Get ready to experience a dessert that defies gluten-free expectations and tantalizes your taste buds with an irresistible combination of nutty brown butter, sweet apples, and crunchy hazelnuts. This isn't just another cake - it's a culinary masterpiece that proves gluten-free baking can be incredibly delicious and sophisticated. Whether you're managing dietary restrictions or simply looking for an extraordinary dessert, this recipe will transform your perception of gluten-free baking forever.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 50 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup gluten free flour
- 1/2 cup brown butter
- 1/2 cup coconut sugar
- 2 eggs
- 2 cups diced apples
- 1/2 cup chopped hazelnuts
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan with butter or line with parchment paper.
- In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Continue cooking until the butter turns golden brown and develops a nutty aroma, stirring occasionally. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together gluten free flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, beat coconut sugar and eggs until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Gradually fold the brown butter into the egg mixture, mixing until fully incorporated.
- Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, being careful not to overmix.
- Fold in the diced apples and half of the chopped hazelnuts, distributing them evenly throughout the batter.
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Sprinkle the remaining chopped hazelnuts over the top of the cake.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Remove from the oven and let cool in the pan for 10 minutes.
- Carefully transfer the cake to a wire rack and allow to cool completely before serving.
- Optional: Dust with powdered sugar or serve with a dollop of whipped cream if desired.
Tips
- Brown Butter Magic: Take your time when browning the butter - the nutty, caramel-like flavor is crucial to this cake's unique taste. Watch it carefully to prevent burning.
- Flour Selection: Use a high-quality gluten-free flour blend with xanthan gum for the best texture. Not all gluten-free flours are created equal!
- Apple Preparation: Pat your diced apples dry with a paper towel to prevent excess moisture from making the cake soggy.
- Don't Overmix: Gently fold ingredients to maintain a light, tender crumb. Overmixing can lead to a dense, tough cake.
- Oven Temperature Matters: Use an oven thermometer to ensure accurate temperature, as gluten-free baking can be more sensitive to heat variations.
- Cooling is Key: Allow the cake to cool completely before slicing to help it set and maintain its structure.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 28g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 70mg
