Discover the ultimate Gluten-Free Cinnamon Sugar Apple Cake, a moist, flavorful dessert perfect for any occasion! This recipe provides a simple yet impressive way to enjoy a classic treat without gluten, making it an ideal choice for those with dietary needs or anyone seeking a delicious homemade indulgence.
Key Ingredients for Gluten-Free Cinnamon Sugar Apple Cake
- 2 cups gluten-free all-purpose flour blend (ensure it contains xanthan gum)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy alternative like almond or oat milk)
- 2 medium-sized apples (such as Gala, Fuji, or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and diced into small cubes
- 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar (for topping)
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon (for topping)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (for topping)
How to Make Gluten-Free Cinnamon Sugar Apple Cake
This Gluten-Free Cinnamon Sugar Apple Cake is surprisingly simple to whip up, delivering a wonderfully moist crumb and bursts of apple flavor. The crunchy cinnamon-sugar topping adds the perfect finishing touch, creating a dessert that’s both comforting and elegant. With a preparation time of about 20 minutes and a baking time of 30-35 minutes, you can enjoy this delightful cake with minimal fuss.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan or an 8×8 inch baking dish using gluten-free flour. You can also line the bottom with parchment paper for easier removal.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, baking powder, baking soda, salt, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, and nutmeg. Set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Alternate Dry and Wet: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients (add about one-third of the dry ingredients, mix until just combined, then add half of the milk, mix, add another third of the dry ingredients, mix, add the remaining milk, mix, and finally add the remaining dry ingredients, mixing until just combined). Be careful not to overmix.
- Fold in Apples: Gently fold the diced apples into the cake batter until they are evenly distributed.
- Pour into Pan: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and spread it evenly.
- Prepare Topping: In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar and 1 tablespoon of cinnamon. Sprinkle this cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the top of the cake batter.
- Drizzle with Butter: Drizzle the melted butter over the cinnamon-sugar topping.
- Bake: Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
- Cool: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Why You’ll Love This Gluten-Free Cinnamon Sugar Apple Cake
You’ll absolutely adore this Gluten-Free Cinnamon Sugar Apple Cake for its incredibly tender crumb and the delightful pockets of baked apple that meld perfectly with warm cinnamon spice. It’s a much more budget-friendly option than store-bought gluten-free cakes, offering homemade quality and deliciousness without breaking the bank. The glistening cinnamon-sugar topping, enhanced by a final drizzle of butter, provides a satisfying crunch and a hint of caramel-like sweetness that elevates every bite, making it a truly special treat reminiscent of your favorite apple crisp but in cake form.
Imagine the cozy aroma filling your kitchen as this cake bakes – it’s pure comfort! Unlike a dense gluten-free bread, this cake is light, moist, and bursting with fruity goodness, making it perfect for breakfast, a snack, or dessert. Ready to impress yourself and your loved ones? Give this amazing Gluten-Free Cinnamon Sugar Apple Cake a try; you won’t be disappointed!
Storing and Reheating Tips
To keep your Gluten-Free Cinnamon Sugar Apple Cake fresh and delicious, store it properly. Once completely cooled, you can store it at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 2 days. For longer storage, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil, and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
If you want to freeze portions for later enjoyment, allow the cake to cool completely. Cut it into individual slices, wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap, and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen cake slices will maintain their best quality for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, you can gently warm a slice in a toaster oven or microwave on a low setting until just heated through. If reheating from frozen, allow it to thaw slightly at room temperature before warming.
Final Thoughts
This Gluten-Free Cinnamon Sugar Apple Cake is a testament to how delicious gluten-free baking can be, offering a comforting and delightful experience for everyone. Gather your ingredients and give this simple recipe a try; the warm spices and sweet apples are sure to bring joy to your table.
Gluten-Free Cinnamon Sugar Apple Cake
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan or an 8×8 inch baking dish using gluten-free flour. You can also line the bottom with parchment paper for easier removal.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, baking powder, baking soda, salt, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, and nutmeg. Set aside.2 cups gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.1/2 cup unsalted butter, 1 cup granulated sugar
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.2 large eggs, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients (add about one-third of the dry ingredients, mix until just combined, then add half of the milk, mix, add another third of the dry ingredients, mix, add the remaining milk, mix, and finally add the remaining dry ingredients, mixing until just combined). Be careful not to overmix.2 cups gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg, 1/2 cup milk
- Gently fold the diced apples into the cake batter until they are evenly distributed.2 medium-sized apples
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and spread it evenly.
- In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar and 1 tablespoon of cinnamon. Sprinkle this cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the top of the cake batter.1/4 cup packed light brown sugar, 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- Drizzle the melted butter over the cinnamon-sugar topping.2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely.