• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

This Vivacious Life logo

  • Welcome
    • About the vivacious girlโ€ฆ
    • Privacy Policy
  • Mocktails
  • Recipes
  • Entertaining
    • Halloween
    • Thanksgiving
    • Christmas
  • Charcuterie
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
menu icon
go to homepage
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • Welcome
    • About the Vivacious Girlโ€ฆ
    • Privacy Policy
  • Mocktails
  • Recipes
  • Entertaining
    • Halloween
    • Thanksgiving
    • Christmas
  • Charcuterie
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
  • ร—
    Home ยป Recipes ยป Gluten-Free Sweet Treats ยป Gluten Free Apple Cake

    Gluten Free Apple Cake

    Modified: Mar 27, 2024 ยท Published: Feb 28, 2024 by Chandice ยท This post may contain affiliate links ยท 55 Comments

    JUMP TO RECIPE
    Gluten Free Apple Cake pin

    This super moist gluten free apple cake is perfect for anyone craving a taste of fall. Topped with caramel drizzle, it’s an easy, yet delicious dessert for any occasion.

    If you like easy dessert recipes, you’ll love these gluten-free brownies, gluten-free Oreo balls, soft gluten-free pumpkin cupcakes, gluten free lemon drizzle cake, this creamy gluten-free cheesecake, or this easy dairy free chocolate pudding.

    Gluten free apple cake on a white cake stand

    Why I love this apple cake recipe

    • Gluten-free goodness: Thanks to a quality blend of gluten-free flour, you won’t even know this recipe is gluten free. With the same great texture as a regular apple cake, this is a great option for those with celiac disease or another gluten allergy. Bob’s red mill or King Author’s gluten-free flour blend is my favorite kind. 
    • It’s customizable: While this recipe is already a show stopper, you can make it your own with your favorite toppings.
    • Perfect for any occasion: Like these easy apple cider cupcakes, gluten free carrot cake or gluten free pineapple upside down cake , this cake is suitable for any occasion. From laid back family gathering to a special events, this cake has got you covered.
    • Easy to make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe couldn’t be easier to put together. Just like these oat flour pancakes with maple syrup.
    Gluten free apple cake on a white cake stand

    How to make a gluten free apple cake

    Dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine dry ingredients.

    Wet ingredients: In a stand mixer or large bowl, beat together wet ingredients until mixed well. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet and incorporate.

    Prepare: Spray a 9 inch cake pan with non-stick cooking spray. Then, spread out melted butter and brown sugar in the bottom of the pan.

    Gluten free apple cake on a white cake stand

    Arrange: Place the sliced apples in concentric circles on top of the brown sugar. Pour the cake batter over the apples.

    Bake: Bake for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

    The sauce: While the cake is baking, boil butter, brown sugar, and cream. Whisk consistently and drizzle over the cooled cake.

    Pro tip: I recommend using really good quality butter like Kerrygold for the best results.

    Make ahead, storage, and freezing instructions

    Make ahead: Prepare the cake batter in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Or, you can bake the cake ahead of time, cool it completely on a wire rack, and store it as instructed below. Warm the cake before serving, if desired, or enjoy it chilled.

    Storage: Wait until the cake has cooled to room temperature then place in an airtight container and store on the counter for 2-3 days. If you want to preserve the shelf life, store in the fridge.

    How to freeze: Wrap individual slices of cake or the entire cake tightly in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped cake in a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and warm before serving.

    Gluten free apple cake on a white cake stand

    Recipe variations

    • Apple pear cake: Replace half of the fresh apple slices with pear slices for a fun flavor twist.
    • Touch of spices: If you want to embrace the warm fall flavors, add a touch of nutmeg and cloves to the batter along with the cinnamon and allspice.
    • Chopped nuts: Stir in chopped walnuts or pecans to the cake batter for an extra crunch and hint of nuttiness.

    More easy gluten free recipes

    • These vegan oatmeal raisin cookies made with almond flour are the perfect healthy dessert or after school snack.
    • If you have leftover diced apples, serve them with this baked brie and jam.
    • This gluten-free sweet potato casserole is another great recipe for fall.
    • These gluten-free apple pie jars just like a traditional apple pie, but in a cute little jar!
    • If I need a lazy but delicious dessert recipe, this instant pot apple crisp is always my go-to.

    Need an EASY and delicious breakfast, lunch, dinner or dessert?
    Take a look at my Sheet Pan Meals and More!

    NEED MORE GOODNESS? Follow me on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and Twitter for great recipes, entertaining ideas and more!

    Gluten Free Apple Cake

    Gluten Free Apple Cake with ice cream on a plate
    4.84 from 6 votes
    This super moistย gluten-free apple cakeย is perfect for anyone craving a taste of fall. Topped with caramel drizzle, it's an easy, yet delicious dessert for any occasion.
    If you like easy dessert recipes, you'll love theseย gluten-free brownies,ย gluten-free Oreo balls,ย soft gluten-free pumpkin cupcakes, thisย creamy gluten-free cheesecake, or thisย easy dairy free chocolate pudding.ย 
    PRINT RECIPE SaveSaved!
    Prep Time: 15 minutes mins
    Cook Time: 40 minutes mins
    Total Time: 55 minutes mins
    Course: Dessert, Sweet Treats
    Cuisine: American
    Keyword: apple, cake, gluten-free
    Servings: 12 servings
    Calories: 444kcal
    Author: Chandice Probst

    Ingredients

    • 2 1/4 cups gluten-free all-purpose flour (King Arthur works the best)
    • 1 1/4 cups sugar
    • 3 teaspoons baking powder
    • 1 teaspoons baking soda
    • 1 teaspoons xanthan gum
    • 2 teaspoons cinnamon
    • 1/2 teaspoons allspice
    • 1/2 teaspoon salt
    • 2/3 cup whole or 2% milk
    • 1/2 cup butter softened
    • 2 eggs
    • 1 teaspoon gluten-free vanilla extract
    • 2/3 cup brown sugar
    • 1/2 cup butter melted
    • 2 small apples cut into 1/4 inch slices

    Caramel Topping

    • 1 cup brown sugar
    • 1/2 cup butter
    • 2 tabelspoons heavy cream

    Instructions

    • Preheat oven to 350 degrees
    • Combine all dry ingredients together in a large mixing bowl
    • In a large stand mixer, beat sugar and 1/2 C butter then add eggs, milk and vanilla and mix well
    • Slowly add flour mixture to the wet and incorporate
    • Meanwhile spray a 9 inch cake pan with nonstick spray and spread out 1/2 C melted butter into the bottom of the pan and sprinkle with 2/3 brown sugar evenly
    • Place sliced apples in concentric circles on top of the brown sugar and press them down then pour the cake batter over apples
    • Bake at 350 degrees for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out crumby but clean
    • Meanwhile, bring 1/2 C butter, 1 C brown sugar and 2 T cream to a boil while whisking constantly, drizzle warm sauce over cooled cake

    Notes

    Make ahead, storage, and freezing instructions

    Make ahead:ย Prepare the cake batter in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Or, you can bake the cake ahead of time, cool it completely on a wire rack, and store it as instructed below. Warm the cake before serving, if desired, or enjoy it chilled.
    Storage:ย Wait until the cake has cooled to room temperature then place in an airtight container and store on the counter for 2-3 days. If you want to preserve the shelf life, store in the fridge.ย 
    How to freeze:ย Wrap individual slices of cake or the entire cake tightly in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped cake in a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and warm before serving.ย 

    Recipe variations

    • Apple pear cake:ย Replace half of the fresh apple slices with pear slices for a fun flavor twist.ย 
    • Touch of spices:ย If you want to embrace the warm fall flavors, add a touch of nutmeg and cloves to the batter along with the cinnamon and allspice.ย 
    • Chopped nuts:ย Stir in chopped walnuts or pecans to the cake batter for an extra crunch and hint of nuttiness.ย 

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1slice of cake | Calories: 444kcal | Carbohydrates: 73g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 69mg | Sodium: 344mg | Potassium: 211mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 55g | Vitamin A: 546IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 114mg | Iron: 1mg

    What type of apples work best for this cake?

    My favorite thing to do when making an apple cake is using a variety of different kinds of fresh apples. This allows for all kinds of apple flavor. Honey crisp, granny smith, golden delicious apples, pink lady, etc. combine nicely to give you sweetness, tartness, and a crisp taste.

    This post was originally published December 6, 2018 but has since been updated on July 21, 2022 with new photos and some helpful information. Here is the original photo…

    Share:

    Chandice of This Vivacious Life

    Hi, I'm Chandice!

    Parties, gatherings, gorgeous food and ESPECIALLY holidays with my people are what make my heart pitter patter. Having a place to share our favorite traditions, recipes and celebrations is very important to me. I live each day with unapologetic, authentic happiness and hope to help others do the same. More About Chandice

    FREEBIES

    Subscribe to receive a FREE e-book of Instant Pot Dinner Recipes!

     

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Rachel Vaughn says

      June 01, 2023 at 12:39 am

      As I read the instructions the amount of butter in the ingredients list doesnโ€™t match the amount in the instructions.

      Reply
      • Chandice says

        June 01, 2023 at 2:21 pm

        Sorry, it has been updated for you…

        Reply
    2. Marianne says

      July 23, 2022 at 3:19 pm

      I would like to cut back in sugar. Anyone try to use coconut sugar and maybe cut it in half? Sane with brown sugar.

      Reply
      • Chandice says

        July 25, 2022 at 4:20 pm

        You can certainly cut the sugar but it may not taste the same.

        Reply
    3. Nick says

      January 01, 2019 at 4:36 am

      I love the brown sugar caramel sauce in this recipe, Iโ€™m a sucker for anything caramel.

      Reply
    4. Kayla Klontz says

      January 01, 2019 at 2:37 am

      I love the caramel apple sauce addition to this.

      Reply
    5. Jessica To says

      December 31, 2018 at 9:08 pm

      I love the caramel but I would like to try it with pears too.

      Reply
    6. cyndi br says

      December 31, 2018 at 8:25 pm

      I would add blueberries to the recipe

      Reply
    7. Kelly D says

      December 31, 2018 at 6:11 pm

      I love the caramel sauce since it is one of my favorite toppings.

      Reply
    8. Erin Lane says

      December 30, 2018 at 12:35 am

      Honestly, what I liked best about this recipe is that Kodiak Cakes makes gluten free options. I had not idea and now I can’t wait to try them! I really hope I win.

      Reply
    9. Lindsay A. says

      December 29, 2018 at 5:23 am

      Oh YUM! I’d love to try this recipe with pears as well – one of my favorite fruits!

      Reply
    10. Laurajj says

      December 27, 2018 at 5:32 am

      I would love to try this with strawberries this summer from our garden!

      Reply
    11. Elle says

      December 24, 2018 at 6:39 pm

      I like the apples on top – nice addition especially with the cinnamon.

      Reply
    12. Georgette Coan says

      December 23, 2018 at 3:17 pm

      I would love to make this with pears.

      Reply
    « Older Comments
    4.84 from 6 votes (1 rating without comment)

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    Chandice of This Vivacious Life

    Hi there, Iโ€™m Chandice!

    I love sharing ways to live more vivaciously! Celebrate life with us through unforgettable gluten-free recipes, easy mocktails and everyday entertaining ideas…

    Read More

    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter

    Seasonal Recipes & Entertaining

    Gluten Free Soft Pretzels on parchment paper square image

    Easy Gluten Free Soft Pretzels (Bites Option Too)

    Gluten Free Bagels all next to each other some with seeds

    Homemade Gluten Free Bagels (Chewy NYC Style)

    Easy Hawaiian Roll Sliders on a marble plate

    Easy Hawaiian Roll Sliders

    Featured Posts

    Easy Tater Tot Casserole on a spoon

    Easy Tater Tot Casserole (Grandma’s Recipe)

    Gluten-Free Mac and Cheese in a bowl

    20-Minute Creamy Gluten Free Mac and Cheese (in the Instant Pot)

    Plate of golden brown gluten-free crescent rolls

    Flaky, Buttery Gluten Free Crescent Rolls (That defy gluten free gravity!)

    Grazing Table on butcher paper

    Grazing Table (Easy & Delicious!)

    Single cinnamon roll sitting on a speckled plate, slathered in cream cheese frosting and a bite taken out to show the soft texture.

    Homemade, Fluffy Gluten Free Cinnamon Rolls

    gluten free ramen in a white bowl with egg on top and seasoning

    8-Minute Gluten Free Ramen (Just like you remember!)

    Footer

    As seen on

    Footer

    โ†‘ back to top

    About

    • About Me
    • Privacy Policy

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates
    • Check out my web stories

    Contact

    • Contact

    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright ยฉ 2022 This Vivacious Life

    Rate This Recipe

    Your vote:




    A rating is required
    A name is required
    An email is required

    Recipe Ratings without Comment

    Something went wrong. Please try again.