Looking for a dessert that’s sweet, satisfying, and won’t leave you feeling sluggish? Then, The Best Gluten-Free Honeycrisp Apple Skillet Cake is calling your name. Made without refined sugar, this cake gets its natural sweetness from juicy apples and a warm blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. It’s light, flavorful, and perfect any time of year!

The Best Gluten-Free Honeycrisp Apple Skillet Cake

Guilty! As! Charged! I love the abundance of apples in the winter, and I’m always up for cake, no matter the season. The Best Gluten-Free Honeycrisp Apple Skillet Cake makes the perfect treat. It's light enough to enjoy even if you go back for a second slice at dessert or sneak one in at breakfast. It’s simple to make, so you can bake it any time of year—even as spring starts to bloom, just like I’m doing now.

While you can swap the apples for any fruit you like, the crisp, sweet-tart flavor of Honeycrisp apples always hits the spot for me. After one bite of this warm, delicate, sweet cake with tender baked apples, you’ll be hooked and reaching for another slice. Go ahead. I won’t judge!

HOW I MADE-OVER THIS CAKE:

This recipe doesn’t rely on a ton of oil or sugar. It’s sweetened with just a third of a cup of maple syrup, and the rest of the sweetness comes from apples and applesauce. Apples are packed with vitamin C, loaded with antioxidants, and full of dietary fiber, which slows down digestion and helps the body absorb sugar more gradually. Plus, the fats from the eggs and coconut flour will leave you feeling satiated. And let’s not forget the cinnamon. It’s not just for flavor. Cinnamon may help regulate blood sugar, reduce inflammation, and support overall metabolic health.

I’m starting to think a slice of this apple cake a day might actually keep the doctor away!

This recipe is nut-free, gluten-free, refined-sugar-free, soy-free, paleo, grain-free, and vegetarian.

HERE’S WHAT YOU’LL NEED:

(Use organic ingredients when possible)

Honeycrisp apples
Eggs
Apple sauce
Maple syrup
Coconut flour
Vanilla
Vanilla bean powder
Arrowroot flour
Ceylon Cinnamon
Nutmeg
Clove
Salt
Baking soda
Baking powder
Coconut oil

THIS IS HOW YOU’LL MAKE IT:

Preheat the oven to 350° F.

Lightly coat an oven-safe 10-inch pan with coconut oil.

Peel the apples. You can chop them into large chunks or leave them in thick wedges. I prefer chopping them so I’m guaranteed a bit of apple in every bite. It’s important to cut them into large 1-inch chunks so they don’t become too soft while baking. Place the apples in the skillet, making sure every inch is covered. If you're using wedges, you can arrange them in a decorative circular pattern.

In one bowl, combine the coconut flour, arrowroot starch, spices, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Give everything a good mix.

In a larger bowl, add the eggs, applesauce, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and vanilla beans. Please make sure you’re using pure maple syrup and not pancake syrup. I use a few different brands, and there are plenty of great-tasting options available at most retailers.

I love adding extra vanilla to everything I bake. I don’t use vanilla bean paste because it usually contains added sugar, so I use Lafaza’s vanilla bean powder or half of a vanilla bean for this recipe. You can find the brand I use through my Amazon link or at retailers like Whole Foods and MOM’s Organic Market. Whisk the wet ingredients until fully combined. Always use room temperature ingredients for easier mixing and even baking.

Next, add the dry ingredients to the wet and stir until combined. Batter made with coconut flour often looks lumpy at first, but if you let it rest for about two minutes and then stir it again, it will smooth out. Never overmix any batter—overworking it can lead to a dense cake.

Pour the batter over the apples and place the pan in the oven.

Bake for 20 to 25 minutes. My oven runs hot, so I start checking around 18 minutes. If a toothpick comes out clean and the top is golden brown, the cake is ready.

Let it cool for at least 10 minutes If you’d like to flip it out of the pan, place a serving platter upside down over the skillet, then carefully invert it and lift the pan to reveal the juicy apples. I usually slide the entire cake out onto a platter instead because I prefer showing off the rich golden color on top

Sprinkle with cinnamon and toasted nuts if desired.

Dig in!

SERVING SUGGESTIONS:

This cake is fantastic on its own, but it’s even better with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Try it with homemade vanilla ice cream (recipe coming soon!) or a coconut milk version like Cosmic Bliss. It pairs beautifully with the coconut flour and apple flavors in the cake. Cosmic Bliss is organic, delicious, and available at Sprouts and other retailers.

I also like topping it with a sprinkle of toasted walnuts or pecans for a nice crunch.

SUBSTITUTIONS, TIPS, AND NOTES:

This recipe hasn’t been tested with egg substitutes. Because it uses several eggs, swapping them out may significantly affect the texture.

Feel free to use a different type of apple or mix a few varieties together. I sometimes add a Granny Smith or McIntosh for a little extra tartness.

Clove is very strong, so only use a pinch. A little goes a long way.

STORAGE AND LEFTOVERS:

You can store this cake in the fridge for 5 to 6 days. When freezing, I like to wrap individual slices in parchment paper, then seal them in a glass container for up to 2 months. To serve, thaw the slices in the fridge and warm them in the oven until heated through.

NUTRITIONAL VALUES:

I don’t include nutritional values in my recipes because I believe in intuitive eating and balanced nutrition. Plus, numbers can vary depending on the ingredient brands you use. If you’d like an accurate breakdown, I recommend entering this recipe into MyFitnessPal or a similar tracker.

For more great Breakfast IDEAS, check these out!

Wholesome Veggie Stuffed “Mexican” Egg Bake
Nutritious Coconutty Coffee Peanut Butter Banana Oatmeal Bake
Superfood Banana Chocolate Cinnamon Walnut Protein Smoothie

For more great Dessert ideas, check these out!

Refined Sugar-Free Warm Winter Berry Compote
Nutritious Coconutty Coffee Peanut Butter Banana Oatmeal Bake
Creamy Dreamy Piña Colada Mojito Lite Ice Cream
5 Minute Healthy’ish Bourbon Sauce
Ninja Creami Blueberry Coconut Cheesecake Protein Ice Cream

If you make this recipe, I’d love it if you left a comment and star rating below! And don’t forget to tag me on Instagram so I can see your creation. Feel free to reach out with any questions, and I’ll do my best to help!

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The Best Gluten-Free Honeycrisp Apple Skillet Cake The Best Gluten-Free Honeycrisp Apple Skillet Cake The Best Gluten-Free Honeycrisp Apple Skillet Cake The Best Gluten-Free Honeycrisp Apple Skillet Cake The Best Gluten-Free Honeycrisp Apple Skillet Cake

The Best Gluten-Free Honeycrisp Apple Skillet Cake The Best Gluten-Free Honeycrisp Apple Skillet Cake The Best Gluten-Free Honeycrisp Apple Skillet Cake The Best Gluten-Free Honeycrisp Apple Skillet Cake The Best Gluten-Free Honeycrisp Apple Skillet Cake

The Best Gluten-Free Honeycrisp Apple Skillet Cake The Best Gluten-Free Honeycrisp Apple Skillet Cake The Best Gluten-Free Honeycrisp Apple Skillet Cake The Best Gluten-Free Honeycrisp Apple Skillet Cake The Best Gluten-Free Honeycrisp Apple Skillet Cake