Sticky Toffee Apple Cake (gluten-free)

This Sticky Toffee Apple Cake is truly one of the most delicious fall desserts to try! It is ready in 30 minutes, made with gluten-free and nut-free ingredients and the sticky toffee sauce on top is not to be missed.

If you’re a fan of the rich and gooey delight that is sticky toffee pudding, you’re going to love this Sticky Toffee Apple Cake. It’s a delectable fusion of warm spices, moist cake, and soft baked apples, all smothered in a luscious toffee sauce that’s perfect for autumn gatherings, holiday dinners, or simply satisfying your sweet tooth. What’s more, this recipe is gluten-free, made with wholesome ingredients like coconut sugar, black molasses, and gluten-free flour, so everyone can enjoy it!

The Perfect Comfort Dessert

Sticky toffee pudding has long been a favorite dessert for its indulgent toffee flavor and moist texture. By adding apples to the mix, you get a seasonal twist that adds a delightful tartness and texture to the cake. The combination of warm spices like cinnamon and ginger with the caramel-like richness of the toffee sauce and the soft, buttery apples is nothing short of heavenly. And, of course, topping it off with a scoop of vanilla ice cream only makes this dessert more irresistible!

Let’s dive into how you can make this incredible sticky toffee apple cake, step by step, using the recipe below.

Ingredients Breakdown

Before we begin, let’s take a closer look at some of the key ingredients that make this cake not only delicious but also suitable for a variety of dietary needs:

For the Cake:

• Eggs: Essential for binding the ingredients together and adding structure to the cake. Eggs also help to keep the cake moist.
• Coconut Sugar: This natural sweetener has a deep, caramel-like flavor, making it a perfect match for the toffee sauce and molasses. It’s a healthier alternative to refined sugar and gives a lovely richness to the cake.
• Butter: Softened butter makes the cake tender and buttery without being too greasy.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor.
• Gluten-Free All-Purpose Flour: A versatile blend that mimics traditional flour, but without the gluten. Great for those with gluten sensitivities or those who prefer a lighter texture.
• Spices (Cinnamon and Ginger): Optional, but highly recommended. These spices add warmth and complement the apple flavor beautifully.
• Black Molasses: The key to getting that deep, rich, and slightly smoky sweetness that’s so iconic in sticky toffee desserts. Molasses adds depth and moisture to the cake.
• Milk: Helps to thin out the batter slightly while keeping it rich.
• Apple: The star of this recipe, the apple adds moisture, natural sweetness, and a lovely texture to the cake. It also brings a refreshing contrast to the richness of the toffee sauce.

For the Sticky Toffee Sauce:

• Coconut Sugar: As in the cake, this natural sweetener works beautifully in the sauce, providing a caramelized flavor.
• Black Molasses: Adds a rich depth and stickiness to the sauce.
• Heavy Cream: This makes the sauce indulgent and creamy, balancing the intense sweetness of the sugar and molasses.
• Butter: Melts into the sauce, making it glossy, rich, and perfectly smooth.

How to Make Sticky Toffee Apple Cake:

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 11×7 inch rectangular baking dish with butter or non-stick spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Make the Cake Batter

In a large bowl, cream together the 2 large eggs, 3/4 cup of coconut sugar, 1/2 cup of softened butter, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Beat until the mixture is light and fluffy.

In a separate bowl, mix together 1 3/4 cups of gluten-free all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons of optional cinnamon, 1 teaspoon of ground ginger, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder.

Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, ensuring everything is well incorporated. Next, add 3 tablespoons of black molasses and 1-2 tablespoons of milk to the batter. Stir until combined. Don’t worry if the batter feels thick and sticky—that’s exactly how it should be!

Finally, fold in the chopped apple. This will add extra moisture and texture to your cake as it bakes.

Step 3: Bake the Cake

Pour your batter into the greased baking dish and spread it out evenly. Pop it into the oven and bake for about 25-28 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the cake has risen and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The edges should be golden brown, but the center should still be soft and moist.

Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool slightly in the dish.

Step 4: Prepare the Sticky Toffee Sauce

While the cake is baking, it’s time to make the star of the show—the sticky toffee sauce. In a small saucepan, combine 1/2 cup of coconut sugar, 1 tablespoon of black molasses, 1 1/4 cups of heavy cream, and 1/2 cup of butter.

Stir continuously over medium heat until the butter melts and the sugar dissolves. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for a few more minutes. As the sauce cools, it will thicken into a rich, glossy toffee sauce. Resist the urge to taste it straight from the pan—it’s very hot!

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

Once your cake has cooled slightly, cut it into squares as big or small as you like. If the cake has cooled completely, you can heat individual slices in the microwave for about 20 seconds.

To serve, place a warm square of cake on a plate, top with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream, and pour the hot sticky toffee sauce over the top. The contrast of the warm cake, cold ice cream, and gooey toffee sauce is simply irresistible.

Tips and Variations:

• Apple Varieties: Use a tart apple like Granny Smith for a nice contrast to the sweetness of the cake, or go for a sweeter variety like Honeycrisp if you prefer a milder flavor.
• Spice It Up: Feel free to play with the spices. A dash of nutmeg or allspice can add a more complex flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Flour: If you don’t need a gluten-free option, you can easily substitute regular all-purpose flour in this recipe.
• Add Nuts: For a bit of crunch, try adding some chopped walnuts or pecans to the cake batter or sprinkle them over the top before serving.

This Sticky Toffee Apple Cake is the perfect dessert for cozy nights or special occasions. The combination of the moist apple cake with the rich toffee sauce is divine, and the fact that it’s gluten-free makes it even better. It’s easy to make, and each bite is a warm, comforting embrace of flavors. Give it a try, and you might just find your new favorite dessert!

Enjoy your baking, and don’t forget to share this delicious recipe with your friends and family!

A few other delicious apple recipes to try:

Crazy Good Apple Fritter Cake (gluten-free)

The Best Healthy Apple Bread Ever (vegan + gluten-free)

Chocolate Caramel Apple Bark (vegan)

Crazy Good Vegan Apple Cobbler (gluten-free)