Sweet, Spicy, and Simply Irresistible

Picture this: a warm, moist cake filled with juicy apple slices and a crunchy cinnamon sugar topping. Seriously, who can resist the aroma wafting through their kitchen? This Gluten-Free Cinnamon Sugar Apple Cake is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to whip up. It’s perfect for cozy Sunday afternoons or as a sweet treat for unexpected guests.

Why Make This Recipe

You’re going to love this cake for a few reasons! For starters, it’s a one-pan wonder—easy cleanup means you can spend more time eating and less time scrubbing pots and pans. Plus, it’s made with wholesome ingredients, so you can enjoy dessert without feeling guilty. ✨ And let’s be real, who can say no to cinnamon-sugar goodness?

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

Ready to get baking? Follow these easy steps:

Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a 9×9-inch cake pan (round or square) with parchment paper. Lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
In a large bowl, combine the milk, maple syrup, apple sauce, melted coconut oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Whisk to blend everything together.
Add the gluten-free all-purpose flour, almond flour, baking powder, baking soda, and cinnamon. Gently mix until just combined; don’t overwork it!
Fold in the thinly sliced apples until they’re evenly distributed throughout the batter. Then, transfer this lovely mixture to your prepared cake pan.
In a small bowl, mix together all the ingredients for the cinnamon sugar topping, then sprinkle it evenly over the top of the batter.
Bake for 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once done, remove from the oven, lift out of the pan, and let it cool completely on a wire rack.
Just before serving, sprinkle with powdered sugar or drizzle with powdered sugar icing if you’re feeling fancy!

How to Make Gluten-Free Cinnamon Sugar Apple Cake (Overview)

Making this cake is a breeze! You start by mixing your wet ingredients, followed by your dry ones. Everything comes together in one bowl, which means less mess. Pro tip: let your ingredients come to room temperature for easier mixing and a better rise. Once you fold in those sweet apple slices, the magic really begins as your kitchen fills with an irresistible scent!

How to Serve Gluten-Free Cinnamon Sugar Apple Cake

Now you’ve got a gorgeous cake that’s ready to impress. Slice it up, and you’ll see the tender apples peeking through. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast of temperatures. The crunchy topping gives way to tender cake, and each bite is bursting with flavor. Seriously, this is the stuff dreams are made of!

How to Store Gluten-Free Cinnamon Sugar Apple Cake

This lovely cake keeps well! You can store it in an airtight container in the fridge for about 3-5 days. If you want it to last longer, freeze slices in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Just make sure to thaw it in the fridge overnight before enjoying—if you can wait that long!

Tips to Make Gluten-Free Cinnamon Sugar Apple Cake

Don’t skip the apples—they add moisture and flavor.
If you’re looking for a lower sugar option, try reducing the maple syrup by a little and replace some of the sugar with mashed banana.
Adjust the spices to your taste—cinnamon is great, but a pinch of nutmeg gives it that extra autumn vibe.
Use a food processor to chop apples quickly if slicing isn’t your jam.
Keep an eye on baking time—every oven is different!

Variation

Want to switch it up? Try adding in chopped nuts for a delightful crunch or swap out the apples for pears! For those looking for a vegan option, substitute flax eggs for the eggs and use plant-based yogurt instead of apple sauce. The world is your gluten-free apple cake oyster!

FAQs

Can I make this without almond flour?
Absolutely! You can replace almond flour with more gluten-free all-purpose flour.

Can I use regular milk?
Yes! Any milk you have on hand will work just fine in this recipe.

How can I make this cake ahead of time?
You can bake it a day before and store it in the fridge. Just warm up slices before serving for that fresh-baked aroma!

📌 Pin this recipe for your next cozy dinner night!