Gluten-Free Apple Cinnamon Bundt Cake with Maple Syrup

Prep: 15 minCook: 1 hr1 servingsmediumAmerican
Gluten-Free Apple Cinnamon Bundt Cake with Maple Syrup

A moist, spiced bundt cake featuring tender chunks of fresh apple throughout a naturally sweetened gluten-free batter. Made with coconut sugar and pure maple syrup instead of refined sugar, this cake delivers warm cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove flavors perfect for fall gatherings or weekend desserts. The combination of gluten-free and tapioca flours creates a tender crumb that rivals traditional wheat-based cakes, while avocado oil keeps it incredibly moist. Ideal for those avoiding gluten or seeking a more wholesome dessert option.

Ingredients

1 servings
  • 4 large eggs
  • ¾ cup pure maple syrup
  • 1 ¼ cups coconut sugar
    brown sugar1:1refined-sugar

    traditional sweetener option

    Full guide →
  • ½ cup avocado oil
    melted coconut oil or vegetable oil1:1oil-free

    different flavor profile

    Full guide →
  • 2 cups gluten-free all-purpose flour
  • ¼ cup tapioca flour (or more GF flour)
    additional gluten-free all-purpose flour1:1gluten-freeadds gluten

    use if tapioca unavailable

    Full guide →
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
  • ½ tsp ground nutmeg
  • ¼ tsp ground cloves
  • ½ tsp sea salt
  • 2 cups apple (peeled and chopped)
    pears1:1fruit-swap

    similar texture and sweetness

    Full guide →

Instructions

  1. 1

    Preheat oven to 315 degrees F and spray bundt pan with cooking oil, then dust with gluten-free flour

  2. 2

    Beat eggs, maple syrup, coconut sugar, and avocado oil in stand mixer on medium speed until combined

  3. 3

    Stir together gluten-free flour, tapioca flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt in separate bowl

  4. 4

    Add chopped apple to flour mixture and stir until combined

  5. 5

    Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and beat until combined

  6. 6

    Pour batter into prepared bundt pan and bake for 50 to 60 minutes until toothpick comes out clean

  7. 7

    Cool cake for at least 45 minutes, run knife around edges to release, then turn upside-down onto cake stand

  8. 8

    Top with glaze, frosting, or drizzle with maple syrup or honey

Tips

Tip 1

Let the cake cool completely before removing from the pan to prevent breaking - the gluten-free structure needs time to set properly.

Tip 2

Store leftover apples in lemon water while prepping to prevent browning and maintain fresh flavor in the finished cake.

Tip 3

Test doneness with a toothpick in multiple spots since bundt cakes can cook unevenly due to their shape.

Good to Know

Storage

Store covered at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to 1 week

Make Ahead

Can be made 1-2 days ahead and stored covered - flavors actually improve overnight

Serve With

Serve at room temperature with coffee or tea, or warm slightly for 10-15 seconds in microwave

See pairing guide →

Common Mistakes

Watch

Don't skip flouring the bundt pan after greasing to prevent sticking

Watch

Don't overbake or the gluten-free flour will become dry and crumbly

Substitutions

Gluten-Free Swaps

tapioca flour
additional gluten-free all-purpose flour1:1gluten-freeadds gluten

use if tapioca unavailable

Full guide →

General Alternatives

coconut sugar
brown sugar1:1refined-sugar

traditional sweetener option

Full guide →
avocado oil
melted coconut oil or vegetable oil1:1oil-free

different flavor profile

Full guide →
apple
pears1:1fruit-swap

similar texture and sweetness

Full guide →
Find more substitutions →

FAQ

Can I use regular all-purpose flour instead of gluten-free?

Yes, substitute with equal amount of regular flour and omit the tapioca flour. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious.

What if I don't have a bundt pan?

Use two 8-inch round pans and reduce baking time to 35-40 minutes, or use a 9x13 pan for 40-45 minutes.

How long will this cake keep fresh?

Store covered at room temperature for 3 days or refrigerate up to 1 week. Can also freeze wrapped for up to 3 months.