There’s something magical about the scent of apple cake baking on a cool day. The mix of cinnamon, sweet apples, and maple syrup fills the kitchen with warmth. This gluten-free version keeps all that cozy flavor, just with a lighter, wholesome touch that’s perfect for the holidays or any quiet weekend bake.
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Why You’ll Love This Apple Cake
This apple cake comes out tender, moist, and full of sweet apple bits in every bite. The cinnamon sugar topping bakes into a golden crust that cracks softly under your fork. It’s gluten-free, but no one will guess. You’ll love how quickly it comes together with pantry ingredients, and it makes the house smell like pure comfort.
It’s the kind of dessert that works just as well after dinner as it does with a cup of coffee in the morning. Whether it’s fall, Christmas, or a chilly Sunday, this apple cake fits the moment perfectly.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You only need a few simple ingredients for this apple cake. Most are pantry staples, and everything comes together in one bowl. Using almond and tapioca flour keeps it naturally gluten-free while giving a soft, cake-like texture. Maple syrup and applesauce add natural sweetness and moisture, so you don’t need refined sugar in the batter.
Main Ingredients
Applesauce gives the cake moisture, maple syrup adds gentle sweetness, and almond flour creates a tender crumb. Tapioca flour adds lightness, while cinnamon brings that comforting aroma that makes apple cake so irresistible.
Cinnamon Sugar Topping
A mix of coconut sugar and cinnamon makes the topping crisp and fragrant. It caramelizes slightly as it bakes, adding a sweet crust that contrasts beautifully with the soft cake underneath.
Step-by-Step: How to Make Apple Cake
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and greasing an 8×8-inch pan. In one bowl, whisk together applesauce, eggs, maple syrup, oil, and vanilla. Then add your almond flour, tapioca flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Mix just until smooth.
Next, fold in finely diced apples. Pour the batter into your pan and smooth the top. In a small bowl, combine coconut sugar and cinnamon, then sprinkle it evenly over the batter.
Bake for 45 to 50 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let it cool in the pan before slicing. The aroma alone will make it hard to wait.
Tips, Substitutions & Variations
You can swap coconut sugar for brown sugar in the topping if you like a deeper flavor. Avocado oil works beautifully, but any neutral oil will do. For a nut-free version, use oat flour instead of almond flour, though the texture will be slightly denser.
Add chopped pecans or walnuts for a little crunch. If you love spice, a pinch of nutmeg or ginger pairs nicely with the cinnamon. This recipe is naturally dairy-free, so it’s perfect for sharing with everyone.
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. It keeps longer in the fridge, about five days. You can also freeze slices for up to two months.
To reheat, warm a piece in the microwave for 15 seconds, or enjoy it cold. The flavor deepens after a day, making leftovers even better.
Gluten-Free Cinnamon Sugar Apple Cake Recipe
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Apple Cake – Delightfully Moist Gluten-Free Dessert
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 9 servings 1x
Description
A moist, flavorful gluten-free apple cake made with wholesome ingredients and topped with a sweet cinnamon sugar layer.
Ingredients
1 cup unsweetened applesauce
2 large eggs
1/2 cup pure maple syrup
1/4 cup avocado oil (or any neutral oil)
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups almond flour
1/2 cup tapioca flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp salt
1 medium apple (peeled and finely diced)
Topping:
1 tbsp coconut sugar
1/2 tsp cinnamon
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease or line an 8×8 inch baking pan.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together applesauce, eggs, maple syrup, oil, and vanilla extract.
3. Add almond flour, tapioca flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt; mix until just combined.
4. Fold in the diced apple.
5. Pour batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
6. In a small bowl, mix coconut sugar and cinnamon; sprinkle over the top of the batter.
7. Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
8. Let cool in the pan before slicing and serving.
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Cake can also be frozen for up to 2 months.
You can swap coconut sugar in the topping for brown sugar if preferred.
Best enjoyed within a couple of days for peak texture and flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Easy & Decadent Christmas Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 216
- Sugar: 11g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
More Such Recipes
If you love cozy bakes, you’ll also enjoy this easy apple coffee cake with cinnamon streusel. For more creamy treats, try banana pudding cheesecake bars or a slice of southern peach bread.
Feeling festive? Check out cherry pie cookie cups, strawberry peach cake for summer, or cinnamon swirl pumpkin bread.
FAQs
Can I make this apple cake without eggs?
Yes, you can. Replace the two eggs with flax eggs (2 tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 5 tbsp water). The texture will be slightly denser but still moist.
What type of apples work best for baking?
Firm, crisp apples like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Pink Lady hold their shape and add a nice balance of tart and sweet flavor.
How can I tell when my apple cake is done?
Insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean and the top is golden, your cake is ready. Let it cool before cutting for the best slices.
Final Thoughts
This gluten-free apple cake brings all the comfort of homemade dessert with none of the fuss. It’s tender, fragrant, and sweet enough to feel special, yet simple enough to bake on a weekday. Share it with friends, or enjoy a quiet slice by yourself with a cup of tea.
If you loved it, save the recipe or share it on Pinterest and follow along on Facebook for more easy, heartwarming desserts.