This Gluten-Free French Apple Cake, adapted from Cook’s Illustrated, has a custard-like bottom, a tender cake layer and a crisp sugary top. Serve warm or at room temperature; it’s lovely on its own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Recipe by: Alison Needham, A Girl Defloured – watch the video to see us make it!
Apple season is the best. Really.
September has always meant apples to me since my first job at Bloomingcamp Apple Ranch more than two decades ago. I helped customers choose apples for eating fresh, baking pies, canning applesauce, or adding to savory dishes. Helping them pick the right variety—sweet, tart, or crisp—was part of the fun.
I still remember the cold storage room where we kept bushels of apples and the steady din of the old register. What sticks with me most is the scent of pies baking in the back—an overwhelming perfume of cinnamon, sugar, and baked apples. At the time it felt a little much, but now it’s one of my favorite smells: freshly baked apple pie. Those experiences made me appreciate all forms of apple desserts, and inspired this gluten-free take on a French classic.
Finding the original French Apple Cake recipe
Each fall I bake with apples in both sweet and savory ways. When I first saw Cook’s Illustrated’s French Apple Cake, I loved the idea: a moist layer of thin apple slices in a custardy base, topped with a lighter cake layer and finished with sugar on top.
It took me a year to adapt it to gluten-free baking, but the end result is outstanding. The cake is light on flour, so it translated beautifully using a gluten-free all-purpose blend with a bit of almond flour for flavor and structure. The final cake is elegant, perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a cozy autumn dessert. And yes—your kitchen will smell amazing while it bakes.
Choosing apples for this French Apple Cake
Granny Smith apples are ideal for this recipe because they are tart and hold their shape when baked. If you prefer other varieties, Honeycrisp, Gala or Fuji can work, though they are sweeter and softer when cooked.
Gluten-Free French Apple Cake
Alison Needham
Pin Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 ½ lbs Granny Smith apples peeled, cored and cut into 8 wedges then sliced 1/8 inch thick
- 1 tablespoon brandy
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- ¾ cup, plus 2 tablespoons all-purpose gluten-free flour blend
- ¼ cup almond flour (or hazelnut/coconut flour)
- 1 cup, plus 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon xanthan gum (omit if your blend already contains it)
- 1 large egg plus 2 large yolks
- 1 cup canola oil or melted coconut oil
- 1 cup whole milk or dairy-free alternative
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
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Place the oven rack in the lower third of the oven and preheat to 325°F (160°C). Spray a 9-inch (23 cm) springform pan with gluten-free cooking spray and set it on a foil-lined rimmed baking sheet.
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Arrange the apple slices on a microwave-safe plate or pie dish, cover, and microwave on high for 3 minutes until slightly tender and pliable. Drizzle with brandy and lemon juice and let cool for 15 minutes.
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In a large bowl whisk together ¾ cup gluten-free flour blend, almond flour, 1 cup sugar, baking powder, salt, and xanthan gum (if using). Add the whole egg, oil, milk, and vanilla and whisk until smooth. Scoop out 1 cup of batter into a separate medium bowl.
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Add the two egg yolks to the larger portion of batter and whisk to combine. Fold in the cooled apple slices, then pour this mixture into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
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Whisk the remaining 2 tablespoons of gluten-free flour into the reserved cup of batter. Spread this thinner batter evenly over the apple layer, making sure it reaches the edges.
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Sprinkle the top with the remaining 2 tablespoons of sugar. Bake until the center is set, about 1 hour 15 minutes.
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Transfer the pan to a wire rack and cool 5 minutes. Run a knife around the cake edge, then cool completely (about 2 hours) before removing the springform ring. Cut into wedges and serve.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
More gluten-free apple desserts you’ll love:
The Most Delicious Apple Galette Recipe
This free-form apple pastry is sure to impress. The flavor combination will have everyone asking for seconds.
Grain-Free Paleo Apple Crisp
This Grain-Free Paleo Apple Crisp is easy to assemble and delicious—no one will miss the grains. It’s sweet, tart, Paleo-friendly, and can be dairy-free.
Gluten-Free French Apple Pie
The classic apple dessert reimagined gluten-free with a buttery crumb topping—serve with vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat.
Frequently Asked Questions about French Apple Cake:
A French Apple Cake layers thin apple slices in a custard-like base, often with a splash of brandy or rum, and sometimes includes nut flour for texture and flavor.
Granny Smith apples are recommended because they hold up during baking and add a pleasant tartness. Honeycrisp, Gala or Fuji are possible alternatives depending on your sweetness preference.
Store the cake in a sealed container in a cool, dry place for up to three days to preserve moisture and flavor.
The cake keeps well for up to three days in a sealed container and can be made a day ahead for entertaining.