There is something incredibly comforting about a home-baked treat that is both wholesome and delicious, and this Vegan Gluten-Free Apple Bundt Cake with Easy Glaze Recipe is exactly that. Combining the natural sweetness and tartness of fresh apples with a tender, moist crumb made from gluten-free ingredients, this cake is perfect for anyone seeking a nourishing dessert without compromise. The easy glaze adds the perfect touch of sweetness and shine, making it a standout dessert that’s as beautiful as it is tasty. If you’ve been searching for a recipe that’s friendly to multiple diets but never sacrifices flavor, this Apple Bundt Cake is your new best friend.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple, natural, and thoughtfully chosen, these ingredients come together to create a cake that’s moist, flavorful, and just the right texture. Each element plays a special role, whether it’s providing structure, sweetness, or that irresistible apple aroma.
- 2 cups gluten-free old-fashioned oats (blended into flour): The perfect grain base that lends a gentle nuttiness and soft texture without gluten.
- 1 cup blanched super fine almond flour: Adds moisture, richness, and a subtle almond flavor to the cake.
- 1/4 cup arrowroot powder: Helps bind the ingredients and gives the crumb a wonderfully light feel.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Warms the flavor profile with its familiar, comforting spice.
- 1 teaspoon apple pie spice: Adds depth and complexity with a blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
- 1 tablespoon baking powder: Ensures the cake rises beautifully for a light, fluffy texture.
- 1 cup unsweetened plant-based milk: Keeps the batter moist and dairy-free for a vegan-friendly bite.
- 1/3 cup refined coconut oil: Imparts a tender crumb and subtle tropical notes without overpowering.
- 1/2 cup pure maple syrup: Brings natural sweetness plus that unmistakable earthy maple flavor.
- 1/2 cup unsweetened apple sauce: Adds moisture and a touch of fruity sweetness while replacing eggs.
- 2 cups fresh apples (Granny Smith and Honeycrisp): These fresh apples provide a crisp texture and blend tartness with sweetness perfectly.
How to Make Vegan Gluten-Free Apple Bundt Cake with Easy Glaze Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start your baking journey by preheating the oven to 350°F (175°C). Greasing your bundt pan is essential to ensure the cake releases perfectly once baked, giving you that classic ring shape that is irresistible to slice through.
Step 2: Make the Dry Mixture
Take those gluten-free oats and blend them until they turn into a fine flour. This step is key for the cake’s light texture. In a large bowl, combine this oat flour with the almond flour, arrowroot powder, cinnamon, apple pie spice, and baking powder. Each of these dry ingredients adds layers of flavor, structure, and the right lift your cake needs.
Step 3: Whisk Together the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk the plant-based milk, refined coconut oil, maple syrup, and apple sauce until the mixture is smooth and cohesive. This blend brings moisture, sweetness, and richness, which are all crucial for a tender crumb in this Vegan Gluten-Free Apple Bundt Cake with Easy Glaze Recipe.
Step 4: Combine and Fold in Apples
Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients, mixing gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing as this keeps the cake tender and prevents it from becoming dense. Finally, fold in chopped fresh apples; this is what gives the cake its delightful bursts of fruity texture and flavor.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Transfer your batter into the prepared bundt pan and place it in the oven for about 50 minutes. You’ll know the cake is ready when a toothpick inserted into the thickest part comes out clean. Patience here pays off with a moist, flavorful cake that holds its shape beautifully.
Step 6: Cool and Glaze
Let the cake cool completely before glazing. The easy glaze is a simple mix of powdered sugar and plant-based milk, drizzled generously over the top to add a glossy finish and a bit of sweet contrast. This last step transforms the cake into a show-stopping centerpiece perfect for any occasion.
How to Serve Vegan Gluten-Free Apple Bundt Cake with Easy Glaze Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance the natural beauty of this cake by garnishing with a sprinkle of cinnamon or a few thin apple slices fanned delicately on top. A handful of chopped toasted pecans or walnuts also adds a lovely crunch and nutty complement to each bite.
