Gluten-Free Apple Walnut Cake – Classic Thanksgiving Flavor Without the Gluten
A gluten-free fall favorite with tender rice flour cake, crisp apples, and nutty crunch. Perfect for Thanksgiving or cozy autumn afternoons.
This gluten-free apple walnut cake combines the warm flavors of fall with a modern twist. Using a blend of rice flour and oat flour, it achieves a delicate crumb while maintaining dietary inclusivity. Fresh apples and toasted walnuts add texture, while a light cinnamon-brown sugar glaze delivers a sweet finish. Ideal for those with gluten sensitivities, this cake offers all the traditional Thanksgiving flavors without compromise.
Whether you're hosting a holiday gathering or simply craving a cozy dessert, this cake brings the essence of autumn to your table. The combination of spiced apples and toasted walnuts creates a rich, nutty flavor profile that pairs beautifully with coffee or a glass of dessert wine.
What makes this cake special is its thoughtful ingredient substitutions. The rice flour and oat flour blend creates a moist, tender texture without gluten, while the walnuts add a satisfying crunch. The cinnamon-brown sugar glaze not only enhances flavor but also adds a subtle sheen that makes the cake visually appealing.
This recipe is designed for ease - no complicated techniques or specialty equipment required. The cake bakes in a standard 9-inch springform pan and can be made ahead for Thanksgiving or other gatherings. The glaze can be applied just before serving for optimal flavor.
For those with gluten-free dietary needs, this cake is a welcome addition to any dessert spread. It's also a great option for guests who want to enjoy traditional flavors without the gluten. The recipe yields 12 generous slices, making it perfect for family-style serving.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups (180g) rice flour
- ½ cup (40g) oat flour
- ½ cup (40g) almond flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup (100g) coconut oil
- 1 cup (200g) brown sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 medium apples (about 1 ½ cups), thinly sliced
- ½ cup (40g) chopped walnuts
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ¼ tsp nutmeg
- For the glaze: ½ cup powdered sugar, 1 tbsp cinnamon-brown sugar mix, 1-2 tbsp milk
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan with butter and line the bottom with parchment paper. In a large bowl, whisk together rice flour, oat flour, almond flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Step 2: In another bowl, cream butter and coconut oil until light and fluffy. Add brown sugar and beat until well combined. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with ¼ cup milk, mixing just until combined.
- Step 3: Fold in half the apple slices and walnuts. Pour batter into prepared pan. Top with remaining apples and walnuts. Bake for 45-50 minutes, until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Step 4: Let cake cool completely in pan. For the glaze, whisk powdered sugar with cinnamon-brown sugar mix and enough milk to reach desired consistency. Drizzle over cooled cake. Let glaze set for 15-20 minutes before serving.
Why This Recipe Works
⏰ Perfect Gluten-Free Texture
The rice flour and oat flour blend creates a tender, moist crumb without gluten. Almond flour adds richness and helps bind the cake without making it dense.
💰 Nutty Flavor Balance
Toasted walnuts provide a satisfying crunch that contrasts with the soft cake layers. Their earthy flavor complements the spiced apples beautifully.
👥 Make-Ahead Friendly
This cake bakes and stores well, making it ideal for holiday prepping. The glaze can be applied just before serving for optimal flavor.
🌟 Cinnamon-Brown Sugar Synergy
The glaze combines cinnamon and brown sugar for a warm, autumnal finish that ties all the flavors together without overwhelming the cake.
Gluten-Free Apple Walnut Cake
A fall favorite with gluten-free flours, spiced apples, and nutty crunch
🛒 Ingredients
- - 1 ½ cups rice flour
- - ½ cup oat flour
- - ½ cup almond flour
- - 1 tsp baking powder
- - ½ tsp baking soda
- - ½ tsp salt
- - ½ cup unsalted butter
- - ½ cup coconut oil
- - 1 cup brown sugar
- - 3 large eggs
👨🍳 Instructions
Prep: Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9-inch springform pan.
💡 Use parchment paper for easier release
Make Batter: Whisk flours, baking powder, and spices. Cream butter, oil, and sugar. Add eggs and vanilla.
