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

Fab Food 4 All

No more drab food, only fab food!

  • Home
  • About me
    • As Seen
  • Reviews
  • Contact/PR
You are here: Home / Dessert / Cheat’s Danish Apple Cake (Gammeldags Æblekage)

Cheat’s Danish Apple Cake (Gammeldags Æblekage)

Updated 25 November 2023 Published 14 September 2018 31 Comments

JUMP TO RECIPE
Cheat's Danish Apple Cake (Gammeldags Æblekage) Pinterest Image.
Cheat's Danish Apple Cake (Gammeldags Æblekage) Pinterest Image.
Cheat's Danish Apple Cake (Gammeldags Æblekage) Pinterest Image.
Cheat's Danish Apple Cake (Gammeldags Æblekage) Pinterest Image.
Cheat's Danish Apple Cake (Gammeldags Æblekage) Pinterest Image.
Cheat's Danish Apple Cake - Gammeldags Æblekage Pinterest Image.
Cheat's Danish Apple Cake (Gammeldags Æblekage) Pinterest Image.

Cheat’s Danish Apple Cake (Gammeldags Æblekage) comprises of layers of stewed apple & crushed oat cookies topped with whipped cream & grated dark chocolate. My easy twist on this traditional Danish dessert!

Cheat's Danish Apple Cake - Gammeldags Æblekage - served on a board with spoons in individual glasses.

Table of contents

  • Why I Developed Cheat’s Danish Apple Cake
  • Ingredients
  • How to Make Cheat’s Danish Apple Cake
  • How Do You Serve Cheat’s Danish Apple Cake?
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • More Apple Desserts

Why I Developed Cheat’s Danish Apple Cake

Today I’m sharing my delicious Cheat’s Danish Apple Cake (Gammeldags Æblekage) with you which despite the name has nothing to do with cake but is more like an apple trifle!

When I think of autumn, I think of apples and one of my favourite apple desserts, a traditional Danish Apple Cake (linked further down) which I posted a few years ago.

This is usually layers of sweetened (not overly) stewed apple with vanilla, sweetened toasted oats (or breadcrumbs) topped with whipped cream and I like to finish with a grating of dark chocolate.

I think the contrast between the slight tartness of the apple, the sweetness of the crumb layer and the creaminess of the whipped cream topping is what makes this dessert such a winner.

The grated chocolate isn’t traditional but my Danish mum added it and so it’s become an integral part of the recipe!

Cheat's Danish Apple Cake - Gammeldags Æblekage - served on a board with spoons in individual glasses.

I have to admit that as much as I enjoy eating Danish Apple Cake, (usually courtesy of my mum at Christmas and other special occasions), I rarely make it myself.

It’s the making of the toasted oats with sugar and butter that can sometimes be a bit tricky as they can catch and burn, plus it’s just another bit of fiddle and an extra pan to wash up.

Hence, it was time to give this traditional Danish dessert recipe a modern time-saving twist I felt!

Cheat's Danish Apple Cake - Gammeldags Æblekage - served on a board with spoons in individual glasses.

For some time I’ve thought I should cheat and substitute the toasted oats for something else. So I decided to use crushed oat cookies (eg McVities Hobnobs but I used a supermarket’s own brand).

You could also use granola, Amarettini biscuits or any other crunchy biscuit eg Gingernuts would be great to ring the changes!

Ingredients

  • Bramley Apples (cooking apples) – go nice and mushy on cooking.
  • Dessert Apples – hold their shape and so a good contrast in texture to the cooking apples.
  • Granulated Sugar – for subtly sweetening the apples.
  • Vanilla Sugar – again for sweetening and adding flavour to the apples.
  • Oat Cookies (eg Hobnobs) – for added crunch and sweetness.
  • Whipping Cream – I prefer this to double cream which can easily be overwhipped.
  • Dark Chocolate – adds flavour and decoration.
Cheat's Danish Apple Cake - Gammeldags Æblekage - served on a board with spoons in individual glasses.

How to Make Cheat’s Danish Apple Cake

Here’s a summary, the full recipe is at the bottom of the post.

  • Peel, quarter, core, and slice apples and place in a pan of water.Apple slices in a pan with vegetable peeler and cut apples next to it.
  • Drain the water and add 1 tbsp of water, vanilla sugar and granulated sugar.Sliced apples, vanilla sugar, granulated sugar and 1 tbsp of water in a pan.
  • Bring the pan to a simmer under a lid and stew apple until tender.Cooked apple slices in a pan.
  • Transfer the stewed apples to a bowl to cool.Stewed apple cooling in a bowl.
  • Whip the cream into soft peaks.Whipped cream in a bowl with whisk.
  • Place oat cookies in a bowl and crush with a rolling pin.Crushed oat cookies in a bowl.
  • Then add a layer of stewed apple into 6 serving glasses or one large bowl followed by a layer of crumbled oat cookies, repeat and top with a layer of whipped cream and grated chocolate.Cheat's Danish Apple Cake - Gammeldags Æblekage - served on a board with spoons in individual glasses.

