Gluten-Free Apple Tea Cake (Moist & Tender!)

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I use tender cooked apples, warm cinnamon, and a crisp oat crumble topping to create this gluten-free apple tea cake in just 35 minutes. The crumb stays soft and moist while the apples bake into deliciously sweet pockets throughout the cake. Everyone should have this recipe in their back pocket, as it is perfect for last-minute baked treats.

Apple tea cake is a timeless bake that has been passed down from generation to generation. I used to favor making my vegan apple crisp, but after discovering this recipe and the fact that I have it done in nearly half the time, there is a new favorite. If you enjoy homemade baked cakes but do not care for long bake times or fussy prep work, try this gluten-free apple tea cake.

I started making this gluten-free apple tea cake when I realized how much I was making my gluten free brownies whenever I was catering to people who could not eat gluten. Then, after one particularly successful apple-picking trip, I decided to experiment with gluten-free apple recipes. And honestly, it did not take too long before I had this one perfected. I made sure to take it to my friend with celiac disease for her gluten-free seal of approval, which, of course, I got, along with a request for a copy of the recipe.

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🥘 Ingredients

I use simple everyday ingredients to create this gluten-free apple tea cake. This is what I use:

Apples: I like using firm apples with a slight tartness for balance.

Gluten-free flour blend: I use a 1:1 blend with xanthan gum for the best texture.

Baking powder: This gives my cake a slight rise and keeps the crumb light.

Coconut sugar: I use it for slight caramel notes. You can also use brown sugar.

Eggs: I use eggs for structure and moisture. 

Almond milk: This loosens up the batter and keeps it tender.

Vanilla extract: I add this for a warm aroma that rounds out all the flavors 

Lemon juice: I toss this with the apples to brighten the flavor and delay oxidation.

Raisins: I add raisins for bursts of sweetness. You could also use dried cranberries if you prefer a slightly sour taste.

Cinnamon and nutmeg: These give the cake a classic spiced apple flavor.

Butter: I use melted butter in the apple layer for richness.

Gluten-free oats: I mix these into the topping for a slightly nutty crunch.

🔪 How To Make

I make this gluten-free apple tea cake in layers. This is how I do it:

Preheat and peel: First, I preheat the oven to 350F, then I peel, core, and slice the apples thinly. 

Whisk egg mixture: Next, I whisk the flour, baking powder, sugar, eggs, almond milk, and vanilla until smooth.

Cook the apples: I add the apples to a saucepan with the lemon juice, raisins, cinnamon, nutmeg, sugar, and butter. Then I cook everything briefly until glossy.

Prep baking dish: Next, I lightly grease a glass baking dish and layer the apple mixture into the bottom, then pour over the batter.

Make streusel topping: I combine 4 tablespoons of oats, 2 tablespoons coconut sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon in a bowl, then scatter it over the top of the batter.

Bake: I bake for 25 minutes or until golden and set. I allow it to cool slightly before slicing.

📖 Variations

I have tested many variations of this cake, and these 3 are the most popular among my family and friends:

Pear swap: I replace half the apples with sliced pears for a more nuanced fruit flavor. I love making this version when the store is lacking a variety of apples.

Nut crunch: I add 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans to the topping. The combination of the nuts and apple creates a wonderful distinction between the soft, sweet fruit and the earthy crunch. My husband loves this version, and if I have extra time, I caramelise a few nuts and make a nut brittle, which I chop roughly and scatter over before serving.  

Orange spice: For a bright and zesty take, I mix in 1 teaspoon of orange zest. This, combined with the cinnamon and nutmeg, gives the cake a festive aroma. I love baking this during the holidays and making my house smell like Christmas.

🍽 Serving Suggestions

As the name suggests, this gluten-free apple tea cake is perfect as part of an afternoon tea spread with some other simple items like my easy gluten-free snickerdoodles. If you would like a break from the same old warm beverages, try it with a cool glass of honeydew milk tea. But if you prefer a warm drink, I highly recommend an oatmilk honey latte.

When I make this gluten-free apple tea cake at home, everyone in my family has a preference as to how they enjoy it. This ranges from the ordinary, like my husband, with a simple serving of vegan whipped cream on the side. To the extra indulgent with my eldest and a scoop of caramel nice cream. And then there is my youngest, who swears that my strawberry crunch topping works with this cake. Ha! 

🧊 Storing And ♨️ Reheating

Refrigeration: I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. 

Freezing: I slice the cake, wrap portions well, and freeze for up to 2 months. 

Reheating: I thaw overnight in the fridge, then warm in the oven or microwave until heated through.

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