• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

True North Kitchen

  • Recipes
  • Browse by Category
  • About Me
  • Contact/Work with Me
menu icon
go to homepage
search icon
Homepage link
  • Recipes
  • Browse by Category
  • About Me
  • Contact/Work with Me
×

Home » Recipes

Swedish Apple Pie (Easy Crustless Apple Pie)

Published: Sep 19, 2022 by Kristi · This post may contain affiliate links.

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
Pin for Swedish Apple Pie

Say hello to your new favorite apple dessert! This Swedish Apple Pie (or crustless apple pie) is part cake and part pie and 100% delicious and easy!

Peeled and sliced apples are tossed with sugar and spices and topped with a batter that creates a cake-like crust over the top when baked. That's right....no fussy pastry or rolling pin required! And quite honestly, it's every bit as delicious (or maybe even more so) than traditional apple pie.

You are going to LOVE this homey, cozy dessert! I can't wait for you to try it at home. Ready to get started? Keep reading for step-by-step instructions for baking an irresistible Swedish Apple Pie in your own kitchen.

Slice of Swedish Apple Pie on a plate next to a fork and a glass of milk.

Why This Recipe Works

  • It has a short list of easy-to-find ingredients and comes together in a snap.
  • It has all of the flavor of an apple pie but without all of the work.
  • The texture of the top crust is tender and cake-like with crisp exterior making it the perfect compliment to the warm apple filling.

What Are the Origins of This Recipe?

Swedish Apple Pie is really a variation of an apple crisp or crumble but with a cake-like topping. Known as smulpaj (or crumb pie) in Swedish, versions of this dish vary widely, some having more of a crisp or crumble like topping containing rolled oats and/or chopped nuts. My take on Swedish Apple Pie which has a more cake-like topping is adapted from a couple of recipes I found in my mom's collection of vintage Scandinavian-American cookbooks.

Ingredients

Labeled ingredients for Swedish Apple Pie.
  • The star of the show here is obviously the apples. I like the Granny Smith variety because of their tart-sweet flavor and their ability to hold their shape after baking, but any apple you happen to have on hand will be just fine.
  • Cinnamon, cardamom, lemon juice and sugar are tossed with the apples to give them that cozy fall spice, sweetness and a welcome bit of acidity from the lemon juice.
  • The easy topping is made with flour, baking powder, salt, an egg, brown sugar and vanilla. It's a simple but perfect way to encase the apples.
  • Finally, a bit or turbinado or raw sugar is sprinkled over the top for a bit of crunch on top of the tender cake-like crust.

Special Equipment Needed

  • A deep dish pie plate

How to Make This Recipe

  • Begin by preheating the oven to 350 degrees and buttering a deep dish pie plate.
  • Peel and core about 2 pounds of apples. Slice into ½ inch slices.
Sliced apples and a peeled apple on a wooden cutting board.
  • Toss the apples with the sugar, cinnamon, cardamom, lemon juice and just a pinch of salt. Transfer to the prepared pie plate.
Apples tossed with spices in a pie plate.
  • Melt the butter in a medium bowl and cool to room temperature. Whisk the flour, baking powder and salt together in a medium bowl and set aside. Add the egg, brown sugar and vanilla to the cooled butter and whisk until fully incorporated. Fold in the dry ingredients until just combined.
Flour mixture in a bowl with a whisk.
Swedish Apple Pie batter in a glass bowl with a spatula.
  • Spoon the batter over the top of the apples and spread to cover as evenly as possible. Don't worry if it's not perfect. This is intended to be a rustic dessert.
  • Sprinkle the turbinado sugar over the top. Bake until the crust is golden brown and the apples are bubbly, about 50 minutes.
Unbaked Swedish Apple Pie in a white pie plate next to apples.
Baked Swedish Apple Pie in a white pie plate.
  • Cool to room temperature and enjoy!
Side view of a slice of Swedish Apple pie.

Expert Tips

  • Be sure to cool the dessert before slicing. If you cut into it while it is too warm, the filling won't have a chance to set up. It will still be delicious but you won't get clean slices.
  • Serve with this easy vanilla sauce recipe! It is a traditional and super delicious compliment to this cozy dessert.
Slice of Swedish Apple Pie topped with Vanilla Sauce next to a fork and apples.

FAQs

Can I make this Swedish Apple Pie in advance?

Yes! If you plan to enjoy it in a few hours, leave it on the counter at room temperature and cover with plastic wrap once it has cooled completely. For longer storage, transfer to the refrigerator tightly covered with plastic wrap. Slice and serve, warming individual pieces in the microwave if desired. This dessert keeps well in the refrigerator for about 3 days.

What should I serve with Swedish Apple Pie?

Creamy Vanilla Sauce (pictured below) is a traditional (and super delicious) choice, but ice cream and/or a drizzle of caramel sauce would certainly be welcome as well!

Close up of Swedish Apple Pie on a fork topped with vanilla sauce.

Related Recipes

Looking for more Scandinavian-inspired apple recipes? I've some delicious choices below:

  • Swedish Apple Cake (Äppelkaka)
  • Gingerbread Cobbler with Apples and Pears
  • Easy Baked Apple Donuts
  • Salted Caramel Apple Oat Porridge
Swedish Apple Pie on a plate with a fork.

