Gluten Free German Apple Cake

25 Reviews
Published Jan 10, 2023 ∙ Kristina Stosek

This post may contain affiliate links, please see our privacy policy for details.

Jump to Recipe

This traditional Gluten-Free German Apple Cake is moist, buttery, and tender, with a layer of cinnamon-spiced apples baked into the top and a streusel. The apples become soft and flavorful while the cake has a delicate, golden edge, creating a delicious not-too-sweet dessert that tastes much like apple pie.

a slice of gluten free German apple cake

Why You’ll Love This Gluten-Free German Apple Cake

  • Moist and tender – Almond flour and fresh apples give this gluten-free cake a soft, tender texture.
  • Full of apple flavor – A generous layer of cinnamon-spiced apples creates the fresh apple flavor.
  • Not overly sweet – The tartness of the apples balances the buttery cake and optional streusel.
  • Easy and versatile – Bake it in a rectangular or round pan and make it with or without streusel.

Key Ingredients and Swaps

Apples: Use firm apples that hold their shape when baked. See my guide to the best apples for baking for the best varieties to use.

Gluten-Free Flour: Use a good-quality gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Since blends vary, the texture of the batter can differ slightly between brands. When using a flour blend, always measure by weight rather than by volume.

Almond Flour: Almond flour adds moisture and gives the cake its tender, buttery texture. For the best results, use blanched almond flour.

Butter: Butter gives the cake richness and flavor. Unsalted butter is best because it allows you to control the amount of salt.

Cinnamon: Cinnamon complements the apples and gives the cake its classic warm flavor.

Lemon Juice: A little lemon juice balances the sweetness and freshens the flavor of the apples.

Dairy-Free Swap: To make the cake dairy-free, replace the butter with a dairy-free butter suitable for baking and use your favorite dairy-free milk.

batter topped with sliced cinnamon apples in a cake pan

Tips and FAQs

Can I make this cake without the streusel?

Yes. The streusel is completely optional. Without it, the cake has a simpler finish that lets the cinnamon-spiced apples shine. Add the streusel when you want a buttery, crunchy topping. (I highly recommend it)

Can I freeze Gluten-Free German Apple Cake?

Yes. Once completely cooled, wrap the cake well and freeze it. Thaw before serving.

What to Serve With German Apple Cake

This cake is delicious slightly warm or at room temperature with a dusting of powdered sugar.

For special rich dessert, serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or drizzle it with caramel sauce for an extra indulgent treat.

If you love homemade caramel sauce, try my recipe that I use in Salted Caramel Chai Pumpkin Cheesecake.

Storing and Reheating

Room temperature: If you plan to enjoy the cake within a couple of days, loosely cover it and keep it at room temperature.

Refrigerator: For longer storage, place the cake in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to one week.

Reheating: For a warm slice, gently reheat it in the microwave for a few seconds or warm it in a low oven until heated through.

overview of sliced German apple cake

More Gluten-Free Apple Recipes

If you love apple desserts, try these gluten-free favorites:

Hi, I’m Kristina, a gluten-free recipe developer creating and testing recipes since 2012. Every recipe on this site is made in my kitchen and personally tested (with the help of my very honest family!).

Did you make this recipe? I’d love to hear how it turned out! Leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating and a quick review below, it helps other gluten-free cooks discover recipes they can trust.

Looking for more gluten-free inspiration? Subscribe to the newsletter for new recipes delivered straight to your inbox — no spam, just good food. You can join our community on Pinterest, Facebook, and Instagram.

Gluten Free German Apple Cake

25 reviews
Published Jan 10, 2023 · Kristina Stosek
Prep Time:
15 min
Cooking Time:
60 min
Serves:
12

Ingredients

4 large apples, peeled, cored and thinly sliced
2 tsp. GF ground cinnamon
1 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice
1/2 cup (1 stick) (113 g) unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup + 2 Tbsp. (130 g) light brown sugar or granulated sugar, divided
3 large eggs, room temperature 
1/4 cup milk, room temperature
1 tsp. pure vanilla extract
1/2 tsp. sea salt
1 1/4 cups (185 g) gluten free all-purpose flour blend
1 cup (112 g) blanched almond flour
1 Tbsp. GF baking powder
STREUSEL (optional)
1/2 cup (74 g) gluten free all-purpose flour blend
1/4 cup (50 g) light brown sugar
Pinch of sea salt
3 Tbsp. (42 g), melted unsalted butter

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line an 8 x 10-inch baking pan or 10-inch round cake pan with parchment paper.
  2. Prepare the apples: Toss the sliced apples with cinnamon, lemon juice, and 2 tablespoons of the sugar. Set aside.
  3. Make the batter: Beat the butter and remaining sugar until creamy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Add the milk, vanilla, and salt and mix until smooth.
  4. Add the dry ingredients: Add the gluten-free flour, almond flour, and baking powder. Mix with a spatula just until combined.
  5. Assemble: Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan. Arrange the apples over the batter, gently pressing some into the cake. 
  6. Add the streusel: If using, combine the streusel ingredients until crumbly and sprinkle over the apples.
  7. Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Cool in the pan for 20 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Nutrition Info

  • Estimated Nutritional Value Per Serving with streusel (1/12) | Calories: 239 | Carbohydrates: 37g | Protein: 4.8g | Fat: 15g | Note: This calculation is approximate and can vary based on specific brands and variations in ingredient quantities.

Add a Rating

Select a recipe rating

Leave a Comment

Comments

  1. Dianne

    This cake is delicious. Not too sweet and lots of flavour. Will definitely make again!

  2. Randi

    I have almost given up on GF baking, but this has given me hope. It was super good. I will try it with plums in the fall. Thank you for this recipe!

  3. Kristina

    I am so happy to heat that Randi, thank you xx

  4. Madonna

    Any suggestions for a replacement for almond flour?

  5. Kristina

    Madonna, the almond flour keeps the apple cake moist. However, you can use other nut flour like walnut or pecan, or certified gluten free oat flour. By using oat flour, the cake will be dryer.

  6. Stephanie

    Very tasty with excellent texture. My family loved it.

Latest Recipes

See all recipes