it may be more difficult to get out of the pan. If you don't have a springform pan, it's a worthwhile investment and they're not horribly expensive. Springform pans come in handy for lots of sweet and savory dishes. I love making desserts in round form as they fit under my cake dome. And it seems that everything is quite magical when it's under a cake dome, right?
- This cake is not difficult to make, however, it does need about one hour and 15 minutes to bake. It's a great thing to make when you're going to be hanging out at home for the morning or afternoon. And the aroma, oh my! It will make your kitchen smell like a fine bakeshop. Beware, the neighbors may come running!
- This cake comes together quickly and easily with a whisk. If you don't have a whisk, it's an inexpensive tool that will become a kitchen workhorse. Most of our Ridiculously Easy cakes come together best with a whisk.
- Another essential (and inexpensive) kitchen tool is a silicone spatula. They're heat resistant and can be used for so many jobs like stirring, mixing, scraping out bowls, etc.
- I like to arrange the apples on top of this Danish Apple Cake in a circular pattern. If you're in a hurry, it's fine to just arrange them randomly - it will still look very pretty!
In the apple mood? Another apple dessert we can't get enough of is this Sticky Apple Pecan Cake.
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Danish Apple Cake
Ingredients
For the cinnamon-sugar mixture:
- ½ cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
For the cake:
- 1 cup sugar
- 8 ounces butter, at room temperature
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 6 apples, large
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350˚F. Line the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan with parchment paper. Spray the pan with baking spray and rub with a paper towel to evenly coat.
- In a small bowl, combine ½ cup sugar with 1 tablespoon cinnamon.
- Combine flour,baking powder and salt. Stir well.
- Peel and core apples, cut into quarters and then cut each quarter into thin slices.
- In the bowl of an electric mixer, beat butter and sugar until thick and smooth. Add vanilla then add eggs, one at the time, beating for 30 seconds after each addition. Stop to scrape down sides of bowl once or twice.
- With mixer on low speed, add flour mixture and mix just until combined.
For the cinnamon-sugar mixture:
- Combine the apples with the cinnamon/sugar mixture. Add half of the apples to the prepared pan. Pour batter over apples and smooth batter to edges of pan. Starting in the center, add remaining apples in a circular pattern on top of the batter. Sprinkle any remaining cinnamon/sugar mixture over the top of the apples.
- Bake cake for one hour. Cover loosely with foil and bake another 15-20 minutes or until set in the center. Check to see if a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool on a baking rack before removing outer ring. Serve warm or at room temperature with a dollop of whipped cream or ice cream. Enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
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I want to make this today to be served for Rosh Hashanah lunch on Tuesday. Do you recommend leaving it out for two days, refrigerated or frozen and then defrosted on Tuesday. It looks delicious.
Hi Sandy, I would freeze it without the maple glaze and then add that after it's thawed. ENJOY!
I made the cake exactly as the recipe describes. The cake is moist and delicious. I went back to look at photos of your cake cut into to see how it looks inside. My apples and batter did not mix at all. So it’s a layer of packed apples, then sponge then apples. I think I’ll mix some apples into the batter next time. And there will be a next time, especially because the cake is perfect. Thanks , Chris.
So happy you enjoyed it, Robin!
I made two of these for events. Everyone loved this cake. I just apples from my trees which are very tart and a fuji on the top because it was prettier. I would say most defiantly use the most tart apples available. Their flavor was much more appley when cooked. The description says you can make easily with a wire whisk which is incorrect. The directions for the recipe say use a mixer which we all know is needed for cream the butter and eggs. Also, these cakes destroyed the bottom and racks of my clean oven : ( I used springform pans and both leaked sugary apple syrup all over. I quickly put a piece of foil under each. Next time, which there will be for sure, I will wrap the pan in foil OR try making it an upside down cake in a regular cake pan. Fantastic!
I am going to make two if these at the same time. One for a Garden Club luncheon and one for a dinner party at my house later that night. Would these still be wonderful if made a day ahead? So many things will be going into my oven. Thanks!
Hi Ann, you could make this the day before. It also freezes well so you could make it way ahead, pop it in the freezer then pull it out early that morning and warm it a bit before serving.
This is not aeblekage. True aeblekage is stewed apples layered with something like toasted oats or breadcrumbs and whipped cream. It isn't cake at all.
Haha! Although this is not a typical Æblekage, I suspect there are as many Danish apple cakes in Denmark as there are types of apple pie, here in the States. That's why I put in the google link to show all the different types of Æblekage, some of them similar to mine from Danish blogs.
I live in Denmark. I was looking for an “æblekage”recipe for my svigerfar (father-in-law). This is indeed an example of æblekage although there are other kinds similar to what poster above describes (though not with oats… more like a kind of crumbled Danish macaroon or in Danish, makroner”) Looking forward to trying it☺️
Thanks for that info, Jennifer!
What kind of apples should be used for this recipe?
Hi Cristy, any good baking apple will work. I like Gala, Honeycrisp, Golden Delicious and Pink Lady.
I looked at so many recipes today and almost gave up but then I came across yours and so glad I did.... It was amazing! My family loved it. I read it and thought that anything that has 4 eggs and 2 sticks of butter in it has to be good and I was right. Thanks! It came out perfect even without a springform pan.
Haha! Your comment made me laugh regarding the eggs and butter 💕💕 Thanks for sharing your results, Monica!
I just made this cake tonight. it's super good. most apple cakes I've had neutralize the taste of the apple. this had a super apple flavor. really nice. thanks for publishing this recipe. it will go in my bookmarks of cakes to make again.
Thanks Alisa, we love that cake too. I'm so happy you tried it and enjoyed it!
a year ago i travelled in luftanza and they made an amazing apple cake/pudding not sure what it was but i tried to find it what it called so i can make it but no awail.it was very moist with pieces of apple at the bolttom and almonds on top it might have had a syrup thru it not sure or it was just naturally mist.love to know whayt it might be called and a recipe for it.do you have an idea what it might have been?rang them but they say they change reciepes and products all the time
Hmmm, not sure but it sounds wonderful! Sorry, I don't have any recipes that sound similar to that!
could this be the recipe (more or less) that you're looking for?
https://www.bbc.com/food/recipes/mini_apple_and_almond_10454
want to make this cake NOW, but is there no liquid ????
No, the recipe is correct as written.
This looks delicious. Which type of apple do you use for your Danish Apple Cake? I don't think I'll be able to wait for Fall to make it. By the by, my maternal grandfather was from Copenhagen. I think he would definitely approve.
Hi Elizabeth, I've tried different types of apples in this cake but my go to apple for baking is golden delicious. I also love Fuji.
Yumi. Just what I like 🙂
You make me want to bake a the time. This looks divine. Can just imagine this with some hot custard ipoured over the top as you serve it
Thanks Cheryl, I think you'll love this one!
This looks amazing. My parents, all four grandparents, every aunt and uncle and cousin are of 100% Danish decent. Many still live there. But the apple cake I grew up with is nothing like this. It was more of an apple parfait with whipping cream. I've also had it made with cooked apricots, rhubarb, prunes, etc. It was perfect during the fruit harvest season. However, who can resist a good apple recipe. I will be making it, and I'm quite sure it will be yummy. Mange Talk, Anna (first generation Danish American)
How fun to have that wonderful heritage! That's so interesting Anna, about your apple cake. Let us know what you think about this one!
Desserts like this are one of the best parts about fall!
