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    Home » Cakes and Cupcakes

    Healthy Apple Spice Cake (Paleo)

    Published: Oct 23, 2020 · Modified: Jun 3, 2021 by Mariah Knight

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    What do you make after a weekend of apple picking?? This Healthy Apple Spice Cake! It's moist, fluffy, and full of your favorite fall spices - Cinnamon & Nutmeg! You're going to love how easy this recipe is - it takes less than an hour to make from start to finish! Great for anyone who is gluten-free, dairy-free, or Paleo!

    Overhead shot of apple cake on a plate.
    Jump to:
    • What makes this Apple Spice Cake healthier??
    • 🍴Ingredient Notes
    • 🍴Step by Step Instructions
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Optional Toppings
    • How to store leftovers
    • Recipe
    • 💬 Reviews

    Disclaimer: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I make a small commission if you choose to purchase through qualifying links.

    What makes this Apple Spice Cake healthier??

    Compared to a traditional Apple Spice Cake, this recipe is low in sugar, requires no oil, and has simple ingredients list! Because the recipe has unsweetened applesauce, we can use less added sugar and it doesn't need oil. The texture is still light, soft, and moist! For flour I used almond flour, which is usually my favorite choice for gluten-free baking. Each slice of cake has 3 grams of fiber, 7 grams of protein, and only 7 grams of sugar!

    🍴Ingredient Notes

    • Almond Flour - I have not tested with any other flours, and I don't recommend it. If all you have is a gluten-free 1-1 flour, try using a little less than what the recipe calls for. It tends to be a lot more absorbent. Make sure you get almond flour and not almond meal. My favorite almond flour brands are Bob’s Red Mill and Blue Diamond because they both have a finely ground flour that works well for baking!
    • Cinnamon - I use Ceylon Cinnamon because the flavor is much stronger.
    • Nutmeg - I use fresh ground nutmeg because the flavor is wonderful! Pre-ground nutmeg will work too!
    • Eggs - I have not tested this recipe with an egg replacement.
    • Unsweetened Applesauce - I used my 20 minute (No Peel) Easy Instant Pot Applesauce Recipe!
    • Coconut Sugar - I love using coconut sugar because it's unrefined, but any granulated sugar would work for this recipe.
    • Chopped Apples - You want them to be bite size! Make sure you peel your apple before dicing into small chunks. See FAQ's section on which apples work best for this recipe!
    Overhead shot of ingredients.

    🍴Step by Step Instructions

    Making the Apple Cake batter

    1. Start by adding your almond flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking soda, and salt into a mixing bowl. Stir with a whisk or fork until fully combined. (Make sure the almond flour clumps are broken up.)
    2. Next add your eggs, applesauce, coconut sugar, and vanilla into a separate mixing bowl. Use a hand mixer or whisk to blend until fully combined.
    3. Slowly start to pour your dry mixture into your wet mixture. Make sure to scrape down the edges to make sure everything is combined.
    4. Take your peeled and chopped apple pieces and pour them on top of your cake batter. Use a spatula to fold them in. Set aside while you prepare your baking dish.

    Baking

    1. Grease your square baking dish with a non-stick cooking spray or coconut oil. Make sure it's fully coated so your cake pops right out!
    2. Next pour your cake batter into the baking dish. Bake at 350 degrees for 25-30 minutes. Check to make sure it's done with a toothpick or fork. (It should come out clean.)
    3. Once it's done baking, remove it from the oven. Let it cool for about 20-30 minutes before slicing into it! Enjoy!

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What kind of apples should I use for this Healthy Apple Spice Cake?

    It all depends on what you like! I personally use Honeycrisp apples for a lot of my recipes, but you could use a mix of two different kinds - especially if you double the recipe. Granny Smith, McIntosh, Gala, or Fuji would also work!

    Can I freeze this Apple Spice Cake?

    Yes! I love freezing desserts because they last longer! You can store the extra slices in an air tight container in the freezer. (Or freezer baggie.) When you remove from the freezer you can let them defrost on the counter or in the refrigerator.

    Can I use sweetened applesauce instead?

    You can, but I don't recommend you do. I like using unsweetened applesauce when baking! My instant pot Applesauce recipe is very easy to make, and only takes 20 minutes to cook! You can also buy a jar from the store - just check if there is any added sugar.

    Can I use a round cake pan instead?

    Yes! If you want a more traditional cake, I would recommend using a small round cake pan. If it's a lot smaller than the cake will be thicker which means you will need to bake it for longer. Always check it with a toothpick or fork before removing to cool.

    Side shot of apple spice cake.

    Optional Toppings

    • Powdered Sugar - It's delicious with a light dusting of powdered sugar on top. I used Lakanto Monkfruit Powdered Sugar, but regular powdered sugar would work too!
    • Coconut Sugar Streusel - I've been dying to try this combination, but I know it would be incredible! Just add the streusel topping on the cake right before it goes into the oven. You can find the recipe on my Paleo Coffee Cake post!
    • Sautéed apples with cinnamon - Chop apples and sauté with some coconut oil, cinnamon and nutmeg until they're soft. Top a little on your cake slice when you serve!
    • Healthy Caramel - It tastes delicious with my caramel sauce smeared on top!
    • Coconut Whipped Cream - It's easy to make your own! Just chill a can of full fat coconut overnight, scoop out the thick part from the top and add to a chilled mixing bowl. Whip on high for a few minutes until it thickens! I also love adding in a little maple syrup to sweeten it up.

    How to store leftovers

    Leftovers can be stored at room temperature for a few days! I like leaving mine right on the counter, but if you want it to stay fresh for longer, place it in the refrigerator.

    More recipes you'll love!

