National Dish Norway: Eplekake (Recipe)
In this article
Discover Eplekake, the apple cake that Norwegians reach for whenever the kettle goes on. Juicy apples sit in a soft, buttery crumb scented with cinnamon, and the whole thing comes together in a single bowl. It is the sort of bake that suits a quiet weekday afternoon just as happily as a family celebration — simple, generous and unmistakably Scandinavian.
About Eplekake
Eplekake is far more than a plain apple cake; it is a symbolic dish of the Norwegian kitchen. The recipe brings together the taste of fresh apples, a tender buttery crumb and a warm whisper of cinnamon. It appears at family gatherings and festive occasions up and down the country, yet it is modest enough to brighten an ordinary weekday. Because the method is so straightforward, it is an ideal choice for anyone who wants a quick and delicious cake without a long list of steps.
Ingredients (serves 1–2)
- 200 g plain flour
- 100 g sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 100 g unsalted butter
- 2 apples, peeled and cut into chunks
- 1 egg
- A pinch of salt
Shopping for the ingredients
When shopping for your eplekake, pay particular attention to the quality of the apples. Aromatic varieties such as Granny Smith or Jonagold work best, as they strike a lovely balance between sweetness and acidity. Choose fresh, unwaxed fruit so the flavours come through cleanly once baked. The remaining ingredients — flour, sugar, baking powder and butter — are easy to find in any well-stocked supermarket.
Preparing the dish
Before you start baking, it helps to have every ingredient prepared and within reach. That means peeling the apples and cutting them into small chunks, and letting the butter come up to room temperature so it creams properly. Grease your cake tin and preheat the oven to 180 °C, which ensures the cake bakes through evenly. Good preparation is the secret to a relaxed, successful bake.
Step-by-step instructions
- Beat the butter and sugar together in a bowl until pale and creamy.
- Add the egg and mix until fully combined.
- Stir in the flour, baking powder, cinnamon and salt to form a smooth batter.
- Fold the apple chunks gently through the batter.
- Spoon the mixture into a greased cake tin and level the surface.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30–40 minutes, until golden brown.
- Take the cake out of the oven and let it cool before serving.
Gluten-free / lactose-free version
If you would like a gluten-free eplekake, simply swap the wheat flour for a good gluten-free flour blend and check that the other ingredients are certified gluten-free as well. For a lactose-free version, replace the butter with a plant-based fat or a lactose-free margarine. The result is every bit as delicious, and it means you and your guests can enjoy a slice without a second thought.
Tips for vegans and vegetarians
For a vegan eplekake, replace the egg with a flax egg — mix 1 tablespoon of ground linseed with 2½ tablespoons of water and leave it to thicken. Vegan margarine stands in perfectly for the butter, keeping the whole recipe plant-based. Just double-check that the remaining ingredients are free from animal products. With these small adjustments the cake is open to everyone at the table.
More tips and tricks
To make your eplekake even more fragrant, scatter in a handful of nuts or raisins; both add welcome texture alongside the soft apple. A touch of vanilla or freshly grated nutmeg in the batter lends the cake a distinctive character. Experiment a little and you will soon land on the combination that suits your own kitchen best.
Adapting the recipe to your taste
Eplekake takes happily to variation, starting with the fruit itself. Pears or plums in place of apples give the cake an entirely new personality, much as the berries do in a jar of Blabaersyltetoy. The ratio of sugar to cinnamon is equally flexible, depending on whether you prefer your cake sweet or spiced. Be creative and enjoy the experimenting.
Ingredient substitutions
If you find an ingredient missing from the cupboard, there is usually a practical alternative to hand. Sugar can be replaced with honey or agave syrup for a gentler, more natural sweetness. Coconut oil works in place of butter and brings a light tropical note with it. Substitutions like these keep eplekake endlessly adaptable without losing its comforting character.
Drink pairing ideas
Eplekake is a natural partner for a cup of black coffee or green tea, its sweetness rounding out the flavours in the cup. A glass of apple juice or a light white wine works just as well for an afternoon spread. For special occasions, a fruity cocktail keeps the mood sociable — the same convivial spirit you find in a mug of Gløgg. Pick whichever suits the moment.
Serving and presentation ideas
To show your eplekake off properly, dust it with icing sugar or serve each slice with a spoonful of whipped cream. A few fresh mint leaves or edible flowers on the plate add that little extra flourish, and a spoonful of Multekrem alongside turns it into something rather grander. Present the cake on an attractive serving plate to complete the picture.
A bit of history
Eplekake grew out of Norwegian home cooking and stands as a small monument to the Scandinavian baking tradition. Apples are not only delicious but readily available across the region, which made this cake a household staple for generations of families. The pairing of apple and cinnamon is typical of Norwegian cuisine and conjures up a feeling of koselig — that particular Nordic sense of warmth and homeliness. Firmly rooted in Norwegian culture, it is now winning fans well beyond the country’s borders.
More recipe ideas
Summary: Eplekake
Baking a proper eplekake is a wonderful way to bring the flavours of Norway into your own home. The method is uncomplicated and the ingredients inexpensive, which makes it equally suited to everyday moments and to special occasions. Whether you keep it traditional or add your own creative twist, this cake will win over family and friends alike. Let the recipe inspire you and enjoy the quiet cosiness of a genuine Norwegian apple cake.
