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Indulge in the warm, comforting flavors of this Cinnamon Sugar Apple Cake. Perfect for any occasion, this cake combines the sweetness of apples with a delightful cinnamon sugar topping.
Growing up, the aroma of cinnamon and apples baking in the oven always brought a sense of comfort and joy. This Cinnamon Sugar Apple Cake is a tribute to those cherished memories, bringing a modern twist to a classic favorite.
Get ready to embark on a culinary adventure that will fill your home with the irresistible scent of cinnamon and apples.
What to Expect
- Time: Approximately 45 minutes
- Difficulty: Easy
Before You Begin
Before you start, make sure all your ingredients are at room temperature. This ensures a smooth batter and even baking. Also, preheat your oven to 350° Fahrenheit and prepare your cake pan by lining it and lightly greasing it.
Ingredients You’ll Need
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Milk (I used almond milk) | 1/2 cup |
| Maple syrup | 1/2 cup |
| Unsweetened apple sauce | 1/4 cup |
| Melted coconut oil or melted butter | 1/3 cup |
| Large eggs | 2 |
| Vanilla extract | 1 teaspoon |
| Gluten-free all purpose flour | 2 cups |
| Almond flour | 1 cup |
| Baking powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Baking soda | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Cinnamon | 1 teaspoon |
| Apple, cored and very thinly sliced | 1 |
| For the cinnamon sugar topping: Sugar | 1/2 cup |
| Cinnamon | 1 teaspoon |
| Melted butter or melted coconut oil | 1 tablespoon |
Step-by-Step Guide
- Preheat your oven to 350° Fahrenheit. 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.
- Add the gluten-free all purpose flour, almond flour, baking powder, baking soda, and cinnamon to the wet ingredients. Gently mix until just combined.
- Fold the thinly sliced apples into the cake batter until evenly distributed.
- Transfer the batter to the prepared cake pan.
- In a small bowl, mix together the sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter for the topping. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the cake.
- Bake the cake for 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted down the center comes out clean.
- Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for a few minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire cooling rack to cool completely before serving.
- Just before serving, sprinkle with powdered sugar or drizzle with powdered sugar icing.
Notes
Make your own mix using pure Cinnamon and Sugar. If making a crumb, use GF Flour or Almond Flour.
- Spray: Use a baking spray explicitly labeled “Gluten-Free” (some brands use rice flour).
- Dusting: Grease with butter and dust with Granulated Sugar instead of flour. It creates a delicious crunchy crust and releases easily.
- Gum Check: Ensure your flour blend lists Xanthan Gum.
- The Dice: Dice the apples small (1/2 inch). Large chunks create wet pockets that stay raw.
Pointers for Perfection & How to Store
For the best results, make sure your apples are thinly sliced to ensure they bake evenly. Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
If you loved this recipe, you might also enjoy our Maple Air Fryer Apples Recipe.
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Cinnamon Sugar Apple Cake: Best Gluten-Free Dessert
- Total Time: 60
- Yield: 8 slices 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Gluten-Free Cinnamon Sugar Apple Cake is the essence of fall comfort baking. It features a tender, moist crumb packed with chunks of fresh sweet-tart apples and is finished with a generous crunchy cinnamon-sugar topping. It’s an easy, one-bowl dessert that tastes like a cross between a coffee cake and an apple pie.
Ingredients
— The Cake Batter —
½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
¾ cup granulated sugar
¼ cup light brown sugar, packed
2 large eggs, room temperature
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 ½ cups gluten-free all-purpose flour blend (ensure it contains xanthan gum)
1 ¾ teaspoons baking powder
½ cup milk (whole milk or almond milk)
¼ teaspoon salt
— The Apples —
2 large apples (approx. 2 cups), peeled, cored, and diced into ½-inch cubes (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best)
— The Cinnamon Sugar Topping —
⅓ cup granulated sugar
1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan (or springform pan) generously with butter or cooking spray. (Lining the bottom with parchment paper is recommended for easy removal).
2. Prepare the Topping: In a small bowl, whisk together the ⅓ cup sugar and 1 ½ teaspoons cinnamon. Set aside.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl (or stand mixer), cream the softened butter, ¾ cup granulated sugar, and brown sugar together on medium speed until light and fluffy (about 3 minutes).
4. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Add Dry & Liquid: In a separate small bowl, whisk the gluten-free flour, baking powder, and salt. Add half of this flour mixture to the butter mixture and mix gently. Pour in the milk and mix. Add the remaining flour mixture and mix just until combined. (Do not overmix).
6. Fold in Apples: Using a spatula, gently fold the diced apples into the batter until evenly distributed.
7. Fill the Pan: Scrape the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with your spatula.
8. Top It Off: Sprinkle the reserved cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the entire surface of the batter.
9. Bake: Bake for 40–50 minutes. The cake is done when the top is golden and crusty, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs (try to avoid hitting an apple chunk when testing).
10. Cool: Let the cake cool in the pan for at least 15-20 minutes. Run a knife around the edge to loosen it before releasing it from the pan (if using springform) or slicing directly from the pan.
Notes
Apple Choice: A mix of tart (Granny Smith) and sweet (Gala/Fuji) apples provides the best depth of flavor. Ensure you dice them relatively small so they cook through.
Gluten Free Flour: Use a ‘Measure for Measure’ blend like King Arthur or Cup4Cup. If your blend does not have xanthan gum, add ½ teaspoon to the dry ingredients.
Serving Suggestion: This cake is incredible served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Storage: Store covered at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 45
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 28
- Sodium: 180
- Fat: 12
- Saturated Fat: 7
- Unsaturated Fat: 4
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 44
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 3
- Cholesterol: 65
Your Burning Questions Answered!
- Can I use regular flour instead of gluten-free flour?
- Yes, you can substitute regular all-purpose flour for the gluten-free flour.
- Can I use a different type of milk?
- Absolutely! Any type of milk, such as dairy, almond, or oat milk, will work fine.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake the cake a day in advance and store it in an airtight container.
Dig In & Enjoy!
This Cinnamon Sugar Apple Cake is a delightful treat that brings warmth and comfort to any occasion. Whether you’re enjoying it with a cup of tea or sharing it with friends and family, it’s sure to be a hit. For more delicious ideas, follow me on My Pinterest.