There is nothing quite like the warm, comforting embrace of a homemade bundt cake, especially when it’s crafted to be both delicious and safe for those avoiding gluten. This Gluten-Free Apple Bundt Cake Recipe perfectly balances sweet and spicy notes, featuring tender chunks of crisp apples that bring an irresistible freshness to every bite. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or a cozy afternoon treat, this cake is sure to become a beloved staple in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this recipe lies in its simplicity, with straightforward ingredients that come together to create a moist, flavorful cake with a hint of autumnal spice and fresh apple goodness. Each ingredient plays a vital role in delivering the perfect texture and taste that make this Gluten-Free Apple Bundt Cake Recipe so special.
- 2 cups gluten-free measure-for-measure flour: Provides the essential base while keeping the cake light and fluffy without gluten.
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon: Adds warmth and spice that complements the sweetness of the apples beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the cake rise for that perfect crumb.
- ½ teaspoon baking soda: Works with baking powder for extra lift and moisture.
- 1 cup light brown sugar: Brings a deep, caramel-like sweetness that enhances the cake’s flavor.
- 3 large eggs, at room temperature: Bind everything together while adding richness and tenderness.
- 3 cups firm apples (Gala or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and diced: Offer juicy bursts of flavor and a delightful texture contrast.
- ½ cup vegetable oil (canola or avocado): Keeps the cake moist and tender with a neutral flavor.
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract: Infuses the batter with a subtle, aromatic sweetness.
- ½ cup milk (whole or 2%, at room temperature): Adds moisture, balancing the dry ingredients.
- ½ teaspoon fine sea salt: Enhances all flavors and balances sweetness.
How to Make Gluten-Free Apple Bundt Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Bundt Pan
Start by thoroughly greasing every nook and cranny of your bundt pan with oil. This crucial step ensures your cake won’t stick and will come out perfectly shaped. After greasing, sift or lightly dust the pan with gluten-free flour. This extra layer acts like a gentle cushion, giving you a flawless release that shows off the cake’s beautiful design.
Step 2: Coat the Apples
Before tossing your diced apples into the batter, gently coat them with about a spoonful of gluten-free flour. This is a small but mighty trick that prevents the apples from sinking straight to the bottom during baking, keeping them beautifully suspended throughout the cake. It’s what makes every slice bursting with apple goodness.
Step 3: Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients
In one large bowl, whisk together the gluten-free flour, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, brown sugar, and sea salt. In another bowl, beat the eggs, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and milk until well combined. Now, slowly add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring just until you no longer see dry flour streaks. Don’t overmix here; overworking gluten-free flour can make your cake denser than desired.
Step 4: Combine the Batter
Fold the flour-coated apples gently into the batter, ensuring even distribution without breaking up the chunks. The apples bring a punch of juicy texture that elevates this cake far beyond ordinary.
Step 5: Bake Your Bundt Cake
Pour the batter into your prepared bundt pan. To release any air bubbles, firmly tap the pan on your counter a few times. This little action helps the cake bake evenly and form a smooth surface. Pop the pan into a preheated 350°F oven and bake for about 50 minutes. Halfway through, rotate the pan to encourage even browning, enveloping your kitchen with that fabulous cinnamon-spiced aroma.
Step 6: Cool and Remove From Pan
Once baked, let the cake rest in its pan for 15 minutes. This rest period allows it to firm up, making it easier to invert without cracks or breakage. After resting, carefully flip it onto a cooling rack and let it cool completely, so every slice is perfect.
How to Serve Gluten-Free Apple Bundt Cake Recipe
Garnishes
A light dusting of powdered sugar is all you need to create an elegant finish that highlights the cake’s delicate ridges. If you want to ramp up the autumn vibes, try adding a drizzle of caramel sauce or a sprinkle of chopped toasted pecans for crunch and sweetness contrast.
Side Dishes
This cake loves company! Serve it alongside whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to add a creamy layer, balancing out the cake’s gentle spice and tart apple flavors. A cup of strong coffee or warm chai tea also pairs wonderfully, making every bite feel like a cozy moment.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, arrange slices on a rustic wooden board with fresh apple slices and cinnamon sticks. You can also serve small cake wedges with dollops of mascarpone cheese topped with a drizzle of honey for an unexpected but heavenly flavor combo that guests will rave about.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your leftover Gluten-Free Apple Bundt Cake Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. The cake stays moist and fresh, and the flavors continue to mingle deliciously as the days go by.
