One bowl paleo apple cake that's tender, rich with apples and cinnamon, and simple to make. This paleo apple cake recipe is also gluten-free, dairy-free, and refined sugar free.
If you like to eat Paleo you'll want to make my Paleo Chocolate Chip Muffins. My Paleo Banana Bars are also quite scrumptious.
I have several Paleo Recipes including meals, sides, and desserts.
Paleo Apple Cake
This paleo apple cake is absolutely scrumptious. I took my paleo carrot cake muffins and made some adaptions and was over the moon happy with how this paleo apple cake recipe turned out. I'm really excited to share it with you.
The main ingredient in this almond flour cake is, you guessed it, almond flour. When working with almond flour you want to use a high quality almond flour. We use Bob's Red Mill Almond Flour in our recipes.
We can trust that we're getting a great product every time we pull it off the shelf. Also, I love that their product packaging for the larger almond flour bags are resealable.
I love getting questions and comments so please don't be shy. But first, please make sure you read through the entire post on how to make this paleo apple cake.
I've listed some additional information to help you bake up the best apple cake - make sure to read through it all before you get started.
I after reading through the post you still need help with this recipe, leave a comment and I will get back to you. Unless I'm on vacation, I typically answer questions in 1-4 days.
Baking with Almond Flour
Let's start with the most prominent ingredient in this paleo apple cake recipe - almond flour. One thing to note about using almond flour is that it is NOT a 1-to-1 for gluten-free flour blends. It has a lot more protien and fat, and less starch, so it reacts differently in recipes.
It’s best stored in the refrigerator or freezer if you’re not going to use it up in a week or two.
Always bring Almond meal or flour to room temperature before baking with it. If you use it cold, it’ll absorb more of the liquid and your batter will be thicker than it should be.
And remember, because it’s made from almonds, it can go rancid, so keep track of when you opened the bag.
When you measure almond flour you want to spoon it into your measuring cup and then level it. Please don't dip your measuring cup into the almond flour first. The almond flour packs down and you end up with more almond flour than you need. This will cause the batter to be dry.
What can I use instead of maple syrup in this paleo apple cake?
You can use honey or agave in this paleo apple cake recipe in place of the maple syrup. Just note that the flavor will be different. Maple syrup tends to be mild in flavor while still adding a touch of sweetness.
I find honey to be quite a bit stronger and prefer to use it in recipes like my Paleo Carrot Cake Muffins.
I don't typically top my paleo muffins and paleo cakes with crumb topping but I couldn't resist adding it to this paleo apple cake. It adds a depth to the texture that is pretty amazing.
The only downside is that the crumb topping softens by day two. I show the crumb topping in the video below, but I'm adding it to the recipe card as optional with a note.
Something else to note, cinnamon types matter. There are tons of varieties of cinnamon out there. Please make sure to use a high quality cinnamon. You want it to be strong and fragrant.
Ingredients in Paleo Apple Cake
Almond Flour - A finely milled almond flour is the best to use when baking paleo apple cake. Other almond flours may not deliver a good fluffy texture.
Baking Soda - Helps the cake rise and helps with texture.
Salt - Salt helps bring out the other flavors.
Cinnamon - For flavor, spice, and the level up this cake.
Oil - We like to use avocado oil or coconut oil. Melted and cooled butter can be used as well.
Maple Syrup - Pure maple syrup keeps this cake paleo, but you can also use honey which is also a good paleo sweetener.
Eggs - For added protein and fat, and to hold everything together. Eggs also help with texture. See notes for egg substitute.
Vanilla Extract - Use pure vanilla extract, not the cheap versions. Vanilla adds flavor and helps create a lovely flavor profile.
Apples - You'll want to make sure you finely shred the apples, for the best texture.
If you have any questions about the ingredients in this paleo apple cake, please leave a comment below and I will get back to you.
How to make a paleo apple cake
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk almond flour, salt, baking soda, and cinnamon.
- Add oil, maple syrup, eggs, and vanilla extract and mix until well combined.
- Fold in the shredded apple.
- Spoon batter evenly into into your prepared pan. Use the back of the spoon to level it out.
- In a separate small mixing bowl, mix the crumb topping ingredients together.
- Spread the crumb topping evenly over the batter and bake.
The photos and steps are for illustration purposes. Please see the paleo apple cake recipe card below.
Can I use an egg replacer?
