Prepare to fall in love with this incredibly moist and tender Gluten-Free Apple Cake recipe, a cherished family favorite lovingly adapted for gluten-free diets. Bursting with succulent apples in every bite and finished with a classic, irresistible cinnamon-sugar topping, this cake isn’t just a gluten-free alternative; it’s a sublime creation that stands shoulder-to-shoulder with any traditional apple cake. Inspired by my Mom’s time-honored recipe, which has graced our family table for decades, this version delivers all the comforting flavors and perfect textures you crave, ensuring no one misses the gluten.

Why This Gluten-Free Apple Cake Will Be Your New Favorite

This isn’t just another dessert; it’s an experience waiting to happen. Here’s why this gluten-free apple cake is destined to become a staple in your kitchen:

• A Gluten-Free Twist on a Beloved Classic: This recipe isn’t merely inspired by a traditional apple cake; it is the best classic apple cake, meticulously re-engineered to be entirely gluten-free. My Mom has faithfully baked the same extraordinary apple cake recipe, originally featured in Southern Living in 1992, every single year since. I’ve taken that very recipe, preserving its authentic flavors and comforting textures, and skillfully transformed it into a gluten-free masterpiece that tastes just as incredible as the original. You get all the nostalgia and deliciousness without any of the gluten.
• Perfect Harmony of Textures and Flavors: Every forkful offers a delightful contrast. The cake itself is wonderfully tender, yet light and incredibly moist, generously studded with soft, sweet apples. This rich, apple-packed base is perfectly complemented by a sweet, slightly crunchy cinnamon-sugar topping that adds a layer of texture and an extra burst of warm spice. It’s a symphony of flavors and sensations that truly elevates this simple dessert.
• Simple Ingredients, Exceptional Results: Forget the myth that gluten-free baking requires exotic, hard-to-find ingredients. This apple cake is crafted using common pantry staples you likely already have on hand. It’s an accessible recipe that proves you don’t need a specialty store to create something truly extraordinary and gluten-free.
• The Ultimate Comfort Food for Any Season: While often associated with autumn, this apple cake is a delightful treat year-round. Its warm spices and comforting flavors make it perfect for chilly evenings, but its light, fruity character also makes it a fantastic addition to summer gatherings or spring brunches. It’s versatile, welcoming, and always satisfying.
• Impressive Yet Effortless: Despite its gourmet taste and beautiful appearance, this recipe is surprisingly easy to make. The straightforward instructions and minimal fuss ensure that even novice bakers can achieve a show-stopping dessert that will impress family and friends.

Expert Tips for Gluten-Free Apple Cake Perfection

Achieving the perfect gluten-free apple cake is simple with these expert insights:

• Selecting the Best Apples: The type of apple you choose significantly impacts the cake’s flavor and texture. For this recipe, always opt for a firm, baking variety of apple that holds its shape well when cooked. Green or yellow varieties, such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, Braeburn, Fuji, or Golden Delicious, are excellent choices. Granny Smiths, with their tartness, offer a wonderful counterpoint to the cake’s sweetness, while Honeycrisp provides a crisp texture and balanced flavor. Avoid overly soft or mealy apples, as they can turn mushy during baking.
• Patience is Key: Allow Complete Cooling: This is arguably the most crucial tip for any gluten-free cake, especially one packed with moisture like an apple cake. Do not, under any circumstances, skip leaving the cake to cool completely in the pan. Gluten-free flour blends require ample time to fully absorb all the moisture released by the baking apples. Rushing this step will result in a cake that is soggy, crumbly, or falls apart. Letting it cool ensures a firm, moist, and perfectly structured cake that slices beautifully.
• Serving Suggestions for an Elevated Experience: This apple cake is absolutely divine on its own, perhaps with a simple cup of coffee or tea. However, to truly elevate it into the ultimate fall dessert (or any season’s treat!), consider pairing it with a generous scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a drizzle of warm salted caramel sauce. For an extra touch of indulgence, a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a dusting of powdered sugar can make it feel even more special.
• Accurate Flour Measurement: Gluten-free flours can be denser than traditional wheat flour. Always measure your gluten-free all-purpose flour by spooning it lightly into your measuring cup and then leveling it off with a straight edge (the “spoon and level” method). Scooping directly from the bag can compact the flour, leading to too much flour and a dry, dense cake.
• Don’t Overmix the Batter: While gluten-free cakes don’t develop gluten (which can lead to toughness), overmixing can still incorporate too much air, which then collapses during baking, resulting in a dense texture. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature. This allows them to emulsify properly, creating a smooth, homogenous batter that traps air effectively, leading to a lighter, more tender cake.

The Irresistible Charm of the Cinnamon-Sugar Topping

While the moist, apple-filled cake forms the heart of this dessert, the cinnamon-sugar topping is truly its crown jewel. This simple yet effective addition does so much more than just add sweetness. As the cake bakes, the topping caramelizes slightly, creating a delicate, crisp crust that offers a delightful textural contrast to the soft interior. The aroma of cinnamon permeates the entire cake, enhancing the natural sweetness of the apples and adding that quintessential warm, cozy spice that makes apple desserts so universally loved. It’s a finishing touch that transforms a great cake into an unforgettable one.

