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Gluten Free Apple Cinnamon Cake

Gluten Free Apple Cinnamon Cake Recipe

Gluten-free self-rising flour combines with cinnamon-spiced batter studded with fresh or tinned apples, then tops with caramelized cinnamon-sugar butter mixture before baking. This moist, tender cake delivers legitimately delicious results without compromise, proving gluten-free baking doesn't require sacrifice or taste like cardboard when built on naturally good ingredients.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Servings: 8
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 280
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Cake Ingredients:
  • 2 cups gluten-free self-rising flour
  • 1 teaspoon gluten-free baking powder
  • 2 eggs
  • 125 g softened butter
  • 1 cup caster sugar
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla essence
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 3 cups diced apples or tinned apples
Topping Ingredients:
  • 1/2 cup butter
  • 1/4 cup raw sugar
  • 1/4 cup ground cinnamon

Method
 

  1. Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and preparing a greased baking pan. In a large mixing bowl, cream together 125 g of softened butter with 1 cup of caster sugar until light and fluffy, which typically takes about 2-3 minutes of beating.
  2. Add 2 eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next, then mix in 2 teaspoons of vanilla essence. In a separate bowl, combine 2 cups of gluten-free self-rising flour with 1 teaspoon of gluten-free baking powder and 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon, whisking together to distribute the leavening agents and spices evenly.
  3. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, alternating with 1/2 cup of milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients to prevent overmixing.
  4. Pour the batter into your prepared pan and arrange 3 cups of diced fresh apples or tinned apples over the top, pressing them gently into the batter. For the topping, melt 1/2 cup of butter and combine it with 1/4 cup of raw sugar and 1/4 cup of ground cinnamon, stirring until well combined.
  5. Drizzle this butter-cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the apples and batter. Bake for 35-45 minutes, until a skewer inserted into the cake portion comes out clean and the apples are tender. The top should turn golden brown and slightly caramelized from the cinnamon-sugar topping.
  6. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before turning out onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

What to Serve with gluten free appetizers

This gluten free apple cinnamon cake pairs beautifully with so many accompaniments, whether you’re looking to balance its sweetness or amplify those warm spice notes. I’d serve it alongside vanilla ice cream or whipped cream, letting the cold contrast with the cake’s warmth.
A dollop of Greek yogurt works wonderfully too, adding tanginess that cuts through richness. For beverage pairings, I’d reach for coffee or hot tea, especially chai or cinnamon blends that echo the cake’s flavors.
Want something lighter? Try pairing it with fresh fruit salad or a simple green salad with citrus vinaigrette. The acidity brightens everything. You could even dust extra cinnamon on top before serving, reinforcing those cozy spice notes that make this cake so comforting.