I haven’t tried using an egg replacer in this paleo apple cake recipe because of the amount of eggs that it calls for. I have had others comment on similar recipes that chia egg and flax egg worked well, but the cake didn't rise as much and it was a bit on the wet side.
What oils can I use in this paleo apple cake?
You can use avocado oil, olive oil (though it adds a stronger flavor), coconut oil, and vegetable oil. I haven't tried making this paleo apple cake with grape seed oil or melted butter.
Can I freeze Paleo Apple Cake?
Yes, you can freeze this paleo apple cake for up to 3 months. Bring it to room temperature before you enjoy it.
I hope you love this paleo almond cake as much as we do. It's a delicious and nutritious twist to any breakfast cake and it's definitely becoming one of our favorites.
If you love baking with almond flour, you might want to check out my Paleo Chocolate Chip Muffins. My Paleo Pancake Mix also uses almond flour and is simple to make.
Lindsay from Cotter Crunch has a simple and delicious recipe for Cinnamon Almond Flour Bread that is also paleo. Love apples? Try this gluten free apple pie next. If you don't want to make a pie, this gluten free apple crisp is super easy to make.
More Paleo Recipes
If you're looking for more paleo recipes, you might like one of these recipes.
Paleo Apple Crisp - Learn how to make the perfect paleo apple crisp! With a crunchy sweet topping and tender, tart apples, this paleo apple crisp recipe is quick to make and its grain-free, gluten-free, and vegan.
Paleo Pumpkin Bread - This tender, flavorful paleo pumpkin bread is simple to make, and it only uses a handful of ingredients. The only question is, do you like to add chocolate chips to your almond flour pumpkin bread?
Paleo Chocolate Cupcakes - These Paleo Chocolate Cupcakes are tender, rich and packed with healthy fats and protein. Top these paleo almond flour cupcakes with your favorite paleo frosting or mine.
Paleo Cornbread - A corn-free paleo cornbread that's tender, flavorful and it actually tastes like cornbread. For anyone who is looking for a good grain-free cornbread recipe you're going to love how easy and delightful this almond flour cornbread is.
Do you have any questions about this paleo apple cake recipe? Please leave it in the comments below and I will get back to you.
Paleo Apple Cake
One bowl paleo apple cake that is tender, rich with apples and cinnamon, and simple to make. This paleo apple cake recipe is also gluten-free, dairy-free, and refined sugar free.
Ingredients
For the cake:
- 2 cups fine ground almond flour
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ cup oil of choice
- ¼ cup pure maple syrup
- 3 large eggs, room temperature (or 2 eggs and ¼ cup applesauce for more apple flavor)
- 1 teaspoon gluten-free vanilla extract
- ½ cup shredded granny smith apple
For the crumb topping:
- ½ cup Bob's Red Mill Super Fine Almond Flour
- 3 tablespoons oil of choice
- ¼ cup coconut sugar
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 8 X 8 baking pan; set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk almond flour, salt, baking soda, and cinnamon.
- Add oil, maple syrup, eggs, and vanilla extract and mix until well combined.
- Fold in the shredded apple.
- Spoon batter evenly into into your prepared pan. Use the back of the spoon to level it out.
- Optional crumb topping: In a small mixing bowl mix ½ cup almond flour, 3 tablespoons oil, ¼ cup coconut sugar. Sprinkle mixture on top of cake, and press down lightly with the back of the spoon.
- Bake for 25-28 minutes or until the center is set.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for 5-10 minutes before serving.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature.
Notes
Just a reminder that the crumb topping is optional and softens after the first day.
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Nutrition Information:
Yield:
9Serving Size:
1 sliceAmount Per Serving: Calories: 417Total Fat: 32gSaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 28gCholesterol: 103mgSodium: 170mgCarbohydrates: 25gFiber: 6gSugar: 16gProtein: 11g
Natalie
I love apple cakes! Looks so delicious and moist!
chrystal
Thanks for stopping by Natalie!
Best,
Chrystal
DM Smith
Any suggestions to substitute the apple? I am allergic to apples and oranges so I need a juicy fruit alternative. Will pears work? Any other suggestions?
chrystal
Hi Debbie, you can use zucchini for sure. I haven't tried pears but I imagine it would work.
