Gluten-Free Apple Cake: A Cozy Recipe for Crohn’s-Friendly Comfort
Some of my favorite memories are of baking in the kitchen with my mom, especially in the fall, when apples were crisp and cinnamon filled the air. We’d peel and chop together, laughing and chatting as the oven warmed the house. This apple cake was one of our go-to recipes, but when my husband was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease, I knew I had to make some changes.
That’s when I began experimenting with gluten-free baking, determined to keep our favorite traditions alive while supporting his health. This version of our beloved apple cake is just as cozy, comforting, and delicious—and now, it’s something we can all enjoy together.
Gluten-Free Apple Cake Recipe
Ingredients:
· 2 cups Crohn’s-friendly gluten-free flour blend (see below)
· 1 tsp baking soda
· 1 tsp cinnamon
· 1/2 tsp salt
· 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
· 1 cup sugar
· 2 eggs
· 1 tsp vanilla extract
· 2 cups peeled and chopped apples
· Optional: sliced apples for topping
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a cake pan with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, whisk together flour blend, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
3. In another bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs and vanilla, mixing well.
4. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture. Fold in chopped apples.
5. Pour batter into prepared pan and top with sliced apples if desired.
6. Bake for 40–45 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
7. Let cool slightly before removing from pan.
Crohn’s-Friendly Gluten-Free Flour Blend
Ingredients:
· 1 cup white rice flour
· 1/2 cup almond flour
· 1/2 cup potato starch
· 1/4 cup tapioca starch
· Optional: 1/4 cup certified gluten-free oat flour (if tolerated)
Instructions:
1. Combine all flours in a large bowl.
2. Whisk thoroughly to ensure even distribution.
3. Store in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.
4. Use as a 1:1 substitute for all-purpose gluten-free flour in cakes, muffins, and quick breads.
5. Substitution Note: If you don’t need the recipe to be gluten-free, you can substitute regular all-purpose (AP) flour in place of the gluten-free flour blend using a 1:1 ratio. The texture may be slightly fluffier and more structured due to the gluten, which provides elasticity and binding. However, for those with Crohn’s disease or gluten sensitivity, gluten-free flour is often easier to digest.
Gluten-Free Baking Tips
· Use parchment paper or grease your pan well—gluten-free batters tend to stick.
· Let baked goods cool slightly before removing to help them hold together.
· Avoid high-fiber flours like coconut or bean flours during flare-ups.
· Cook thoroughly—raw flours can be harder to digest.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this apple cake slightly warm with a dollop of non-dairy whipped topping or see the recipe below for non-dairy cream cheese frosting or use the glaze from Grandma Lillian’s Apple Bundt Cake:
Glaze
1/2 Cup Apples, Shredded
1 Cup Apple Juice
1 tablespoon Cinnamon
1 Cup Powdered sugar
It’s also perfect just as is with a cup of tea on a crisp afternoon
Dairy-Free Cream Cheese-Style Frosting (Crohn’s-Friendly)
Ingredients:
- 1 cup shortening (non-hydrogenated preferred)
- ¼ cup cold water (plus more as needed)
- 3 ½ cups powdered sugar
- 4 oz melted dairy-free white chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon instant cheesecake or vanilla pudding mix (dairy-free if needed)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions:
- In a stand mixer, beat shortening and water until light and fluffy (2–3 minutes).
- Add powdered sugar and pudding mix. Mix on low speed until smooth.
- Slowly stream in melted white chocolate while mixing to avoid clumps.
- Add vanilla flavoring and salt. Taste and adjust.
- For thinner frosting, add water one tablespoon at a time. For thicker, add more powdered sugar.
Download the recipes Here! gluten_free_apple_cake_recipe
A Personal Note
This cake has become a staple in our home—not just because it’s delicious, but because it represents love, adaptability, and the joy of sharing something homemade. It’s amazing how a simple recipe can carry so many memories and evolve with our lives.
If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out for you! Did you make any tweaks or add your own twist? Share your thoughts in the comments below or tag me in your photos—I always enjoy seeing how others bring these recipes to life in their own kitchens.
Let me know if you would like more gluten free recipes!