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This Healthier Old Fashioned Apple Cake is gluten free, lower sugar, and made with simple ingredients. It’s a healthier twist on a classic dessert but don’t worry, it tastes anything but healthy! This wholesome dessert is packed with fresh apples, warm spices, and is as easy as it is delicious.

There’s something about the comforting smell of a homemade cake filling your kitchen that’s unmatched. It’s warm, sweet, and full of cozy flavors that make any day just a little bit better and more special. Because who needs a special occasion or reason to bake a delicious cake, right?? Even better is when it takes minimal ingredients and prep but tastes like something you get from a bakery. Well, this apple cake delivers ALL of that and I promise you, once you try it, you’ll be hooked too!

A warm slice of cake topped with vanilla ice cream is a very specific craving I get and once it’s in my head, I can’t get it out! I love sharing my healthier versions of classic cake recipes like my Healthier Carrot Cake, The Best Ever Banana Cake, Mom’s Famous Pumpkin Cake because it shows that you can have a cake made with simple, healthier ingredients, and they taste JUST as amazing. This apple cake is no different and is one that I’ve been craving most lately! The edges are nice and crispy, the apples add moisture and sweetness throughout the cake, and the texture is fluffy, soft, and actually melts in your mouth.

There are a few things in this recipe that make it a healthier version of the classic old fashioned apple cake. We’re using gluten free flour made with simple ingredients, coconut sugar and apples for the sweetener, eggs and avocado oil for healthy fats to bind everything together, and warming spices. This balance of healthy fats, some protein, and more natural sugars will help prevent a huge sugar crash or cravings. Have you ever had cake that’s so sweet you feel like you have a film of sugar coating your teeth and are craving it the rest of the day? Well, that won’t be the case with this but you’ll feel just as indulgent, satisfied, and without a sugar crash!

Whether you’re serving it for dessert, an afternoon snack, or even a special breakfast treat, this cake is sure to be a hit with family and friends.

Why You’ll Love This

Gluten free and foolproof – Made with 1:1 gluten free flour, this cake has the perfect texture without any guesswork. You won’t even miss traditional flour!
Super easy to make – We’re mixing everything right in the baking dish so there’s less to clean up and you can get this in the oven quicker so you can enjoy.
Perfectly sweet –The apples and coconut sugar give just the right level of sweetness without being overly sugary.
Dietary friendly – This is gluten free and lower in sugar compared to the traditional cake but it tastes just as good!

This easy healthy old fashioned apple cake is gluten free, lower sugar, refined sugar free, and balanced. In a large baking dish is freshly baked apple cake with a slice cut out for serving. The texture is soft, fluffy, moist, and crumbly. it's a golden brown color with diced apples showing through, a crumbly top. Topped with a dollop of vanilla ice cream

What You’ll Need

Apples – I used about three large apples for this, any kind will work but I would recommend red apples to keep this sweet!
Coconut sugar – I used coconut sugar for a lower sugar option but any granulated sweetener will work too (monkfruit, organic cane sugar, etc.)
Avocado oil – You could also use melted coconut oil.
Eggs
1:1 gluten free flour – My favorite is from Bob’s Red Mill, it’s an exact replacement for regular all-purpose flour!
Cinnamon
Vanilla
Baking soda

How To Make

Preheat the oven to 350F and lightly grease a 9×13 baking dish.
Add the diced apples to the baking dish, making sure to evenly coat the bottom.
Then, add the rest of the ingredients and mix well. Spread the mixture evenly in the dish.
Bake for 40 minutes or until slightly golden and crisp.
Serve with ice cream or whipped cream and enjoy!

Recommended Tools

9×13 baking dish – You can use a smaller dish but the thickness and cooking time will vary!
Stainless steel measuring cups and spoons
Silicone spatula – This makes it easier to mix and press the ingredients together.

Must Try Healthier Cakes

Gingerbread Cake (Gluten Free)

Two Ingredient Sweet Potato Cake (Gluten Free, Vegan)

Mom’s Famous Gluten Free Chocolate Cake (Gluten Free)

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5 from 1 vote