Contents
Æblekage is a traditional Danish dessert made of layers of tender stewed apples, crunchy toasted crumbs, and whipped cream. It’s not your typical cake, but it brings warmth and comfort like a homemade treat. Easy to prepare, this dessert is perfect for family gatherings or quiet evenings with a cup of tea.
Ingredients
For the apple compote:
- 6 tart apples, peeled and diced Granny Smith or similar
- ½ Juice of lemon
- 3 tablespoons white sugar
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- A splash of water
For the crumb layer:
- ½ cups fresh breadcrumbs or crushed butter cookies
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons sugar mix of brown and white
For the whipped cream:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract optional
Optional toppings:
- Berry jam (lingonberry, blackcurrant, or raspberry)
- Toasted nuts (hazelnuts, almonds)
- Caramel sauce
Instructions
- Prepare the apples: Peel, core, and chop the apples into small pieces. Place them in a saucepan with lemon juice, sugar, cinnamon, and a splash of water. Simmer gently over low heat for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally until the apples soften but still hold some texture. Remove from heat and let cool.
- Make the crumb layer: Melt the butter in a pan over medium heat. Add the breadcrumbs or crushed cookies and both sugars. Stir constantly and toast until golden and crisp (about 5–7 minutes). Remove from heat and let cool.
- Whip the cream: In a chilled bowl, beat the heavy cream with powdered sugar (and vanilla if using) until soft peaks form. Keep refrigerated until ready to assemble.
- Assemble the dessert: In serving glasses or bowls, layer the toasted crumbs, apple compote, and whipped cream. Repeat the layers if desired. Finish with a dollop of cream and sprinkle some crumbs or a spoonful of jam on top.
- Chill and serve: Refrigerate the dessert for at least 20–30 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Serve cold with a cup of hot coffee or tea for the perfect cozy treat.
Notes
A taste of Denmark: the humble apple dessert that wins hearts 🍎
I stumbled upon this dessert quite by accident while staying with friends in Aarhus. They served it after dinner one rainy evening, and I honestly didn’t expect much. “Apple cake,” they said, but what arrived on the table wasn’t a cake at all. No sponge, no frosting—just layers in a glass. But the first spoonful? Total surprise.
Danes call it æblekage, which literally means “apple cake,” though it doesn’t fit the word in the usual sense. There’s no baking involved, and it’s made entirely from simple things—stewed apples, toasted crumbs, and whipped cream. That’s it. And yet somehow, it works like magic.Why it’s not really cake (but still worth it) 🤷♂️
If you're expecting something like an apple pie or a fluffy sponge cake, this isn’t that. Æblekage is more about contrast—soft, warm fruit against sweet, crunchy bits, all held together by cool, airy cream. It’s kind of like a rustic parfait or a lazy trifle. The beauty of this dish is in how unfussy it is. People make it differently in every household. Some use crushed biscuits, others stick to breadcrumbs. Some even add a splash of rum to the apples (I tried this—highly recommend).Not just dessert—it’s a feeling 💭
What surprised me most about æblekage is how comforting it is. It tastes like something your grandma might’ve made, even if she wasn’t Danish. It’s the kind of dessert that doesn’t try to impress, and that’s exactly why people love it.
Somehow, with just a few ingredients, it turns into something that feels like home. I’ve made it since—on weekends, for guests, even once just for myself on a quiet Tuesday. It’s that easy, and honestly, that good.