I loved reading that email you received. My paternal grandparents and maternal great-grandparents came from Denmark also! I am definitely going to try this recipe soon. Our Wisconsin apples should be at the farm stands shortly. LOL, I have to crop my feet out of photos all the time. I'm guessing by the hairy legs that they belong to Scott 🙂
Thanks so much Kristiana for taking the time to leave a review 🙂
I don't know how I missed this gorgeous cake the first time around! Thanks for bringing it back from the deep dark recesses! Apples and honey are traditional Rosh Hashanah flavors, and I am always looking for special recipes to share with holiday company. 🙂
So glad you decided to re-share this one Chris! It looks amazing! I can already see myself snuggled up in a blanket with a warm cup of tea this fall enjoying a piece of this cake! We go to the orchard to pick apples every fall, so this cake will be the first thing on my list to make!
I wish I had such a great helper! And I wish I had this cake in front of me! Love that reader's suggestion. Now that's one wedding I'd love to attend!
LOVE the behind the scenes shot...I photograph barefoot too 😉
YUM!! Love apples and cinnamon.
Thanks Charlotte, it is a heavenly combination, for sure!
YUM! I love apple desserts---probably even more that berry desserts! This can looks like the perfect way to move onto a new season!
I'm right there with you Liz!
It's beautiful! And what an honor that this lady used it as her wedding cake! Yes, we are coming into apple season really soon. What are your favorite apples for eating? Phil's are Honeycrisp (SO expensive!) and Gala.
Thanks Ginny. Phil's my man! I love both of those apples for eating too. Anything that's crisp and sweet/tart is a big hit for me! And somehow apples just taste better at this time of year. I guess it's because I rarely eat them in the summer and it's something new and different 🙂
My Grandparents were both from Denmark. My Grandma use to make this cake! I am getting married at the end of September..... for my wedding cake, I am making TWO of them and putting a caramel cheesecake in the middle and I am going to top it with a caramel ganache!!!!!
I love this Melissa! Congratulation on your upcoming wedding, I'm so happy you're using my recipe! Wish you God's richest blessings!
would the base of the cake burn if you were to make it with only a "topping" of apples? I ask, as I only have 4 smallish apples on hand and am too impatient to wait til next weeks shop to bake it! Unless it's really necessary of course. The only thing sadder than no cake is burnt cake.
Haha! I totally agree with you! I think the cake will be fine with just apples for the topping. It will be a little shorter but it should be just fine!
Thank you so much for the reply Chris!
I *will* have cake tomorrow after all, and apple cinnamon cake is my very fave! 🙂 Cheers!
This cake looks good but didn't see salt in the list of ingredients although it's in the instructions. Also, vanilla is on ingredients but not instructions. When do you add it?
Thanks for noticing that! The recipe's been corrected. Enjoy!
Delicious! Perfect with coffee!
I've done it!
Perfect amount of sweetness! (Not too sweet)
Thank you!
Chris I saw this a while back and meant to post a comment but somehow got sidetracked. This is beautiful and of course the photos are lovely as well. I definitely need to make this not just for the taste but for the wow factor when everyone takes a look at it. It's positively stunning!!!
this is such a pretty cake and double layers of apples too! It indeed sounds wonderful with ice cream. i also also made your pear and pomegranate salsa last week, . thanks for the beautiful recipe. will drop by a note to let you know when i post it.
So not ready for fall but will take this cake anytime. Thanks for the behind the scene shot!
What a supreme cake! It just teaters on the edge of Fall with Summer still on our minds. This is a must make!
Good for you, (and for us!) embrace the food and ignore the season! That looks amazingly delicious!
What a gorgeous dessert Chris, will make this next week when my mom comes to visit next week, she loves apples. Love your presentation!
There is something so magical about the cinnamon and apple combo isn't there. Goodness this looks good. Worth getting chilly for I say! I love the behind the scenes shoot. I might include one next time. Oh the chaos that hides just outside the frame.
What a beautiful apple pie...I love the look of it...so elegant. I wish for a slice now...
Thanks for the recipe Chris...hope you are having a fabulous week 😀
This Danish apple cake is a huge winner. I can't wait to make it and it's getting to be spring here.
Loved that photo of the feet 🙂
Oh.My! My part Danish husband is going to love me! He has patiently put up with all my Slovak dishes, now I can treat him with something Danish other than aebleskever! Thanks, Chris!!!
