Some cakes are best when they come straight out of the oven, while others taste even better the next day. This Gluten Free Apple Cinnamon Cake is the kind of dessert that makes you want to cut just one more slice. It has a soft, moist crumb, sweet apple flavor, and a generous layer of cinnamon running through the cake and across the top.
The best part? You don’t need to make everything from scratch to get a homemade cake that tastes special. A box of gluten-free cake mix, a can of apple pie filling, a few eggs, and a little oil are all you need to get started.
The apple pie filling adds moisture and a soft fruit texture, helping the cake stay tender instead of drying out after a day or two. A layer of cream cheese icing finishes it off with a smooth, slightly tangy taste that pairs beautifully with the sweet apples and warm cinnamon.
Serve a slice while the cake is still warm, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream, and you have an easy dessert that feels right at home on a cool afternoon or at a family gathering.
Why You’ll Love This Apple Cinnamon Cake
It stays moist. Apple pie filling gives the cake extra moisture, making each slice soft and tender. Store it properly, and it can remain enjoyable for several days.
It’s easy to make. Using a boxed cake mix cuts down on prep time and keeps the ingredient list short. You don’t need a mixer or any special baking skills.
The cinnamon makes every bite better. The cinnamon layer adds a sweet, warm flavor that works so well with the apples.
Cream cheese icing adds the perfect finish. Its creamy texture and mild tang balance the sweetness of the cake.
It’s easy to adapt. You can use a gluten-free cake mix for a gluten-free version or a regular cake mix if you don’t need to avoid gluten. Always check the labels on your other ingredients if you’re baking for someone with celiac disease.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 box gluten-free cake mix: Choose an apple cinnamon or cinnamon-style cake mix that includes a cinnamon topping packet, such as the appropriate Krusteaz variety.
- 5 large eggs: These help bind the ingredients and give the cake structure.
- 1/3 cup plus 1 tablespoon vegetable oil: Oil adds moisture and helps keep the cake soft.
- 1 can apple pie filling: This brings sweetness, apple flavor, and moisture to the batter.
- Cinnamon topping packet: Use the cinnamon included with the cake mix, divided into two portions.
- Cream cheese icing: Prepare your favorite homemade icing or use a ready-made version.
A quick note: Cake mixes vary in size and ingredients. Check the package directions and use a mix that works with this method. If your chosen mix does not include cinnamon topping, you can use a cinnamon-sugar mixture instead.
How to Make Gluten Free Apple Cinnamon Cake
Step 1: Prepare the Pan and Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your baking pan well, making sure to coat the bottom and sides so the cake releases easily after baking.
A 9-by-13-inch pan is a practical choice for a thinner cake, but the exact baking time will depend on your pan size and the cake mix you use.
Step 2: Mix the Ingredients
Add the gluten-free cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, and apple pie filling to a large mixing bowl. Stir until everything is combined and no dry pockets of cake mix remain.
The batter will be thicker than a typical cake batter because of the apple filling. That’s perfectly fine. You want the apples spread throughout the mixture rather than sitting in one spot.
Let the batter rest for 30 minutes, as in the original recipe. This can help some gluten-free flour blends absorb moisture. If the package instructions recommend a different resting time, follow the guidance for your particular mix.
Step 3: Add the First Cinnamon Layer
Spoon half of the batter into your prepared pan and spread it into an even layer.
Take half of the cinnamon topping packet and sprinkle it over the batter. Try to spread it evenly so the cinnamon flavor reaches different parts of the cake.
This middle layer creates a lovely sweet, spiced ribbon when you cut into the finished cake.
Step 4: Add the Remaining Batter
Carefully spoon the rest of the batter over the cinnamon layer. Spread it gently with a spatula until the first layer is covered.
Don’t worry if the batter looks a little uneven. The cake will settle as it bakes.
Step 5: Finish With Cinnamon
Sprinkle the remaining cinnamon topping across the surface of the cake, covering it as evenly as possible.
This top layer adds extra cinnamon flavor and gives the cake a lovely finish. As it bakes, the cinnamon blends with the apple mixture and forms a sweet, fragrant topping.
Step 6: Bake Until Done
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 45 minutes.
Start checking near the end of the baking time. Insert a toothpick into the cake in a spot without a large piece of apple filling. It should come out without wet cake batter attached. A few moist crumbs are fine.
If the center still looks underdone, give it a little more time and check again. Gluten-free cakes can vary depending on the brand of mix, pan depth, and moisture in the apple filling.
Remove the cake from the oven when it is baked through.
