This sweet and fun gluten free Passover apple cake is exactly what you need for Passover! Whenever you combine apples and cake, it is obviously going to be scrumptious. There isn’t going to be a crumb when you try it because it is so good.
Who knew baking with gluten free matzo meal could be so tasty? I include a dairy-free option as well for those who are dairy free!
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If you are looking for a treat to enjoy while celebrating the Passover, then this one is sure to be a hit. My family looks forward to me making this recipe every year, and I am sure you will want to do the same.
Just in case you aren’t sure exactly what Passover is, you should take a look at this fun and interesting article that explains everything perfectly: A Gentile’s Guide To Keeping Kosher For Passover.
When you make a matzo cake, you will find it isn’t made the way traditional cakes are put together. First, you will pour some of the batter in the bottom layer of the pan; then you place a layer of apples. Top the apples with another layer of gluten free batter, and then you are ready to toss it in the oven.
If you haven't made a cake like this before, I am sure you have some questions. Here are some things I think you may ask:
Why this recipe is great:
This matzo apple cake makes a delicious cake and nobody will know it is gluten free. It is full of cinnamon apple flavor and it is so easy to make!
The center is moist and delicious, while the outside is slightly chewy and crispy. I am not even kidding when I tell you, that you are going to want to eat the entire pan!
If you love to use apples in your baking, don’t forget to check out my very best Gluten Free Apple Recipes!
What you need to make this recipe:
- Gluten Free Matzo Meal - Unfortunately, matzo meal is not gluten free unless you buy specially made gluten free matzo meal. There are a couple of brands of gluten free matzo meal you can use. I have used both Yehuda and Manischewitz brands in this recipe.
- Cassava Flour - You can also use arrowroot or tapioca starch.
- Apples - I love to use more tart apples in this recipe like Granny Smith and Pink Lady. Any variety will taste delicious.
- Coconut Oil - You can use another light oil if you choose, I do not recommend strong-flavored oils.
- Milk - Feel free to use non-dairy milk like almond milk to keep this recipe dairy-free.
Recipe step by step directions:
Step 1: Start by slicing apples thinly and adding them to a bowl. I kept the peels on, feel free to remove the peels if you prefer.
Step 2: Add the cinnamon and topping mix to the apples and mix well.
Step 3: Add your wet ingredients to a standing mixer or bowl. Mix until the ingredients are mixed together. Pour in the Matzo meal (they even have a matzo cake meal variety!)
Step 4: Spray a cake pan with coconut oil and line the bottom with parchment paper. This will make it a lot easier to get your cake out of the pan.
Step 5: Pour half of the cake batter into the pan. Top with the apple mixture. Then pour the remaining batter on top of the apples. Use a spatula to spread the batter around to make sure all of the apples are covered.
Step 6: Bake at 350º F for 35-40 minutes until done. 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.
See all of those yummy layers of apple? Bites of this cake are sooo crazy good.
Optional mix-in tips:
This gluten free apple cake is so good as it is, but if you want to add in some extra flavors here are a few ideas:
- Raisins
- Walnuts
- Almonds
- Pecans
Expert Tips and Recipe FAQ:
Traditionally, yes there is gluten in matzo. It is a bread that is unleavened which means it was a dough that didn’t rise. The texture and crunch is similar to crackers. It is made with flour and water, so it is not gluten free.
Thank goodness they now make gluten free matzo!! To keep this apple cake gluten free, use gluten free matzo meal that has been certified kosher.
Yes, you can turn this Passover apple cake recipe into muffins. Simply follow instructions as written and pour the batter into a lined or sprayed muffin tin. Bake for approximately 20-25 minutes until you can insert a toothpick, and remove it and it comes out clean.
The muffins are just as scrumptious as the full-sized cake; only you can grab them and go!
Yes, you can freeze gluten free matzo apple cake. The best way to freeze the apple cake is to tightly wrap it in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bag or airtight container. To thaw the texture and flavor is best if you thaw in the fridge. After it is defrosted, you can toss it in the microwave to warm it up before eating.
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.
This cake will keep up to 4 days in an air-tight container, or up to 4 months in the freezer.
If you are serving this at your Passover Seder, you will want to try my easy Gluten Free Matzo recipe to serve.
More Gluten Free Apple Dessert recipes:
- One bite of this Irresistible Gluten Free Caramel Apple Cake and you will be hooked!
- Nobody will know this Mouthwatering Gluten Free French Apple Cake is gluten free!
- Mr. Fearless Dining's favorite Easy Gluten Free German Apple Cake
- This Gluten Free Apple Tart With Vanilla Caramel Custard is perfect for a party!
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📖 Recipe
Delicious Gluten Free Passover Apple Cake
Ingredients
Cake:
- 4 eggs
- ½ cup milk * see note
- ½ cup oil coconut or light oil like avocado
- ½ cup sugar
- 1 ½ cups gluten free matzo meal * see note
- 2 tablespoons cassava flour * see note
Apple Filling
- 4 apples
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 ½ tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350º F.
- Add the cake batter wet ingredients to a standing mixer and mix on low speed, increasing the speed to medium. Mix for 1 minute.
- Turn off the power and add matzo meal and cassava flour. Mix on low speed until blended.
- Slice apples very thinly, I left the peels on. You can remove the peels if you like.
- Spray a cake pan with coconut oil, and place a piece of parchment paper cut to the size of the pan on the bottom.
- Pour half of the cake batter into the pan and spread it around to cover the bottom.
- Add the apple mixture on top of the batter.
- Pour the remaining batter on top and spread to cover the apples.
- Bake for 40 minutes until done.
Notes
- Normal matzo meal is not gluten free. There are two brands of gluten free matzo meal. They are made by Yehuda and Manischewitz companies, and both will work well in this recipe.
- You can make this cake with milk as directed, or use non-dairy milk to make this recipe dairy-free.
- If you do not have cassava flour, you can use arrowroot starch or tapioca starch.
- 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.
- This cake will keep up to 4 days in an air-tight container or up to 4 months in the freezer.
Nutrition
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Helen Romain
Hi
Can I substitute matzo meal for matzo flour?
Cheers
Helen
Sandi Gaertner
Hi Helen, I haven't tested matzo flour. I haven't seen it in stores here. I would assume it should be fine to substitute it, but keep an eye on the moisture level. You may need to add more liquid since matzo flour is much finer.
Alene
I have gluten free matzo meal so I will definitely make this! Thank you! I cannot believe that it's almost Passover again!
Sandi Gaertner
Time seems to be going by so fast. I hope you love the cake as much as we do :-).