Frequently Asked Questions About Gluten-Free Apple Cake

What kind of gluten-free flour should I use?

A good quality gluten-free all-purpose flour blend is crucial for this recipe. Look for blends that typically contain a mix of rice flour, tapioca starch, and potato starch. Some blends also include xanthan gum, which helps with binding. If your blend does not contain xanthan gum, you might want to add ½ teaspoon to the dry ingredients for optimal texture.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes, you can easily adapt this recipe to be dairy-free. Simply substitute the softened butter with a good quality dairy-free butter alternative (stick form works best). For the melted butter in the topping, you can also use dairy-free butter or a neutral oil like melted coconut oil.

How should I store leftover apple cake?

Once completely cooled, store the gluten-free apple cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate it for up to 5-7 days. To enjoy warm, reheat individual slices briefly in the microwave or a low oven.

Can I add nuts or other spices?

Absolutely! For added crunch and flavor, you can fold in ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans with the apples. For a more complex spice profile, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg, allspice, or cardamom to the dry ingredients along with the cinnamon.

Can I use a different size baking pan?

This recipe is designed for a 13×9 inch pan. If you use a smaller pan (e.g., an 8×8 or 9×9 inch square pan), the cake will be thicker, and you will need to increase the baking time. Keep a close eye on it and test for doneness with a toothpick. If using a bundt pan, ensure it is thoroughly greased and floured, and baking time will also vary, often longer.

More Delicious Gluten-Free Desserts You’ll Love

If you’re looking for more incredible gluten-free treats, be sure to explore these fantastic recipes:

• Low Carb Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce
• Healthy Lemon Muffin with Ricotta
• Vegan Cookie Dough Recipe
• Healthy Gluten Free Zucchini Muffins
• Gluten Free Dutch Baby (Gluten Free German Pancake)
• Gluten Free Lemon Cake Recipe

Gluten-Free Apple Cake

Prep:
20 minutes

Cook:
55 minutes

Total:
1 hour 15 minutes

This moist, tender Apple Cake recipe is a real family favorite, a gluten-free friendly version of a cake my Mom has been baking for over 30 years!

Cheryl Malik

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12 servings

Ingredients

Gluten-Free Apple Cake

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  ⅓ cup butter softened

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  2 cups sugar

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  4 eggs

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  2 ½ cups gluten-free all-purpose flour

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  ¼ cup cornstarch

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  1 Tablespoon apple cider vinegar

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  5 cups peeled and chopped apples about 4 large apples (see note)

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  2 Teaspoons baking powder

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  ½ Teaspoon salt

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  2 Teaspoons vanilla extract

Cinnamon-Sugar Topping

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  ½ cup sugar

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  1 Teaspoon cinnamon

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  1 Tablespoon butter melted

Equipment

• 13×9 inch pan

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare your 13×9 inch baking pan by greasing it thoroughly and then lightly dusting it with gluten-free all-purpose flour to prevent sticking.
2. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter at medium speed using an electric mixer until light and creamy. Gradually add the 2 cups of sugar, beating well after each addition until the mixture is fluffy and pale. Add the eggs one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. This creates a smooth, emulsified batter.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the gluten-free all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the creamed butter and sugar mixture, beating with the electric mixer for about 1-2 minutes until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. Gently fold in the peeled and chopped apples and vanilla extract until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
4. Spoon the apple cake batter evenly into your prepared 13×9 inch pan. In a small bowl, combine the ½ cup sugar and 1 teaspoon cinnamon for the topping. Sprinkle this cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the top of the cake batter. Drizzle the 1 tablespoon of melted butter over the topping, which will help it caramelize beautifully.
5. Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until a wooden toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and resist the urge to slice it immediately. Allow the cake to rest until completely cooled in the pan. This critical step allows the gluten-free flour to fully absorb all the delicious moisture from the apples, resulting in a perfectly tender, non-soggy cake.

Notes

For the best results, choose firm, baking apples for this recipe. Yellow or green varieties like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Golden Delicious are highly preferred as they hold their shape and provide excellent flavor and texture after baking.

Nutrition Information

Calories:
375
kcal

|

Protein:
2
g

|

Fat:
8
g

|

Saturated Fat:
4
g

|

Trans Fat:
0.3
g

|

Total Carbs:
44
g

|

Fiber:
0.1
g

|

Sugar:
42
g

|

Net Carbs:
43.9
g

|

Vitamin C:
0.01
mg

|

Cholesterol:
71
mg

|

Sodium:
237
mg

|

Potassium:
26
mg

|

Calcium:
52
mg

|

Iron:
0.4
mg

Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.

 

Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.

 

To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.

© Author:
Cheryl Malik