How Do You Serve Cheat’s Danish Apple Cake?

I’ve usually served it in one large serving bowl but this time opted for individual glasses/goblets.

You could even make miniature dessert shots in tiny glasses which would be great if you’re having a buffet and want to serve various desserts!

My mother has started using crushed Digestive biscuits (similar to Graham Crackers) and serves a deconstructed version whereby everyone can assemble the dessert in their own dish at the table!

This a great idea if you have people of different ages or dietary needs, they can just take as much or as little as they want of each component!

Cheat's Danish Apple Cake - Gammeldags Æblekage - served on a board with spoons in individual glasses.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Cheat’s Danish Apple Cake be made gluten-free?

Yes, use gluten-free oat cookies which are readily available in supermarkets.

How long will leftover Danish Apple Cake keep for in the fridge.

It’s best eaten within 3 days, but the sooner the better as the cookie crumb will soften.

Cheat's Danish Apple Cake - Gammeldags Æblekage - served on a board with spoons in individual glasses.

More Apple Desserts

Here are some more really delicious apple desserts for you to try from me and other food bloggers:

Quick Apple Puddings - simple & delicious! Fab Food 4 All
Quick Apple Puddings
  • Original Danish Apple Cake (Æblekage)
  • Eve’s Pudding
  • Quick Apple Puddings
  • Apple & Marzipan Dumplings
  • Apple Meringue
  • Rustic Apple Galettes with Honey & Thyme
  • Homemade Caramel Apple Ice Cream
  • Open Face Apple Pie
  • Apple Rose Puffed Pastries
  • Apple Rhubarb Crisp
  • Peanut Butter Apple Cheesecake
  • Blackcurrant and Apple Steamed Pudding

I’m sure you’ll love my delicious Cheat’s Danish Apple Cake so do give it a try! It’s the stress free, easy dessert you can make ahead for the festive period or any special occasion!

Pin my easy Danish Apple Cake recipe for later!

Cheat's Danish Apple Cake (Gammeldags Æblekage) Pinterest Image.

Leave a comment and rating below when you’ve made this recipe; I love getting your feedback! You can also share your pictures by tagging @FabFood4All over on Instagram.

Cheat's Danish Apple Cake - Gammeldags Æblekage - served on a board with spoons in individual glasses.
Print Pin
5 from 12 votes
Save Saved!

Cheat’s Danish Apple Cake (Gammeldags Æblekage)

Cheat’s Danish Apple Cake (Gammeldags Æblekage) – this traditional Danish dessert consists of layers of sweetened stewed apple with vanilla and oat cookie crumbs which are topped with a layer of whipped cream and a grating of dark chocolate.
Course Dessert, Pudding
Cuisine Danish
Prep Time 23 minutes minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes minutes
Cooling time 1 hour hour
Total Time 38 minutes minutes
Servings 6
Author Camilla Hawkins

Equipment

  • 1 set of Digital scales
  • 1 Set of measuring spoons
  • 1 Rolling Pin
  • 2 Bowls medium sized
  • 1 Paring knife
  • 1 Vegetable peeler
  • 1 Chopping Board
  • 1 Measuring jug
  • 1 Dessert spoon
  • 1 Whisk manual or electric
  • 1 Saucepan with lid medium sized
  • 6 Glass dessert dishes or large glass bowl

Ingredients

  • 500 g Bramley apples
  • 500 g dessert apples
  • 3 tbsp granulated sugar
  • 2 tsp vanilla sugar
  • 200 g oat cookies eg Hobnobs
  • 300 ml whipping cream
  • 15 g grated dark chocolate

Instructions

  • Peel, quarter, core and finely slice apples dropping them into a pan filled with water as you prepare (to prevent browning).
  • Drain the apples and add 1 tablespoon water, 3 tablespoons granulated sugar and, 2 teaspoons vanilla sugar to the pan.
  • Bring pan to a simmer and stew apples gently under a lid until tender (about 10 – 15 minutes).
  • Transfer stewed apples to a bowl and allow to cool.
  • Whip the cream in a bowl until softly stiff, then refrigerate.
  • Put the oat cookies in a bowl and crush with the back of a rolling pin until you have irregular crumbs. (Using a food processor just turns them into too fine a crumb).
  • Spoon a layer of cooled stewed apple into 6 serving glasses/goblets or one large bowl followed by a layer of crushed cookies, then repeat and top with a layer of whipped cream and grated chocolate.
  • Serve straight away or chill in the fridge until serving.

Video

Notes

  • Instead of oat cookies, you can also use Amarettini biscuits, granola, or another biscuit of your choice! Ginger biscuits would be fab to ring the changes. For ease, you can prepare all the elements of this dessert the day before you need it and just put it together at the last minute before serving!
  • To grate the chocolate I find a potato peeler does the best job!
  • If you can’t get hold of Bramley apples (cooking apples) then just use all dessert apples and add a little less sugar.
  • You can easily make this dessert gluten-free by using gluten-free oat cookies which are available in supermarkets.

Sharing is caring!

Previous Post: « Easy Spicy Mango Chutney + video tutorial
Next Post: Vegan Apple Meringue »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Ninja

    25/11/2020 at 7:30 pm

    Hmmm. No currant jelly? I grew up with it too, but Zweibach crumbs were used for the layers. The red layers and the contrast in textures is part of what makes it wonderful. The chocolate seems out of place.

    Reply
    • Camilla

      25/11/2020 at 10:44 pm

      If that’s the way you like it then great. Not something I’ve ever seen in Denmark and wouldn’t imagine any of my relatives using a German ingredient in their aeblekage although some did use breadcrumbs toasted in a frying pan. My mor always added grated chocolate to the cream and it’s a tradition I carry on. You can make a recipe to your own liking, there are no rules once you’re in your kitchen. Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts:-)

      Reply
  2. Sunil Dogra

    19/09/2019 at 8:19 am

    Looks so delicious and perfect for parties! Pure comfort food for sure! Thanks for sharing.

    Reply
    • Camilla

      19/09/2019 at 3:31 pm

      Thank you Sunil:-)

      Reply
  3. Alexandra @ It's Not Complicated Recipes

    17/02/2019 at 1:00 am

    Such a clever idea – I love an individual dessert! This sounds beautiful.

    Reply
    • Camilla

      17/02/2019 at 12:17 pm

      Thank you, it’s simple yet so effective and delicious:-)

      Reply
  4. Sisley White

    17/12/2018 at 4:13 pm

    These look amazing. Your photography is so beautiful I could just reach out and grab it.

    Reply
    • Camilla

      17/12/2018 at 11:55 pm

      Thank you so much Sisley:-)

      Reply
  5. glenn hutton

    07/12/2018 at 8:17 pm

    These look fab, the only apple dessert where I eat apples is in a pie, thanks for this option!

    Reply
  6. Ros

    22/09/2018 at 3:08 am

    Camilla this looks so good! I love anything with apples in them! Definitely have to pin this for later.
    xoxo Ros

    Reply
    • Camilla

      22/09/2018 at 9:16 pm

      Thanks Ros:-)

      Reply
  7. Jacqui Bellefontaine

    16/09/2018 at 7:48 pm

    These look amazing Camilla I’m pinning for later

    Reply
    • Camilla

      16/09/2018 at 7:56 pm

      Thank you Jacqui:-)

      Reply
  8. Janice

    15/09/2018 at 10:36 pm

    It’s ages since I made Danish Apple Cake. My Mum used to make it for us in the 1970s and I always loved it. Thanks for this easy recipe.

    Reply
    • Camilla

      15/09/2018 at 10:57 pm

      Fabulous Janice, I didn’t realise anyone else was making it in the UK at that time:-)

      Reply
  9. Anca

    15/09/2018 at 10:04 am

    Your Danish desserts look amazing. I love the flavour combination too.

    Reply
    • Camilla

      15/09/2018 at 12:54 pm

      Thank you Anca, you can’t beat traditional food:-)

      Reply
  10. Heidi Roberts

    14/09/2018 at 6:25 pm

    This looks delicious. I especially love the deconstructed idea!

    Reply
    • Camilla

      14/09/2018 at 9:54 pm

      Thanks Heidi, yes my mum is a bit of a trend setter:-)

      Reply
  11. Michelle

    14/09/2018 at 1:25 pm

    Such gorgeous photos! What a delicious and simple dessert, that looks so impressive. ‘I’ll definitely give it a go, and get my girls too as well with the handy video tutorial 🙂

    Reply
    • Camilla

      14/09/2018 at 2:28 pm

      Thank you Michelle, yes your girls would find this very easy to put this together I’m sure:-)

      Reply
  12. Blair

    14/09/2018 at 12:39 pm

    Hooray for apple season! This looks absolutely delicious!

    Reply
    • Camilla

      14/09/2018 at 2:28 pm

      Thank you Blair, yes love apple season:-)

      Reply
  13. Claire Jessiman

    14/09/2018 at 12:36 pm

    Great idea for a speedy dessert and one that kids could easily help with. I’ll need to get picking the crop from my apple tree.

    Reply
    • Camilla

      14/09/2018 at 2:30 pm

      Thanks Claire, I wish my apple tree bore fruit, sadly in a tub and no room to plant it in the garden!

      Reply
  14. Helen @ family-friends-food.com

    14/09/2018 at 12:30 pm

    This looks fab! What a great idea for a quick and tasty seasonal dessert.

    Reply
    • Camilla

      14/09/2018 at 2:31 pm

      Thanks Helen, I’ll be making this a lot this autumn:-)

      Reply
  15. Heather @ Sugar Dish Me

    14/09/2018 at 5:23 am

    Oooh I love this! Quick and simple!

    Reply
    • Camilla

      14/09/2018 at 11:53 am

      Thank you Heather, I shall be making often now with this cheat:-)

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

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

Recipe Rating




Primary Sidebar

Follow me on:

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Threads
  • TikTok
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Categories

Privacy Policy

Copyright © 2025 · FabFood4All · Log in