Freezing
This bundt cake freezes wonderfully. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil, and freeze for up to two months. When you’re ready for a treat, simply thaw overnight in the fridge, and it’s almost like freshly baked.
Reheating
If you prefer your cake slightly warm, gently reheat it in a microwave for about 20 seconds per slice or warm it in an oven at 300°F for 10 minutes. This brings out the aroma and restores that freshly-baked feel.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of apple in this Gluten-Free Apple Bundt Cake Recipe?
Absolutely! While Gala and Honeycrisp apples are recommended for their firmness and balance of sweetness and tartness, you can experiment with Granny Smith for a tangier bite or Fuji for extra sweetness. Just make sure to use firm apples to avoid excess moisture in the batter.
Is it possible to substitute the vegetable oil for butter?
Yes, you can substitute melted butter for the vegetable oil if you prefer a richer flavor. Keep the measurement the same, but be mindful that butter may make the cake slightly denser. Using oil keeps the cake moist and light.
Do I need to use measure-for-measure gluten-free flour?
For best results, yes. Measure-for-measure gluten-free flours are designed to replace regular flour without altering texture or requiring additional ingredients. Using other gluten-free blends might change the cake’s consistency, so stick with a measure-for-measure type whenever possible.
Can I make this cake dairy-free?
Definitely! Swap the milk for any plant-based milk such as almond, oat, or coconut milk. Just be sure the milk is at room temperature to help the batter mix smoothly and the cake rise properly.
How long does this cake stay fresh at room temperature?
Stored in an airtight container, the cake stays fresh for about 3 days at room temperature. After that, storing it in the fridge or freezer is recommended to maintain moisture and flavor.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly joyful about baking a cake that everyone can enjoy, especially when it’s this delightfully spiced and filled with crisp apples. This Gluten-Free Apple Bundt Cake Recipe is a warm hug on a plate that’s surprisingly easy to pull off and endlessly rewarding. I can’t wait for you to try it and share in the comforting flavors that have made it a new favorite in my home.
Print
Gluten-Free Apple Bundt Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Gluten-Free Apple Bundt Cake is a moist, flavorful dessert perfect for any occasion. Made with a blend of gluten-free flour, warm cinnamon, and diced Gala or Honeycrisp apples, it delivers a tender crumb with a delightful apple aroma. The cake is baked to golden perfection in a bundt pan, offering an elegant presentation that’s sure to impress your guests while catering to gluten-free dietary needs.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups gluten-free measure-for-measure flour
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1 cup light brown sugar
Wet Ingredients
- 3 large eggs, at room temperature
- ½ cup vegetable oil (canola or avocado)
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- ½ cup milk (whole or 2%, at room temperature)
Additional Ingredients
- 3 cups firm apples (Gala or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and diced small
Instructions
- Prepare the Bundt Pan: Grease every nook and cranny of your bundt pan with oil to prevent sticking, then dust the pan lightly with gluten-free flour for an additional non-stick layer.
- Coat the Apples: Lightly toss the diced apples in a spoonful of gluten-free flour to help them stay suspended in the batter during baking and prevent sinking.
- Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients: In one bowl, combine gluten-free flour, ground cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, light brown sugar, and fine sea salt. In another bowl, whisk together eggs, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and milk. Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry until fully combined without overmixing, to maintain a tender crumb.
- Combine Batter with Apples: Fold the floured apples gently into the batter ensuring even distribution without breaking the fruit pieces.
- Fill the Pan and Tap Out Bubbles: Pour the batter into the prepared bundt pan and tap the pan firmly on the counter to release any air bubbles and level the batter evenly.
- Bake the Cake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the cake for about 50 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through baking to ensure even browning and color.
- Cool and Remove from Pan: After baking, let the cake rest in the pan for 15 minutes to set. Then carefully invert it onto a cooling rack and allow it to cool completely before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Using measure-for-measure gluten-free flour ensures the cake maintains the right texture.
- Coating the apples with gluten-free flour before adding prevents them from sinking to the bottom.
- Do not overmix the batter to avoid a dense cake.
- Rotate the bundt pan halfway through baking for even browning.
- Letting the cake rest in the pan before inverting prevents cracking.
