Imagine a dessert that combines the warm, comforting flavors of sweet dates, tender apples, and rich toffee sauce - all in a perfectly moist gluten-free cake that will make everyone forget they're eating a special diet treat. This Sticky Toffee Apple Cake is not just a dessert; it's a culinary experience that transforms simple ingredients into a decadent masterpiece that will have your taste buds dancing with delight.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs 5 mins
Cuisine: Gluten Free
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups gluten-free flour
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup chopped apples
- 1 cup dates, chopped
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan with butter and line the bottom with parchment paper.
- In a small saucepan, combine chopped dates with 1 cup of hot water. Simmer for 5 minutes until dates are soft and water is mostly absorbed. Set aside to cool slightly.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy, using an electric mixer.
- Add eggs one at a time to the butter mixture, beating well after each addition. Mix in vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together gluten-free flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, being careful not to overmix. Gently stir in the softened date mixture and chopped apples.
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
- Optional: Prepare a toffee sauce by melting butter, brown sugar, and cream in a saucepan. Drizzle over the cooled cake before serving.
- Serve at room temperature, optionally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Tips
- Always use room temperature ingredients, especially eggs and butter, to ensure a smooth and even cake batter.
- When working with gluten-free flour, be extra careful not to overmix the batter, as this can lead to a dense, tough cake. Mix just until ingredients are combined.
- The date mixture is crucial for moisture - don't skip simmering them, as this helps create a rich, tender texture.
- Use a toothpick or cake tester to check doneness, ensuring it comes out clean with just a few moist crumbs.
- For an extra indulgent touch, warm the toffee sauce slightly before drizzling over the cooled cake to enhance its flavor and presentation.
- Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for extended freshness.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 273kcal
Carbohydrates: 50g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 70mg
