Vegan Apple Cake
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Apple season is here, and what better way to celebrate than with a warm, aromatic vegan apple cake? This delightful cake is moist, flavorful, and packed with the natural sweetness of apples, a touch of cinnamon spice, and an optional caramelized apple topping that takes it to the next level. Whether you’re preparing a dessert for a family gathering, looking for a cozy snack to enjoy with tea, or trying to impress guests with a simple yet elegant treat, this recipe has got you covered.
Baking has always been my go-to way to make the house smell like a warm hug, and this apple cake never disappoints. It’s not just delicious—it’s versatile, easy to make, and completely vegan, making it a crowd-pleaser for everyone. If you’re ready to bring the essence of autumn into your kitchen, let’s dive in!
Why You Will Love This Vegan Apple Cake Recipe
- Moist and Flavorful: The combination of apple puree and fresh apple chunks creates a cake that is perfectly tender and bursting with fruity flavor.
- Naturally Sweetened: Brown sugar adds a deep, caramel-like sweetness that pairs beautifully with the cinnamon.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, even beginner bakers will find this recipe approachable.
- Customizable: Whether you add nuts, raisins, or keep it plain, this recipe is easily adaptable to your taste.
- Perfect for All Occasions: From cozy family evenings to festive gatherings, this cake is versatile enough for any event.
- Vegan-Friendly: No eggs or dairy required—this cake is plant-based without compromising on flavor or texture.
Ingredient Notes
To ensure your vegan apple cake turns out perfect every time, here’s a breakdown of the key ingredients:
- All-Purpose Flour: The base of the cake, providing structure. For a healthier twist, you can use whole wheat flour or a mix of both, though this may slightly affect the texture.
- Baking Powder and Baking Soda: These leavening agents ensure the cake rises beautifully and stays light.
- Cinnamon and Nutmeg: Warm spices that complement the apples and give the cake its cozy, autumnal flavor.
- Plant-Based Milk: Any unsweetened plant milk works here—almond, soy, oat, or coconut milk. It adds moisture without overpowering the apple flavor.
- Apple Puree: Acts as a natural sweetener and helps bind the cake. You can use store-bought unsweetened applesauce or make your own by blending cooked apples.
- Brown Sugar: Provides a rich, caramel-like sweetness. Coconut sugar can be a substitute for a slightly healthier option.
- Neutral Oil: Sunflower, canola, or vegetable oil keeps the cake moist and tender. Avoid oils with a strong flavor like olive oil.
- Fresh Apples: Use sweet-tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best flavor balance. Tossed in cinnamon and sugar, they add delightful bursts of apple goodness throughout the cake.
- Optional Caramelized Apple Topping: This topping is made with vegan butter, brown sugar, and cubed apples. It’s a decadent addition that enhances both the flavor and presentation of the cake.
Recipe Tips
To ensure your vegan apple cake turns out perfectly every time, follow these tips:
- Don’t Overmix the Batter: Stir just until the dry and wet ingredients are combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake.
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: This helps the ingredients blend more evenly, resulting in a smoother batter.
- Choose the Right Apples: Firm, sweet-tart apples work best for both the cake and the caramelized topping.
- Grease and Line the Pan: Prevent sticking by greasing the tray and lining it with parchment paper.
- Bake Until Golden: The cake is done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on it to avoid overbaking.
- Cool Before Adding the Topping: Allow the cake to cool completely before spooning on the caramelized apple topping to prevent it from becoming soggy.
Vegan Serving Suggestions and Pairings
This vegan apple cake is versatile and pairs beautifully with a variety of accompaniments:
- With Beverages: Serve warm slices with a steaming cup of chai tea, spiced latte, or hot apple cider.
- With Ice Cream: A scoop of dairy-free vanilla or caramel ice cream elevates this dessert for a festive treat.
- With Whipped Cream: Top with vegan whipped cream for a light and creamy contrast to the warm, spiced flavors.
- As a Breakfast Treat: Enjoy a slice with a dollop of almond butter or a drizzle of maple syrup for a sweet start to your day.
