Introduction

This Gluten-Free Cinnamon Sugar Apple Cake is a fragrant and moist dessert perfect for cozy afternoons. Featuring tender apples and warm cinnamon, it’s naturally sweetened and easy to make with simple ingredients. Enjoy a slice as a comforting treat or a delightful breakfast option.

The image shows several square pieces of crumb cake arranged on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Each piece has three visible layers: a light golden brown soft cake base, a middle layer with slightly visible apple slices that are creamy yellow, and a top layer of golden crumb topping mixed with cinnamon, lightly dusted with powdered sugar. The crumb topping looks crumbly and textured with small chunks scattered on the surface. The tray has a rustic, worn look and sits on a white marbled textured surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1/2 cup milk (I used almond milk) at room temperature
1/2 cup maple syrup
1/4 cup unsweetened apple sauce
1/3 cup melted coconut oil or melted butter
2 large eggs at room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups gluten-free all purpose flour (see Notes)
1 cup almond flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 apple, cored and very thinly sliced
For the cinnamon sugar topping:
1/2 cup sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 tablespoon melted butter or melted coconut oil

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350° Fahrenheit. Line and lightly grease a 9×9-inch cake pan, either round or square.
Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together the milk, maple syrup, apple sauce, melted coconut oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Step 3: Add the gluten-free all purpose flour, almond flour, baking powder, baking soda, and cinnamon to the wet ingredients. Gently mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
Step 4: Fold the thinly sliced apples into the batter until they are evenly distributed.
Step 5: Transfer the batter to the prepared cake pan and smooth the top.
Step 6: In a small bowl, combine the sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter for the topping. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the surface of the cake.
Step 7: Bake for 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 8: Remove the cake from the oven and transfer it from the pan to a wire cooling rack. Let it cool completely before serving.
Step 9: Just before serving, optionally sprinkle with powdered sugar or drizzle with powdered sugar icing for extra sweetness.

Tips & Variations

Use different types of apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for varied sweetness and texture.
For a nut-free version, replace almond flour with additional gluten-free all purpose flour.
Try adding chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter for extra crunch.
If using a different size pan, adjust baking time accordingly and check doneness early.

Storage

Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat individual slices in the microwave for about 15 seconds or until warmed through. This cake also freezes well; wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

How to Serve

Two small square pieces of crumb cake are placed on a white plate with a white marbled texture surface beneath. The top layer is a golden-brown crumb topping with a coarse, sugary texture and a light dusting of powdered sugar. Below the crumb topping is a thick, soft, and moist cake layer with a pale yellow color and slightly crumbly texture. A silver fork is underneath one piece of the cake, with crumbs scattered on the plate near the cake. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular milk instead of almond milk?

Yes, you can substitute any milk you prefer, such as dairy milk or another plant-based milk, without affecting the texture significantly.

How do I know if the cake is done baking?

The best way is to insert a toothpick into the center of the cake; if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs but no wet batter, the cake is done.