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gluten free apple cake
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4.15 from 112 votes

Gluten-Free French Apple Cake

This Gluten-Free French Apple Cake, adapted from Cook's Illustrated, has a rich custardy bottom, a light cake layer and a crisp sugary topping. Serve it warm, or at room temperature--either way with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time1 hour 15 minutes
Total Time1 hour 30 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American, French
Keyword: A Girl Defloured, apple recipes, cake recipes, dessert
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 260kcal
Author: Alison Needham

Ingredients

  • 1 ½ lbs Granny Smith apples peeled, cored and cut into 8 wedges and sliced ⅛ inch thick crosswise
  • 1 tablespoon brandy
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • ¾ cup, plus 2 tablespoons all-purpose gluten-free flour blend
  • ¼ cup almond flour or coconut flour
  • 1 cup, plus 2 tablespoons organic granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon xanthan gum (omit if your blend already contains it)
  • 1 large egg plus 2 large yolks
  • 1 cup canola oil or coconut oil
  • 1 cup whole milk or dairy free milk of your choosing
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  • Place the oven rack in the lower third of the oven and set the temperature to 325 degrees. Spray a 9-inch springform pan with gluten-free cooking spray and place on a foil lined, rimed baking sheet.
  • Place apple slices on a microwave safe plate or pie dish, cover and microwave on high for 3 minutes, or until apples are slightly tender and pliable. Drizzle with brandy and lemon juice and let cool for 15 minutes.
  • Place ¾ cup of gluten-free flour blend, almond flour, 1 cup of sugar, baking powder, salt and xanthan gum in a large mixing bowl. Whisk to combine. Add one egg, oil, milk and vanilla extract and whisk until smooth. Scoop out one cup of the batter and place in another medium bowl.
  • Add egg yolks to the larger portion of the batter and whisk to combine. Fold in the cooled apple slices and pour mixture into the prepared pan, smoothing the top with an offset (or rubber) spatula.
  • Whisk remaining 2 tablespoons of gluten-free flour blend into the remaining batter and smooth batter evenly over the apple mixture in the pan, taking care to spread it all the way to the edges.
  • Sprinkle the top with the remaining 2 tablespoons of sugar and bake until the center of the cake is set, about 1 hour and 15 minutes.
  • Transfer pan to a wire rack and allow to cool for 5 minutes. Run a knife around the edge of the cake along the sides of the pan and let cool completely, about 2 hours more (if you can). Cut into wedges and serve.

Video

Notes

This one is a favorite at every celebration & event! The French Apple Cake can be made one day ahead of time if you're planning for guests.
Store the uneaten cake in a sealed container in a cool, dry place for up to three days. 

Nutrition

Calories: 260kcal | Carbohydrates: 58g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 2g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 29mg | Sodium: 176mg | Potassium: 242mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 41g | Vitamin A: 134IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 100mg | Iron: 1mg