Swedish Apple Pie (Easy Crustless Apple Pie)

This Swedish Apple Pie (Crustless Apple Pie) is the easiest and most delicious apple dessert you'll ever make! Spiced apples are topped with an easy cake-like batter that creates a topping that is part cake, part pie once baked. 100% delicious!
5 from 1 vote
Print Pin Rate
Course: bake, desserts, fall, Fika
Cuisine: Nordic, Scandinavian, Swedish
Keyword: crustless apple pie, easy apple pie recipe
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 4 minutes
Servings: 12
Calories: 221kcal
Author: Kristi

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds apples peeled, cored and cut into ½ inch thick slices
  • ¼ cup sugar
  • 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon ground cardamom
  • 1 cup 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 + more for greasing the pie plate
  • Turbinado sugar for sprinkling

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Grease a 9 inch deep dish pie plate with butter and set aside.
  • In a large bowl, toss the apples with the lemon juice, cinnamon, cardamom and a pinch of salt. Transfer to the prepared pie plate.
  • Whisk the flour, salt and baking powder together in a medium bowl. Set aside. Combine the melted butter, brown sugar and eggs together in a large bowl. Whisk until well combined. Fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients with a rubber spatula.
  • Spread the batter evenly over the top of the apples and sprinkle with turbinado sugar.
  • Bake for about 50 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the apples are bubbling around the edges. Cool before serving.

Notes

  • I like Granny Smith apples in this recipe, but any apple you have on hand will be just fine.
  • Be sure to cool the dessert before slicing. If you cut into it while it is too warm, the filling won't have a chance to set up. It will still be delicious but you won't get clean slices.
  • Serve with this easy vanilla sauce recipe! It is a traditional and super delicious compliment to this cozy dessert.

Nutrition

Calories: 221kcal | Carbohydrates: 37g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 0.3g | Cholesterol: 34mg | Sodium: 126mg | Potassium: 122mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 25g | Vitamin A: 298IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 36mg | Iron: 1mg

If you loved this recipe, give it a star review! Also, snap a picture of your Swedish Apple Pie and share it with me on Instagram using the hashtag #truenorthkitchen and tagging me @true_north_kitchen.

More Nordic/Scandinavian Recipes

  • Vanilla Overnight Oats with Cinnamon
  • White Swedish Glögg with Elderflower Liqueur (Mulled White Wine)
  • Homemade Pickled Mustard Seeds
  • Danish Apple Trifle

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Sue

    September 20, 2022 at 10:51 am

    It sounds delicious!
    Fyi, the two links mentioned to your easy vanilla sauce are not working. (Yet.)

    Reply
    • Kristi

      September 20, 2022 at 1:47 pm

      Thanks, Sue! I will get that vanilla sauce up and running by the end of the day today. You've got to try this recipe. It's SO easy and delicious!

      Kristi

      Reply
  2. Naureen

    October 07, 2022 at 1:59 pm

    Planning to make this for Thanksgiving! If I pre-mix the apple mixture a bit ahead of time (like a couple of hours) does it draw water from the other ingredients and get soggy and watery in the pie? Or should I try and complete the process as soon as the apple mix is ready?
    Thank you!

    Reply
    • Kristi

      October 07, 2022 at 8:25 pm

      HI Naureen,

      I haven't tried making it ahead but I think you'll be fine. Since there is lemon in the apple mixture, that will keep the apples from browning (which is my biggest concern). They really shouldn't get watery. Hope this helps!

      Kristi

      Reply
  3. Marcia

    January 22, 2023 at 10:23 am

    5 stars
    An excellent alternative to apple pie! No pie crust to deal with and it was ready for the oven in no time! Texture and flavor is excellent.
    Many thanks!

    Reply
    • Kristi

      January 23, 2023 at 10:36 am

      Thanks, Marcia! I'm so glad you liked it. It's definitely our new favorite apple dessert around here.

      Happy Baking!
      Kristi

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Primary Sidebar

Welcome

Hi, I'm Kristi! Welcome to my cozy Nordic kitchen! More about me

SEARCH RECIPES:

The cover for Scandinavian Baking Favorites e-book

Enter your email below and receive a copy of my free ebook, Scandinavian Baking Favorites!



Scandi Breakfast Ideas

Baked oat and rye porridge with blueberries and almonds in a pan

Baked Nordic Oat and Rye Porridge

Toast with sliced egg, avocado and pickled beets on a plate

Nordic Avocado Toast with Pickled Beets and Egg

Close up of Rye and Oat Muesli with Dried Cherries and Hazelnuts.

Rye and Oat Muesli with Dried Cherries and Hazelnuts

Close up of a bowl of Creamy Barley Breakfast Porridge with a spoon.

Creamy Barley Breakfast Porridge

A close up of a berry smoothie topped with blueberries and lingonberries

Nordic Wild Berry Almond Smoothie

Oatmeal in a bowl with a spoon on a napkin

Simple Oatmeal with Brown Sugar and Cream

Top Posts

Stack of flatbreads on a plate next to herbs and a spiked rolling pin.

Soft Swedish Flatbreads with Garden Herbs (Tunnbröd med Trädgårds Örter)

Sliced rye bread on a marble surface.

Easy Overnight Danish Rye Bread (Rugbrød)

Quick Swedish Pickled Cucumbers in a jar next to peppercorns and fresh dill sprigs.

Quick Swedish Pickled Cucumbers

Slice of bundt cake on a plate with a fork.

Swedish Cardamom Cake (Kardemummakaka)

Sliced Swedish Almond Cake on a marble plate

Simple Swedish Almond Cake

Swedish pancakes on a plate drizzled with lingonberries.

Swedish Pancakes with Lingonberries

Crispbread and a rolling pin and kitchen towel

Easy Sourdough Rye Crispbread (Knäckebröd)

Rye bread slices on a plate next to a loaf of rye bread and a wooden knife with butter

Sourdough Danish Rye Bread (Rugbrød)

Categories

Footer

^ back to top

About
Work with Me
Contact
Disclosure and Privacy Policy
Accessibility Statement

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Copyright © 2022 True North Kitchen