Moist Homemade Apple Cake with Almond Flour (Gluten Free)

I wish you could smell my kitchen. Gluten free apple cake is the kind of recipe that makes you want to bottle up the smell so you can relive it over and over. Honestly, once you make my recipe you won’t mind doing just that – making it on repeat.

Each bite is a perfect party of moist, tender crumb with the sweet and juicy Honesycrisp apples.

The secret weapon here is the applesauce which not only bumps up that apple flavor throughout the cake but also keeps the cake moist for the most delightful, supple bite.

As if it just couldn’t get any more outrageous, the cinnamon swirl hugs the top of the cake. It reminds me of a cinnamon roll with its ribbon of sugary happiness dancing on each slice.

Apples are one of my favorite ingredients to use this time of year. My Single Serve Microwave Apple Crisp in 5-min comes together so quickly and is SO DELICIOUS if you’re looking for a quick sweet treat! Another favorite are Mini Muffin Tin Apple Pies (only 20-min prep!). I mean, it doesn’t get much more adorable plus individual servings are perfect for parties.

This Gluten Free Apple Cake is a Dream!!

So Moist! My apple cake is moist due to the apples slices, which release moisture during baking. But also! I use applesauce in my apple cake which not only bumps up that apple flavor but also helps maintain a moist texture.

Cinna Spiced. My apple cake focuses on the warm spice of cinnamon to deepen the flavor profile and pair perfectly with the juicy apples.

Gooey topping! I’m obsessed with the buttery, sugary, cinnamon-y ribbon of deliciousness that adorns the top of this cake. It levels up the decadence and adds a whole new layer of sweetness to each forkful.

This Recipe Calls for Applesauce!

Applesauce is a versatile and popular ingredient in cakes for several delicious reasons:

Moisture Booster: Applesauce adds moisture to the cake, preventing it from becoming dry.

Natural Sweetness: Applesauce brings a natural sweetness to the cake. Using applesauce allows you to cut down on the amount of added sugar in the recipe, providing a healthier option while maintaining a sweet flavor.

Enhanced Flavor: The natural flavor of apples in the applesauce enhances the overall taste of the cake. Because we have apple slices piled into this cake, having an apple flavor to the base from the applesauce enhances the apple flavor even more!

Improved Texture: The moisture content in applesauce contributes to a softer and more tender crumb in the cake.

Ingredients for Gluten Free Apple Cake

Eggs

Provide structure, moisture, and help bind the ingredients together.

Applesauce

Acts as a moistening agent, adds natural sweetness, and contributes to the overall texture of the cake. Not only is it great for texture and enhanced flavor, but we don’t have to use any butter or oil because the applesauce gives us everything we need!

Agave Nectar

This is used to add sweetness to the cake. If you don’t have agave nectar or don’t prefer it, honey or maple syrup would be a great substitute!

Vanilla Extract

Enhances the overall flavor profile of the cake, adding a sweet and cozy note.

Blanched Almond Flour

My favorite gluten-free flour alternative. It contributes a rich, nutty flavor and a moist texture to the cake.

Oat Flour

Another gluten-free flour option that adds a light and tender crumb to the cake. I love to use oat flour in conjunction with almond flour because oat flour adds some fluffiness to the cake.

Baking Powder

Acts as a leavening agent, helping the cake rise and become light and fluffy.

Salt

Enhances the overall flavor by balancing the sweetness and other flavors in the cake.

Ground Cinnamon

Adds warmth and depth to the flavor, complementing the apples and sweet cake.

Honeycrisp Apples

Chosen for their sweet flavor and crisp texture. They hold up well during baking, providing bursts of juicy goodness in the cake.

How to Make Gluten Free Apple Cake

Prepare Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, mix together almond flour, oat flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt. These dry ingredients provide structure and flavor to the cake.

Prepare Apples

Peel the skin off the apples and cut them into quarters. Remove the cores and seeds, discarding them. Using the slicer side of a box grater or a mandolin, thinly slice the apples. Add the sliced apples to the dry mixture and toss to coat them evenly with the dry ingredients.

Prepare Wet Ingredients

In a medium bowl, combine the eggs, applesauce, agave nectar, and vanilla extract. Whisk the ingredients together until well combined.

Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Pour the wet ingredients into the large bowl with the coated apples. Use a rubber spatula to toss everything together.

Transfer to the Pan

Line an 8×8 square pan with parchment paper. Transfer the cake batter to the pan, spreading it out evenly.

Prepare Topping

In a small bowl, combine butter cubes, coconut sugar, and cinnamon using your hands. Sprinkle the resulting crumbles over the top of the cake.

Bake Gluten Free Apple Cake

Bake the cake in the preheated oven for approximately 35 minutes or until the top is set, and the center is no longer jiggly.

Cooling

Allow the baked cake to sit in the pan for about 15 minutes. For clean slices, cool the cake for about an hour before slicing. Run a knife around the edges touching the pan, then lift the parchment paper to remove the cake.

Slice and Drizzle

Cut the cooled cake into 12 slices. In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar and milk. Drizzle this mixture over the top of the cake for added sweetness and a decorative touch.

Enjoy

This delicious gluten-free apple cake can be enjoyed on its own or paired with vanilla ice cream or a cup of hot coffee for an extra treat.

Best way to Store Leftover Gluten Free Apple Cake

Room Temperature

If you plan to consume the leftover cake within 1-2 days, you can store it at room temperature. Keep it covered with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out.

Refrigeration

For longer storage (up to a week), store the apple cake in the refrigerator. Cover it with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container.

Freezing Gluten Free Apple Cake

If you want to store the apple cake for an extended period (up to three months), consider freezing it. Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Alternatively, use an airtight container. Thaw the cake in the refrigerator before serving.

Slice Separately

If possible, slice the cake before storing it. This makes it easier to take out individual portions without having to thaw the entire cake.

Use Parchment Paper

Place a sheet of parchment paper between slices before storing to prevent them from sticking together.

Keep Moisture Out

If refrigerating or freezing, make sure the cake is completely cooled before wrapping or storing to prevent condensation and freezer burn.

Thawing Gluten Free Apple Cake

When thawing a frozen cake, do so in the refrigerator to maintain its texture. Allow it to come to room temperature before serving.

Gluten Free Apple Cake Variations to Try

Nut Additions: Mix chopped nuts such as walnuts, pecans, or almonds into the batter for added crunch and flavor.

Raisins or Dried Fruit: Include raisins, dried cranberries, or chopped dried apricots to add a sweet and chewy element to the cake.

Caramel Swirls: Drizzle caramel sauce over the batter before baking or create a caramel swirl by layering it within the batter.