A soft, buttery apple loaf with a hint of tartness and just the right sweetness—the kind that fills your kitchen with that "freshly baked" magic. Made with simple ingredients, lots of love, and (optionally) a splash of brandy for that extra warmth.
This gluten-free apple cake is the perfect treat for tea time, brunch, or a little self-care moment. It's moist, comforting, and oh-so-satisfying. Plus, you can tailor it to your dietary needs, whether you're gluten-free, vegan, keto, or just looking for a healthier dessert option.
Ingredients for the Coziest Gluten-Free Apple Cake
- 2 cups gluten-free all-purpose flour (I use Bob's Mill 1 to 1)
- 1 teaspoon gluten-free baking powder (Bob's Mill)
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (or vegan butter. I use Flora)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar (or monkfruit)
- 2 large eggs (swap for flaxseeds mixture in vegan version)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced (about 1 1/2 cups)
- 2 tablespoons brandy (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a cake tin with butter or non-stick cooking spray.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the gluten-free flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract and applesauce.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Fold in the diced apples and the brandy (if using).
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake tin and smooth the top.
- Bake for 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. If the top starts to brown too quickly, cover it loosely with foil.
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
The Secret to a Moist and Flavorful Gluten-Free Apple Cake
The key to this delicious gluten-free apple cake is the combination of simple, wholesome ingredients and a few clever tricks:
Applesauce for Moisture
Applesauce adds natural sweetness and helps keep the cake moist and tender, even without gluten. It's a great way to reduce the amount of butter or oil needed in the recipe.
Brandy for Warmth (Optional)
A splash of brandy enhances the cozy, autumnal flavors of the cake. If you prefer to keep it alcohol-free, you can simply omit the brandy.
Diced Apples for Texture
Folding in diced apples throughout the batter creates pockets of juicy, tender fruit in every bite. The apples also add natural sweetness and a lovely texture contrast.
Gluten-Free Flour Blend
Using a high-quality gluten-free all-purpose flour blend ensures a light, fluffy crumb that's indistinguishable from a traditional wheat-based cake. Be sure to choose a blend that contains xanthan gum for the best results.
Serving and Storing Your Gluten-Free Apple Cake
This gluten-free apple cake is delicious on its own, but you can also dress it up with a dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of caramel sauce, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
For storage, keep the cooled cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. You can also freeze slices of the cake for up to 3 months, thawing them at room temperature before serving.
Whether you're baking for a cozy afternoon tea, a special brunch, or just because you're craving a comforting treat, this gluten-free apple cake is sure to become a new favorite. Enjoy every moist, flavorful bite!