Here in New England, the weather has felt like fall with lows in the 50's at night for days. With leaves already starting to change, it won't be long before it is apple picking time in our orchard. I'll be adding this recipe to my collection of apple dishes. 🙂
It looks perfect!
Your cake looks absolutely delicious and so beautiful, but I am still into stone fruit. As soon as it gets cooler this goes on my list. And, I love the behind the scenes shot. You two are so fun.
A fantastic coffee cake, Chris. Love the behind the scene click..
Well I'm so glad you got over it because your cake is stunning! When I'm ready to accept Fall I'm cooking this!!!
mary
thanks for the beautiful picture of my home town and the beautiful cake. The Asheville area is a great apple producing area. The early ones should start coming in harvest right about now.
That's so exciting that the apples are starting to ripen. I'm ready!!
Sounds like alot of sugar could you reduce this amount without affecting the cake?
Hi Susan, I'm honestly not sure but it would be worth trying 🙂
It's so delightful and I particularly love the behind the scenes photo shoot! Looking forward to trying this recipe out xoxo
Hi there, we are currently living in Asheville. Glad you liked the city. Unfortunately we move to Dallas in the morning. Have to say in 8 short months we really grew to love it there. I really enjoy your blog and recipes.
We LOVE Asheville. We'll be doing another post with more pics. I know you're sad to leave 🙂 Thanks for your kind words, I appreciate them. Chris
I'm not tempted by desserts very often, but I have to say that this apple cake is irresistible. I wish I could poke a fork right through the screen and take a big bite or knock on your door if I lived close and plead for a slice. I will be making this beauty soon. Yum, yum.
OMG, I LOVE LOVE LOVE these photos!! Sooo sooo beautiful! I also LOVE the behind the scenes, I always like to know how other people shoot, to get ideas!
I want some of this cake right now, please. It looks scrumptious. And I love the behind-the-scenes photo. So fun to see how people capture their shots.
This looks so fantastic, Chris. Pinned! I need this with my coffee soon.
This is such a terrific recipe! And it's gorgeous. I'm not yet ready for fall recipes, but I will be soon. And this is definitely one to try. Love the behind the scenes photo!
In Texas, it is still super hot although I can already see a few signs that the season is about to change. What a cake, Chris! It is beauty and deliciousness from top to bottom!!!
cakes like this one are delicacies..
Favorited here..
Much much better than icing cakes etc..
Love the behind the scenes look..
I really don't want fall around..even if it is my fave looking season.
Yep! fall is just around the corner... Classes begins next week, it's a sign! And this cake, it looks really good! i can't wait too try it!
This a wonderful recipes. I would love to try. May I ask question please. Is it possible to substitute Gluten Free, instead of plain flour.? Than you very much for this recipe. Have a great day to all. 😘
Hi Marita, I don't want to say for sure, since I haven't made it with GF flour, but I think it should work fine. I bet it would be wonderful with part almond flour too!
I'm still hanging on to summer - so many recipes - so little time. We love Asheville and can't wait to go back again. Love the photos - Scott does a fantastic job. And you did a fantastic job on this recipe! Gorgeous apple cake - really wonderful!
oooohhhhh! I couldn't resist that one. Totally the kind of pie I love. I'll try it with "summer" apples 😉 This, way, I'll extend the pleasures of summer for a while 😉 Have a great one!
And here I sit with a nice strong cup of coffee.... but no cake. It's looks amazing:@)
It is gorgeous, like a work of art! And so are the knife and the napkin!! Everything is very pretty! Dining with you would be like eating in the coolest restaurant ever, lots of fun for the eyes.
That sounds delicious - looks delicious too. I think I'll be giving it a try on the weekend. I have a small collection of apple cake recipes - there's nothing like the smell of one baking to make fall seem to be right around the corner.
I love apple cakes and this one looks incredible, what a scrumptious way to embrace the new season! 🙂