Gluten-Free Apple Pecan Yogurt Cake with Maple Drizzle

This gluten-free apple pecan yogurt cake is the kind of cozy bake you’ll want to make on repeat. Made with cinnamon-spiced apples, Greek yogurt for extra moisture, and finished with crunchy pecans and a touch of maple syrup, it’s simple, comforting, and perfect for everything from weekend brunch to an easy dessert.

And if you’re new to gluten-free baking, this recipe is a great place to start, especially if you’ve ever struggled with dry results — these gluten-free baking tips for beginners can make all the difference

Let’s Make This Moist Gluten-Free Apple Pecan Cake Together

Follow these easy steps and you’ll have a nostalgic, moist gluten-free apple pecan cake ready to enjoy—no stress, just simple baking fun!

Step 1: Prep Apples

Toss chopped apples with brown sugar and cinnamon in a bowl and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare Wet Ingredients

 Whisk olive oil, sugar, eggs, salt, and Greek yogurt in another bowl.

Step 3: Combine Wet & Dry

Whisk together gluten-free flour, almond flour, and baking powder in a large bowl. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently mix until just combined. Do not overmix.

Step 4: Spread Batter in a Baking Pan

Spread the batter evenly in a parchment-lined 9 x 13-inch (23 x 33 cm) baking pan.

Step 5: Layer Apples Over Cake Batter

Spoon the prepared apple mixture evenly over the cake batter.

Step 6: Top with Pecans & Maple Syrup and Bake

Sprinkle chopped pecans over the apples and drizzle with maple syrup. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 40–45 minutes, until golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool in the pan before slicing.

Substitutions & Variations

• Oil: Swap olive oil with avocado oil or melted coconut oil (cooled).
• Nuts: Walnuts work instead of pecans, or omit entirely.
• Almond Flour: Replace with 65 grams of certified gluten-free oat flour or flour blend
• Dairy-Free: Replace Greek yogurt with thick, unsweetened dairy-free yogurt.
• Sugar: Coconut sugar can replace brown sugar in the apple layer.
• Maple Syrup: Honey works, though maple gives deep maple flavor.

FAQ – Beginner-Friendly Tips

What apples work best?
Firm, slightly tart apples like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Granny Smith hold their shape and balance the sweetness perfectly. Here is a complete guide for best apples for baking.

Do I need to peel the apples?
Yes — peels can turn chewy and distract from the soft cake texture.

Why use Greek yogurt?
Greek yogurt adds moisture, richness, and structure for a tender, non-crumbly gluten-free cake.

Can I overmix the batter?
Yes. Mix just until flour disappears. Overmixing makes gluten-free cakes dense.

Can I make this ahead?
Absolutely. It actually tastes better the next day, with flavors settling in and the cake staying moist.

If you are new to baking with apples, check out our list of easy gluten-free apple recipes for beginners.

Serving Gluten-Free Apple Pecan Yogurt Cake

This cake is happy anytime, anywhere. Serve it slightly warm with a spoonful of whipped cream or vanilla yogurt for dessert, or enjoy it with coffee in the morning and call it “breakfast cake” (no judgment here).

Feeling fancy? A scoop of vanilla ice cream melting into the cinnamon apples is never a bad idea. A light dusting of powdered sugar makes it feel bakery-worthy, even if you’re serving it straight from the pan. 

Storing & Make-Ahead Tips

• Room Temperature: Covered, up to 2 days.
• Refrigerator: Airtight container, up to 5 days.
• Freezer: Slice first; freeze up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature or gently warm.

Why You’ll Love This Gluten-Free Apple Pecan Yogurt Cake

This is the kind of cake that doesn’t need a special occasion. Soft, moist, and flavoured with juicy apple-cinnamon flavor, it’s sweet without being overpowering. Thanks to Greek yogurt, it stays tender for days (a rare gluten-free win), and the six simple steps without using a mixer to make this dessert are so easy, even a child could create an amazing gluten-free apple pecan treat.

This cake is reliable, and exactly the kind of recipe you’ll come back to again and again. Or, check out our 10 Quick and Easy Gluten-Free Apple Recipes.

Tried this recipe?

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Many thanks!

Kristina x