• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Well Fed Baker
  • Recipe Index
  • 30 Minute Meals
  • Pie Ebook
  • About
  • Newsletter
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipe Index
  • 30 Minute Meals
  • Pie Ebook
  • About
  • Newsletter
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Recipe Index
    • 30 Minute Meals
    • Pie Ebook
    • About
    • Newsletter
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • ×
    Home » Cakes

    Gluten Free Apple Cake

    Published: Sep 1, 2022 · Modified: Mar 31, 2025 by Tiffany · This post may contain affiliate links · 2 Comments.

     

     

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    Years ago, my ex's father gave me his mother's favorite fresh apple cake recipe and asked me to make it for him. Everyone who tried it said it was the best apple cake they had ever had. So naturally I wanted to adapt it into a gluten free apple cake, so I could continue to eat it.  

    The only problem is, I lost the recipe! For 10 years, I assumed my ex had taken the recipe card when he moved out and I cursed him many times for his devious recipe card theft.  Then one day, I was flipping through a cookbook and found it tucked between the pages. So, I've created this perfect recreation to share with you. 

    This delicious cake is filled with chunks of fresh apples, shredded coconut, and warm spices.  It's perfect served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a cup of coffee.  

    This recipe is very similar to an old fashioned apple dapple cake that is normally made in a bundt pan.  You can prepare this recipe in the bundt pan too, I've included notes at the bottom of the recipe. Hopefully you'll love it as much as we do!

    A gluten free apple cake topped with fresh apple slices cooling on a wire rack.

    Every apple season, my son and I go apple picking and I love using all of the fresh apples in my recipes.  If you have a lot of apples on hand, try out my gluten free apple muffins, this amazingly easy gluten free apple crumble or my favorite gluten free dutch apple pie.

    Jump to:
    • Ingredient Notes
    • Substitutions & Variations
    • How to prepare the apples
    • How to make a gluten free apple cake
    • Storage
    • Recipe FAQs
    • More gluten-free cakes to consider:
    • Recipe

    Ingredient Notes

    This cake recipe uses quite a few ingredients.  But they are all simple ingredients that can be found in any grocery store.  Plus, the recipe is both gluten free and dairy free as written.

    Ingredients for a gluten free apple cake on a white table.
    • Gluten-Free Flour Blend - I use Bob's Red Mill 1-to-1 gluten free flour for all of my baking. You can use your favorite blend, just ensure it contains a binder like xanthan gum or you will need to add it.  I have not tested this recipe with any other brands of flour, so your results may vary. 
    • Vegan Butter - I use Country Crock Plant Butter for this recipe. Any dairy free butter will work fine, as long as it is the stick type and not margarine.  You could also use solid coconut oil if you prefer.  If you're not dairy free, you can use regular unsalted butter in the same measure.
    • Non-Dairy Milk - I use unsweetened coconut milk or oat milk in all of my baking. You can use the non-dairy milk or your choice. If you're not dairy free, regular milk will work fine in the same measure.
    • Pecans - The traditional apple dapple cake uses walnuts, but Southerners typically make it with pecans instead. You can use whichever nut you prefer.
    • Golden Raisins - The raisins provide a little extra texture and sweetness, making it more like a fruit cake.  If you're a raisin hater, you can leave them out without any other changes to the recipe. 
    • Shredded Coconut - Use unsweetened coconut since there is already enough sweetness from the other ingredients.
    • Apples - I use 2 apples cut into cubes for the inside of the cake.  I like to use thin apple slices to decorate the top of the cake.  If you don't want big chunks of apple inside, you could also grate the apples with a box grater.

    See the recipe card for full ingredient list with measurements.

    Substitutions & Variations

    • Not Dairy Free - use dairy butter and milk in the same measure.
    • Make it Vegan / Egg Free - This cake uses 2 eggs, which I would replace with a combination of a baking soda + vinegar egg and some applesauce.
    • No pecans - Replace the chopped pecans with walnuts, which is used in the traditional apple dapple cake.
    • No Raisins - If you don't have raisins or don't like them, you can omit them entirely. If you're looking for a replacement, I'd suggest dried cranberries.

    How to prepare the apples

    A hand holding small cubes of fresh apple.

    Use two apples for the inside of the cake.  Peel the skins and cut them into small chunks, about ¼" inch thick.  

    For the top of the cake, I prefer to leave the skins on because I like the color contrast of the skins against the golden brown color of the cake.  Cut the slices very thin, close to ⅛" thick.

    How to make a gluten free apple cake

    Before you begin mixing this easy recipe, line a 9x13 baking pan with parchment paper and spray it with non-stick spray.

    Butter and sugar being creamed together in a large metal mixing bowl.

