Gluten Free Apple Cake Recipe

If you’re searching for a delicious and comforting dessert that’s perfect for anyone avoiding gluten, this Gluten Free Apple Cake Recipe is an absolute must-try. Bursting with tender, cinnamon-spiced apples and a moist crumb that’s both light and rich, this cake feels like a warm hug in every bite. It balances fruity freshness with cozy spices, making it the kind of treat that quickly becomes a favorite for afternoon tea, family gatherings, or whenever you crave a slice of homemade goodness without any gluten worries.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role in delivering that perfect texture and flavor. From the tart baking apples that add natural sweetness and moisture to the careful blend of gluten free flour and spices, every component is simple but essential for turning out a cake you’ll want to make again and again.

• Baking Apples (1 1/2 pounds): Choose firm, tart varieties for the perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavor with great texture.
• Ground Cinnamon (1 1/2 tsp): Adds warmth and depth, complementing the apples beautifully.
• Freshly Ground Nutmeg (1/8 tsp, optional): A subtle, fragrant touch that elevates the spice profile.
• Freshly Squeezed Lemon Juice (1 tbsp): Helps keep the apples vibrant and prevents browning while adding a slight tang.
• All Purpose Gluten Free Flour Blend (1 1/8 cups): The foundation for the cake’s tender crumb; ensure it’s a well-balanced blend.
• Xanthan Gum (1/2 tsp): Provides structure and elasticity unless already included in your flour blend.
• Baking Powder (1 tsp): Gives the cake lift and lightness.
• Kosher Salt (1/2 tsp): Enhances all the flavors, balancing sweetness.
• Unsalted Butter (10 tbsp, room temperature): Creates rich moisture and a buttery taste that melts in your mouth.
• Granulated Sugar (1 cup): Sweetens the cake evenly while contributing to its golden crust.
• Eggs (2, at room temperature, beaten): Binds ingredients and adds richness for a soft cake.
• Pure Vanilla Extract (1 tsp): Brings out all the other flavors with a warm, floral note.

How to Make Gluten Free Apple Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Make sure to grease your cake pan thoroughly — an 8-inch or 9-inch round pan works perfectly. This setup ensures your cake will bake evenly and come out cleanly after baking.

Step 2: Season the Apples

Dice those beautiful baking apples and toss them with ground cinnamon, optional nutmeg, and freshly squeezed lemon juice. This mixture is the heart of the cake, infusing every bite with juicy, spiced apple flavor that sings with freshness.

Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together your gluten free flour blend, xanthan gum, baking powder, and kosher salt. Combining these ingredients thoroughly ensures even rises and a tender crumb that’s not too dense.

Step 4: Cream Butter and Sugar

Using a mixer, beat the room-temperature butter and sugar on medium-high speed until the mixture is light and fluffy—about 4 minutes. This step is key for a delicate texture and the sugar should look dissolved into the butter, not grainy.

Step 5: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Pour in the beaten eggs and pure vanilla extract while beating on medium speed. This creates a smooth, rich batter that will help nourish the apples throughout baking.

Step 6: Combine the Dry Ingredients into the Batter

Slowly add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients and beat just until combined. The batter will be thick but soft and fluffy, setting the stage for tender cake layers.

Step 7: Incorporate Apples into Most of the Batter

Scrape about two-thirds of the cake batter into the bowl with your spiced apples. Gently mix to coat the apple chunks with batter. This intense apple-packed part will make your cake delightfully chunky and flavorful.

Step 8: Layer the Batter

Pour the remaining one-third of the batter into your prepared pan, spreading it into an even layer using a moistened offset spatula. This base layer will support the apple-laden batter on top for a beautiful, structured cake.

Step 9: Add the Apple Batter Layer

Carefully spoon the chunky apple batter over the base layer and spread it evenly. If you’re using the 8-inch pan, expect it to be nicely full but still manageable.

Step 10: Start Baking Covered

Cover your cake pan tightly with aluminum foil to prevent the top from burning and place it in the oven’s center. Bake for 20 minutes, allowing the inside to start setting without drying out.

Step 11: Finish Baking Uncovered

Remove the foil and continue baking until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with only a few moist crumbs attached — about 40 more minutes for a 9-inch pan, or about 50 minutes for an 8-inch pan.

Step 12: Cool Slightly in the Pan

Once baked, let the cake cool in the pan for 15 to 20 minutes. You’ll notice it shrinking slightly from the pan sides, which is a good sign the cake set up beautifully.

Step 13: Release Cake from Pan

Run a thin spatula around the edges to loosen, then transfer the cake carefully to a wire rack to cool top-side up. This helps it cool evenly and keeps the texture just right.

Step 14: Final Cooling and Slicing

Allow the cake to rest for another 15 minutes before slicing with a sharp knife. The best part? Serving it warm, letting the apple and spice notes truly shine at their peak.

How to Serve Gluten Free Apple Cake Recipe

Garnishes

To make this cake absolutely irresistible, consider a light dusting of powdered sugar or a generous dollop of whipped cream. For a cozy touch, a sprinkle of chopped toasted walnuts adds a delightful crunch and nutty aroma marrying perfectly with the apple and cinnamon.

Side Dishes

This cake truly shines on its own but pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for an indulgent finish. If you want a lighter accompaniment, a fresh fruit salad or a cup of your favorite herbal tea balances the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

Slice the Gluten Free Apple Cake Recipe into rustic wedges for a casual gathering, or cut into neat squares and top each piece with a thin apple slice fan for an elegant touch. Wrapped in parchment paper and tied with twine, individual slices make charming gift treats, too.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This cake stores wonderfully at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 2 days. If you want to keep it moist longer, refrigerate for up to 5 days, just be sure to bring it back to room temperature or warm slightly before serving.

Freezing

Freeze leftover cake by wrapping each piece tightly in plastic wrap, then placing in a freezer-safe container or bag. It stays fresh for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge for the best texture.

Reheating

Warm individual slices gently in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300°F for about 10 minutes. This refreshes the cake’s tender crumb and intensifies the apple aroma, almost like fresh-baked.

FAQs

Can I use any type of apple for this cake?

It’s best to use firm baking apples such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn for the ideal balance of tartness and structure. Softer apples might become mushy and alter the cake’s texture.

Do I need to add xanthan gum if my gluten free flour blend already contains it?

No, if your flour blend includes xanthan gum, you can omit it from this recipe. It’s only necessary to add if your blend doesn’t contain any binding agents.

Can I substitute the butter for a dairy-free option?

Absolutely! Use an equal amount of a dairy-free butter substitute to keep the cake moist and flavorful while making it suitable for dairy sensitivities.

Is this cake sweet enough without additional frosting?

Yes, the natural sweetness from the apples and sugar in the batter combined with the warm spices give this cake a perfectly balanced sweet profile without the need for frosting.

How do I know when the cake is done baking?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. It should come out with only a few moist crumbs attached, but no wet batter. That’s the sign your cake is perfectly baked.

Final Thoughts

This Gluten Free Apple Cake Recipe is a true celebration of fall flavors and anytime warmth, perfect for anyone seeking a crowd-pleasing dessert without gluten. Whether it’s a simple family treat or a festive party centerpiece, this cake hits all the right notes in taste and texture. I promise once you try it, it’ll be your go-to recipe for sharing sweet moments with friends and loved ones.

Print