Side Dishes
Serve your apple bundt cake alongside a dollop of coconut yogurt or a scoop of vegan vanilla ice cream for an indulgent but dairy-free treat. For a more casual take, pairing it with a warm cup of chai tea or apple cider makes for a cozy snack that’s perfect anytime.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, drizzle additional glaze in a zigzag pattern or create a dusting of powdered cinnamon sugar over the glaze. You can also serve slices on rustic wooden boards with little bowls of spiced nuts or fresh fruit, turning your Vegan Gluten-Free Apple Bundt Cake with Easy Glaze Recipe into a charming dessert display.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This cake stays fresh for up to 4 days when wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container at room temperature. Keeping it covered ensures it does not dry out and maintains its tender, moist texture so every slice tastes like it just came from the oven.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy this cake later, it freezes beautifully. Wrap individual slices or the whole cake well in plastic wrap, then foil, and pop it in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge or at room temperature for several hours.
Reheating
To gently warm your cake slices, place them in a preheated 300°F oven for 5-10 minutes or microwave for 15-20 seconds. This quick reheat softens the cake and revives the glaze’s shine, making each bite feel freshly baked.
FAQs
Can I substitute other types of flour for the oat flour?
You can try using other gluten-free flours like rice or sorghum flour, but keep in mind that oat flour provides a mild sweetness and soft texture that might be lost. The blend with almond flour is also key for moisture, so if you swap oat flour, adjust accordingly.
Is it necessary to use both Granny Smith and Honeycrisp apples?
Not at all! The combination brings a balance of tartness and sweetness that’s lovely, but you can use just one type or other apples you prefer. Just aim for fresh, crisp apples to maintain texture in the cake.
What can I use to replace coconut oil if I don’t have any?
Refined olive oil or avocado oil are great alternatives that keep the cake moist without adding a strong flavor. Make sure your substitute is neutral-tasting to preserve the delicate apple and spice notes.
How do you make the glaze less sweet?
If the powdered sugar glaze feels too sweet for your taste, simply reduce the sugar amount or add a splash of lemon juice to introduce a hint of tartness, balancing out the glaze perfectly.
Can this cake be made nut-free?
Yes! Simply replace the almond flour with additional oat flour or a nut-free gluten-free flour blend. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious and safe for those with nut allergies.
Final Thoughts
This Vegan Gluten-Free Apple Bundt Cake with Easy Glaze Recipe is a truly heartwarming treat that combines wholesome ingredients with crowd-pleasing flavors. Whether for a special occasion or just an afternoon tea, it’s a recipe you’ll find yourself returning to again and again. I warmly encourage you to try this recipe and enjoy the wonderful mix of fresh apples, spices, and that beautiful glaze – it’s a cake that feels like a cozy hug in every bite.
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Vegan Gluten-Free Apple Bundt Cake with Easy Glaze Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 65 minutes
- Yield: 10 slices
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This Vegan Gluten-Free Apple Bundt Cake is a moist and flavorful dessert perfect for those seeking a plant-based and gluten-free treat. Made with oat and almond flour, spiced with cinnamon and apple pie spice, and sweetened naturally with maple syrup and apples, this cake offers a deliciously wholesome option. Finished with an easy glaze, it makes a beautiful and tasty centerpiece for any occasion.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups gluten-free old-fashioned oats (blended into flour)
- 1 cup blanched super fine almond flour
- 1/4 cup arrowroot powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon apple pie spice
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsweetened plant-based milk
- 1/3 cup refined coconut oil
- 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
- 1/2 cup unsweetened apple sauce
Other
- 2 cups fresh apples (Granny Smith and Honeycrisp, chopped)
- Powdered sugar and additional plant-based milk for glaze
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and thoroughly grease a bundt pan to prevent sticking.
- Make Oat Flour and Combine Dry Ingredients: Blend the gluten-free oats in a blender or food processor until finely ground into flour. In a large mixing bowl, combine this oat flour with almond flour, arrowroot powder, ground cinnamon, apple pie spice, and baking powder. Mix well to evenly distribute the ingredients.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the unsweetened plant-based milk, refined coconut oil, pure maple syrup, and unsweetened apple sauce until you achieve a smooth and consistent mixture.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix gently until just combined, being careful not to overmix. Then, gently fold in the chopped fresh apples, distributing them evenly throughout the batter.
- Fill Pan and Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared bundt pan, spreading it evenly. Place in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Glaze: Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan before removing. Once cooled, prepare the glaze by mixing powdered sugar with a splash of plant-based milk to desired consistency, then drizzle it over the cake before serving.
Notes
- Use a combination of tart Granny Smith and sweet Honeycrisp apples for a balanced flavor.
- Make sure to blend the oats finely to create a flour-like texture for best results.
- Allow the cake to cool fully before glazing to prevent melting the glaze.
- Refined coconut oil is recommended for a neutral flavor; unrefined will add coconut flavor.
- Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to a week.