    STEP 1: Cream together the butter and sugar with an electric mixer until it's light and fluffy.

    Eggs and vanilla beaten into creamed butter and sugar.

    STEP 2: Add the eggs and vanilla extract and continue to beat until combined, about 60 seconds.

    Partially mixed cake batter beaten in a metal mixing bowl.

    STEP 3: Combine the dry ingredients together in a separate bowl and whisk to mix well.  

    Turn your mixer to the lowest setting, alternate adding half of the dry ingredients then half of the milk to bowl with the wet ingredients.  Repeat with the remaining ingredients.

    Fresh apples, coconut, pecans and raisins being added to the cake batter.

    STEP 4: Add the chopped apples, coconut, raisins, and pecans to the cake batter.  Stir them in by hand with a rubber spatula.

    Unbaked gluten free apple cake in a 9x13 pan topped with slices of fresh apples.

    STEP 5: Spread the batter into a lined 9x13 pan (it will be thick). Place some thinly sliced apples on top of the batter and sprinkle with turbinado sugar, then bake.

    Storage

    Apple cake is very dense and moist.  Because of the fresh apples baked into the cake, you will definitely want to store it in the refrigerator.  I have a 9x13 baking pan with a plastic lid, like this one.

    If your pan doesn't have a lid, cover with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container before storing.  Apple cake should keep for 3-4 days, if it lasts that long. 🙂

    A slice of apple cake on a white plate.

    Recipe FAQs

    What are the best apples to use for apple cake?

    Any time I make an apple dessert, I always try to use a variety of apples. Some are better for cooking or baking and others have better flavor.  For this cake, I used a combination of Granny Smith apples, Gala apples, and Golden Delicious apples.

    Can I make this apple cake in a bundt pan?

    Yes. The only change I would recommend if using a bundt pan is to grate the apples with a box grater instead of dicing them.

    Does this apple cake need frosting?

    Some apple dapple cakes have a caramel drizzle over the top. I think my vegan salted caramel sauce or my apple cider caramel would be amazing with this cake if you want a topping.

    Personally, I never add a topping to this rustic cake, since it's more like a fruit cake and already pretty sweet.

    More gluten-free cakes to consider:

    • A sliced loaf of gluten free apple bread sitting on a cutting board.
      Gluten Free Apple Bread
    • A sliced apple cider donut cake on a white plate.
      Apple Cider Donut Cake
    • A slice of gluten free hummingbird cake served on a small dessert plate.
      Gluten Free Hummingbird Cake
    • Three slices of gluten free blueberry cake stacked on a wooden cutting board.
      Gluten Free Blueberry Cake

    If you try this recipe, please leave a 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 star rating and let me know how you liked it in the comments below.


    Recipe

    A slice of gluten free apple cake on a white plate.

    Gluten Free Apple Cake

    This old-fashioned apple cake is filled with chunks of apples and loads of nuts. It's perfectly sweet, plus gluten free and dairy free.
    Author: Tiffany
    5 from 2 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Dessert
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 1 hour hour
    Total Time: 1 hour hour 15 minutes minutes
    Servings: 20
    Calories: 260kcal
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Ingredients

    • 2 Cup Gluten Free 1-to-1 Flour Blend
    • 3 teaspoon Baking Powder
    • ½ teaspoon Salt
    • 1 teaspoon Cinnamon
    • 10 Tablespoon Vegan Butter room temperature
    • 2 Cup Sugar
    • 2 Eggs room temperature
    • 1 teaspoon Vanilla
    • 6 Tablespoon Non-Dairy Milk
    • 1 Cup Pecans roughly chopped
    • 1 Cup Golden Raisins
    • 1 Cup Sweetened Shredded Coconut
    • 2 Cup Apples chopped into ¼” cubes
    • 1 Apple thinly sliced for topping
    • 1 Tablespoon Turbinado Sugar optional

    Instructions

    • Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a 9x13 pan with parchment paper and spray with non-stick spray.
    • In a large bowl, combine flour, baking powder, salt and cinnamon. Stir well and set aside.
      2 Cup Gluten Free 1-to-1 Flour Blend, 3 teaspoon Baking Powder, ½ teaspoon Salt, 1 teaspoon Cinnamon
    • In the bowl of an electric mixer, combine butter and sugar. Beat on medium high speed for 2-3 minutes.
      10 Tablespoon Vegan Butter, 2 Cup Sugar
    • Add the eggs one at a time, mixing for 60 seconds between each addition. Add the vanilla. Scrape down bowl.
      2 Eggs, 1 teaspoon Vanilla
    • Turn the mixer to the lowest setting and slowly add the flour mixture, alternating with the milk. When it is about half incorporated add in the pecans, raisins, coconut and apples. You may have to stir the remainder by hand.
      6 Tablespoon Non-Dairy Milk, 1 Cup Pecans, 1 Cup Golden Raisins, 1 Cup Sweetened Shredded Coconut, 2 Cup Apples
    • The mixture will be very thick and chunky, not like normal cake batter. Turn it out into the prepared pan and spread it evenly covering the whole pan. I topped mine with coarse sugar and thinly sliced apples and sprinkle with turbinado sugar, which is totally optional, but makes it look pretty.
      1 Apple, 1 Tablespoon Turbinado Sugar
    • Bake in preheated oven for 55-60 minutes until toothpick inserted comes out clean. Cool completely before slicing.

