Apple Cake Veg Recipes of India: Delicious & Easy Ideas

Updated On: October 4, 2025

Apple cake is a delightful dessert that beautifully blends the natural sweetness of apples with warm spices, creating a comforting treat perfect for any occasion. In India, vegetarian recipes have embraced apple cake by infusing it with regional flavors and ingredients, making it a unique twist on the classic dessert.

Whether you are celebrating a festival, hosting guests, or simply craving a slice of homemade goodness, this apple cake recipe offers a moist, flavorful, and wholesome option without any eggs or dairy, fitting perfectly into a vegetarian lifestyle.

The subtle spices like cardamom and cinnamon add a fragrant depth, while the apples contribute moisture and a fresh fruity taste. This recipe is easy to follow and promises a cake that is as pleasing to the eyes as it is to the palate.

If you’re a fan of vegetarian baking or looking to try a traditional Indian twist on apple cake, you’ll find this recipe both satisfying and straightforward. Plus, it pairs wonderfully with a cup of chai or coffee for a cozy afternoon treat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Indian-style apple cake recipe is vegetarian and uses simple, wholesome ingredients found in most kitchens. The cake is moist, fluffy, and naturally sweetened by apples, which means you can reduce refined sugar without compromising on taste.

The addition of warm spices like cardamom and cinnamon gives it a beautiful aroma and unique flavor profile that differentiates it from typical Western apple cakes.

It’s easy to prepare, requires no special equipment, and is perfect for beginners and seasoned bakers alike. You also get the benefit of a healthier dessert option that can be enjoyed by the entire family, including kids and elders.

Plus, it stores well, making it a great option for meal prep or festive gifting.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour (maida)
  • 1 ½ tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • ½ tsp ground cardamom
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¾ cup sugar (can reduce or use jaggery powder)
  • ½ cup vegetable oil or melted ghee for richer flavor
  • 1 cup plain yogurt (curd)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 large apples (peeled, cored, and grated or finely chopped)
  • ½ cup chopped walnuts or cashews (optional)
  • 2 tbsp milk or plant-based milk (optional, for batter consistency)

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls (large and medium)
  • Electric mixer or whisk
  • Grater or knife for apples
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • 8-inch round or square cake pan
  • Parchment paper or butter for greasing
  • Spatula or wooden spoon
  • Oven or stovetop oven alternative

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your cake pan with oil or ghee and line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
  2. Prepare the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, cardamom, and salt. Set aside.
  3. Mix sugar and wet ingredients: In another bowl, whisk the sugar with vegetable oil until combined. Add the yogurt and vanilla extract, and mix well until smooth.
  4. Combine wet and dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, folding gently with a spatula. If the batter feels too thick, incorporate 1-2 tablespoons of milk to loosen it slightly.
  5. Add apples and nuts: Fold in the grated or finely chopped apples and chopped nuts, mixing just until evenly distributed. The batter will be thick and moist.
  6. Pour batter into the pan: Transfer the mixture into the prepared cake pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
  7. Bake: Place the cake in the oven and bake for 40-45 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick or skewer into the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
  8. Cool: Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for 15 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Tips & Variations

For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

Enhance flavor by adding ½ cup raisins or dried cranberries along with the nuts.

If you prefer a vegan cake, replace yogurt with coconut yogurt and oil with melted coconut oil.

Try topping the cake with a light dusting of powdered sugar or a simple glaze made from lemon juice and icing sugar.

For a richer taste, use ghee instead of vegetable oil and add a pinch of nutmeg for a deeper spice profile. You can also experiment with adding a tablespoon of orange zest to brighten the flavor.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient Per Serving (1 slice)
Calories 220 kcal
Carbohydrates 32 g
Protein 3 g
Fat 9 g
Saturated Fat 1.2 g
Fiber 2 g
Sugar 18 g

Serving Suggestions

This apple cake pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of masala chai or black coffee. For a festive touch, serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream, such as the Goat Milk Ice Cream Recipe No Eggs.

You can also enjoy it as a breakfast treat alongside fresh fruit or a glass of Green Goodness Juice Recipe for a nourishing start to your day.

Conclusion

The Indian vegetarian apple cake is a delightful fusion of traditional baking and local flavors that brings warmth and comfort with every bite. Its moist texture and fragrant spices make it a crowd-pleaser for family gatherings, festivals, or simple indulgences.

This recipe is versatile and adaptable, catering to dietary preferences while maintaining its delicious essence.

By using fresh apples and wholesome ingredients, you create a cake that is not only tasty but nourishing too. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a curious beginner, this apple cake offers an excellent way to explore Indian vegetarian desserts.

Don’t forget to check out other delicious recipes like Grandma’S Old Fashioned Bread Pudding With Vanilla Sauce Recipe and Glazed Twist Donut Recipe for more dessert inspiration.

📖 Recipe Card: Apple Cake – Veg Recipes of India

Description: A moist and flavorful apple cake infused with Indian spices, perfect for any occasion. This vegetarian recipe combines fresh apples with aromatic cardamom and cinnamon.

Prep Time: PT20M
Cook Time: PT40M
Total Time: PT60M

Servings: 8 servings

Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp ground cardamom
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 3/4 cup sugar
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 cups peeled and chopped apples
  • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a cake pan.
  2. In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, cardamom, and salt.
  3. In another bowl, beat sugar and oil until combined.
  4. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla extract.
  5. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet, stirring gently.
  6. Fold in chopped apples and walnuts.
  7. Pour batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
  8. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
  9. Let cake cool before serving.

Nutrition: Calories: 280 kcal per serving | Protein: 3 g | Fat: 14 g | Carbs: 36 g

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Marta K

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