Deliciously Moist Paleo & Gluten-Free Apple Coffee Cake with Spiced Crumb Topping

This isn’t just any apple coffee cake; it’s the ultimate paleo and gluten-free delight! Imagine a perfectly moist, fluffy almond flour cake bursting with finely shredded apples, generously topped with a rich, spiced crumb streusel, and finished with a delicate vanilla glaze. This recipe transforms classic comfort into a healthier, irresistible fall dessert that you’ll want to make all season long.

As the leaves begin to turn and the air crisp, apple season calls for warm, comforting treats. And when it comes to apple desserts, nothing quite hits the spot like a homemade apple coffee cake. But this isn’t your average cake. We’ve crafted a recipe that’s not only incredibly flavorful but also caters to dietary needs, being completely gluten-free, paleo, dairy-free, and refined sugar-free. The secret to its unparalleled moistness and delightful texture lies in a simple yet revolutionary technique: **shredding the apples**.

While diced apples can be good, shredded apples melt into the cake batter, distributing moisture and apple flavor evenly throughout. This results in an incredibly tender cake that’s easy to slice and even easier to eat, ensuring every bite is a harmonious blend of sweet apple and warm spice. This paleo apple cake is truly the epitome of fall baking. The thinly shredded apples infuse the cake with natural sweetness, while the spiced crumble topping adds a delightful textural contrast. A drizzle of vanilla glaze ties it all together, making each mouthful an incredible experience that will have you reaching for another slice.

Whether you’ve just returned from a fun day of apple picking or simply can’t resist the allure of fresh apples at the grocery store, this recipe is a must-bookmark. It’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, an afternoon snack, or a healthier dessert any time during the fall and winter seasons.

Why You’ll Adore This Paleo & Gluten-Free Apple Cake Recipe

This gluten-free apple coffee cake stands out for many reasons. Here’s why it’s bound to become a staple in your healthy baking repertoire:

• Effortless Preparation – Forget about complicated steps and multiple bowls. This entire cake, from batter to streusel, comes together quickly in just one bowl, making cleanup a breeze and baking a joy. It’s perfect for busy weekdays or a relaxing weekend baking session.
• Accommodates Dietary Needs – Traditional apple coffee cakes often rely on ingredients like butter, sour cream, and milk. Our thoughtfully developed recipe is a game-changer, being entirely gluten-free, grain-free, dairy-free, and refined sugar-free. This makes it suitable for a wide range of dietary preferences without compromising on taste or texture. You can indulge guilt-free!
• Sensational Texture & Flavor Profile – Beyond making your home smell like an autumn dream, this cake delivers an explosion of flavors and textures. The almond flour base creates a soft, tender, and incredibly moist crumb, perfectly complemented by the tender shredded apples. The crumble topping adds a delightful crunch and a hint of warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, while the vanilla glaze provides a sweet, elegant finish.
• Versatile for Any Occasion – While ideal for fall and the holiday season gatherings, this wonderfully tender gluten-free apple cake is so universally appealing that you’ll find yourself baking it year-round. It’s perfect for breakfast with your coffee, a delightful afternoon treat, or a light dessert after dinner.

Gluten-Free Apple Cake Recipe Video

For a visual guide to making this amazing paleo apple cake, watch our detailed recipe video. It walks you through each step, ensuring you achieve perfect results every time!

Crafting Your Paleo Apple Cake: A Simple Guide

Below are the simplified steps to guide you. For precise measurements and a comprehensive ingredient list, please refer to the complete recipe card at the conclusion of this article.

Essential Equipment for Baking Success

• Mixing Bowl: A large, sturdy mixing bowl is essential for combining your ingredients. We highly recommend a set of beautiful, high-quality mixing bowls to make your baking experience even more enjoyable!
• Square Baking Dish: This paleo apple coffee cake is perfectly baked in a 9-inch square baking dish. Ensure it’s oven-safe and ready for your delicious creation.
• Box Grater or Mandoline Slicer: For achieving those perfectly shredded apples that make this cake so moist.

Key Ingredients for the Best Gluten-Free Apple Coffee Cake

Every ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role in creating a moist, flavorful, and perfectly textured paleo apple cake:

• Apples: The star of the show! Choose your favorite sweet-tart variety for the best flavor. Pink Lady, Honeycrisp, or Granny Smith apples are excellent choices, offering a balance of sweetness and acidity that truly shines in baked goods. Shredding them ensures maximum moisture and even distribution throughout the cake.
• Almond Flour: This finely ground flour is the foundation of our moist, light, and fluffy gluten-free cake. Almond flour is naturally low in carbs and high in protein and healthy fats, contributing to a rich texture. Please note, other flours cannot be substituted 1:1, though Tiger Nut flour (a great nut-free alternative) could work.
• Coconut Flour: A highly absorbent flour that is vital for giving the cake structure and preventing it from becoming too wet, especially with the addition of shredded apples. Its unique properties mean it cannot be directly replaced in this recipe.
• Tapioca Flour: Also known as tapioca starch (or arrowroot flour as an alternative), this ingredient is essential for achieving the perfect tender, slightly chewy crumb texture. It helps bind the flours and moisten the cake.
• Maple Syrup and Coconut Sugar: These natural sweeteners provide a rich, caramel-like sweetness without any refined sugars. Maple syrup adds liquid moisture, while coconut sugar offers a deeper flavor similar to brown sugar. Honey can be used as a 1:1 substitute for maple syrup, and other granulated sweeteners can replace coconut sugar.
• Applesauce: Unsweetened applesauce is a fantastic addition, enhancing the apple flavor and adding extra moisture to the cake, contributing to its incredible softness.
• Eggs: Act as a binder and provide structure and lift. We have not extensively tested vegan substitutes, but a reliable egg replacer like Bob’s Red Mill egg replacer may be a viable option for those needing a vegan version.
• Coconut Oil or Avocado Oil: These healthy fats contribute to the cake’s moistness. You can also opt for melted butter, vegan butter, or ghee if your dietary preferences allow.
• Stash Tea Apple Blossom Concentrate or Apple Cider: This is the secret to an incredibly flavorful and aromatic apple glaze. North Coast offers a great no-sugar-added apple cider option for a healthier glaze. The concentrated apple flavor takes the icing to another level.
• Baking Staples: Don’t forget your baking powder and baking soda for rise, vanilla extract for depth of flavor, a pinch of sea salt to balance sweetness, and warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg for that quintessential fall aroma and taste.
• Monk Fruit Powdered Sugar or Regular Powdered Sugar: Used to create the smooth and delicious apple-infused icing or glaze that crowns this coffee cake. Monk fruit sweetener is an excellent refined sugar-free alternative.

Step-by-Step Guide: Making Your Gluten-Free Apple Cake with Crumb Topping

Follow these simple instructions to bake your perfect paleo apple coffee cake:

1. Prepare Your Pan and Oven, and Make the Streusel: First, line a 9-inch square baking dish (or a similar round cake pan) with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides for easy removal, or simply grease it thoroughly with oil. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Next, prepare your apples by grating them using a box grater – skin and all! In a separate small bowl, combine all the ingredients for the streusel topping, mixing until a beautiful crumbly texture forms. Set aside.
2. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together all the wet ingredients: the eggs, applesauce, maple syrup, coconut sugar, vanilla extract, and sea salt. Whisk vigorously until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
3. Mix Dry Ingredients and Assemble: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until no lumps remain and a smooth batter forms. Be careful not to overmix. Pour the luscious cake batter evenly into your prepared baking pan. Now, evenly sprinkle the prepared streusel crumb topping over the batter, gently pressing it down slightly to ensure it adheres during baking.
4. Bake to Golden Perfection: Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake for 28-32 minutes. The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with only a few moist crumbs attached. The edges should appear beautifully golden brown. Once baked, let the cake cool in the pan for at least 20-30 minutes before carefully removing it and transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
5. Glaze and Enjoy!: For an extra touch of decadence, drizzle the cooled cake with the optional apple glaze. The apple cider in the icing adds an amazing depth of flavor, but you can also use milk for a simpler glaze. Slice, serve, and savor every bite of this healthier fall treat!

Expert Baking Tips for a Flawless Paleo Apple Cake

Achieving the perfect texture and flavor in your gluten-free apple coffee cake is easy with these helpful tips:

• The Toothpick Test is Key: Always use the toothpick method to accurately determine if the center of your cake is fully cooked. Insert a clean toothpick into the thickest part of the cake; if it comes out clean or with only a few moist crumbs, your cake is done. If it’s wet, continue baking for a few more minutes and retest.
• The Magic of Shredded or Thinly Sliced Apples: For truly exceptional results, the preparation of your apples is paramount. Shredding apples (using a box grater) or thinly slicing them (with a mandoline for precision) allows them to soften and meld seamlessly into the cake batter, creating an incredibly moist and tender crumb. If shredding, you can even gently press out some excess liquid with a paper towel before adding them to the batter. **A crucial note: avoid chopping the apples into large pieces**, as this will result in a different, less desirable texture and a drier cake. The goal is to have the apples almost disappear into the cake, leaving behind only their delicious flavor and moisture.
• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your eggs and applesauce are at room temperature. This helps them combine more smoothly with the other ingredients, leading to a more consistent batter and a better rise in the cake.
• Don’t Overmix: With gluten-free flours, overmixing can lead to a dense texture. Mix just until the ingredients are combined and no lumps remain.
• Cooling Patience: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for the recommended 20-30 minutes. This allows the cake to set properly and prevents it from breaking when you try to remove it. A completely cooled cake is also essential for applying the glaze without it melting or becoming too thin.

Delightful Serving Suggestions for Your Apple Coffee Cake

While this paleo apple cake is absolutely divine on its own, especially with the optional apple glaze, you can elevate your serving experience with a few additions:

• Classic Toppings: If you choose not to add the apple glaze, a dollop of creamy coconut whipped cream (for dairy-free options) or traditional whipped cream is always a hit. A scoop of vanilla ice cream, whether dairy or non-dairy, provides a wonderful contrast in temperature and richness.
• Warm Beverages: This coffee cake is, of course, perfect alongside a steaming cup of coffee, tea, or a festive chai latte.
• A Sprinkle of Spice: A light dusting of extra cinnamon or nutmeg over the top before serving can enhance the autumnal flavors.
• Fresh Fruit: Garnish with a few fresh apple slices or berries for a pop of color and freshness.

Smart Storage Tips for Your Apple Coffee Cake

To keep your delicious paleo apple cake fresh and flavorful, follow these storage guidelines:

• Countertop Storage: The apple coffee cake with crumb topping can be left at room temperature for up to 8 hours, especially if it’s tightly covered.
• Refrigeration: For longer freshness, refrigerate any leftover cake in an airtight container. It will stay wonderfully moist for up to 3-4 days. Allow individual slices to come to room temperature or gently warm them before serving for the best experience.
• Freezing: This cake freezes beautifully! Once completely cooled, wrap individual slices or the entire cake (if uncut) tightly in plastic wrap, then again in aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bring to room temperature or warm slightly before enjoying.

More Healthy Gluten-Free Desserts to Explore

If you loved this paleo apple coffee cake, you’ll certainly enjoy these other healthy and gluten-free dessert recipes from our collection:

• Pumpkin Streusel Bread (Gluten-Free)
• Wholesome Banana Nut Scones
• Blender Banana Coffee Cake Muffins
• Healthy, No-Bake Gluten-Free Banana Pudding
• Almond Flour Snickers Banana Bread (Gluten-Free)
• Starbucks Copycat Pumpkin Spice Scones
• Irresistible Frosted Banana Bars
• Banana Foster Chia Pudding
• Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread

We truly hope this recipe brings a touch of healthy sweetness to your day! If you try this incredible paleo and gluten-free apple coffee cake, please be sure to leave a comment and rating below. Your feedback helps us and other bakers discover new favorites!