Best,
Chrystal
Karen
Do you think Applesauce could replace the grated Granny Smith Apple?
chrystal
Hi Karen,
I' sorry, I don't think that it would substitute without the batter being too wet. You could leave the apple out all together if you want, use zucchini, or leave out the apple and sub out one egg for a 1/4 cup of apple sauce.
Hope that helps,
Chrystal
Mary
Just made this cake - it easily doubles for a 9x13" pan. It's really delicious. I did use the modifications for honey and applesauce. I diced the apples instead of shredding. I had leftover maple buttercream in my freezer, so frosted the cake with that and it is fantastic. Great, easy recipe.
chrystal
I am so glad you like it. Thank you for letting me know know.
Best,
Chrystal
Rachel
Hi, we can not have egg in our house due to an allergy. Can I substitute chia seed eggs for two eggs and 1/4 cup of applesauce for the third egg?
Lindsay
Hi Rachel, I think your best option is to use three chia eggs. Adding applesauce will likely make the cake much too wet. Keep in mind that the apple cake will be very moist with any sort of egg substitution. You may want to add a small amount of extra flour to compensate.
Juliana
I used apple sauce instead of Oil and the cake came out great! So maybe you can give it a try if you don’t have apples..
chrystal
I am so glad. Thanks for sharing.
Best,
Chrystal
Miki
Tree nut allergy what can I use instead of almond flour?
chrystal
Hi Miki,
I don't have a good sub for the almond flour for this recipe since it was created with it as a main ingredient. If you don't have to eat grain-free you might like my apple spice muffins.
Best,
Chrystal
Ana
Made this apple cake for breakfast this morning and found it to be nice apple-y. It also doesn't have the heaviness of other breakfast cakes. Thanks for the recipe and the recommendations for how to store and use almond flour!
chrystal
Hi Ana,
I am so glad you like it. Yes, I love how it's not too heavy. Thank you for stopping back by and leaving a comment.
Best,
Chrystal
Cindy DiPiazza
Can you use coconut sugar in place of the apple syrup?
chrystal
Hi Cindy,
I haven't tried it myself, but I would imagine that it would work.
Best,
Chrystal
Brittany
Made this this morning and I subbed out there honey or maple syrup for a TBSP Trivia and 5 drops of Sweet Leaf Vanilla liquid sweetener since I can't have any added sugars during pregnancy. I also grated an entire honey crisp apple into the batter to make up for the lost liquid of not adding a liquid sweetener and it turned out perfect. Just wanted to mention it in case anyone else is in the same boat as me. Thank you so much for a lovely recipe, super yummy and easy to modify to suit my needs right now. We are absolutely making it again! (And a double batch of course, lol.)
chrystal
Hi Brittany,
Thank you for stopping by and sharing how you made this paleo apple cake. I'm so glad you liked it.
Have a great week,
Chrystal
Alejandra
I made this recipe and Its delicious, I recomended it.
chrystal
Thank you so much for stopping by to let me know you like this paleo apple cake!
Best,
Chrystal
Deb
A little skeptical at first but since the reviews are good, they can't all be lying, right? omg.. it is seriously good! Texture is light, flavor is good, and I don't have to feel like I am missing out on anything. I am by no means on a paleo diet, just looking for a recipe that uses almond flour. So glad I found this recipe. Tks for sharing!
chrystal
I am so glad you liked it. Thank you for taking the time to stop by and let me know.
Best,
Chrystal
Josephine
I have two questions:
1. You mention that we should use a good cinnamon- may I ask s which one you recommend?
2. This may seem like a silly question but what is the difference between the Paleo diet and the Gluten Free diet.
I’m gathering the Paleo is a weight loss program where the
celiac is meant for those of us who have been diagnosed with
Celiac or they are allergic to gluten.
Thank you for all your recipes.
And also for responding to my questions.
chrystal
Hi Josephine,
Thank you so much for stopping by! With the cinnamon, you can use your favorite kind, I just meant one that has a good strong flavor 🙂 I use Rodelle cinnamon, or sometimes I pick up Simply Organic Cinnamon (inexpensive) from the store.
The Paleo Diet is not a weight loss diet, although some people lose weight because it changes their eating habits to a more healthier one. The Paleo diet is a naturally gluten free diet but it's also refined sugar free (maple syrup and honey are natural sweeteners, so they are okay), grain free, and dairy-free. Many people can't eat grains (rice, corn, etc which a lot of gluten-free flour blends have in it) and also have a hard time consuming dairy. We love using almond flour in baking and my oldest can't do dairy so we often make Paleo baked goods - free of gluten, grain, dairy and refined sugar.