    • Easy Instant Pot Applesauce
    • Cran-Apple Crisp
    • Paleo Pumpkin Pie Bars
    • Healthy Pumpkin Spice Donuts
    • Paleo Pumpkin Spice Cake

    Recipe

    Overhead shot of apple cake on a plate.

    Healthy Apple Spice Cake

    This Healthy Apple Spice Cake is the perfect fall treat! It's moist, fluffy, and full of your favorite cozy spices - Cinnamon & Nutmeg! You're going to love how easy this recipe is - it takes less than an hour to make from start to finish! Great for anyone who is gluten-free, dairy-free, or Paleo!
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    Prep Time 20 minutes mins
    Cook Time 25 minutes mins
    Total Time 45 minutes mins
    Course Breakfast, Dessert
    Cuisine American
    Servings 9
    Calories 192 kcal

    Equipment

    • Oven
    • Square Baking Dish
    • Round Cake Pan
    • Spatula
    • Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer

    Ingredients
      

    Dry Ingredients:

    • 2 Cups Almond Flour
    • 1 + ½ Teaspoons Cinnamon
    • ½ Teaspoon Nutmeg
    • ½ Teaspoon Baking Soda
    • ¼ Teaspoon Salt

    Wet Ingredients:

    • 3 Eggs
    • ½ Cup Unsweetened Applesauce
    • ¼ Cup Coconut Sugar
    • 1 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract

    Apples:

    • 1 Cup Peeled and Chopped Apples You want them to be bite size!

    Instructions
     

    • Start by adding your almond flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking soda, and salt into a mixing bowl. Stir with a whisk or fork until fully combined. (Make sure the almond flour clumps are broken up.)
    • Next add your eggs, applesauce, coconut sugar, and vanilla into a separate mixing bowl. Use a hand mixer or whisk to blend until fully combined.
    • Slowly start to pour your dry mixture into your wet mixture. Make sure to scrape down the edges to make sure everything is combined.
    • Take your peeled and chopped apple pieces and pour them on top of your cake batter. Use a spatula to fold them in. Set aside while you prepare your baking dish.
    • Grease your square baking dish with a non-stick cooking spray or coconut oil. Make sure it's fully coated so your cake pops right out!
    • Next pour your cake batter into the baking dish. Bake at 350 degrees for 25-30 minutes. Check to make sure it's done with a toothpick or fork. (It should come out clean.)
    • Once it's done baking, remove it from the oven. Let it cool for about 20-30 minutes before slicing into it! Enjoy!

    Notes

    Optional Toppings for this Apple Spice Cake:
    • Powdered Sugar - It's delicious with a light dusting of powdered sugar on top. I used Lakanto Monkfruit Powdered Sugar, but regular powdered sugar would work too!
    • Coconut Sugar Streusel - I've been dying to try this combination, but I know it would be incredible! Just add the streusel topping on the cake right before it goes into the oven. You can find the recipe on my Paleo Coffee Cake post!
    • Sautéed apples with cinnamon - Chop apples and sauté with some coconut oil, cinnamon and nutmeg until they're soft. Top a little on your cake slice when you serve!
    • Healthy Caramel - It tastes delicious with my caramel sauce smeared on top!
    • Coconut Whipped Cream - It's easy to make your own! Just chill a can of full fat coconut overnight, scoop out the thick part from the top and add to a chilled mixing bowl. Whip on high for a few minutes until it thickens! I also love adding in a little maple syrup to sweeten it up.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What kind of apples should I use for this Healthy Apple Spice Cake?
    It all depends on what you like! I personally use Honeycrisp apples for a lot of my recipes, but you could use a mix of two different kinds - especially if you double the recipe. Granny Smith, McIntosh, Gala, or Fuji would also work!
    Can I freeze this Apple Spice Cake?
    Yes! I love freezing desserts because they last longer! You can store the extra slices in an air tight container in the freezer. (Or freezer baggie.) When you remove from the freezer you can let them defrost on the counter or in the refrigerator.
    Can I use sweetened applesauce instead?
    You can, but I don't recommend you do. I like using unsweetened applesauce when baking! My instant pot Applesauce recipe is very easy to make, and only takes 20 minutes to cook! You can also buy a jar from the store - just check if there is any added sugar.
    Can I use a round cake pan instead?
    Yes! If you want a more traditional cake, I would recommend using a small round cake pan. If it's a lot smaller than the cake will be thicker which means you will need to bake it for longer. Always check it with a toothpick or fork before removing to cool.

    How to store leftovers

    Leftovers can be stored at room temperature for a few days! I like leaving mine right on the counter, but if you want it to stay fresh for longer, place it in the refrigerator.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1gCalories: 192kcalCarbohydrates: 13gProtein: 7gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 55mgSodium: 155mgPotassium: 45mgFiber: 3gSugar: 7gVitamin A: 87IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 64mgIron: 1mg
    Keywords apple cake, apple spice cake, gluten-free apple cake, gluten-free apple spice cake, healthy apple spice cake, low sugar apple spice cake, paleo apple spice cake
    Did you make this recipe?Tag @freshwaterpeaches on Instagram!

    After you make this Healthy Apple Spice Cake, make sure to leave a comment & rate the recipe! Your feedback is helpful for me, and for anyone planning to try this recipe. I hope you love it as much as I do! xo Mariah

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. hanna

      November 02, 2022 at 2:21 pm

      hello! I am wondering if you can replace coconut sugar with maple syrup?

      Reply
      • Mariah Mandile

        November 03, 2022 at 10:59 am

        Hi! I would stick with a granulated sugar for this recipe. It might make the consistency a little too thin!

        Reply

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    Hi, I'm Mariah!

    I am a food photographer and recipe developer based in Connecticut. I love all things gut health, clean living, and I have a slight obsession with chocolate! Here you'll find simple and easy to make gluten-free, dairy-free recipes that your whole family will love!

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