“Healthy dessert” sounds like an oxymoron, but this delicious Gluten Free Apple Cake is proof positive that it can be done!!
Quinoa Apple Cake
Quinoa Apple Cake, where have you been all my life?!
Apple pie is my husband’s favorite dessert, so I am actually surprised that it took him so long to make his own healthier interpretation (something he is known for doing).
Well, this week it finally happened! This quinoa apple cake is fluffy, super moist, and bursting with real apple flavor. And yes, it really IS healthy!
This recipe is also gluten free and lactose free — now you’re really speaking my language!
Why Quinoa?
Quinoa apple cake is packed with (you guessed it) quinoa, which has earned the title of “superfood” for good reason:
- High protein
- High fiber
- Contains over a dozen vitamins and minerals
- Gluten free
- Low glycemic index
- Good source of antioxidants
- May increase metabolism
Pretty amazing stuff right??
Quinoa also imparts a rich, almost nutty flavor to recipes and it is excellent for baking.
So whether you’re looking for a healthy gluten free dessert or nutrition-packed breakfast to start the day, this Quinoa Apple Cake does it all!
Try another of our favorite healthy breakfasts — The Best Ever Gluten Free Pancakes!
Gluten Free Apple Cake Ingredients
For your convenience, I’ve included shop-able ad links to some of the products used to make this recipe; disclosure policy available here.
- 1 apple
- 1 cup quinoa (cooked)
- 1/3 cup almond flour
- 1 cup almond milk
- 2 eggs
- 3 tsp brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon
- pinch salt
Keep reading for step-by-step instructions and cooking tips or click here to jump to printable recipe.
How to Make Gluten Free Apple Cake with Quinoa
Prepare quinoa according to directions on package. While quinoa is cooking, cut apple in half. Cut one half into thin slices; dice the other half.
Add 1 cup cooked quinoa to a medium mixing bowl with the half of your apple that you diced, almond milk, eggs, almond flour, brown sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Stir until combined.
Pour batter into a greased 6.5″ cast iron skillet. Arrange the sliced apples (from the other half of your apple) on top of the cake and sprinkle with cinnamon.
Bake at 350° for 40-45 minutes. Allow to cool before serving.
Serves about 4.
I cannot get over how gorgeous the finished cake is! I’m not picky about appearance as long as something tastes fantastic, but a recipe that looks as beautiful as it tastes is always a bonus!
If you really want to take this gluten free apple cake to the next level, try it with a drizzle of honey or a dollop of peanut butter — it’s heaven in your mouth! You could even enjoy this for breakfast (as my husband did today!)
[convertkit form=4956168]
Grab your free printable copy of this healthy quinoa apple cake recipe:
Gluten Free Apple Cake
Ingredients
- 1 apple
- 1 cup quinoa cooked
- 1/3 cup almond flour
- 1 cup almond milk
- 2 eggs
- 3 teaspoon brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- pinch salt
Instructions
- Prepare quinoa according to directions on package. While quinoa is cooking, cut apple in half. Cut one half into thin slices; dice the other half.
- Add 1 cup cooked quinoa to a medium mixing bowl with diced apple and all other ingredients (set aside half of the apple you cut into slices). Stir batter until well combined.
- Pour batter into a greased 6.5" cast iron skillet. Arrange the sliced apples (from the other half of your apple) on top of the cake and sprinkle with cinnamon.
- Bake at 350° for 40-45 minutes. Allow to cool before serving.
Notes
Nutrition
Be sure to check out these all-time most popular healthy dessert recipes from The Soccer Mom Blog:
The BEST Sticky Toffee Pudding Cake (gluten free, lactose free)
Almond Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies (flourless)
For more ideas from the best bloggers around, follow my Healthy Desserts Pinterest board:
Follow Stacey @ The Soccer Mom Blog’s board Healthy Desserts on Pinterest.
- Why We Take Our Shoes Off In The House - March 27, 2023
- Cowboy Caviar - March 24, 2023
- Bunny Bait - March 22, 2023
Nancy says
This sounds yummy. Tried to print off the recipe to make but only the ingredients come up to print, not the instructions. Can’t wait to try this.
Stevy Rhodehamel says
Mine is in the oven now!
I added Greek yogurt and pecans and used tricolored cinnamon spiced quinoa.
It smells divine and looks incredible!
We can’t wait to try it.
Stacey aka the Soccer Mom says
Sounds amazing!!