• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Fearless Dining
  • New? Start Here
  • Recipe Index
  • Cookbooks
  • GF Resources
    • Pantry
  • Welcome! Are You Ready To Start Living Gluten Free?
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Home
  • Start Here!
  • Recipes
  • My Pantry
  • Cookbooks
  • About
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • Home
  • Start Here!
  • Recipes
  • My Pantry
  • Cookbooks
  • About
×

Gluten Free Passover Apple Cake {Dairy-Free Option}

Gluten Free Passover Apple Cake {Dairy-Free Option}

Published: Apr 4, 2019 · Modified: Mar 4, 2022 by Sandi Gaertner · 16 Comments · This post may contain affiliate links

  • Facebook
  • Yummly
  • Flipboard
Jump to Recipe

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
Jump to:
  • 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:
  • 📖 Recipe
  • 💬 Comments

If you are looking for a treat to enjoy while celebrating Passover, then this easy gluten free Passover Apple Cake recipe 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 article because it explains everything perfectly: A Gentile’s Guide To Keeping Kosher For Passover.

One of the things I noticed 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 cake 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. 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 it is 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:

Passover apple cake ingredients
  • 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.

sliced apples in a bowl

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.

crumble topping mixed with the apples.

Step 2: Add the ground cinnamon, brown sugar, and lemon juice to the sliced apples and mix well. 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 your 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 in 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.!

parchment paper lining a cake pan

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!

matzo meal cake batter in a cake 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 bake longer.

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

See all of those yummy layers of apple? 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. 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!

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 tightly wrap it in plastic wrap, then place it in a 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.

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.

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.

a whole gluten free matzo apple cake on a plate. It was dusted with powdered sugar

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!

📖 Recipe

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

Delicious Gluten Free Passover Apple Cake

Sandi Gaertner
A delicious moist Gluten Free Passover Apple Cake. The cake is made with gluten free matzo meal, or gluten free matzo cake meal.
4.91 from 11 votes
gluten free allergy icon
nut free allergen icon
soy free allergy icon
Print Recipe Pin Recipe Save RecipeSaved!
Prevent your screen from going dark
Prep Time 15 mins
Cook Time 35 mins
Total Time 50 mins
Course Gluten Free Dessert Recipes
Cuisine American
Servings 14
Calories 246 kcal

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

  1. 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.
  2. You can make this cake with milk as directed, or use non-dairy milk to make this recipe dairy-free.
  3. If you do not have cassava flour, you can use arrowroot starch or tapioca starch.
  4. 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.
  5. This cake will keep up to 4 days in an air-tight container or up to 4 months in the freezer.

SPECIAL NOTE

Please know that every gluten free flour blend has a different starch to grain ratio. If you use a blend I didn't test, you may need to adjust your moisture levels in your baked goods.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 246kcalCarbohydrates: 37gProtein: 4gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 48mgSodium: 25mgPotassium: 115mgFiber: 2gSugar: 21gVitamin A: 111IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 35mgIron: 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.

the cover image of my lemon e-cookbook.

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

More Gluten Free Cake recipes

  • A plate with white chocolate and milk chocolate coated cake pops.
    How To Make Gluten Free Cake Pops
  • A slice of vanilla raspberry bundt cake on a small white plate.
    Easy Gluten Free Cake Mix Hacks: Tips and Tricks for Delicious Results
  • Some kitchen baking tools on a black granite counter.
    The Best Tools For Making Gluten Free Cake
  • Pouring cake batter into a springform pan.
    Troubleshooting Common Gluten Free Cake Baking Problems
  • Facebook
  • Yummly
  • Flipboard

Reader Interactions

Comments

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

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

    Recipe Rating




  1. Lisa

    April 21, 2019 at 6:05 am

    I don't have GF Matzo meal, but I do have GF Panko. would that be a workable substitute?

    Reply
    • Sandi Gaertner

      April 21, 2019 at 11:11 am

      Hi Lisa, I am not sure as I haven't tried this recipe with panko. If you don't need this cake to be kosher for Passover, I recommend making the Gluten Free Creamy Apple Cake recipe on my blog. Just put apple cake into the search bar.

      Reply
  2. Aleksandra

    April 14, 2019 at 1:53 am

    I made this cake and we really liked it, it was super moist. Thank you for the recipe

    Reply
    • Sandi Gaertner

      April 15, 2019 at 10:38 am

      That is wonderful Aleksandra. Thank you for coming back to let me know!

      Reply
  3. Laura

    April 09, 2019 at 7:22 am

    I have never baked with matzo meal let alone gluten free matzo meal. That apple cake looks so delicious!!

    Reply
    • Sandi Gaertner

      April 09, 2019 at 9:39 pm

      Thank you so much Laura, it is one of our family favorites.

      Reply
  4. Jules Shepard

    April 08, 2019 at 12:31 pm

    So...the apple is one of my favorites and has been my whole life! THIS DESSERT looks super easy and delicious and creative to boot! Keep those apple cake recipes coming!

    Reply
    • Sandi Gaertner

      April 08, 2019 at 8:55 pm

      Thank you so much Jules, I hope you get a chance to make it 🙂

      Reply
  5. jenna urben

    April 08, 2019 at 9:52 am

    I've never heard of this! It sounds absolutely amazing. I love desserts with apples 🙂 I have a bunch of tapioca starch I need to use up. On my list of treats to make this month

    Reply
    • Sandi Gaertner

      April 08, 2019 at 8:55 pm

      Thank you so much Jenna 🙂

      Reply
Newer Comments »

Primary Sidebar

  • Amazon
  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • TikTok
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 →

GF Resources:

  • Living Gluten Free and My Best Tips
  • gluten free pantry items on shelves.
    My Gluten Free Pantry Essentials
  • whisking dry ingredients in a glass bowl.
    My Best Gluten Free Baking Tips
  • A photo of the inside of a restaurant.
    Safe Gluten Free Dining And How To Stay Safe

More Resources!

A glass bowl filled with my gluten free flour blend.

Try My DIY Gluten Free Flour Blend Recipe! It is also gum-free!

Trending Gluten Free Recipes:

  • two slices of gluten free bread on a plate
    Bake the Best Gluten Free Bread with Your Bread Machine
  • a baked pie crust in a pan
    How to Make a Homemade Gluten Free Pie Crust
  • two bowls of chicken soup with a garlic press and garlic cloves next to the bowls
    Grandma's Chicken Soup From Scratch
  • a biscuit cut in half on a plate with butter
    The Best Flaky Gluten Free Biscuits

Footer

^ back to top

About

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

Newsletter

  • Sign Up!

Contact

  • Contact
  • Work With Me
  • Web Stories

Copyright © 2014-2023 Fearless Dining