Delicious Gluten-Free Apple Cake (Soft, Moist & Irresistible!)

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By Gianna Poulef

Gluten-Free Apple Cake

Fall is my favorite time to bake, and today I’m so thrilled to share this Delicious Gluten-Free Apple Cake with you. It’s everything I love about autumn in one bite — tender apples, warm spice, and that sweet aroma that fills the kitchen like a hug from Nonna.

Thank you for stopping by my kitchen here on Poulef — I’m always so grateful for your visits! If you haven’t already, make sure to subscribe to my newsletter so you never miss another cozy homemade treat like this one.

Overview of the Recipe

This gluten-free apple cake is the kind of dessert that makes you smile before you even take a bite. It’s soft, moist, and perfectly spiced, with chunks of juicy apples nestled in a tender almond flour crumb. Whether you’re serving it as a brunch centerpiece, a holiday dessert, or a tea-time snack, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser — no gluten, no problem!

Why You’ll Love It

  • Naturally gluten-free and easy to make with simple pantry ingredients.
  • Moist and tender thanks to almond flour and fresh apples.
  • Refined sugar–friendly options — swap in coconut sugar or honey for a wholesome twist.
  • A cake that actually gets better the next day (yes, really!).

What It Tastes Like

Imagine biting into a soft, slightly dense crumb infused with the sweet tang of baked apples and a light almond nuttiness. It’s comforting, warm, and nostalgic — like apple pie met the best sponge cake ever.

Health Benefits

  • Gluten-free: Perfect for those with gluten sensitivities.
  • Lower in carbs: Thanks to almond flour.
  • Protein-rich: Eggs and almond flour pack a little nutritional boost.
  • Naturally sweetened options: You can easily reduce or replace the sugar.

Ingredients

  • 3 large eggs
  • 3 cups chopped apples (any firm, sweet variety like Honeycrisp or Fuji)
  • 1 ½ cups almond flour
  • ½ cup granulated sugar (or coconut sugar)
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch or coconut flour

(Optional: 1 teaspoon cinnamon, ½ teaspoon nutmeg, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract for a cozy flavor boost!)

Tools You’ll Need

  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk or hand mixer
  • Rubber spatula
  • 9-inch round cake pan or loaf pan
  • Parchment paper for lining

Suggested Substitutions

  • Flour: You can use hazelnut flour for a deeper flavor.
  • Sugar: Swap for maple syrup or coconut sugar for natural sweetness.
  • Apples: Pears or peaches also work beautifully in this batter!

How to Make Delicious Gluten-Free Apple Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Apples

Peel and chop your apples into small cubes. Toss them lightly in a tablespoon of cornstarch — this helps them stay juicy and not sink to the bottom of the cake.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs and sugar until pale and fluffy. Add the vanilla if using.

Step 3: Add the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, mix almond flour, baking powder, and cornstarch. Gradually fold the dry mixture into the wet ingredients. The batter will be thick but creamy.

Step 4: Fold in the Apples

Gently fold in the apples using a spatula, making sure they’re evenly distributed.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Pour the batter into a greased and lined cake pan. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 35–40 minutes, or until golden on top and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Let the cake cool completely before slicing. Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with a simple maple glaze if you like.

What to Serve with Delicious Gluten-Free Apple Cake

  • A scoop of vanilla ice cream for a dessert-worthy finish.
  • A warm mug of chai or coffee for cozy afternoon vibes.
  • Whipped cream with a sprinkle of cinnamon for an elegant touch.

For more cozy desserts, check out these reader favorites:

Tips for Making It Perfect

  • Use fresh apples — older ones can turn mushy.
  • Don’t overmix the batter; it can make the cake dense.
  • Let it rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing for best texture.
  • For extra flavor, add a tablespoon of applesauce or a dash of rum extract.

Storage Instructions

Store covered at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
Freeze slices individually wrapped for up to 2 months. Reheat in the microwave for 20 seconds to restore its softness.

General Information

This cake is a staple in many American and European homes, especially in fall when apples are at their best. My grandmother used to serve a version of this after Sunday dinners — always dusted with powdered sugar and served warm. It’s the kind of recipe that feels like home.


Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can I make this cake dairy-free?
Yes! This recipe is already dairy-free if you skip the glaze or use non-dairy milk in it.

Q2: Which apples are best?
Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Pink Lady apples hold their texture beautifully in this cake.

Q3: Can I make this into muffins?
Absolutely! Pour into muffin tins and bake for 20–25 minutes.

Q4: Can I use another flour?
You can use oat flour, but the texture will be a bit denser. Almond flour gives the best moist crumb.

Conclusion

This Delicious Gluten-Free Apple Cake is comfort food done right — simple, sweet, and satisfying. Whether you bake it for a cozy family brunch or as a healthy treat for yourself, it’s sure to become a regular in your kitchen.

If you loved this recipe, try my Fluffy Gluten-Free Pancakes next!

Happy baking, my friend — and don’t forget to share your creation on Pinterest at https://www.pinterest.com/poulefrecipe/.

Interactive Elements

Leave a comment below — I’d love to hear how your apple cake turned out!
Tag your photos on Pinterest or Instagram with #PoulefRecipe to be featured.

Nutritional Information

NutrientPer Serving (1 slice)
Calories210 kcal
Protein6 g
Carbohydrates18 g
Sugar11 g
Fat13 g
Saturated Fat2 g
Fiber3 g
Sodium70 mg
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Delicious Gluten-Free Apple Cake (Soft, Moist & Irresistible!)


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  • Author: Poulef
  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x

Description

This Delicious Gluten-Free Apple Cake is moist, tender, and full of sweet apple flavor — a comforting fall dessert made with almond flour.


Ingredients

Scale

3 large eggs

3 cups chopped apples

1 ½ cups almond flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

2 tablespoons cornstarch or coconut flour

½ cup granulated sugar


Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Peel and chop apples.

3. Whisk eggs and sugar until fluffy.

4. Combine almond flour, baking powder, and cornstarch.

5. Fold dry ingredients into wet mixture.

6. Add apples, pour into pan, and bake 35–40 minutes.

7. Cool and serve.

Notes

Use sweet apples like Fuji or Honeycrisp.

Can substitute coconut sugar for granulated.

Top with cinnamon glaze for extra flavor.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 210
  • Sugar: 11g
  • Sodium: 70mg
  • Fat: 13g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 18g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 6g
  • Cholesterol: 65mg
Delicious Gluten-Free Apple Cake (Soft, Moist & Irresistible!)
Gianna Poulef
CEO, Chef & Recipe Creator at BLYNO LLC | Website

I’m Gianna Poulef from Poulef Recipes. I love sharing perfected dishes from my kitchen. I’m sure they’ll earn a spot in your heart. Let’s savor this journey together!.

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