- Paired with Savory Dishes: Serve alongside vegan cheese and a hearty soup for a balanced meal.
Storage Tips
If you have leftovers (though it’s unlikely!), here’s how to store your vegan apple cake:
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Keep it covered to prevent it from drying out.
- Refrigeration: Extend its shelf life by storing it in the fridge for up to 5 days. Allow the cake to come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
- Freezing: Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. To thaw, leave slices at room temperature or warm them gently in the microwave.
Frequently Asked Questions about Vegan Apple Cake
1. Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. Ensure your other ingredients are certified gluten-free as well.
2. Can I use other fruits instead of apples?
Absolutely! Pears or firm peaches would work beautifully in this recipe.
3. Can I make this cake oil-free?
Yes, you can replace the oil with additional apple puree or unsweetened yogurt for a slightly denser texture.
4. How do I make homemade apple puree?
Peel, core, and chop 2 medium apples. Simmer with a splash of water until soft, then blend until smooth.
5. Can I skip the caramelized apple topping?
Of course! The cake is delicious on its own or with a simple dusting of powdered sugar.
Essential Equipment
Here’s what you’ll need to bake this cake:
- Baking Tray: The perfect size for this recipe.
- Mixing Bowls: One for dry ingredients and one for wet.
- Whisk or Hand Mixer: For blending ingredients smoothly.
- Spatula: For folding in the apple chunks and spreading the batter evenly.
- Skillet: If making the caramelized apple topping.
- Parchment Paper: To line the tray and prevent sticking.
This vegan apple cake is a celebration of all things cozy and delicious. With its moist texture, warm spices, and delightful bursts of apple flavor, it’s a dessert that’s guaranteed to please everyone at the table. The optional caramelized apple topping adds an extra layer of indulgence, making this cake perfect for special occasions or whenever you need a comforting treat.
So, whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting out, give this recipe a try. Your kitchen will smell amazing, and your taste buds will thank you!
I’d love to hear from you! Did you try this recipe? What variations did you make? Share your thoughts and photos in the comments below. If you have any questions or need help troubleshooting, feel free to ask—I’m here to help!
Let’s bake something delicious together! 😊
Vegan Apple Cake
This vegan apple cake is moist, spiced, and loaded with fresh apples, making it the ultimate cozy treat for fall. With an optional caramelized apple topping, it’s a dessert that’s as indulgent as it is easy to prepare.
Ingredients
- For the Cake Batter:
- 1 ½ cups (190g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp nutmeg (optional)
- ½ tsp salt
- Wet Ingredients:
- ½ cup (120ml) plant-based milk (e.g., almond, soy, or oat milk)
- ⅓ cup (80ml) neutral oil (e.g., sunflower or canola)
- 1 cup (240ml) unsweetened apple puree
- ½ cup (100g) brown sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Add-ins:
- 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and cubed
- 2 tbsp brown sugar (for tossing with apples)
- 1 tsp cinnamon (for tossing with apples)
- Optional Caramelized Apple Topping:
- 1 medium apple, peeled, cored, and cubed
- 2 tbsp vegan butter or coconut oil
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- ½ tsp cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease and line your 26x12x8 cm tray with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, toss the cubed apples with 2 tbsp brown sugar and 1 tsp cinnamon. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg (if using), and salt.
- In another bowl, whisk together the plant milk, oil, apple puree, brown sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Do not overmix; the batter should be thick but smooth.
- Fold the cinnamon-sugar-coated apple cubes into the batter. Pour the batter into the prepared tray, spreading it evenly.
- Bake for 40-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The top should be golden brown.
- While the cake is baking, heat a skillet over medium heat. Melt the vegan butter or coconut oil, then add the cubed apple, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples are soft and caramelized. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Let the cake cool in the tray for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. Once completely cool, spoon the caramelized apples over the top of the cake for a decadent finish.
Notes
MORE DESSERT RECIPES:
- Vegan Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Vegan Apple Crisp
- 3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies
- Vegan Chocolate Cake
- Simple & Easy Vegan Chocolate Muffins
