The Sweet Aroma of Fall
Imagine walking into a cozy kitchen filled with the intoxicating scents of warm apples and cinnamon. That’s exactly what you’ll experience with this Gluten-Free Cinnamon Sugar Apple Cake! Perfect for a quick dessert or a sweet treat with your coffee, this cake is not just easy; it’s downright delightful. You only need one bowl and a few simple ingredients to whip up this scrumptious recipe that’ll have everyone coming back for seconds.
Why Make This Recipe?
Why not add a little warmth to your kitchen with this delightful cake? Here are a few reasons why you’ll adore making it:
- Easy Cleanup: Let’s face it, nobody wants to spend an hour scrubbing baking pans. One bowl is all you need!
- Family-Friendly: Whether your kids are picking apples in the orchard or you’re hosting a family gathering, this cake is sure to impress and please all ages.
- Deliciously Healthy: With wholesome ingredients like almond flour and maple syrup, you can indulge without the guilt. Who doesn’t want cake for breakfast? 😉
Ingredients
You don’t need fancy stuff — just these basics! Gather up:
- 1/2 cup milk (I used almond milk, at room temperature)
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
- 1/4 cup unsweetened apple sauce
- 1/3 cup melted coconut oil (or melted butter)
- 2 large eggs (at room temperature)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups gluten-free all-purpose flour (see Notes)
- 1 cup almond flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 apple (cored and very thinly sliced)
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon melted butter (or melted coconut oil)
Directions
Ready to bake? Here’s how to make this delicious cake in just a few easy steps:
- Preheat your oven to 350° Fahrenheit and prep a 9×9-inch cake pan by lining and lightly greasing it.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the milk, maple syrup, apple sauce, melted coconut oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Gently fold in the gluten-free all-purpose flour, almond flour, baking powder, baking soda, and cinnamon until just mixed.
- Now, fold those thinly sliced apples into the batter until evenly distributed.
- Transfer the batter to your prepared cake pan.
- In a small bowl, mix the sugar and remaining cinnamon for the topping, then sprinkle it evenly over the batter.
- Bake for 30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean from the center.
- Once baked, let the cake cool on a wire rack before serving. Drizzle with powdered sugar icing for that extra oomph just before serving!
How to Make Gluten-Free Cinnamon Sugar Apple Cake (Overview)
Making this cake is so straightforward—it’s hardly baking at all! You start by mixing your wet ingredients, adding in the dry ones, and then folding in the apples. Before you know it, you’ve got a cake ready for the oven. Pro tip: Don’t skip letting it cool completely—this allows all those flavors to marry perfectly!
How to Serve Gluten-Free Cinnamon Sugar Apple Cake
Serve this beauty warm right out of the oven with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. The pale-colored cake, speckled with thin apple slices, topped with a sweet cinnamon dusting, is not only a feast for the palate but also for the eyes. You’ll love the contrast of cozy flavors and the sweet, soft bits of apple in every bite. 😋
How to Store Gluten-Free Cinnamon Sugar Apple Cake
Got leftovers? Lucky you! This cake keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days, making it a great make-ahead option for gatherings. Want to save it for longer? Freeze it for up to a month—just be sure to wrap it well to prevent freezer burn. To reheat, pop it in the microwave for a few seconds or let it come to room temperature before enjoying. Easy peasy!
Tips to Make Gluten-Free Cinnamon Sugar Apple Cake
Need a few insider tricks? Here are some helpful tips:
- Measure flour correctly: Spoon and level it to avoid a dense cake.
- Use room temperature ingredients: This helps everything mix together better—trust me!
- Don’t overmix: Just combine until there are no dry spots; this keeps the cake light.
Variation
Feeling adventurous? Swap the apples for pears or add in nuts for a crunchy twist. Want a little more decadence? Drizzle some caramel sauce over the top. You can also make it vegan by substituting the eggs with flaxseed meal and the milk with any plant-based alternative!
FAQs
1. Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! It can be made a day in advance and stored in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.
2. What’s a good substitution for almond flour?
You can use coconut flour, but note that you may need to adjust the liquid since it absorbs more moisture.
3. How can I make this cake more flavorful?
Try adding a dash of nutmeg or a splash of apple cider for an extra layer of flavor!
📌 Pin this recipe for your next cozy dinner night!
Gluten-Free Cinnamon Sugar Apple Cake
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350° Fahrenheit and prep a 9×9-inch cake pan by lining and lightly greasing it.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the milk, maple syrup, apple sauce, melted coconut oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Gently fold in the gluten-free all-purpose flour, almond flour, baking powder, baking soda, and cinnamon until just mixed.
- Fold the thinly sliced apples into the batter until evenly distributed.
- Transfer the batter to your prepared cake pan.
- In a small bowl, mix the sugar and remaining cinnamon for the topping, then sprinkle it evenly over the batter.
- Bake for 30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean from the center.
- Once baked, let the cake cool on a wire rack before serving.
- Drizzle with powdered sugar icing for that extra oomph just before serving!