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Gluten Free Apple and Cinnamon Cake

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Pinterest graphic with text and two photos of apple and cinnamon cake.
A stack of three squares of apple and cinnamon cake on a white plate with a silver fork next to it.
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A gluten-free apple and cinnamon sponge cake base with a sweet and creamy spiced icing, made traybake style to keep things simple. This cake is VERY moist, almost like a pudding, and super easy to make. So grab those leftover apples and turn them into a delicious treat that brings all the cosy autumnal vibes!

Looking for a layer cake? Check out this decadent gluten-free lemon cake recipe. Or if you’re a cupcake fan, you’ll love these mouth-watering Nutella filled cupakes.

Top down view of 24 squares of apple and cinnamon cake on a wooden board.

What apples are best for apple and cinnamon cake?

I love the natural sweetness of red eating apples, so I tend to use Pink Lady or Gala varieties for this cake. However, if you prefer a slightly sharper flavour to balance with that deliciously sweet icing, go for the larger green cooking apples, such as Bramleys.

Is this dairy-free?

Yes! There’s the option to use either butter or dairy-free spread both in the cake itself and in the cinnamon icing. I used the Pure Dairy Free Baking Spread which you can find in most large supermarkets in the UK.

Close up of a square of apple and cinnamon cake with icing on top.

Is apple and cinnamon cake low FODMAP?

When cut into 24 squares, a single serving of this cake is safe for those following the elimination phase of the low FODMAP diet, according to the Monash University FODMAP app.

How long will the cake keep?

Because of the high moisture content of those juicy apples, this tasty traybake is best enjoyed within 2-3 days of baking. However, if kept in an airtight container in the fridge, it will last for up to 5 days.

Three squares of apple and cinnamon cake on a white plate, one with a forkful cut away from it.

If you give this gluten-free apple and cinnamon cake a go, let us know how you got on by leaving a comment and rating below, or tagging us in photos of your creations on Instagram @BlueSkyEating. Enjoy! 🙂

Top down view of 24 squares of apple and cinnamon cake on a wooden board.
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5 from 7 votes

Gluten Free Apple and Cinnamon Cake

A deliciously moist spiced apple cake with a creamy cinnamon icing.
Course Dessert
Cuisine American, European
Keyword apple and cinnamon, Baking, Cake, Dairy-free, gluten-free, Traybake
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Cooling time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 50 minutes
Servings 24 squares
Calories 257kcal

Ingredients

For the cake:

  • 230 g gluten-free plain flour (I use Doves Farm)
  • 1/2 tsp xanthan gum
  • 2 tsp baking powder (certified gluten-free if necessary)
  • 1/4 tsp baking soda
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 220 g unsalted butter or dairy-free baking spread (at room temperature)
  • 250 g light brown sugar
  • 3 large eggs
  • 350g grated apple (about 3-4 apples – de-skinned and de-cored weight)
  • 1 1/2 tsp cinnamon

For the icing:

  • 150 g unsalted butter or dairy-free baking spread (at room temperature)
  • 340 g icing sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tsp cinnamon

For decoration:

  • Extra cinnamon (for dusting – optional)

Instructions

Cake:

  • Preheat the oven to 180°C/160°C fan.
  • Grease and line a traybake tin approx 12×9" in size.
  • Sieve the flour into a large bowl. Add the xanthan gum, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Whisk together thoroughly and set aside.
  • Peel, de-core, weigh out and grate the apples.
  • Add the butter/spread and sugar to the bowl of an electric mixer. Beat on a medium speed until pale and fluffy (about 4 minutes). You can also do this by hand.
  • Add one egg, followed by a tablespoon of the flour mixture. Mix on a medium speed (or by hand) until incorporated. Repeat the same process with the other two eggs.
  • Add the grated apple and cinnamon and mix through thoroughly.
  • Add the remaining flour mixture and mix gently on a low speed/by hand until just incorporated.
  • Spoon the mixture into the lined tin and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a skewer comes out clean. If the top starts to brown too much, cover loosely with foil.
  • Remove from the oven and leave in the tin for approx 10 mins before transferring to a cooling rack. Leave for at least 1 hour before icing.

Icing:

  • Add the butter/spread to the bowl of an electric mixer and beat for a few minutes until smooth and creamy. You can also do this by hand or with an electric whisk.
  • Gradually sieve in the icing, mixing to combine after each addition.
  • Add the vanilla extract and cinnamon and mix to combine.
  • Spread the icing smoothly over the cake.
  • Use a mini sieve/tea strainer to dust some extra cinnamon on top (optional).
  • Cut into squares and enjoy!

Video

Nutritional information graphic for apple and cinnamon cake recipe.

Please note that nutritional information is based on estimated quantities and therefore not always 100% accurate.

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Previous Post: « Caramelised Peach French Toast (Gluten Free)
Next Post: Cauliflower and Chickpea Curry (Vegan) »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Amy

    January 4, 2021 at 10:39 pm

    5 stars
    This was such a delicious recipe!

    Reply
  2. Jessica Stroup

    January 5, 2021 at 1:00 am

    5 stars
    My family devoured this! So easy and delicious!

    Reply
  3. Kim Guzman

    January 5, 2021 at 2:11 am

    5 stars
    Perfect recipe for breakfast with coffee!

    Reply
  4. Leslie

    January 5, 2021 at 5:53 pm

    5 stars
    So perfect!!!

    Reply
    • Tracey Carr

      September 29, 2021 at 12:08 pm

      5 stars
      Absolutely delicious 😋
      The cake is so moist and just the right amount of cinnamon.
      Definitely one of my favourite gluten free cake recipes.

      Reply
      • Catherine

        October 15, 2021 at 4:43 pm

        Great to hear, so glad you enjoyed! 🙂

        Reply
  5. Emily Woodward

    January 6, 2021 at 12:49 am

    5 stars
    So tasty!

    Reply
  6. Debra

    January 6, 2021 at 8:51 pm

    5 stars
    Delicious….and so easy to make!

    Reply

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Welcome! 👋

I'm Catherine - the recipe developer and food photographer behind Blue Sky Eating. Here you'll find plenty of delicious gluten free foodie inspiration. I hope you enjoy exploring!

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