Gluten Free Apple Cider Cake for Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and what better way to celebrate than with a delicious Gluten Free Apple Cider Cake? I remember the first time my son, Jake, helped me bake this cake. He was so excited to measure the ingredients and pour in the apple cider. It turned out to be a family favorite, and now we make it every year. This cake is perfect for your holiday table and is sure to impress your guests!

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love It

  • It’s easy to make and requires simple ingredients.
  • The warm spices and apple cider create a cozy fall flavor.
  • It’s a dessert everyone can enjoy, even those with dietary restrictions.

Pure Comfort

This Gluten Free Apple Cider Cake is the epitome of comfort food. It’s soft, moist, and bursting with flavor, making it an ideal dessert for your Thanksgiving feast. Plus, it pairs beautifully with a scoop of dairy-free vanilla ice cream.

What You Need

  • 1 ½ cups 1 ½ cups gluten free all-purpose flour (180 g) – Make sure it includes xanthan gum.
  • 1 tsp 1 tsp baking powder – Check for gluten-free certification.
  • 1 tsp 1 tsp baking soda – This helps the cake rise.
  • 1 tsp 1 tsp ground cinnamon – Feel free to add nutmeg for extra spice.
  • ½ tsp ½ tsp salt – Enhances the flavors.
  • ½ cup ½ cup coconut oil, melted (120 ml) – Can substitute with vegetable oil.
  • 1 cup 1 cup apple cider (240 ml) – Use fresh cider for best flavor.
  • ½ cup ½ cup maple syrup (120 ml) – Honey can be used as a substitute.
  • 2 2 large eggs – Room temperature works best.
  • 1 tsp 1 tsp vanilla extract – Adds a lovely aroma.
  • 1 cup 1 cup chopped apples (about 2 medium apples) – Use your favorite variety.

Time to Cook

Prep: 15 minutes | Cook: 35 minutes | Total: 50 minutes | Difficulty: Easy | Make-Ahead: Yes, you can bake it a day in advance.

Steps to Make It

  1. Preheat your oven to 350 °F (175 °C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan with coconut oil and set it aside. You want your pan ready to go so the cake doesn’t stick.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the gluten free flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. The mixture should look light and fluffy, which means it’s ready for the wet ingredients.
  3. In another bowl, combine the melted coconut oil, apple cider, maple syrup, eggs, and vanilla extract. Stir until everything is well mixed and smooth; this will create a lovely, aromatic batter.
  4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are perfectly fine. The batter should be thick and slightly glossy.
  5. Gently fold in the chopped apples, ensuring they’re evenly distributed throughout the batter. The apples will add moisture and sweetness, making the cake even more delightful.
  6. Pour the batter into your prepared cake pan and spread it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for about 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The top should be lightly golden and spring back when touched.
  7. Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. The aroma will fill your kitchen, making it hard to resist!
  8. Serve the cake warm or at room temperature, either plain or with a scoop of dairy-free ice cream. Your guests will love this treat!

Make It Perfect

  • For a festive touch, sprinkle powdered sugar on top before serving.
  • If you want to add a bit of crunch, toss in some chopped nuts with the apples.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Mix It Up

  • Try adding dried cranberries for a tart twist.
  • Substitute the apples with pears for a different flavor profile.

Perfect Partners

  • Serve with a warm cup of spiced cider.
  • Pair it with a light salad for a balanced meal.

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FAQs

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can bake it a day in advance and store it covered at room temperature.

How do I store leftovers?

Keep leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Can I freeze this cake?

Yes, you can freeze it! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil for up to 3 months.

What can I use instead of apple cider?

You can substitute apple cider with apple juice or even a mix of water and a bit of apple extract.

Is this cake suitable for a gluten-free diet?

Yes, this Gluten Free Apple Cider Cake is perfect for anyone avoiding gluten!

Conclusion

This Gluten Free Apple Cider Cake is a delightful addition to your Thanksgiving dessert table. It’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and sure to satisfy everyone, including those with dietary restrictions. Give it a try this holiday season, and watch it become a new family tradition!

Close-up of Gluten Free Apple Cider Cake on gray background

Gluten Free Apple Cider Cake for Thanksgiving

This Gluten Free Apple Cider Cake is a delightful addition to your Thanksgiving dessert table. It’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and sure to satisfy everyone, including those with dietary restrictions.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 8 pieces

Equipment

  • 9-inch round cake pan

Ingredients
  

Ingredients

  • 1 ½ cups cups gluten free all-purpose flour Make sure it includes xanthan gum.
  • 1 tsp baking powder Check for gluten-free certification.
  • 1 tsp baking soda This helps the cake rise.
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon Feel free to add nutmeg for extra spice.
  • ½ tsp salt Enhances the flavors.
  • ½ cup coconut oil, melted Can substitute with vegetable oil.
  • 1 cup apple cider Use fresh cider for best flavor.
  • ½ cup maple syrup Honey can be used as a substitute.
  • 2 large eggs Room temperature works best.
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract Adds a lovely aroma.
  • 1 cup chopped apples Use your favorite variety.

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350 °F (175 °C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan with coconut oil and set it aside. You want your pan ready to go so the cake doesn’t stick.
  • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the gluten free flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. The mixture should look light and fluffy, which means it’s ready for the wet ingredients.
  • In another bowl, combine the melted coconut oil, apple cider, maple syrup, eggs, and vanilla extract. Stir until everything is well mixed and smooth; this will create a lovely, aromatic batter.
  • Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are perfectly fine. The batter should be thick and slightly glossy.
  • Gently fold in the chopped apples, ensuring they’re evenly distributed throughout the batter. The apples will add moisture and sweetness, making the cake even more delightful.
  • Pour the batter into your prepared cake pan and spread it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for about 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The top should be lightly golden and spring back when touched.
  • Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. The aroma will fill your kitchen, making it hard to resist!
  • Serve the cake warm or at room temperature, either plain or with a scoop of dairy-free ice cream. Your guests will love this treat!

Notes

For a festive touch, sprinkle powdered sugar on top before serving. If you want to add a bit of crunch, toss in some chopped nuts with the apples. Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Keyword apple, Cake, dessert, Gluten Free, Thanksgiving