This rustic Swedish Apple Pie is a no-fuss dessert that captures the essence of cozy Scandinavian baking. Unlike traditional pies, it features no crust to roll out—instead, sweet cinnamon apples are topped with a buttery, cake-like batter that bakes to a golden finish. It’s simple, satisfying, and the perfect treat for a chilly day or a casual fika.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Swedish Apple Pie is wonderfully easy to prepare and delivers maximum comfort with minimal effort. The apples soften into a sweet, cinnamon-spiced base while the topping forms a soft, crisp-edged crust—somewhere between a cookie and a cake. With no special equipment needed and basic pantry ingredients, this is an ideal last-minute dessert that still feels special. Serve it warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a crowd-pleasing finish.
ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Apple Base:
- 5 medium apples (firm and tart, like Granny Smith), peeled and sliced
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
For the Topping:
- 170g (3/4 cup) unsalted butter, melted
- 180g (3/4 cup) granulated sugar
- 120g (1 cup) all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
- Pinch of salt
directions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish:
Preheat oven to 175°C (350°F). Lightly grease a 9-inch (23 cm) pie dish. - Prepare Apple Base:
In a mixing bowl, toss the peeled and sliced apples with cinnamon and 2 tablespoons of sugar.
Arrange the apple mixture evenly in the prepared pie dish. - Make the Topping:
In a separate bowl, stir together the melted butter, granulated sugar, flour, vanilla extract, egg, and salt.
Mix until smooth and well combined. The batter will be thick. - Assemble the Pie:
Pour the topping batter over the apples.
Spread it gently with a spatula to cover most of the fruit. - Bake:
Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the top is golden and slightly crisp. - Serve:
Let cool slightly before serving. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream, if desired.
Servings and timing
Servings: 8 servings
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Calories: Approximately 320 kcal per serving
Variations
- Nutty Twist: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the apple base for added texture.
- Berry Blend: Mix in a handful of fresh cranberries or blueberries with the apples.
- Spiced Upgrade: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the cinnamon for a more complex flavor.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free flour blend in place of regular flour.
- Mini Pies: Bake in individual ramekins for single-serving portions.
storage/reheating
Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual slices in the microwave for 20–30 seconds, or warm the entire pie in a low oven (150°C / 300°F) until heated through. This pie is also delicious served cold.
FAQs
What makes this a Swedish apple pie?
Unlike traditional American pies, Swedish apple pie is crustless and topped with a cake-like batter rather than a pastry.
Can I use other apple varieties?
Yes, tart apples like Honeycrisp, Braeburn, or Jonagold work well and hold their shape during baking.
Do I need to peel the apples?
Peeling is recommended for the best texture, but you may leave the skins on for a more rustic result.
Can I reduce the sugar?
Yes, you can slightly reduce the sugar in both the apple base and topping to suit your taste preferences.
Can this pie be made in advance?
Yes, it can be baked a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Reheat before serving for best results.
Is the topping supposed to be thick?
Yes, the topping is more like a thick batter than a pourable dough. It bakes into a soft, slightly crisp crust.
Can I use a different pan size?
A square 8×8 inch baking dish can be used instead of a round pie dish, though the baking time may vary slightly.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, use a dairy-free butter substitute for the topping.
Is it necessary to use vanilla extract?
Vanilla adds depth to the topping, but you can omit it or use almond extract for a different flavor.
What can I serve this with?
Vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce are all excellent pairings.
Conclusion
Swedish Apple Pie is a cozy, no-fuss dessert that delivers big flavor with minimal effort. With its soft cinnamon apples and buttery cake topping, it’s the kind of recipe you’ll reach for when you want something homey and satisfying. Perfect for fall gatherings, coffee breaks, or an easy weeknight treat, this pie brings the warmth of Swedish baking to your table with every bite.
PrintSwedish Apple Pie
This rustic Swedish apple pie is an easy, crustless dessert with a soft, cake-like topping baked over sweet cinnamon apples—perfectly buttery, cozy, and fuss-free.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Swedish
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 5 medium apples (firm and tart, like Granny Smith), peeled and sliced
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar (for apples)
- 170g (3/4 cup) unsalted butter, melted
- 180g (3/4 cup) granulated sugar (for topping)
- 120g (1 cup) all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 175°C (350°F). Grease a 9-inch (23 cm) pie dish.
- Toss sliced apples with cinnamon and 2 tbsp sugar. Spread evenly in prepared dish.
- In a separate bowl, mix melted butter, sugar, flour, vanilla, egg, and salt until smooth and thick.
- Pour batter over apples and spread gently to cover most of the fruit.
- Bake for 40–45 minutes, until the top is golden and slightly crisp.
- Let cool slightly before serving. Best served warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Notes
- No pie crust needed—this batter bakes into a soft, crisp-topped cake layer.
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith for best flavor balance.
- Optional: add a handful of chopped nuts or oats for extra texture.
- Store leftovers covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 28 g
- Sodium: 100 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg