• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Fearless Dining
  • New to GF? Start Here
  • GF Resources
    • Safe Gluten Free Dining Tips
  • Recipes
  • GF Cookbooks
    • Pantry
  • About Me
menu icon
go to homepage
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • Home
  • New to GF? Start Here!
  • Recipe Index
  • Check Out My Gluten Free Cookbooks!
  • Gluten Free Dining Tips
  • About Fearless Dining
  • Contact Me
  • Follow Along

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
  • ×

    Home » Recipes » Cake Recipes

    Easy Gluten Free German Apple Cake Recipe

    Published: Aug 17, 2018 · Modified: Aug 4, 2021 by Sandi Gaertner · 46 Comments · This post may contain affiliate links

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    If you love apple cake, this Easy Gluten Free German Apple Cake is a delicious dessert recipe to try. Double the recipe if you are feeding a crowd! I include a video below to show you how easy this German apple cake is to make

    a slice of gluten free German apple cake on a small white plate
    Jump to:
    • Ingredient notes:
    • Recipe step by step directions:
    • Recipe FAQ:
    • Reader adaptations:
    • More gluten-free cake recipes to try:
    • Tools:
    • Recipe
    • Community

    This gluten free version of our family's German apple cake recipe is just as good as the real thing! Crisp fresh apples and lots of cinnamon give this cake so much flavor.

    Our family is definitely into apples. There are so many varieties and each has its own unique flavor. There is a vendor at our farmer's market that sells over 10 varieties of apples, many of these apples are heirloom, during the fall months.

    This Gluten Free German Apple Cake recipe is one of my husband's family favorites. It is one of many German dessert recipes I can't wait to share with you.

    I am happy to say this recipe is not only gluten free, but it is dairy-free and refined sugar-free as well! If you love apples as much as we do, check out these delicious gluten free apple recipes.

    For this recipe, I used Pink Lady apples. I haven't been able to find Gravenstein, except for the fall farmer's market. You can use any apple but tart apples have more flavor!

    Top view of a Gluten Free German Apple Cake. A slice of apple cake is on a plate and the pan is behind the plate.

    Ingredient notes:

    I modified this recipe a bit from my husband's family recipe because we are trying to reduce our processed sugar intake. I have been baking with coconut sugar quite a bit. Coconut sugar has a lower glycemic index and still sweetens baking nicely.

    Coconut sugar is typically brown, which can make baked goods look a bit drabby. I was really excited to find this blond-colored coconut sugar!! This blond coconut sugar helps keep baked goods lighter in color...making them even more tempting!

    Feel free to use regular organic sugar for this recipe if you would like. Either way, this cake is perfectly sweet.

    Recipe step by step directions:

    pouring wet ingredients into the dry ingredients for this German apple cake recipe.

    Step 1: Mix up your wet ingredients and dry ingredients in separate bowls. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients.

    I tested this recipe using Bob's Red Mill 1 to 1 Gluten Free Flour Blend and King Arthur's Measure for Measure Gluten Free Blend. That doesn't mean others will not work, I just have not tested other flours.

    a bowl of cake batter.

    Step 2: Your cake batter will be a bit thick like I show in this picture.

    HINT: Do not overmix the cake batter. Mix this in a bowl by hand and don't use a standing mixer. Overmixing this cake batter will make your cake turn out dense!

    cut apple slices with blond coconut sugar and cinnamon in a bowl

    Step 3: In a separate bowl, add the blond coconut sugar and cinnamon to cut up apple slices. Although you do not have to peel your apples, I recommend doing so for this recipe.

    NOTE: You can also use regular sugar instead of coconut sugar.

    Apple slices on top of the cake batter in an 8x8 pan

    Step 4: Pour the cake batter into a greased 8x8 baking pan. Top with the apple mixture. Press the apples down a bit so they set into the cake.

    Step 5: Bake at 350º F for 40 minutes until the cake is done. The apples will look soft and the cake will be firm to the touch.

    Baked German apple cake sliced.

    Step 6: Allow the German apple cake to cool. Slice into 9 slices and serve. Eat by itself, or you can top with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream!

    top view of a slice of apple cake, lots of baked apple slices are on top.

    Recipe FAQ:

    Should you peel the apples before making this cake?

    Although you can leave the peels on, I prefer to make this cake with peeled apples.

    What is the best apple for baking cake?

    Many apple types will work in this easy German apple cake recipe. Here are some of my favorites: Gravenstein, Granny Smith, Gala, Pippin, and Pink Lady.

    How long will this cake keep fresh?

    This cake will keep up to 4 days in an air-tight container, or up to 4 months in the freezer.

    How do you know when the cake is done baking?

    To test for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If the toothpick comes out clean, it is done baking. If you see batter or crumbs, the cake needs to bake longer.

    Reader adaptations:

    a picture of this German apple cake made loaf style by a reader named Vijaya M.
    Vijaya M. made her cake with half coconut oil and half nut oil.
    a picture of reader Iza's baked apple cake
    Iza's photo of her GF German Apple Cake.

    Iza mixed her apples throughout the cake and dusted the top with powdered sugar.

    More gluten-free cake recipes to try:

    • Gluten Free French Apple Cake
    • Creamy Fool Proof Gluten-Free Apple Cake
    • Gluten Free Raspberry Bundt Cake
    • Gluten Free Orange Almond Flour Cake

    Tools:

    1. An apple slicer certainly makes cutting up the apples easier!
    2. I use an 8x8 baking pan to make this cake.

    Recipe

    a slice of gluten free Gernan apple cake on a white plate with a fork next to it

    Gluten Free German Apple Cake

    Sandi Gaertner
    This delicious cake was an old family recipe that I converted to gluten free. If you love apples, you need to try this Gluten Free German Apple Cake recipe.
    4.97 from 28 votes
    dairy free allergen icon
    gluten free allergy icon
    nut free allergen icon
    soy free allergy icon
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Add to Collection Go to Collections Save RecipeSaved!
    Prevent your screen from going dark
    Prep Time 15 mins
    Cook Time 40 mins
    Total Time 55 mins
    Course Gluten Free Dessert Recipes
    Cuisine American
    Servings 9
    Calories 244 kcal

    Equipment

    • 8x8 pan

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 cup gluten free flour blend * see note
    • ¾ cup coconut sugar * see note
    • ½ cup coconut oil
    • 1 teaspoon baking powder
    • 2 eggs
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla

    For Apple Mixture

    • 2 apples (peel removed and sliced)
    • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
    • ¼ cup coconut sugar

    Instructions
     

    • Preheat the oven to 350º F
    • Peel and slice apples into thin slices.
    • In a large bowl, add dry ingredients and whisk to blend.
    • In a smaller bowl add the wet ingredients and mix well.
    • In a third bowl, add apples, ¼ cup coconut sugar and cinnamon. Toss to coat.
    • Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and mix well.
    • Spray an 8x8 pan with coconut oil. Add the batter and spread it out.
    • Add the apple slices on top of the batter and press gently into the cake batter. 
    • Bake for 40 minutes until done.

    Video

    Notes

    1. I have tested this recipe with King Arthur Measure for Measure GF and Bob's Red Mill 1 to 1 GF blend. That doesn't mean others will not work, I just have not tested other flours.
    2. If your gluten free flour blend doesn’t contain Xanthan Gum or Guar Gum, please add 1 teaspoon.
    3. You can use regular sugar instead of coconut sugar in the cake for a light colored cake. 
    4. This cake will keep up to 4 days in an air-tight container, or up to 4 months in the freezer.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1gCalories: 244kcalCarbohydrates: 31gProtein: 3gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 11gCholesterol: 36mgSodium: 50mgPotassium: 102mgFiber: 2gSugar: 16gVitamin A: 75IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 38mgIron: 1mg
    Tried this Recipe? Pin it for Later!Mention @FearlessDining or tag #FearlessDining!

    Nutrition Disclaimer

    Nutritional information is an estimate provided to you as a courtesy. You should calculate the actual nutritional information with the products and brands you are using with your preferred nutritional calculator.

    lemon e-cookbook cover image

    If you love the recipes you are finding on my blog, I would love for you to sign up for my newsletter (and get my free gluten free lemon desserts e-cookbook!)

    « Gluten Free Banana Donuts with Chocolate Coconut Walnuts
    Gluten Free Oatmeal Skillet Cookie »

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Pam

      July 02, 2019 at 2:24 pm

      Hello! Any tips on making this ahead, or doubling the recipe and using a 9x13 dish?

      Reply
      • Sandi Gaertner

        July 02, 2019 at 9:16 pm

        Hi Pam, I haven't made this cake ahead, I think it is possible, but I haven't tried it. I assume it would be fine in an 9x13 dish, but I am not sure how deep the batter would go.

        Reply
    2. Anne

      February 17, 2019 at 7:22 am

      Hi,
      I just made this and used 1/2 cup brown sugar and 1/4 cup coconut cream milk substitute (thick consistency) and 1/4 c coconut oil. My batter was very thin. Any suggestions? I hope that it will bake ok. Thanks!

