Chai spices and apples are synonymous with autumn! We managed to get some great fall flavors in with this Chai Spice Apple Cake (Gluten Free and Grain Free). Chai Spice Apple Cake is a welcome fall cake with a light texture and full spice flavor, while also being low in processed sugars. We made this just in time before our weather decided to get warm again.
Don’t you just love all the fall flavors; chai spice flavors and brown butter, maple syrup, and apples?!🍏🍁🍎
Fall is in the air
These spice flavors have always been some of my favorite! I remember coming home from school and my mom having warm spice cake waiting for us. I think she was always looking for ways to get the garden apples and garden vegetables into a snack!
Looking back on it, though, those warm spice cakes on a fall day were pretty magical after a day at school. Still today, these cakes are a huge source of comfort to me, even the aroma alone! So, we decided to bring a gluten free, grain free one to you with this all new Chai Spice Apple Cake!
Bringing new fall recipes
I’ve been seeing lots of fall recipes lately. I love some of our fall recipes and I’m always thinking about what I want to create next. I’ve seen lots of apple cakes lately. Cakes can be loaded with sugars. While many of the recipes sounded delicious, many of them contained so much sugar! For this Chai Spice Apple Cake, I was going for a slightly healthier version, while still enjoying cake! So, I reduced the sugars to be pure maple syrup or honey, with the exception of the glaze.
It’s grain free and gluten free. I know some people may not need grain free. For many people with inflammation, you might find some relief eating grain free. Regardless, if you just want a healthier cake, I think this one fits the bill.
Grain free and gluten free
Reducing or removing grains from the diet can be beneficial. almond flour, coconut flour, and tapioca for the flours. These are some of the flours I like to keep on hand for gluten free baking.
Always make sure to buy a gluten free labeled or certified brand, if needed. I look for Bob’s Red Mill for Coconut Flour or almond flour. The Bob’s Red Mill products are very trustworthy. They deliver a great product and have so many gluten free flours.
I also love Kirkland Signature Almond Flour, Blanched, 3 lbs. It comes in a large three pound bag, which lasts me quite a while. The Kirkland almond flour is finely ground, so it works well in cakes and muffins, macarons, and tortes. It is also a key ingredient for Italian Amaretti Cookies (Gluten Free), which we love here!
Serve this cake with the glaze, or omit it for a completely processed sugar free cake. It’s also amazing served with maple syrup whipped cream. See the recipe below in the notes. Or, maybe choose to serve it with a cup of coffee or tea or a lower fat and calorie version.
Other favorite fall recipes
I’m sure you have some favorite recipes you’ll be making this fall. I love soups and stews and all the recipes with delicious pumpkin and apple flavors. What are your favorites?
This Creamy Pumpkin Bisque (Gluten Free) is a favorite, for sure. I love to use pumpkins that I decorate with to use as a serving bowl for the soup. Check out the recipe if you are interested.
Looking to make this recipe dairy free as well?
Making our Chai Spice Apple Cake dairy free as well, is a simple modification. Just substitute a dairy free cashew based yogurt for the yogurt. For the glaze, use an almond milk or other dairy free milk substitute to make it dairy free.
Substitute dairy free butter, as well, if you need; an easy swap for a vegan or dairy free butter for the brown butter flavor of the cooked apples. I usually choose a substitute made with olive oil. Another thing to consider is to use a gluten free version for the milk or butter substitute, if you or others enjoying your cake need it.
A healthier choice for cake
This Chai Spice Apple Cake recipe has all the flavors while still being:
- gluten free
- grain free
- has a dairy free option
- low in sugars and processed sugars
- light and great flavors
Enjoy this cake for a fall dessert, tea time or snack, or even breakfast!
With it’s healthy ingredients and lower sugar content, I think this cake makes a perfect guilt-free dessert! Enjoy it in large 2 or 2 1/2″ square pieces or just smaller slices.
It’s delicious served warm with Maple Whipped Cream or cool, sprinkled with chopped nuts of your choice or drizzled with glaze.
Feel free to see which way you enjoy it best!
Happy Autumn!
~ Laura
Chai Spice Apple Cake (Gluten Free and Grain Free)
Ingredients
- 1 cup almond flour, gf
- ½ cup coconut flour, gf
- ½ cup modified tapioca starch, gf
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1½ teaspoon baking powder, gf
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon, gf
- 1 teaspoon allspice, gf
- 1 teaspoon ground cardamom, gf
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves, gf
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg, gf
- ½ cup pure maple syrup
- ½ cup Greek yogurt or plain yogurt Sub dairy free yogurt for a dairy free version
- 3 large eggs
- ¾ cup vegetable oil or avocado oil or olive oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla, gf
For the Apples
- 2 cups peeled and chopped Granny Smith apples , or another tart and crisp apple
- 3 ½ tbsp butter or dairy free butter substitute check for a GF butter substitute like Earth Balance Vegan and Gluten Free Dairy Free Butter
- 2 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- 2 tbsp rum optional, or use 2 additional tablespoons of water
- 1 cinnamon stick, gf
- 2-3 star anise, gf
- ½ teaspoon ground cardamom, gf
- 1 tbsp water
- 1 teaspoon vanilla, gf
Spice Glaze (omit for the lower sugar version)
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- ¾ tbsp milk or dairy free milk substitute for a dairy free option
- ⅛ teaspoon vanilla, gf
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves, gf
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg, gf
Instructions
For the Apples:
- In a skillet, heat the 3 1/2 T butter over medium low heat until melted, swirling the pan several times. Add the chopped apples, the 2 T honey or maple syrup, rum, cinnamon stick, star anise, cardamom, water, and vanilla.
- Simmer and cook for 12- 15 minutes. Once the apples are cooking, proceed to make the cake batter, stirring them occasionally.
For the Cake Batter:
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line a 8×8 pan with parchment and grease with a spray oil.
- In a large bowl, sift the flours, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and spices. Add the eggs, oil, yogurt, maple syrup, and vanilla. Stir together until thoroughly combined. Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan. Smooth across the top evenly, making an X from the center to the corners.
- Spoon the cooked apples on top and gently press down a little. Bake for 38-45 minutes.
Spice Glaze:
- Add the ingredients to a bowl and stir until smooth. Drizzle over the warm cake and sprinkle nuts over. Serve with maple whipped cream if desired.** Maple Whipped Cream Recipe below in the notes.
