There’s something truly magical about the comforting aroma of freshly baked apple cake wafting through your kitchen. This vegan apple cake recipe offers all the warmth and sweetness of a traditional apple dessert, but entirely plant-based and cruelty-free.
Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or simply looking to try something new and delicious, this cake is a perfect choice. Moist, tender, and packed with fresh apples and warming spices, it’s ideal for cozy afternoons, holiday celebrations, or anytime you crave a slice of wholesome goodness.
Made with simple pantry staples and natural ingredients, this cake is easy to whip up and will satisfy your sweet tooth without any animal products. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to enjoy the health benefits of apples combined with the richness of cinnamon and nutmeg.
Get ready to impress your family and friends with this delightful, guilt-free dessert that everyone will love!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This vegan apple cake is a crowd-pleaser that balances sweet and spicy flavors with a tender crumb that melts in your mouth. It’s:
- Moist and flavorful: thanks to fresh apples and plant-based oils.
- Easy to make: no complicated steps or hard-to-find ingredients.
- Versatile: perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a snack.
- Healthier alternative: made without dairy, eggs, or refined sugars.
- Customizable: can be adapted with nuts, raisins, or different spices.
Whether you’re new to vegan baking or a seasoned pro, this recipe is sure to become a staple. Plus, it pairs wonderfully with other vegan treats like our Vegan Chocolate Milk Recipe Easy and Delicious Guide or a cup of herbal tea.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 2 cups (240g) |
| Baking powder | 2 tsp |
| Baking soda | 1/2 tsp |
| Ground cinnamon | 1 1/2 tsp |
| Ground nutmeg | 1/4 tsp |
| Salt | 1/4 tsp |
| Granulated sugar | 3/4 cup (150g) |
| Brown sugar | 1/4 cup (50g) |
| Unsweetened applesauce | 1/2 cup (120ml) |
| Vegetable oil | 1/3 cup (80ml) |
| Vanilla extract | 1 tsp |
| Apple cider vinegar | 1 tbsp |
| Non-dairy milk (almond, soy, oat) | 1 cup (240ml) |
| Fresh apples, peeled and diced | 2 medium apples (about 2 cups) |
| Chopped walnuts or pecans (optional) | 1/2 cup (60g) |
Equipment
- 9-inch (23 cm) round or square cake pan
- Mixing bowls (medium and large)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk or electric mixer
- Spatula
- Knife and cutting board
- Cooling rack
- Oven
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease your cake pan with oil or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Prepare the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Set aside.
- Mix the wet ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, applesauce, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, apple cider vinegar, and non-dairy milk. Whisk until smooth and well combined.
- Combine wet and dry mixtures: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients bowl. Stir gently with a spatula until just combined; be careful not to overmix.
- Fold in the diced apples and nuts (if using). These add wonderful texture and bursts of flavor to each bite.
- Pour the batter into your prepared cake pan and spread it evenly.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on the cake in the last 10 minutes to prevent over-baking.
- Remove from the oven and let the cake cool in the pan for about 15 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack. This helps it set and makes it easier to slice.
- Serve warm or at room temperature. For an extra special touch, serve with vegan whipped cream or a dusting of powdered sugar.
Tips & Variations
For the best texture, choose firm apples like Fuji, Honeycrisp, or Granny Smith. They hold their shape well and provide a nice balance of sweet and tart.
Substitute flours: For a gluten-free option, try a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Just ensure it contains xanthan gum to help with the structure.
Add-ins: Mix in 1/2 cup raisins or dried cranberries for added sweetness and chewiness. You can also sprinkle some cinnamon sugar on top before baking for a crunchy crust.
Spice it up: Try adding a pinch of ground cloves or cardamom for a unique flavor twist.
Make it a layer cake: Double the recipe and bake in two pans, then sandwich with vegan cream cheese frosting or fruit jam.
For more vegan baking inspiration, check out our Vegan Pizzelle Recipe: Easy, Crispy, and Delicious Treat or try our Vegan Beignet Recipe: Easy, Fluffy, and Delicious Treat for a fun doughnut-style dessert.
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 210 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 36 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 18 g |
| Fat | 6 g |
| Saturated Fat | 0.5 g |
| Protein | 2 g |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg |
| Sodium | 150 mg |
Serving Suggestions
This vegan apple cake is delicious on its own but can be elevated with a few simple accompaniments. Try these serving ideas:
- Vegan whipped cream: Light and airy, it pairs beautifully with the warm spices.
- Maple syrup drizzle: Adds a natural sweetness and glossy look.
- Vegan vanilla ice cream: Perfect for a decadent dessert experience.
- Fresh fruit: Serve with sliced apples or berries for a refreshing contrast.
- Hot beverage pairing: Enjoy with a cup of chai tea or our Vegan Chocolate Milk Recipe Easy and Delicious Guide for a cozy treat.
Conclusion
This vegan apple cake recipe is a delightful addition to any baker’s repertoire, combining the natural sweetness of apples with the warm embrace of cinnamon and nutmeg. It’s a testament to how simple, wholesome ingredients can create a dessert that’s both nourishing and indulgent.
Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just a relaxing weekend treat, this cake will bring joy to your table.
Baking vegan doesn’t mean compromising on flavor or texture—this recipe proves it beautifully. If you enjoy this cake, be sure to explore more plant-based recipes like our Vegan Slow Cooker Recipe for Easy, Delicious Meals or dive into the vibrant flavors of our Vegan Cuban Recipes: Delicious Plant-Based Island Flavor.
Happy baking!
📖 Recipe Card: Vegan Apple Cake
Description: A moist and flavorful vegan apple cake perfect for any occasion. Made with fresh apples and warm spices, it's both healthy and delicious.
Prep Time: PT20M
Cook Time: PT45M
Total Time: PT65M
Servings: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups peeled and chopped apples
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, mix flour, brown sugar, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- In another bowl, combine applesauce, oil, vinegar, and vanilla extract.
- Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
- Fold in chopped apples and walnuts.
- Pour batter into a greased 9-inch cake pan.
- Bake for 45 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let cool before serving.
Nutrition: Calories: 280 kcal | Protein: 3 g | Fat: 10 g | Carbs: 44 g
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