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Gluten-Free Old-Fashioned Apple Cake Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 58 reviews

This Gluten-Free Old-Fashioned Apple Cake is a moist, flavorful dessert featuring finely chopped apples and toasted nuts folded into a spiced gluten-free batter. Topped with a smooth, rich brown sugar buttercream frosting, this cake blends classic autumn flavors with a gluten-free twist, perfect for any occasion or cozy afternoon treat.

Ingredients

Scale

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 Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) and lightly grease a 9″ x 13″ baking pan to prepare it for the cake batter.
  2. Toast Nuts: Spread the walnuts or pecans in a single layer on a baking sheet and toast them in a 350°F (177°C) oven for 8 to 10 minutes until fragrant. Remove and let them cool.
  3. Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the gluten-free flour, granulated sugar, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, eggs, and softened butter. Mix briefly until the mixture is mostly crumbly but not fully cohesive.
  4. Add Apples and Nuts: Fold in the finely chopped apples and toasted nuts. Mix on low speed for about 3 minutes until the apples release some juice and the batter becomes thick and creamy, resembling a consistency between cookie and brownie dough.
  5. Prepare to Bake: Spread the batter evenly in the greased pan, smoothing the surface with wet fingers to ensure even baking.
  6. Bake the Cake: Bake for 50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. The internal temperature should reach approximately 205°F (96°C).
  7. Cool the Cake: Remove the cake from the oven and place it on a wire rack to cool slightly while preparing the frosting.
  8. Prepare Frosting Sugar: Sift the confectioners’ sugar into a bowl or onto parchment paper and set aside.
  9. Make Brown Sugar Syrup: Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the brown sugar and salt, cooking until the sugar begins to dissolve and the mixture becomes smooth without butter pooling on top.
  10. Add Milk and Boil: Pour in the milk and bring the mixture to a boil, then remove from heat.
  11. Cool Syrup: Transfer the syrup to a mixing bowl and let it cool for 10 minutes to prevent melting the confectioners’ sugar too quickly.
  12. Combine Frosting: Quickly whisk the confectioners’ sugar and vanilla extract into the warm syrup until smooth and combined. Work fast as the frosting will stiffen as it cools.
  13. Frost the Cake: Pour the warm frosting over the slightly cooled cake, spreading evenly to cover the entire surface.
  14. Serve and Store: Cut the cake into squares to serve either warm or at room temperature. Store covered at room temperature for several days, or freeze for longer storage.

Notes

  • Finely chopping the apples helps them integrate into the batter, creating a moist texture.
  • Using a gluten-free flour blend labeled ‘Measure for Measure’ ensures this cake holds together well without gluten.
  • Toasted nuts add depth of flavor and a pleasant crunch to the cake.
  • The frosting should be poured warm for easy spreading but will firm up as it cools.
  • Storing the cake covered at room temperature keeps it moist; freezing extends its shelf life.
  • You can substitute walnuts or pecans based on preference or allergy considerations.

Keywords: gluten-free apple cake, old-fashioned apple cake, gluten-free dessert, apple nut cake, autumn cake, spiced apple cake

Find it online: https://thefoodrecipe.com/gluten-free-old-fashioned-apple-cake-recipe/