RECIPE INSIGHT
This delicious apple spice walnut cake is packed with flavor, incredibly moist, and perfect as a snack with tea or as a dessert for guests. It’s gluten- and dairy-free, sweetened naturally with applesauce, maple syrup, and a touch of coconut sugar.
Inspired by my popular Pumpkin Spice Cake, this apple cake is equally moist, fluffy, and grain-free! Baking with seasonal ingredients makes recipes extra special, and this cake embodies that spirit, especially when made with freshly picked apples from our fall outings. It’s simply delightful!
The aroma of this cake, thanks to warm spices like cinnamon and ginger, will fill your home with an inviting scent, especially during cooler seasons. The bake evokes comforting feelings as it heralds changes in weather.
This cake isn’t just tasty—it’s also packed with nutrients! Apples are high in pectin, a type of soluble fiber beneficial for digestion and reducing LDL cholesterol. They also contain quercetin for immune support and malic acid to naturally cleanse the blood of toxins.
Easy to prepare, this recipe allows adjustments for dietary needs. For a nut-free option, simply skip the walnuts. I’ve recently updated the recipe to include more coconut flour for a better texture. Pair this cake with a scoop of coconut milk vanilla ice cream for a delightful treat!
It serves 9 and is sweetened with only 1/4 cup of maple syrup and some liquid stevia. When using large eggs, there’s no need to add extra water when reducing syrup.
For fellow apple enthusiasts, try these recipe variations:
– Baked Apple Cinnamon Pancakes
– Mini Apple Tarts, Grain-Free and Gluten-Free
– Apple Crisp, Paleo and Vegan
– Apple Beet Carrot Quinoa Slaw
Happy baking!
ABOUT THE RECIPE VIDEO
Hi Joy, I noticed you didn’t use olive oil in the video. Is it still necessary? I want to be sure since coconut flour can be tricky to work with.
Hi! Yes, olive oil is definitely needed; it was left out during editing. Coconut flour is the only flour used here and can’t easily be replaced without altering other ingredients.
OTHER RECIPE OPTIONS
Here’s another cake option with minimal coconut flour: [almond flour raspberry cake](https://www.joyoushealth.com/27423-blog-almond-flour-raspberry-cake) as well as a cake using mostly brown rice flour: [strawberry banana cake](https://www.joyoushealth.com/27350-blog-strawberry-banana-cake) with less liquid.
READER REVIEWS
I made it — so easy and delicious! I love your recipes. Thanks, Jessica!
I tried substituting eggs with chia eggs, but the mix became thick like dough, needing flattening for baking. What went wrong? Any advice?
Hi Jennifer, thanks for reaching out. Egg substitutes often don’t work well because the texture changes, especially with coconut flour.
This is my favorite cake! I transformed it into a Gingerbread cake with more ginger, added molasses, reduced applesauce, and omitted walnuts. I topped it with coconut nog. It was fantastic!
Thanks, Kari, your tweaks sound delicious with the coconut nog enhancement!
Moist and just sweet enough, it’s a great dessert on its own. Perfect for week nights!
Glad to hear it!
I’d love to make this, but my husband is allergic to tree nuts. Can it work without walnuts? Any substitutions?
Absolutely, it works without walnuts. Enjoy!
Can eggs be replaced? I’ve never bought egg replacers. Suggestions?
Hi Norah, this recipe might not be ideal for egg substitution due to its coconut flour base. Try recipes with oat or spelt flour for easier substitutes.
Thanks, Norah. I haven’t included egg subs because they don’t work well with this recipe. I’ll consider your suggestion for future recipes.
Can I use avocado oil instead of olive oil?
Sure! Enjoy the cake!
