Sweet Scent of Autumn Bliss
Is there anything better than the warm aroma of cinnamon wafting through your kitchen, mingling with the sweet scent of apples? Picture yourself slicing into a soft, fluffy cake that’s as easy to make as it is delightful to eat. This Gluten-Free Cinnamon Sugar Apple Cake is your new go-to recipe when you crave a slice of comfort food that says, “Welcome home!” 🍏🍰
Why Make This Recipe
This cake checks all the boxes for a delightful dessert. First off, it’s super easy to make—you can whip it up in under an hour with just one bowl. And who doesn’t love easy cleanup, right? Plus, it’s incredibly family-friendly; kids love the sweetness, and adults can appreciate the healthier twist with gluten-free ingredients.
Oh, and did I mention it’s great for any occasion? Birthday? Check. Holiday? Double-check. Just because? Count it!
Ingredients
You don’t need fancy stuff — just these basics!
- 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
Channel your inner baker with these easy steps:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and line and lightly grease a 9×9-inch cake pan (round or square).
- In a large bowl, whisk together the milk, maple syrup, apple sauce, melted coconut oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until combined.
- Add the gluten-free all-purpose flour, almond flour, baking powder, baking soda, and cinnamon. Gently mix until just combined—don’t overdo it, or your cake might get mad at you!
- Fold in the thinly sliced apples until they’re evenly distributed throughout the batter. Then, transfer this batter to your prepared cake pan.
- In a small bowl, mix together all ingredients for the cinnamon sugar topping, then sprinkle it evenly over the top of the cake.
- Bake for 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Remove from the oven, take it out of the pan, and let it cool completely on a wire rack before serving. Just before serving, add a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a drizzle of powdered sugar icing for that extra oomph! 🌟
How to Make Gluten-Free Cinnamon Sugar Apple Cake (Overview)
Let’s break it down! Prepare to mix, fold, and bake your way to dessert heaven:
- Start by whisking the wet ingredients before adding the dry—in one bowl, no less!
- Pro Tip: Make sure your eggs and milk are at room temperature; it helps the batter come together nicely.
- Once mixed, fold in those lovely apple slices—they’re the star of the show!
- Sprinkle on that cinnamon sugar topping like you mean it, and voilà, you’re ready to bake!
How to Serve Gluten-Free Cinnamon Sugar Apple Cake
This cake is best served warm, with a side of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream that melts into the cake. The golden brown crust and the soft, spiced interior sound a little like a hug, don’t you think? You might even want to drizzle a little extra maple syrup on top to elevate the experience. Your taste buds will thank you! 😍
How to Store Gluten-Free Cinnamon Sugar Apple Cake
Want to enjoy the magic later? This cake keeps well for about 3-4 days in the fridge. Just cover it to keep it moist—nobody likes a dry cake! If you need to store it for longer, it freezes beautifully for up to 2 months. Make sure you wrap it tightly, then just thaw before enjoying again.
Tips to Make Gluten-Free Cinnamon Sugar Apple Cake
Here are some quick insider tricks to amp up your baking game:
- Swap the apple: Feel free to use pears or even berries for a fruity twist.
- Texture tip: For extra moisture, add a couple of tablespoons of yogurt to the batter.
- Timing: Let your cake cool completely before cutting; this helps it hold its shape!
Variation
Want to take it up a notch? Change up the flavor by adding nuts or raisins to the batter for an added crunch and chew. You can even make it vegan by swapping out the eggs for flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water per egg) and using dairy-free milk.
FAQs
Can I use regular flour instead of gluten-free?
Sure! Just substitute it 1:1, but keep in mind it won’t be gluten-free anymore.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare it a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just warm it up a bit when you’re ready to serve.
How do I freeze the cake?
Wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before serving.
Now you’re ready to fill your kitchen with that tantalizing scent of cinnamon sugar goodness! 🍏📌 Pin this recipe for your next cozy dinner night!
Gluten-Free Cinnamon Sugar Apple Cake
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 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
Dry Ingredients
- 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
Topping Ingredients
- 1 apple cored and very thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon melted butter (or melted coconut oil)
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and line and lightly grease a 9×9-inch cake pan (round or square).
- In a large bowl, whisk together the milk, maple syrup, apple sauce, melted coconut oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until combined.
- Add the gluten-free all-purpose flour, almond flour, baking powder, baking soda, and cinnamon. Gently mix until just combined.
- Fold in the thinly sliced apples until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Transfer the batter to your prepared cake pan.
Topping and Baking
- In a small bowl, mix together the sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter (or coconut oil) for the topping, then sprinkle it evenly over the top of the cake.
- Bake for 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Remove from the oven, take it out of the pan, and let it cool completely on a wire rack before serving.
- Just before serving, add a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a drizzle of powdered sugar icing for extra flavor.
Notes
Printable Recipe Card
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