Print

Gluten-Free Cinnamon Sugar Apple Cake Recipe

4.9 from 124 reviews

This Gluten-Free Cinnamon Sugar Apple Cake is a moist and flavorful dessert perfect for those seeking a gluten-free treat. Featuring a blend of gluten-free all-purpose flour and almond flour, natural sweetness from maple syrup and apples, and a fragrant cinnamon sugar topping, this cake is both delicious and comforting. It’s easy to prepare and bakes to a golden perfection, making it ideal for family gatherings or cozy afternoons with coffee.

Ingredients

Scale

Cake Batter

  • 1/2 cup almond milk (or any 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
  • 1 cup almond flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 apple, cored and very thinly sliced

Cinnamon Sugar Topping

  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 tablespoon melted butter or melted coconut oil

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350° Fahrenheit (175° Celsius). Line a 9×9-inch cake pan, either round or square, with parchment paper and lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
  2. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the almond milk, maple syrup, unsweetened apple sauce, melted coconut oil (or butter), eggs, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and combined.
  3. Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the gluten-free all-purpose flour, almond flour, baking powder, baking soda, and cinnamon to the wet ingredients. Gently mix until just combined to avoid overmixing which can affect the texture.
  4. Fold in Apples: Carefully fold the very thinly sliced apples into the batter, ensuring the slices are evenly distributed without breaking them.
  5. Transfer to Pan: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and spread it out evenly, smoothing the top.
  6. Prepare Cinnamon Sugar Topping: In a small bowl, combine the sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter (or coconut oil). Mix until well incorporated.
  7. Add Topping and Bake: Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the top of the batter. Place the cake in the oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  8. Cool and Serve: Remove the cake from the oven. Let it cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring it to a wire cooling rack to cool completely. Once cooled, optionally sprinkle with powdered sugar or drizzle with powdered sugar icing before serving.

Notes

  • For best results, use gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that contains xanthan gum or add 1/2 teaspoon if your blend does not include it.
  • You can substitute almond milk with any plant-based or dairy milk of your choice.
  • Ensure apples are sliced very thinly for even distribution and better baking results.
  • Use fresh cinnamon for the best flavor.
  • This cake pairs well with a dusting of powdered sugar or a simple glaze icing made with powdered sugar and milk.

Keywords: Gluten-Free, Apple Cake, Cinnamon Sugar, Maple Syrup, Almond Flour, Dairy-Free Option, Fall Dessert