      Reply
      • Sandi Gaertner

        February 18, 2019 at 12:24 pm

        Hi Anne, it most likely depends on what gluten free flour blend you used. Some have higher starch content, which absorb more liquids. If you tell me what you used, we can troubleshoot it.

        Reply
        • Anne Walker

          March 12, 2019 at 5:01 pm

          Hi Sandi,
          I apologize, I didn't see your reply. The cake baked beautifully with the thin batter and the cake was delicious. I used Laila's gluten free mix from Sweden, where we live. It's a wheat (gluten free) and potato starch mix. I have already baked this several times using different milk free products and either coconut oil or rapeseed and they all provided great results. The coconut oil provides a nice flavor, and the brown sugar caramelizes nicely. Thanks for sharing such a versatile recipe! This is one that we will enjoy forever! I've already shared it with my friends. All the best! Anne

        • Sandi Gaertner

          March 13, 2019 at 3:49 pm

          I am so glad it worked out and thank you so much for coming back to let us know 🙂

      • Eva

        January 29, 2022 at 12:32 pm

        5 stars
        Loved this recipe. I made it twice, first time I used a gluten free flour I had on hand, added xanthum gum. Also I used xylitol instead of coconut sugar, because xylitol is low glycemic.
        It was really good, but I thought maybe to add lemon zest to batter.
        So my second attempt, I powdered the xylitol that went into the batter mix; I used s heaping tsp of baking powder & the zest of a whole lemon into the batter; and I increased the vanilla by 1/2 tsp.
        Also, because I placed the apple slices a bit closer than the last time, I had an empty space, so I placed sour cherries on top. (sour cherries in a jar from Hungary),
        Well it was absolutely delicious & yes I used Cup4Cup flour & the end result - Delicious! Thx for this recipe 🙂

        Reply
        • Sandi Gaertner

          January 29, 2022 at 1:55 pm

          OOoh, I am so glad to know this worked with xylitol. I often have readers ask about sugar-free. Thank you so much for sharing your modifications!

    3. Mika

      October 12, 2018 at 1:38 am

      5 stars
      Looks awesome! I should add 1/2 cup melted or solid coconut oil?? ?

      Reply
      • Sandi Gaertner

        October 15, 2018 at 1:17 pm

        I highly suggest melting the coconut oil so that it can blend in well.

        Reply
    4. Catherine Brown

      August 18, 2018 at 2:54 pm

      5 stars
      Mmmm, I love German apple cake! I definitely need to try this GF version too as we have several GF eaters in our family.

      Reply
      • Sandi Gaertner

        August 19, 2018 at 5:18 pm

        This cake is super moist, hope your family loves it as much as we do.

        Reply
    5. Ginny

      August 18, 2018 at 12:39 pm

      5 stars
      Love that you made this gluten-free. Your apple cake seems easier made this way too. Thanks so much!

      Reply
      • Sandi Gaertner

        August 19, 2018 at 5:19 pm

        Thank you so much Ginny. Have a great weekend :-).

        Reply
    « Older Comments
    Newer Comments »

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    A picture of my face standing in front of landscape bushes

    Welcome to my blog! I am so glad you are here. I have created hundreds of delicious family-friendly gluten free recipes with easy step-by-step directions. Many recipes are also dairy-free. A gluten free lifestyle has never been easier!

    More about me →

    Easy Dinner Recipes:

    • Gluten Free Skillet Lasagna
    • Gluten Free Quiche with Sausage and Tomato
    • Italian Gluten Free Meatloaf Recipe
    • How to Fire-Roast Hatch Chiles and The 12 Best Hatch Chile Recipes!
    • How to Make Gluten Free Ramen Soup
    • Quick & Easy Ground Pork Fried Rice

    More Dinner Recipes!

    Trending Gluten Free Recipes:

    • 8 Tasty Ways To Enjoy Shishito Peppers {Easy Recipes}
    • The Best Gluten Free Blueberry Scones
    • Proposition Chicken's Gluten Free Fried Chicken Recipe
    • Sweet Gluten Free Apple Fritters
    • The Best Flaky Gluten Free Biscuits
    • The Best Gluten Free Bread Machine Bread {Dairy Free Too!}

    Click for more Trending Recipes.

    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter

    Footer

    ^ back to top

    About

    • About Me
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms & Conditions
    • Accessibility Policy

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up!

    Contact

    • Contact
    • Work With Me
    • Web Stories

    Copyright © 2014-2022 Fearless Dining