Irresistible Almond Flour Apple Cake Recipe
This Irresistible Almond Flour Apple Cake is a moist, light, and naturally gluten-free dessert featuring a tender almond flour base studded with fresh diced apples. Topped with crunchy sliced almonds and a sprinkle of turbinado sugar for a golden, sweet crust, this cake is perfect for fall treats or any time you crave a wholesome, flavorful baked good with a delicate crumb and rich almond essence.
- Author: Lisa
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
For the Cake Batter:
- 3 large eggs, separated
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsp vanilla extract or 1 tsp vanilla plus 1 tsp almond extract
- 1 1/2 cups blanched almond flour
- 2 tbsp cornstarch or coconut flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 3 cups peeled, diced apples
For the Topping:
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds
- 1 tbsp turbinado sugar
- Prepare the Pan: Line the bottom of an 8-inch springform cake pan with a large piece of parchment paper secured by the ring. Trim excess paper and spray bottom and sides with nonstick cooking spray. Preheat the oven to 350ºF (175ºC).
- Beat Egg Yolks and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat egg yolks with granulated sugar for about 3 minutes until pale, thick, and tripled in volume. Stir in vanilla extract or vanilla plus almond extract to flavor the batter.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: Add almond flour, cornstarch (or coconut flour), baking powder, and salt to the yolk-sugar mixture. Stir until fully combined into a thick batter and set aside.
- Whip Egg Whites: In a clean bowl, beat egg whites with a whisk or electric mixer until very stiff peaks form and they hold their shape firmly.
- Fold Egg Whites into Batter: Gently fold in the whipped egg whites one third at a time into the almond flour mixture, careful to retain as much volume as possible to keep the cake light.
- Add Apples: Gently fold diced peeled apples into the batter until evenly distributed.
- Assemble and Top: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Sprinkle sliced almonds and turbinado sugar evenly over the top.
- Bake: Bake at 350ºF for 35 to 40 minutes until the top is lightly browned, the cake is set, and a cake tester inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool and Release: Cool the cake in the pan on a wire rack for 1 hour. Then run a knife around the edge and release the springform ring.
- Serve: Let the cake cool completely before transferring to a serving platter or slicing. Resting in the pan helps retain moisture.
Notes
- Use peeled apples to prevent the cake from becoming too dense or soggy.
- Folding the egg whites gently into the batter maintains a light texture and aeration.
- You can substitute cornstarch with coconut flour for a grain-free option, but it may slightly alter texture.
- Ensure your mixing bowls are clean and dry before whipping egg whites to achieve stiff peaks.
- Turbinado sugar adds a subtle crunch and caramelized finish but can be replaced with coarse sugar if unavailable.
- The almond flour makes this cake naturally gluten-free but not suitable for nut allergies.
Keywords: Almond flour cake, apple cake, gluten free dessert, almond apple cake, fall desserts, grain-free cake, moist almond cake