German Apple Cake Delight

Ingredients:

For the cake:

• 1 cup gluten-free all-purpose flour (ensure it contains xanthan gum or add 1 tsp if it doesn’t)
• 1/2 cup almond flour
• 1 tsp baking powder

• 1/2 tsp baking soda

• 1/4 tsp salt

• 1 tsp ground cinnamon

• 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg

• 1/2 cup coconut sugar (or any preferred sugar substitute)

• 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce

• 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted (or any dairy-free butter alternative)

• 2 large eggs (or flaxseed eggs for a vegan option)

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 1/4 cup almond milk (or any plant-based milk)

For the topping:

• 2-3 large apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work well), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
• 2 tbsp coconut sugar (or preferred sugar substitute)
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8-inch or 9-inch round cake pan with gluten-free flour or line with parchment paper.

2. Prepare the apples: Peel, core, and slice the apples thinly. Set them aside.

3. Dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the gluten-free flour, almond flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and coconut sugar.

4. Wet ingredients: In another bowl, mix the applesauce, melted coconut oil, eggs, vanilla extract, and almond milk until well combined.

5. Combine: Gradually add the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined (be careful not to overmix).

6. Assemble the cake: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan. Arrange the apple slices in a circular pattern on top of the batter.

7. Topping: In a small bowl, mix the 2 tablespoons of coconut sugar and 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon. Sprinkle this mixture over the apple slices.

8. Bake: Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The apples should be soft, and the top should have a golden color.

9. Cool and serve: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve as is or with a dollop of dairy-free whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.

Enjoy your delicious gluten-free and dairy-free German Apple Cake!