- Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Toss peeled, chopped apples with brown sugar and layer in a baking dish.
- Cream softened butter and sugar until fluffy. Add egg and mix well.
- Fold almond flour into the butter mixture to form a batter.
- Spread batter evenly over the apple layer.
- Bake for 30-45 minutes until golden and set (check at 30 minutes to prevent burning).
- Serve warm or chilled, optionally with cream or custard.
- Calories:280 kcal25%
- Energy:1171 kJ22%
- Protein:5 g28%
- Carbohydrates:28 mg40%
- Sugar:22 mg8%
- Salt:85 g25%
- Fat:18 g20%
Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh
Apple and Almond Flour Cake Recipe – Easy Baking Delight
Hey everyone! If you’re anything like me, the smell of apples baking instantly makes everything feel cozy and right. I stumbled upon this apple and almond flour cake recipe a few years ago, and it’s become a total favourite – especially during the cooler months. It’s wonderfully simple, naturally gluten-free, and tastes absolutely divine. Let me share it with you!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This cake is a winner for so many reasons. It’s incredibly easy to whip up, needing just a handful of ingredients and about 5 minutes of prep time. Plus, it’s naturally gluten-free thanks to the almond flour, making it a great option for those with dietary restrictions. But honestly, the best part is the flavour – the sweet, tender apples paired with the nutty almond cake is just chef’s kiss. It’s perfect for a simple afternoon treat, a light dessert, or even a special occasion.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delightful cake:
- 2 apples
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 60 gm butter (about 1/2 cup)
- 4 tbsp sugar
- 1 large egg
- 60 gm almond flour (about 1/2 cup)
Ingredient Notes
Let’s talk ingredients! A few little things can make a big difference.
Almond Flour – benefits & substitutions
Almond flour is the star here, giving the cake a lovely texture and subtle nutty flavour. It’s also a fantastic gluten-free alternative! If you absolutely can’t find almond flour, you could try a gluten-free all-purpose blend, but the texture won’t be quite the same.
Brown Sugar – types & impact on flavour
I prefer using light brown sugar for this recipe, as it gives a lovely caramel flavour without being overpowering. Dark brown sugar will give a richer, more molasses-like taste – feel free to experiment! You can also use granulated sugar in a pinch, but the brown sugar really adds depth.
Apple Varieties – best for baking
Not all apples are created equal when it comes to baking! I find that Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn apples hold their shape well and have a nice tartness that balances the sweetness of the cake. Avoid using apples that get mushy quickly, like Red Delicious.
Step-By-Step Instructions
Alright, let’s get baking!
- First, preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Peel, core, and chop your apples. Toss them with the 2 tbsp of brown sugar in a bowl.
- Spread the sugared apples evenly in the bottom of a baking dish (around 8-inch square works well).
- Now, for the cake batter! In a separate bowl, cream together the 60 gm of softened butter and 4 tbsp of sugar until it’s light and fluffy. This is where a little patience pays off – the fluffier the butter, the lighter the cake!
- Crack in your egg and mix well until everything is combined.
- Gently fold in the 60 gm of almond flour until just combined. Don’t overmix!
- Carefully spread the almond flour batter evenly over the apple layer.
- Bake for 30-45 minutes, or until the cake is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the centre comes out clean. Keep an eye on it after 30 minutes – ovens can vary!
Expert Tips
Want to make sure your cake turns out perfectly? Here are a few of my go-to tips:
- For a perfectly tender cake: Don’t overmix the batter! Overmixing develops the gluten (even in almond flour, a little can be present) and can result in a tough cake.
- Preventing a soggy bottom: Make sure your apples aren’t too juicy. If they are, you can sprinkle a little almond flour over the apples before adding the batter.
- Checking for doneness: A toothpick is your best friend! Insert it into the centre of the cake. If it comes out clean, it’s ready. If it has wet batter on it, bake for a few more minutes and check again.
Variations
This recipe is a great base for getting creative!
- Gluten-Free: Already is! That’s one of the best things about it.
- Vegan Adaptation: You can try substituting the butter with a vegan butter alternative and the egg with a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 3 tbsp water, let sit for 5 minutes).
- Spice Level: A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg added to the batter would be lovely. My grandma always added a dash of cardamom – it’s delicious!
- Festival Adaptations: This cake is perfect for Christmas or Autumn baking. Add a sprinkle of chopped pecans or walnuts for a festive touch.
Serving Suggestions
This cake is wonderful on its own, but even better with a little something extra! A dollop of fresh cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a drizzle of custard are all fantastic options. A cup of chai alongside is perfect.
Storage Instructions
Leftover cake? Lucky you! Store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also freeze it for up to a month.
FAQs
Got questions? I’ve got answers!
- Can I use a different type of flour? You could try a gluten-free all-purpose blend, but almond flour really gives the best flavour and texture.
- What apples work best in this cake? Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn are my favourites.
- Can this cake be made ahead of time? Yes! You can bake it a day or two in advance and store it in the refrigerator.
- How do I know when the cake is fully baked? A toothpick inserted into the centre should come out clean.
- Can I add nuts to this cake? Absolutely! A handful of chopped pecans or walnuts would be delicious.
Enjoy baking (and eating!) this lovely apple and almond flour cake. Let me know how it turns out for you!