Looking for a cozy dessert that’s both simple and comforting? This Danish Apple Cake is layered with buttery breadcrumbs and tender spiced apples for the ultimate fall treat.

Serve it warm with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream, and you’ll see why this traditional recipe is such a crowd-pleaser.

We are sharing tips to help you get the best results when making this recipe. If you don’t need the tips, scroll to the bottom for the full recipe and printable recipe card.

⭐ Why You’ll Love This Danish Apple Cake ⭐

Simple ingredients: Made with pantry staples and fresh apples.

Cozy flavors: Cinnamon, butter, and apples make it taste like fall.

Perfect texture: Buttery toasted crumbs meet soft, tender apples.

Versatile: Enjoy it warm with ice cream or cold with whipped cream.

Make-ahead friendly: Tastes even better after sitting for a few hours.

🧾 Ingredients

📌 Be sure to see the recipe card below for the full ingredients list with quantities and step-by-step instructions!

Apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work well)
Fresh breadcrumbs
Sugar
Unsalted butter
Ground cinnamon
Ground nutmeg
Vanilla extract
Whipped cream or ice cream for serving

🔪 How to Make Danish Apple Cake

Prepare the apples: Peel, core, and cut the apples into thin slices. Mix them with 2 tablespoons of sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla until well coated.
Toast the breadcrumbs: In a skillet, melt the butter. Add the breadcrumbs and cook, stirring, until they’re lightly golden. Stir in ¼ cup of sugar.
Assemble the cake: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking dish. Spread a layer of breadcrumbs on the bottom, add a layer of apples, and repeat, finishing with breadcrumbs on top.
Bake: Place in the oven for 30–35 minutes, or until the apples are soft and the top is crisp and golden.
Serve: Serve warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

⭐ Pro Tips for the Best Danish Apple Cake ⭐

Make fresh breadcrumbs: Use day-old bread and pulse in a food processor for the freshest taste. Store-bought crumbs can be too dry.
Don’t skip toasting: Toasting the breadcrumbs in butter adds a nutty flavor and prevents them from turning soggy.
Use a mix of apples: Combining tart apples like Granny Smith with sweet ones like Honeycrisp creates a balanced flavor.
Add a sprinkle of sugar on top: A light sprinkle of sugar over the final breadcrumb layer gives a beautiful golden crust.

📖 Variations

Nutty crunch: Add chopped walnuts or hazelnuts between the layers.

Raisin lovers: Sprinkle raisins or dried cranberries with the apples.

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