    Notes

    APPLES: I prefer to use a variety of apples in any apple dessert as some have better flavor, where others have better texture.  If you can only choose one apple, go with granny smith which holds up best to baking.
    STORAGE: Store leftover apple cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
    PAN SIZE: This recipe is made in a 9x13 pan, but you can also use a bundt pan.  If you prefer a bundt cake, then I would recommend you cut the apple chunks very small or opt to shred the apples with a box grater so the texture would be less chunky.
    Calories: 260kcal | Carbohydrates: 41g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 0.03g | Cholesterol: 16mg | Sodium: 189mg | Potassium: 128mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 30g | Vitamin A: 324IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 63mg | Iron: 1mg
    Tried this recipe?Mention @wellfedbaker or tag #wellfedbaker!
    Tiffany

    Tiffany is the recipe developer, stylist and food photographer behind Well Fed Baker. As a lifelong baker who had to go gluten free and dairy free in 2016, Tiffany strives to share allergen friendly recipes that never feel like they are free from anything.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Anne says

      November 05, 2024 at 8:15 pm

      5 stars
      Not a crumb left! i made this cake for a family gathering and it was enjoyed by
      everyone. I had decided to leave out the nuts and raisins because my grands aren't fans,
      I put the pan in the oven after thinking I had followed the recipe exactly. As I am cleaning up I realize I didn't add the coconut! i hoped for the best and the cake was still delicious. Next bake I might try to bake without the parchment paper as it made it a little difficult to serve. Thank you Tiffany for sharing your recipes!

      Reply
      • Tiffany says

        November 06, 2024 at 9:48 am

        I'm so glad you liked it! 🙂

        Reply
    5 from 2 votes (1 rating without comment)

    Leave a Comment Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating





    Primary Sidebar

     

     

    A photo of Tiffany Welsh.

    Hey, I'm Tiffany!

    I love sharing gluten-free comfort food and homestyle baking, featuring Dutch oven meals, nostalgic dinners, classic baked goods, with dairy-free or allergen-friendly options. My recipes lean Southern, seasonal, and practical.

    More About Me

    Strawberry Season

    • A slice of strawberry delight served on a white plate.
      No Bake Strawberry Delight
    • A serving spoon scooping out strawberry cobbler from a white baking dish.
      Easy Strawberry Cobbler Recipe
    • A strawberry pound cake on a white serving plate sitting on a pink table.
      Fresh Strawberry Pound Cake
    • A slice of strawberry blueberry pie topped with star shaped pie crust on a white plate.
      Strawberry Blueberry Pie
    • Sliced strawberry crumb cake stacked on a table.
      Strawberry Crumb Cake
    • Two strawberry waffles topped with syrup and slices of fresh strawberries.
      Gluten Free Strawberry Waffles
    Ad for Perfect Gluten Free Pies cookbook.

    What's Trending

    • Crispy pork carnitas on a sheet pan garnished with lime and cilantro.
      Best Dutch Oven Carnitas (Mexican Pulled Pork)
    • A serving dish of green beans and potatoes with bacon.
      Southern Green Beans and Potatoes
    • A glass bowl filled with air fryer popcorn.
      Air Fryer Popcorn
    • A pan of dairy free Marry Me Chicken sitting on a marble counter.
      Dairy Free Marry Me Chicken
    • Four baked panko chicken breasts sitting on a baking sheet.
      Crispy Baked Panko Chicken
    • A sliced chicken breast drizzled with spicy honey sauce on a serving tray.
      Baked Spicy Honey Chicken
    • Recipe Index
    • 30 Minute Meals
    • Pie Ebook
    • About
    • Newsletter

    Footer

     

     

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • Accessibility Policy
    • Privacy Policy

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates

    Contact

    • Work With Me
    • About

    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright © 2015-2025 Wellfedbaker

    Rate This Recipe

    Your vote:




    A rating is required
    A name is required
    An email is required

    Recipe Ratings without Comment

    Something went wrong. Please try again.