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    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…

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    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

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Karen D says

      December 21, 2018 at 6:02 pm

      Sounds fabulous! Think I’d try it with pears, since they also pair well with caramel.

      Reply
    2. Shauna says

      December 20, 2018 at 9:29 pm

      Peaches

      Reply
    3. Chrissy says

      December 20, 2018 at 12:17 am

      I think this recipe sounds delicious but I’d also love to try to make it with peaches!

      Reply
    4. kate tildes says

      December 20, 2018 at 12:12 am

      \
      I can’t find Kodiak Cake’s gluten-free stuff anywhere!

      Reply
      • Chandice says

        December 23, 2018 at 3:48 am

        Oh no, I am sorry to hear that. You can find it on amazon. ๐Ÿ™‚

        Reply
    5. Carolyn says

      December 18, 2018 at 5:52 am

      Caramel & apple sound delicious. Maybe add a few cranberries too

      Reply
    6. aaron reck says

      December 17, 2018 at 4:21 pm

      Peaches or pears would be so good with it as well but I love the apples.

      Reply
    7. Shauna price says

      December 17, 2018 at 12:48 pm

      My favorite dessert.

      Reply
    8. Karen says

      December 14, 2018 at 11:30 pm

      Kodiak mix is the best! This would be a delicious treat!

      Reply
    9. sheila ressel says

      December 14, 2018 at 11:15 pm

      5 stars
      This sounds great! I would love to try it with peaches too.

      Reply
    10. Maryann D. says

      December 14, 2018 at 10:52 pm

      5 stars
      I love pineapple so that is what I like about this recipe. I would also like to try this with cherries.

      Reply
    11. Julie says

      December 14, 2018 at 8:13 pm

      5 stars
      This would be good with pears

      Reply
    12. Georgiana says

      December 14, 2018 at 2:05 am

      I would try it with peaches and dates. I love the apples in it too!

      Reply
    13. Stefanie says

      December 13, 2018 at 11:30 pm

      4 stars
      I’d love to serve this to friends on Christmas Morning and would also try the recipe with some cherries instead of the apple and caramel. YUM!

      Reply
    14. Terra says

      December 11, 2018 at 11:49 pm

      I would love to try this out with a Granny Smith Apple or some peaches!

      Reply
    15. Katie says

      December 10, 2018 at 7:45 pm

      I love that it’s apple! Thats my weakness!

      Reply
    16. J Angers says

      December 09, 2018 at 12:41 pm

      I love apple pie, so this would be a great alternative.

      Reply
    17. Aimee W says

      December 09, 2018 at 6:47 am

      I canโ€™t wait to try this recipe.

      Reply
    18. April says

      December 09, 2018 at 3:47 am

      I would love to make this with pear! I might also add some chopped crystallized ginger to the batter.

      Reply
    19. Rachel Bertagnoli says

      December 08, 2018 at 7:29 pm

      I would love to try this recipe with berries or pineapple!

      Reply
    20. Jeffrey says

      December 08, 2018 at 6:54 pm

      The recipe sounds really good and the photos are awesome. I’d would try the recipe with pears and dates!

      Reply
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    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…

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