I hope that helps!
Best,
Chrystal
Tracy Jones
I'm allergic to almonds so could I substitute the almond flour with coconut flour?
chrystal
Hi Tracy,
I'm sorry, coconut flour doesn't work as a 1-to-1 in this recipe. I'm not sure what the measurements of coconut flour would need to be.
Best,
Chrystal
Ginny
This is amazingly good. And not just 'amazingly good for paleo', just flat out GOOD! I cut the recipe in half (a lesson learned from too many inedible failures) and used 1 egg and 1/8 c. applesauce. Used and extra 1/8 t. cinnamon and added 1/4 t. nutmeg and some orange zest. I did do the topping, but I think next time I'll cut the amount of oil by a third. Delicious flavor and literally melts in your mouth. This is one of 3 keepers in the dozens of dairy/refined sugar/gluten free recipes I've tried
Wendy Stoltz
Thanks Ginny, glad you enjoyed the Paleo Apple Cake.
Divya
I have been searching for carb free baking recipes!
I tried this recipe today, it turned out great! Thanks for sharing the recipe 🙂
chrystal
Hi Divya,
So glad you like this apple cake. We have more low carb recipe over at http://www.fourscoreliving.com if you are interested.
Best,
Chrystal
Chris
Thank you so much for this recipe. It's so perfect. My family love it too.
chrystal
Hi Chris,
I am so glad you and your family love this paleo apple cake. Thank you for stopping by to let me know.
Best,
Chrystal
Angela
I wonder if there is a way to add protein powder to it for a quick breakfast??
chrystal
Hi Angela,
I haven't personally tried adding protien powder. I'd start with 1 scoop and increase it the next time if the texture is good.
Best,
Chrystal
Vicki
I have a bushel of apples I am making desserts with. Can this cake be frozen and eaten at a later date?
chrystal
Hi Vicki,
Yes, this apple cake can be frozen for a later date. Let me know what you think!
Best,
Chrystal
Eibhlin Manning
Hello Chrystal.
I would really like to bake this cake but I live in Ireland and we don't have 'Super Fine' almond flour here, just regular almond flour. Would I need to increase the amount of almond flour I use as I have read on other American websites that super fine almond flour is more absorbent than regular almond flour?
Thank you,
Eibhlin
chrystal
Hello Eibhlin,
You can use regular almond flour. I've used fine almond flour, almond flour, and almond meal in this recipe as a 1 to 1. All work great.
Best,
Chrystal
Lisa Ann Stables
First almond flour recipe I've tried. Easy to make and delicious. Cake is even more moist the second day. I didn't have coconut sugar so used brown sugar in the crumble topping, and I added some chopped walnuts to the topping as well. Thanks!
chrystal
Hi Lisa,
I'm so glad you liked this paleo apple cake. I have other almond flour recipes, many that use similar ingredients, if you are looking for more. Just look under my paleo recipes section.
Best,
Chrystal
Merri Lynne Alexander
What is the white topping you put on the cake in the pictures?
chrystal
Hi Merri,
That's coconut whipped cream. You can leave it off or use regular whipped cream if you do dairy.
Best,
Chrystal
Mel
Hi. Can I make this a vanilla cake instead of apple cinnamon? I want to use the applesauce and maple syrup to sweeten it. Do you think if I omit the shredded apple and cinnamon, and add a vanilla bean it will be a vanilla cake? Thanks!
chrystal
Hi Mel,
Yes, you can leave out the apple and cinnamon and use vanilla.
Best,
Chrystal
Peyton Clark
I made the apple bread the other day and it was so GOOD! My family loved it. Well, all except my dad, but he does not like apples. thank you so much for making this. My mama said I should make it for thanksgiving so that is what i am going to do. I am a 10 year old girl who loves to bake. i'm glad you made more dessert recipes. i am sure to make them and i'm sure they will be awesomely good!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Thank you so much. hope you enjoy your day.
Signed PEYTON CLARK
chrystal
Hello Peyton,
I'm so glad you and your family liked this apple cake. This apple cake is perfect for Thanksgiving - great idea! Have a happy Thanksgiving.