Step 7: Add the Cream Cheese Icing
Prepare your favorite cream cheese icing while the cake bakes.
Once the cake comes out of the oven, let it stand briefly, then spread the icing over the warm surface. The warmth will soften the icing and help it settle into a smooth layer.
If you prefer a thicker layer of icing, allow the cake to cool more before spreading it. This keeps the icing from melting too much.
Cut into squares and serve warm, with vanilla ice cream if you like.
Tips for a Soft, Moist Cake
Don’t skip the apple pie filling. It is a key part of this recipe. The fruit adds moisture and flavor, so replacing it with a much drier ingredient may change the texture.
Avoid overbaking. Even a moist cake can turn dry if it stays in the oven too long. Check it near the end of the suggested baking time.
Let the batter rest. Gluten-free mixes often benefit from a short rest because their starches and flours need time to absorb liquid. Thirty minutes is the time used in this recipe, but follow the mix’s directions if they differ.
Spread the cinnamon evenly. Dividing the topping between the middle and top gives the cake a more balanced flavor.
Choose the right icing consistency. For a soft, slightly melted finish, spread the icing over a warm cake. For a neater layer, wait until the cake has cooled.
Easy Variations
Add Chopped Nuts
Stir a small handful of chopped pecans or walnuts into the batter for extra crunch. They pair well with apples and cinnamon.
Make It Extra Spiced
Add a little ground nutmeg or a pinch of ginger if you enjoy the flavor of apple pie spice.
Use a Regular Cake Mix
If you don’t need a gluten-free dessert, a regular cake mix may work. Choose a similar cinnamon-style mix and check the package directions, since the texture and baking time can differ.
Serve It With Ice Cream
Vanilla ice cream is a natural match for warm apple cinnamon cake. The cold, creamy texture balances the soft cake and sweet icing.
How to Store Leftovers
Because this cake is topped with cream cheese icing, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. For the best texture, allow a refrigerated slice to sit briefly at room temperature before serving, or warm an individual portion gently and add the icing afterward if you prefer it fresh.
For food safety, don’t leave the cream cheese-topped cake at room temperature for more than two hours. If you want to freeze portions, wrap them well and freeze without the icing when possible. Add fresh icing after thawing for the best finish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes. You can bake it ahead and refrigerate it once cooled. Add the cream cheese icing after baking, or prepare the cake and icing separately if you want a fresher finish.
Why is my gluten-free cake dry?
Gluten-free cakes can become dry when overbaked or when the recipe does not provide enough moisture for the particular flour blend. In this recipe, the apple pie filling and oil help keep the crumb soft. Different cake mixes may still produce different results.
Can I use homemade apple pie filling?
You can, provided it has a similar consistency to canned filling. If it is much wetter or thinner, it may change the texture and baking time.
Is this cake suitable for people with celiac disease?
It can be made with suitable gluten-free ingredients, but check every ingredient label, including the cake mix, cinnamon topping, apple filling, and icing. Avoid cross-contact with gluten-containing foods and utensils.
A Sweet Ending
This Gluten Free Apple Cinnamon Cake with Cream Cheese Icing proves that a simple recipe can still feel like something worth sharing. The apples keep the cake moist, the cinnamon adds that familiar homemade flavor, and the cream cheese icing brings everything together.
It’s easy enough to make on a weekday and tasty enough to serve when family or friends stop by. Enjoy it warm with ice cream, or save a slice for the next day’s afternoon coffee.
Sometimes, the best homemade desserts aren’t the ones that take all day. They’re the ones that bring a little sweetness to the table with very little fuss.
Recipe Card
Prep Time: 10 minutes, plus 30 minutes resting time
Bake Time: About 45 minutes
Oven Temperature: 350°F (175°C)
Category: Dessert
Cuisine: American-inspired home baking
Ingredients
- 1 box gluten-free cinnamon-style cake mix with cinnamon topping
- 5 large eggs
- 1/3 cup plus 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 can apple pie filling
- Cinnamon topping packet, divided
- Cream cheese icing, as needed
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease your baking pan.
- Mix the cake mix, eggs, oil, and apple pie filling until combined.
- Let the batter rest for 30 minutes.
- Spread half the batter in the pan and sprinkle with half the cinnamon topping.
- Add the remaining batter and spread evenly.
- Sprinkle the remaining cinnamon topping over the surface.
- Bake for about 45 minutes, checking that the center is fully baked.
- Let stand briefly, then spread cream cheese icing over the warm cake.
- Serve warm with vanilla ice cream, if desired.
Storage: Refrigerate leftover cake in an airtight container because of the cream cheese icing.
