Apple Cake with Nutmeg and Cinnamon – Pure Hygge from the Oven

An apple cake with nutmeg and cinnamon is the very essence of autumn and cosiness. When the leaves are falling outside and the kitchen smells of freshly baked pastry, that hygge feeling settles in straight away. This simple recipe brings together sweet apples, aromatic cinnamon and freshly grated nutmeg in a scent that fills the kitchen – and warms the heart. 🍂

What's more, the recipe is wonderfully simple, quick to put together, and easy to get right every time.

(Tip: You can find out more about where nutmeg comes from at Zauber der Gewürze – it's full of fascinating background on how nutmeg is used.)

🥣 Ingredients (for a 26cm Cake Tin)

For the pastry:

• 300 g plain flour

• 150 g butter (cold, cut into small pieces)

• 100 g sugar

• 1 egg

• 1 pinch of salt

For the filling:

• 5 apples (Braeburn or Cox's, for example)

• 2 tbsp lemon juice

• 60 g sugar

• 1 tsp cinnamon

• ½ tsp freshly grated nutmeg (using the kjøk nutmeg grinder, say)

• 1 tbsp cornflour

• A little butter, for the tin

For dusting:

• Icing sugar

🔪 Method: How to Make Your Apple Cake with Nutmeg and Cinnamon

1. Make the pastry:
   First, work the flour, sugar, salt, butter and egg into a smooth shortcrust pastry.
   Wrap the pastry in cling film and leave to rest in the fridge for about 30 minutes.

2. Prepare the filling:
   While the pastry is resting, peel and core the apples and cut into thin wedges.
   Toss the apple pieces with the lemon juice, sugar, cinnamon and freshly grated nutmeg, so they release their full flavour.

3. Shape the cake:
   Roll out two-thirds of the pastry and line the greased tin.
   Spread the apple filling evenly on top. Finally, cut the remaining pastry into strips and arrange in a lattice on top.

4. Bake:
   Finally, bake at 180°C (160°C fan) for about 45–50 minutes, until the apple cake is golden brown.
   Leave to cool slightly, then dust with icing sugar.

🍎 Why Nutmeg and Apple Cake Are Such a Good Match

The combination of nutmeg and cinnamon gives a warm, slightly nutty depth of flavour. While cinnamon brings sweetness and a sense of comfort, freshly grated nutmeg adds a subtle, spicy note.
That's why it works so well with apples, giving your cake that little something extra.

With the kjøk nutmeg grinder you can grind nutmeg fresh right as you bake – which keeps the flavour especially intense and true to itself. 🌰

Nutmeg contains essential oils that release their full aroma only once freshly ground.

Tip for More Hygge in the Kitchen

Serve your apple cake with nutmeg and cinnamon lukewarm, with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. It makes the cake even creamier and pairs beautifully with the delicate spice of the nutmeg. A cup of tea, candlelight and some quiet music – and your cosy autumn afternoon is complete. 🍎

🎶 A Hygge Moment with Music

Get comfortable, light a candle and breathe in the smell of freshly baked apple cake. Set the mood with some gentle music, in keeping with that hygge feeling in the kitchen. Here's our current favourite kjøk playlist for relaxed baking moments: