Gluten-Free Old-Fashioned Apple Cake Recipe

Introduction

This gluten-free old-fashioned apple cake is a tender, spiced treat packed with juicy apples and crunchy nuts. Topped with a rich, buttery frosting, it’s perfect for cozy gatherings or a comforting dessert any time of year.

Ingredients

• 2 1/3 cups (280g) King Arthur Gluten-Free Measure for Measure Flour
• 1 2/3 cups (330g) granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 3/4 teaspoon table salt
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 2 large eggs, at room temperature
• 8 tablespoons (113g) unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups (425g) apples, finely chopped
• 1 cup (113g) walnuts or pecans, diced
• 2 1/4 cups (255g) confectioners’ sugar
• 7 tablespoons (99g) butter
• 2/3 cup (142g) light brown sugar or dark brown sugar, packed
• 1/4 teaspoon table salt
• 1/4 cup (57g) milk
• 3/4 teaspoon King Arthur Pure Vanilla Extract or 1/4 teaspoon vanilla-butternut flavor

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 325°F. Lightly grease a 9″ x 13″ pan.
2. Step 2: Toast the nuts by placing walnuts or pecans in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake at 350°F for 8 to 10 minutes until fragrant. Set aside to cool.
3. Step 3: In a large bowl, mix together the gluten-free flour, granulated sugar, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, eggs, and softened butter. Stop mixing as soon as the mixture looks uniformly crumbly.
4. Step 4: Add the finely chopped apples and toasted nuts. Mix at low speed until the apples release juice and the batter becomes thick and creamy, about 3 minutes. The consistency should be between cookie dough and brownie batter.
5. Step 5: Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan, smoothing the top with wet fingers.
6. Step 6: Bake for 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. The cake’s internal temperature should reach about 205°F.
7. Step 7: Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool on a rack while you prepare the frosting.
8. Step 8: Sift the confectioners’ sugar into a bowl or onto parchment paper and set aside.
9. Step 9: Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir in brown sugar and salt, cooking until the sugar just begins to melt and the mixture is fairly smooth, without pooled butter.
10. Step 10: Add the milk and bring the syrup to a boil. Remove from heat and pour into a mixing bowl. Let cool for 10 minutes.
11. Step 11: Quickly pour the confectioners’ sugar into the warm syrup along with vanilla extract or flavor. Whisk vigorously until smooth and thoroughly combined. Work quickly as the frosting thickens as it cools.
12. Step 12: Spread the warm frosting evenly over the cooled cake’s surface.
13. Step 13: Cut into squares and serve warm or at room temperature.

Tips & Variations

• Use crisp apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best texture and flavor.
• For nut-free version, simply omit the walnuts or pecans and replace with extra apples.
• Toasting the nuts enhances their flavor and adds a lovely crunch to the cake.
• Make sure eggs are at room temperature to help create a smooth batter.

Storage

Store the cake covered at room temperature for several days to keep it moist and flavorful. For longer storage, freeze wrapped tightly. Thaw at room temperature and reheat gently if desired.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular flour instead of gluten-free flour?

Yes, you can substitute regular all-purpose flour in the same quantity if gluten is not a concern.

How do I know when the cake is fully baked?

Insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs. The internal temperature should be about 205°F for perfect doneness.

Gluten-Free Old-Fashioned Apple Cake Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 141 reviews

This Gluten-Free Old-Fashioned Apple Cake is a moist and flavorful dessert that combines tart apples, crunchy nuts, and warm spices in a tender crumb. Topped with a luscious brown sugar butter frosting, it offers a perfect balance of sweetness and texture. Ideal for those seeking a delicious gluten-free treat that doesn’t compromise on classic homemade cake goodness.

• Author: Ria
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 12 to 15 servings 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cake Ingredients

• 2 1/3 cups (280g) King Arthur Gluten-Free Measure for Measure Flour
• 1 2/3 cups (330g) granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 3/4 teaspoon table salt
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 2 large eggs, at room temperature
• 8 tablespoons (113g) unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups (425g) apples, finely chopped
• 1 cup (113g) walnuts or pecans, diced

Frosting Ingredients

• 2 1/4 cups (255g) confectioners’ sugar
• 7 tablespoons (99g) butter
• 2/3 cup (142g) light brown sugar or dark brown sugar, packed
• 1/4 teaspoon table salt
• 1/4 cup (57g) milk
• 3/4 teaspoon King Arthur Pure Vanilla Extract or 1/4 teaspoon vanilla-butternut flavor

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F and lightly grease a 9″ x 13″ pan to prepare for baking.
2. Toast the nuts: Spread the walnuts or pecans in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F for 8 to 10 minutes until fragrant. Remove and allow them to cool.
3. Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the gluten-free flour, granulated sugar, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg until evenly distributed.
4. Add wet ingredients and mix: Add the eggs and softened butter to the dry mixture. Stir gently and stop mixing as soon as the batter becomes crumbly but not cohesive.
5. Incorporate apples and nuts: Add the finely chopped apples and toasted nuts to the bowl. Mix on low speed for about 3 minutes until the apples release juice and the batter transforms into a thick, creamy consistency, similar to brownie batter.
6. Spread batter and bake: Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan, smoothing it with wet fingers. Bake for 50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. The internal temperature should reach about 205°F.
7. Cool the cake slightly: Remove the cake from the oven and place it on a wire rack to cool while preparing the frosting.
8. Sift confectioners’ sugar: Sift the confectioners’ sugar into a bowl or onto parchment paper and set aside.
9. Prepare frosting base: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in brown sugar and salt, cooking until the sugar starts melting and the mixture smooths out without pooling butter.
10. Add milk and boil: Pour in the milk and bring the mixture to a boil. Remove from heat and transfer the syrup to a mixing bowl for cooling.
11. Cool syrup and mix frosting: Let the syrup cool for 10 minutes. Then quickly whisk in the sifted confectioners’ sugar and vanilla extract until smooth and combined, as the frosting will thicken rapidly.
12. Ice the cake: Pour the warm frosting evenly over the cake’s surface and spread it out while warm.
13. Serve and store: Cut the cake into squares to serve warm or at room temperature. Store covered at room temperature for several days or freeze for extended storage.

Notes

• Use room temperature eggs for better batter consistency.
• Finely chopped apples are crucial for moisture and texture.
• To avoid overmixing, stop mixing once the dry ingredients come together before adding apples and nuts.
• Use wet fingers to smooth batter for easy handling without sticking.
• Toast nuts to enhance flavor and crunchiness.
• Frosting thickens quickly; prepare and apply it promptly.
• The cake keeps well covered at room temperature or can be frozen for longer preservation.
• This recipe works best with King Arthur Gluten-Free Measure for Measure Flour for texture and rise.

Keywords: gluten-free apple cake, old-fashioned apple cake, gluten-free dessert, apple walnut cake, gluten-free baking