💡 Mix just until combined for tender crumb
Assemble: Fold in apples and walnuts. Pour into pan and bake 45-50 minutes.
💡 Test with toothpick for doneness
Glaze: Whisk powdered sugar with cinnamon-brown sugar mix and milk. Drizzle over cooled cake.
💡 Add glaze just before serving for best texture
Nutrition (per serving):
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
Rice Flour
Creates a tender crumb while keeping the cake gluten-free. Use a blend of white and brown rice flour for best texture.
Substitutions: Substitute with 1 ½ cups gluten-free all-purpose flour blend
Oat Flour
Adds moisture and mild nutty flavor. Make your own by blending rolled oats in a food processor until fine.
Substitutions: Substitute with ½ cup almond flour + ¼ cup coconut flour
Walnuts
Provide crunch and earthy flavor. Toast them briefly in oven for enhanced flavor.
Substitutions: Substitute with pecans or hazelnuts
Apples
Use firm varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp. Slicing uniformly ensures even baking.
Substitutions: Substitute with pears or dried cranberries
Pro Tips for Perfect Gluten-Free Apple Walnut Cake
💡 Flour Blending
Mix flours thoroughly before adding to wet ingredients to ensure even distribution and prevent dense spots.
💡 Apples
Toss apple slices with a bit of lemon juice to prevent browning before baking.
💡 Cooling
Let cake cool completely in pan before adding glaze to prevent it from melting.
💡 Storage
Store in airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for 5 days.
Variations & Customizations
Spiced Cake
Add ½ tsp ginger and ¼ tsp cloves to the dry ingredients for extra warmth.
Nutty Twist
Substitute walnuts with a mix of pecans and hazelnuts for varied texture and flavor.
Dairy-Free
Use coconut oil instead of butter and almond milk instead of regular milk.
Gluten-Free Frosting
Top with a whipped coconut cream frosting made with coconut milk and maple syrup.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
🍽️ Best Served With:
- Steamed pumpkin purée with brown sugar
- Gluten-free apple cider
- Roasted Brussels sprouts with bacon
🍷 Drink Pairings:
Pair with spiced chai tea or a glass of dessert wine like Sauternes. For non-alcoholic, serve with cinnamon-spiced apple cider.
Make-Ahead Instructions & Storage
Make-Ahead Tips
The cake can be baked and cooled completely up to 2 days ahead. Store in an airtight container at room temperature. Add glaze just before serving.
Refrigerator Storage
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The glaze may soften slightly but remains delicious.
Freezer Storage
Wrap cooled cake in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Reheating Instructions
Reheat individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds. Avoid heating the whole cake as it may dry out the glaze.
Troubleshooting & Common Questions
Q: My cake is dry. What went wrong?
A: Gluten-free flours can dry out faster. Check your oven temperature with a thermometer to ensure it's not too hot. Avoid overbaking - toothpick should come out with a few crumbs.
Q: Can I use a different pan?
A: Yes, but adjust baking time. A 9x13-inch pan will require about 30-35 minutes. A loaf pan will need 50-60 minutes. Always check for doneness with a toothpick.
Q: How to prevent gluten contamination?
A: Use separate utensils and bowls for gluten-free baking. Check that all ingredients are certified gluten-free, especially spices and flours.
Q: Can I make this in a gluten-free flour blend?
A: Yes, substitute with 1 ½ cups gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. You may need to add ½ tsp xanthan gum for structure.
Final Thoughts
This gluten-free apple walnut cake is more than just a dessert - it's a celebration of fall flavors that everyone can enjoy. The combination of spiced apples, toasted nuts, and a warm cinnamon-brown sugar glaze creates a memorable autumn treat that's both comforting and elegant.
Whether you're celebrating Thanksgiving, hosting a fall gathering, or simply craving a cozy dessert, this cake brings the essence of the season to your table. With its tender crumb and nutty crunch, it's a perfect balance of textures that will satisfy both gluten-free and gluten-tolerant guests alike.