Best,
Chrystal
Jess
Can I only use almond meal in thus recipe?
chrystal
You can use almond meal or almond flour.
Best,
Chrystal
Jess
Thank you for this recipe, It was delicious
chrystal
I'm so glad you liked it! Thanks for stopping back by.
Best,
Chrystal
Naomi
I made this today and absolutely loved it. I skipped the topping and put vanilla ice cream on it. Also I substituted some homemade apple sauce for the shredded apple and it worked great. Thanks so much for your recipe, I’m sharing your link with friends and will be making this again.
chrystal
I'm so glad you loved it. Thank you for sharing what you used.
Best,
Chrystal
T
My whole family loves this cake!
Thank you for giving those of us with gluten sensitivity such a wonderful treat.
chrystal
I'm so glad they like it. Thank you for letting me know.
Best,
Chrystal
Denise M.
Delicious!
I made this recipe as written using vegetable oil and 3 eggs. It was simple to prepare and baked up beautifully. My husband and our friends loved it. Really appreciated that it was Gluten Free and Paleo! Eager to try more of your recipes!
chrystal
I am so glad everyone loved this cake. Thank you for letting me know.
Best,
Chrystal
Elisa Stevens
This recipe looks good. Does it taste good without the crumble topping? Can I use a different sugar, such as Monk fruit sugar? Can I use other types of apples, such as pink lady?
Thanks for your feedback.
chrystal
Hi Elise,
You don't have to add the crumb topping. It's a lovely sponge cake without it. You can use 1/4 cup monkfruit sweetener or honey, or coconut sugar, and you can use any apple you want. Pink lady apples are lovely too.
Best,
Chrystal
Elisa Stevens
Thanks for your reply Chrystal. It is a delicious cake!!!
I found to cake to be a little too moist, so I added a 1/4 cup of coconut flour and I liked the results. I will try making it with granny smith apples the next time I make it. It's definitely a favorite with my family. Love it!
chrystal
So glad you liked it.
Best,
Chrystal
Veronique Jeanne Alicot
THANK YOU FOR THIS WONDERFUL RECIPE.
I MADE THE CAKE ACCORDING TO YOUR RECIPE, ADDING MORE APPLES, AND IT TURNED OUT TO BE EX-CE-LLENT. I GRATED SOME ORANGE PEEL AND ADDED SOME NUTMEG. HUMMMM YUMMI.
chrystal
I am glad you liked it.
Best,
Chrystal
April
Thank you for your sharing. I've just made the cake and it turned out amazing. Really soft and moist and apply thanks to the extra shreeded apple I added in. I found the apples tend to release lots of juice after shredding so make sure you squeeze it all out before mixing with the batter. My sister loves the cake a lot and she demanded for some slices to bring to school tomorrow. I'm definitely making this again!
chrystal
I am so glad you both loved it. Thank you for letting me know.
Best,
Chrystal
Mitra
Hi,
How I can use regular flour in place of the almond flour? Thank you.
chrystal
Not in this recipe, sorry!
DoubletheGarlic
I made this today as you wrote it, only adding nutmeg and almond essence, and it was fantastic. The recipe is a “keeper” and the cake was praised by the entire family (3 generations). Thank you.
chrystal
I am so glad everyone loved it. Thank you for taking the time to stop back by and let me know.
Best,
Chrystal
Alida
I made this 3 hours ago and it's almost gone. Used very ripe pears instead of apples, put in some pecans and raisins too. Thanks for this great recipe!
Meg
Delicious! The oil I chose to use is coconut oil, melted. I increased shredded apples to one cup and it turned out fabulous! Next time I may add a few chopped walnuts too. Thank you for this great recipe.
Lindsay
Hi Meg! Thanks so much for the comment. So glad you loved the cake!
Elaine Sullivan
My cake was really wet, although I followed the directions as written. The crumb topping did not crisp. I cook it longer than the recipe called for as well. What did a do wrong.
Lindsay
Hi Elaine, the apple cake is a pretty moist cake, so it's possible that the texture is just not what you expected. Add a bit of extra almond flour next time you make it and see if that helps. Because the cake is moist, the crumb topping won't stay crisp for very long after it's first baked.
Rhessa Hanson
Could I sub sorghum molasses for the maple syrup?
Wendy Stoltz
Hi Rhessa, I have not tried it. It will change the flavor profile. If you do try it let me know.