Gluten Free Passover Apple Cake {Dairy-Free Option}

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This sweet and delicious gluten free Passover apple cake is exactly what you need to bake for Passover! Whenever you combine apples and cake, it is obviously going to be scrumptious. There isn’t going to be a crumb after you try it because it is so good.

a slice of gluten free Passover apple cake on a white plate

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Why This Recipe Is Great For Passover:
Ingredient Notes:
How To Make A Gluten Free Passover Apple Cake:
Optional Mix-In Ideas:
Expert Tips and Recipe FAQ:
More Gluten Free Apple Dessert recipes:
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If you are looking for a treat to enjoy while celebrating Passover, this easy gluten-free Passover Apple Cake recipe will surely 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 article because it explains everything perfectly: A Gentile’s Guide To Keeping Kosher For Passover.

One of the things I noticed is that when you make a matzo cake, you will find it isn’t made the way traditional cakes are put together.

First, pour some of the cake batters into the pan's bottom layer; then 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. This way, you are sure to get lots of juicy apples in every bite!

I include a dairy-free option as well for those who are dairy-free! If you haven't made a cake with matzo meal before, I am sure you have some questions. Here are some things I think you may ask:

Why This Recipe Is Great For Passover:

This matzo apple cake makes a delicious cake, and nobody will know it is gluten free. Many also love to make Matzo Bark for Passover. It is full of cinnamon apple flavor and so easy to make! Sticking true to the Jewish tradition, this cake is made with gluten free matzo meal.

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!

Ingredient Notes:

Gluten Free Matzo Meal - Many ask if matzo meal is gluten free. 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.

How To Make A Gluten Free Passover Apple Cake:

Move the oven rack to the middle of the oven and preheat your oven to 350º F.

Step 1: Start by washing your apples and removing any price stickers. Slice the apples thinly and add them to a medium-sized mixing bowl. I kept the peels on for the added fiber but feel free to remove the apple peels if you prefer.

Step 2: Mix the ground cinnamon, brown sugar, and lemon juice to the sliced apples. You want to be sure all of the apples are coated with the brown sugar mixture.

eggs and wet ingredients in a mixer. Matzo meal is poured and ready to mix in

Step 3: Add wet ingredients to a standing mixer or large mixing bowl. Mix the eggs, melted butter, light oil, milk, and sugar until the ingredients are mixed together.

Pour the Matzo meal and cassava flour into the bowl and mix at low speed. Gradually increase the speed for 30 seconds. Note that there is a matzo cake meal variety that is perfect for making this cake.!

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: Use a wooden spoon to pour half of the gluten free apple cake batter into the cake pan.

Step 6: Top the batter with the apple mixture.

Step 7: Pour the remaining cake batter on top of the apples. Use a rubber spatula to spread the batter around the cake pan to make sure all of the apples are covered.

Step 8: Bake the cake 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 be baked longer.

Step 9: Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool on a wire cooling rack. You can cut the cake after it has cooled.

See all of those yummy layers of apples? The bites of this cake are sooo crazy good!!

Optional Mix-In Ideas:

This gluten free Passover 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

two slices of apple cake on small white plates

Expert Tips and Recipe FAQ:

Is there gluten in matzo?

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.

Can I make this cake as muffins?

Yes, you can turn this Passover apple cake recipe into muffins. Follow the instructions as written and pour the batter into a lined or sprayed muffin tin. Bake for approximately 20-25 minutes until you can insert and remove a toothpick, and it comes out clean.

The muffins are just as scrumptious as the full-sized cake; only you can grab them and go!

Can I freeze matzo apple cake?

Yes, you can freeze gluten free matzo apple cake. The best way to freeze the apple cake is to wrap it in plastic wrap tightly, then place it in a freezer bag or airtight container.

To thaw, the texture and flavor are best if you thaw in the fridge. After it is defrosted, toss it in the microwave to warm it up before eating.

How do you know when the cake is finished 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 be baked longer.

How long will this cake keep fresh?

This cake will keep up to 4 days in an air-tight container in the refrigerator or for 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.