Gluten-Free Cinnamon Sugar Apple Cake Recipe
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.
- Author: Hannah
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 9 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Fold in Apples: Carefully fold the very thinly sliced apples into the batter, ensuring the slices are evenly distributed without breaking them.
- Transfer to Pan: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and spread it out evenly, smoothing the top.
- Prepare Cinnamon Sugar Topping: In a small bowl, combine the sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter (or coconut oil). Mix until well incorporated.
- 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.
- 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