Moist, Fluffy Almond Flour Apple Cake (Gluten-Free) Recipe

If you’re dreaming of a dessert that checks every box—simple to make, gently sweet, and incredibly tender—this Moist, Fluffy Almond Flour Apple Cake (Gluten-Free) is your next must-bake treat. Brimming with diced fresh apple, a touch of cozy cinnamon, and that marvelous texture you get only from almond flour, this cake manages to feel wholesome yet decadent all at once. Each bite offers a lovely balance: moistness from the apple and maple syrup, fluffiness from whipped eggs, and a fragrant warmth that makes it just as great for breakfast as it is for an after-dinner dessert. Guilt-free, gluten-free, and ridiculously satisfying—let’s get baking!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of my favorite things about this recipe is how it makes the most of simple pantry staples and everyday produce. Each ingredient truly matters in building that signature flavor and texture unique to this cake—no fillers or guesswork! Here’s what you’ll need, and why:

• Almond flour: Brings moistness, tenderness, and a slight nuttiness that makes this cake naturally gluten-free and so satisfying.
• Baking soda: Just a little is enough to give the cake a lovely rise without any aftertaste.
• Ground cinnamon: Infuses the batter with a warm, inviting aroma that pairs perfectly with apples.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and deepens the overall flavor.
• Eggs: Add structure and fluffiness, helping the cake stay light despite being flourless.
• Maple syrup or honey: Brings just the right touch of natural sweetness and keeps the crumb moist.
• Melted coconut oil or butter: Lends richness and a subtle hint of flavor depending on your preference—use coconut oil for dairy-free.
• Vanilla extract: Enhances all the other flavors and adds a glorious aroma to each bite.
• Apple (peeled and finely diced): The star ingredient—juicy, sweet, and full of flavor with every forkful.
• Apple cider vinegar or lemon juice: A tiny amount reacts with the baking soda to boost rise and velvety crumb.
• Optional toppings (apple slices, chopped nuts, or cinnamon sugar): These add eye-catching appeal and extra texture if you want to customize the finish.

How to Make Moist, Fluffy Almond Flour Apple Cake (Gluten-Free)

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking by the time you’re done mixing. Lightly grease an 8-inch round or square pan, then line the bottom with parchment paper—this simple step means you’ll never wrestle cake out of the pan again! Trust me, flawless removal is part of the joy.

Step 2: Whisk the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the almond flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt. This ensures the leavening and spice get evenly distributed without any clumps, giving your cake both lift and a perfectly spiced flavor throughout.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

Grab a second bowl and whisk your eggs, maple syrup (or honey), melted coconut oil (or butter), vanilla extract, and apple cider vinegar (or lemon juice) until the mixture is smooth and cohesive. Mixing these together before combining with the dry ingredients means every bite is evenly sweet, fragrant, and rich.

Step 4: Mix Wet and Dry into a Beautiful Batter

Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry mixture. Stir everything together until just combined—no over-mixing! The resulting batter should be thick yet pourable, and evenly speckled with cinnamon.

Step 5: Fold in the Diced Apple

Gently fold in the finely diced apple. This helps the apples stay evenly distributed, so you get moist, apple-packed bites from edge to center. It’s the texture contrast and natural juicy sweetness that make this a standout Moist, Fluffy Almond Flour Apple Cake (Gluten-Free).

Step 6: Pour, Top, and Bake

Spoon the batter into your prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. If you’re feeling fancy, add a layer of thinly sliced apples, a sprinkle of chopped nuts, or a dusting of cinnamon sugar—the toppings bake into a beautiful, golden finish! Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until deeply golden and a toothpick emerges clean from the center.

Step 7: Cool and Release

Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes (it keeps the crumb tender and the release easy), then gently transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. This final wait ensures the flavors fully develop and makes slicing neat and easy—if you can resist digging in right away!

How to Serve Moist, Fluffy Almond Flour Apple Cake (Gluten-Free)

Garnishes

This cake is dreamy all on its own, but a simple garnish can make it feel extra special. A dusting of powdered sugar, a swirl of whipped coconut cream, or a scattering of toasted almonds turns the Moist, Fluffy Almond Flour Apple Cake (Gluten-Free) into a bakery-worthy presentation. Even a few extra fresh apple slices right before serving look beautiful and add a juicy touch.

Side Dishes

Pairing is everything! I love serving a thick wedge of this cake alongside steaming mugs of tea or robust coffee for a cozy brunch or afternoon snack. It also plays well next to a scoop of vanilla ice cream or dairy-free sorbet for a show-stopping dessert duo. Add crisp apple slices or a simple fruit salad for a lighter, refreshing bite.

Creative Ways to Present

For gatherings or just for fun, try turning the cake into mini squares or cupcake-style portions—perfect for portioning and sharing. Stack two thin slices with a layer of yogurt or nut butter in between for a playful twist. You can even toast leftover slices lightly for breakfast and enjoy that warm, aromatic apple spice aroma all over again!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Moist, Fluffy Almond Flour Apple Cake (Gluten-Free) covered at room temperature for up to two days—the texture holds beautifully and the cake stays moist. For longer storage, transfer it to an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy for up to five days. The flavor often deepens as it sits, making each slice even better the next day.

Freezing

This cake freezes like a dream! Slice the cooled cake and wrap each piece in plastic wrap or parchment before placing in a freezer-safe bag or container. It will keep its flavor and moist crumb for up to two months. Thaw slices overnight in the fridge or let them sit at room temperature for about an hour before serving.

Reheating

To restore that fresh-baked goodness, warm slices gently in the microwave for about 15–30 seconds, or in a low oven for 5–10 minutes. This revives both moistness and fragrance, making leftover Moist, Fluffy Almond Flour Apple Cake (Gluten-Free) taste bakery-fresh even days later!

FAQs

Can I use another type Dessert, Snack

Almond flour is essential to achieve the signature moist, fluffy texture in this cake. Swapping for another flour, like coconut or wheat, will drastically change both flavor and consistency, so it’s best to stick with almond flour for this recipe.

Does the cake taste strongly of almonds?

The flavor is beautifully subtle—almond flour gives a gentle nuttiness without overpowering the apples or cinnamon. Most people don’t even pinpoint the almond specifically, but just enjoy the moist crumb and richness.

Can I make Moist, Fluffy Almond Flour Apple Cake (Gluten-Free) dairy-free?

Absolutely! Just use melted coconut oil in place of butter, and the cake stays completely dairy-free. It’s a great option whether you’re avoiding dairy or simply love the faint tropical scent coconut oil brings.

What apple variety works best in this recipe?

Any crisp, sweet-tart apple like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala bakes into the perfect tender bite. Stick to firmer apples—they hold their shape better, which means pockets of juicy apple in every slice.

Can I double the recipe for a larger crowd?

Yes, you can easily double the ingredients and bake in a 9×13-inch pan. The baking time may be slightly longer, so keep an eye out and test with a toothpick for doneness around the 40-minute mark.

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to experience the joy of baking and sharing the Moist, Fluffy Almond Flour Apple Cake (Gluten-Free). Whether it’s your first time baking with almond flour or you’re already a superfan, this incredibly tender, subtly spiced cake is bound to become a repeat favorite. Happy baking—and don’t forget to savor every last crumb!

Print