Delicious Almond Flour Apple Cake Recipe – Gluten-Free

What is Almond Flour Apple Cake?

Almond flour apple cake is a rustic, gluten-free dessert that marries the rich, nutty essence of ground almonds with the bright sweetness of fresh apples. Ideal for anyone with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities, this cake delivers a surprisingly moist and tender crumb despite its grain-free nature.

The foundation is almond flour—finely ground blanched almonds that form a protein-rich foundation with an irresistibly tender texture. Combined with fresh apples, you get A delightfully airy yet satisfying cake reminiscent of Italy’s beloved Tort di Male.

Key Ingredients for Almond Flour Apple Cake

What makes this cake special is its beautifully simple, wholesome ingredients:

• Fine Almond Flour: The main ingredient, delivering both moisture and that distinctive nutty depth.

• Fresh Apples: The heart of this dessert, providing natural sweetness and moisture. Choose varieties like Honey crisp, Granny Smith, or Raeburn—they maintain their integrity beautifully during baking.

• Eggs: Nature’s perfect binder, creating lift and structure in this gluten-free version.

• Natural Sweetener: Maple syrup brings nuanced sweetness with caramel undertones.

• Fat: A small amount of oil (like coconut oil) or melted butter provides necessary moisture.

• Leavening & Flavor: Baking powder helps the cake rise, a pinch of salt balances the sweetness, and vanilla extract adds warmth.

• Optional Liquids: Some recipes include applesauce for extra moisture or milk (dairy or non-dairy) to achieve the right batter consistency.

Optional Ingredients to Enhance Flavor

While the basic cake is delicious on its own, several optional ingredients can transform it into something extraordinary:

Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Almond Flour Apple Cake

• Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and line an 8 or 9-inch round pan with butter and parchment.

• Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together almond flour (approx. 2 cups), baking powder (1 tsp), salt (¼ tsp), and any desired spices.

• Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine eggs (2-3), maple syrup (⅓ to ½ cup), vanilla extract (1 tsp), and melted coconut oil or butter (¼ cup).

• Combine & Add Apples: Gently combine wet and dry ingredients—avoid overmixing. Gently fold in the apple pieces.

• Bake: Transfer the batter to the prepared pan, smooth the top, and bake for 35–45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with only a few moist crumbs.

• Cool: Allow the cake to cool in its pan for 10 minutes before the final transfer. This helps the cake set properly.

Baking Tips for Success

• Manage Batter Consistency: Almond flour batter is naturally thick. If it seems too thick, add a tablespoon of milk or apple juice; if too wet, add an extra tablespoon of almond flour.

• Handle Gently: Handle the batter gently—overmixing can make the cake dense. Use lightly greased hands to spread the batter.

• Control Apple Moisture: Exceptionally juicy apples? Pat them dry with paper towels to prevent excess moisture.

• Prevent Over-Browning: Almond flour browns quickly. If the top darkens too fast, cover it loosely with foil for the last 10–15 minutes of baking.

• Master the Toothpick Test: Aim for a few tender crumbs clinging to your tester. Completely clean means it’s overbaked.

Serving Suggestions and Toppings

This cake is beautiful on its own, but these toppings make it even better:

Storage Tips for Almond Flour Apple Cake

Proper storage preserves both the cake’s delicate texture and vibrant flavors:

Variations of Almond Flour Apple Cake

This versatile foundation welcomes countless creative interpretations: