Gluten Free Apple Snack Cake

The best kind of treat is a gluten free apple snack cake — something best enjoyed with a hot cup of strong coffee and a good conversation.

This snacking cake isn't about mounds of frosting or overly sweet insides; instead it's a lightly sweetened cake that folds in fresh apples and toasted walnuts for a soul-warming treat.

Using cassava flour, this dessert is gluten free, paleo, and nut free!

Let's make an apple snack cake:

This little snack cake couldn't be easier! All you need is one bowl and a whisk or large spatula, and you're well on your way to a slice of this spiced apple cake.

First, prepare your baking pan. I used a large 12" cast iron skillet for my cake, but you can certainly use a round or square cake pan if that's what you've got on hand.

Grease the pan with olive oil, coconut oil, or whatever fat you prefer. To further prevent sticking, I suggest cutting a round piece of parchment paper for the bottom of the pan as well — but you can skip this step if you prefer.

Next, in a large bowl, whisk the coconut sugar and eggs together until light and frothy. Don't worry; this is probaby the hardest part of the whole recipe!

Add in the remaining wet ingredients and spices, whisking until smooth. Add the cassava flour and baking powders, mixing until fully incorporated. Finally, toss in the chopped apples and walnuts and stir until just incorporated.

And with that, we're ready to bake! The batter will be very thick, so you'll likely have to use a spatula to spread it to the edges of the pan. Bake for 30-40 minutes, then let the cake cool before slicing.

This apple snack cake is best enjoyed with a hot cup of coffee and shared with a friend. Trust me on that!

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What apples should I use for baking?

That's right — some apples are better for snacking and some are better for baking!

Still, some of my favorite apples for baking just happen to be my favorite all-around apples. When I just want apples, I almost always grab Braeburn and Granny Smith.

Here are a few good go-to apples for baking recipes like this gluten free apple snack cake:

• Braeburn
• Jonagold
• Granny Smith
• Haralson - I don't hear about this one a lot, so it may just be more popular in my region.

This isn't a comprehensive list by any means, but those four apples make great baked goods!

Should I peel the apples for this cake recipe?

Yes, I'd recommend peeling the apples this time!

Here's how I do it — I use an apple slicer to slice the apples into crescents. Then I use a paring knife to easily cut away the peel. From there, I chop up all the crescents into small chunks for the recipe.

If you have another method for peeling that apples that works for you, please share! I'm always open to new ideas.

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More ways to use up fresh apples

• Simple Stovetop Apple Butter (No Added Sugar)
• Apple Pecan Streusel Muffins
• Warm Kale, Apple, and Sweet Potato Salad
• Paleo Apple Walnut Bundt Cake
• Cast Iron German Apple Pancake

Did you try this recipe? I'd love to hear what you think! Comment below or tag me on Instagram.

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