Say hello to your new favorite apple dessert. This Swedish Apple Pie — a simple crustless apple pie — is part cake, part pie, and completely delicious and easy to make.
Peeled, cored, and sliced apples are tossed with sugar, lemon and warm spices, then topped with a thin, cake-like batter that bakes into a tender golden crust. No rolling pin or pastry needed, and the result is a cozy home-baked dessert that pairs perfectly with vanilla sauce, ice cream or a steaming cup of coffee.
Why this recipe works
- Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this an easy, reliable dessert.
- No pastry crust — just a light, cake-like topping that bakes to a tender interior with a slightly crisp exterior.
- Spiced, juicy apples form the flavorful base, so every bite tastes like classic apple pie without the extra work.
Origins of this recipe
This version of Swedish Apple Pie is inspired by the Scandinavian smulpaj (crumb pie) tradition but uses a cake-like batter rather than an oat crumble. Variations of smulpaj exist across Sweden and Nordic baking, some including oats or nuts for a crunchier topping. The cake-topped version is a comforting, old-fashioned dessert adapted from vintage Scandinavian-American cookbooks.
Ingredients
- Apples: 2 pounds, peeled, cored and cut into ½-inch slices. Granny Smith or another firm, tart-sweet apple works well.
- For the filling: ¼ cup sugar, 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice, 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon, ½ teaspoon ground cardamom, pinch of salt.
- For the topping: 1 cup all-purpose flour, ¾ cup packed light brown sugar, ½ teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon baking powder, 1 large egg, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, ½ cup unsalted butter (melted and cooled).
- Finishing: Turbinado or raw sugar for sprinkling on top (optional, adds a pleasant crunch).
Special equipment needed
- A 9-inch deep-dish pie plate or similar ovenproof dish.
How to make this recipe
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Butter a 9-inch deep-dish pie plate and set aside.
- Peel, core and slice about 2 pounds of apples into ½-inch slices.
- In a large bowl, toss the apple slices with ¼ cup sugar, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 2 teaspoons cinnamon, ½ teaspoon cardamom and a pinch of salt until evenly coated. Transfer the spiced apples to the prepared pie plate and arrange them in an even layer.
- In a medium bowl whisk together 1 cup flour, ½ teaspoon baking powder and ½ teaspoon salt. Set aside.
- In a separate bowl combine ½ cup melted and cooled butter with ¾ cup packed light brown sugar, 1 large egg and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth, then fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined.
- Spoon the batter over the apples and spread gently to cover as evenly as possible — a rustic finish is expected.
- Sprinkle the top lightly with turbinado or raw sugar if desired. Bake for about 50 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are bubbling around the edges.
- Allow the pie to cool to room temperature before slicing so the filling can set.
Expert tips
- Cool before cutting. Let the pie rest until it reaches room temperature so the juices thicken and slices hold together.
- Apple choice matters. Use firm apples that keep their shape when baked for the best texture.
- Spice it up. If you enjoy stronger spice notes, increase the cardamom slightly or add a pinch of nutmeg for extra warmth.
- Make ahead. The pie can be baked earlier in the day and stored tightly covered at room temperature for a few hours or refrigerated for up to three days. Rewarm individual portions if desired.
FAQs
If you plan to serve it within a few hours, cool completely and cover at room temperature. For longer storage, refrigerate covered and rewarm portions before serving. The pie keeps well in the refrigerator for about three days.
Traditional accompaniments include a creamy vanilla sauce, a scoop of ice cream, or a drizzle of caramel. A dollop of whipped cream also pairs nicely.
Recipe summary
- Prep time: about 15 minutes
- Cook time: about 50 minutes
- Total time: roughly 1 hour 5 minutes
- Servings: 12
- Calories: approximately 221 per serving
Notes
- Granny Smith apples are recommended for balance and texture, but any baking apple will work.
- For a crisper topping, try sprinkling additional coarse sugar before baking.
- This dessert is intentionally rustic; slight variations in the appearance of the topping are normal and part of its charm.
If you try this Swedish Apple Pie, enjoy the cozy flavors and feel free to adapt the spices and apples to your taste. It’s a forgiving, homey dessert that celebrates apples and simple baking.