Best Vegan Jewish Apple Cake Recipe for Every Occasion

Updated On: October 6, 2025

If you’ve been searching for a delicious, comforting dessert that honors tradition while embracing a plant-based lifestyle, look no further than this best vegan Jewish apple cake recipe. This cake is a beautiful fusion of classic Jewish flavors and modern vegan baking techniques, resulting in a moist, spiced, and naturally sweet treat.

Apples have long been symbolic in Jewish cooking, especially during the High Holidays, and this cake captures their essence perfectly with a tender crumb and a delightful cinnamon aroma.

Whether you’re celebrating a holiday or simply craving a nostalgic dessert, this recipe is straightforward to make and sure to impress your family and friends. Plus, it’s dairy-free, egg-free, and uses wholesome ingredients that everyone can enjoy.

Get ready to bake a slice of tradition that’s as kind to animals as it is to your taste buds!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This vegan Jewish apple cake combines the best of both worlds: traditional flavors and modern dietary needs. Here’s why it stands out:

  • Moist and Tender: The use of applesauce and fresh apples keeps the cake unbelievably moist without eggs or dairy.
  • Warm Spices: A blend of cinnamon and nutmeg adds that classic comforting flavor that pairs perfectly with apples.
  • Simple Ingredients: Pantry staples and fresh produce make this cake easy and accessible to bake anytime.
  • Vegan and Allergy-Friendly: No eggs, dairy, or refined sugars, making it suitable for many dietary preferences.
  • Versatile: Perfect for holidays, Shabbat, or just a cozy afternoon treat with tea or coffee.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend)
  • 1 ½ tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • ¾ cup organic cane sugar or coconut sugar
  • ½ cup unsweetened applesauce
  • ½ cup vegetable oil (canola, avocado, or melted coconut oil)
  • 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 3 medium apples, peeled and diced (Granny Smith or Fuji work great)
  • Optional: ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls (at least two)
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Whisk or electric mixer
  • Rubber spatula
  • 9-inch round or square baking pan
  • Parchment paper or non-stick spray
  • Knife and cutting board

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your baking pan with oil or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
  2. Prepare the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Whisk to combine evenly.
  3. Mix wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the sugar, applesauce, oil, vanilla extract, and apple cider vinegar. Whisk until smooth and well blended.
  4. Combine wet and dry mixtures: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Use a spatula to gently fold until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
  5. Add the apples and nuts: Fold in the diced apples and chopped nuts (if using) until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
  6. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, smoothing the top with a spatula for even baking.
  7. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The cake should be golden brown and fragrant.
  8. Cool: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
  9. Serve and enjoy! This cake tastes amazing warm or at room temperature, especially with a dusting of powdered sugar or a scoop of vegan vanilla ice cream.

Tips & Variations

For an extra touch of tradition, sprinkle cinnamon sugar on top before baking to create a sweet, crackly crust.

  • Apple Variety: Use a mix of tart and sweet apples for a more complex flavor profile.
  • Whole Wheat Flour: Substitute half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat for added fiber and nuttiness.
  • Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and add 1 tsp xanthan gum if your blend doesn’t contain it.
  • Sweeteners: Maple syrup or agave nectar can replace sugar, but reduce the liquid slightly to maintain texture.
  • Spices: Try adding a pinch of ground cloves or cardamom for a unique twist.
  • Serving: Top with toasted coconut flakes or a drizzle of vegan caramel sauce for extra indulgence.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient Amount Per Serving (1 slice)
Calories 210 kcal
Fat 10 g
Saturated Fat 1 g
Carbohydrates 30 g
Fiber 3 g
Sugars 18 g
Protein 2 g
Sodium 150 mg

Serving Suggestions

This vegan Jewish apple cake is wonderfully versatile and pairs beautifully with a variety of accompaniments:

  • Serve warm with a scoop of vegan vanilla ice cream or whipped coconut cream.
  • Enjoy alongside a hot cup of tea or freshly brewed coffee.
  • Top with a drizzle of maple syrup or agave for extra sweetness.
  • Pair with a fresh fruit salad for a balanced dessert plate.

For a more festive twist, serve slices with a dollop of cranberry compote or vegan cream cheese frosting.

Conclusion

This vegan Jewish apple cake is more than just a dessert—it’s a celebration of heritage, flavor, and mindful eating all in one slice. Its moist texture, warm spices, and fresh apples make it a comforting treat that honors tradition while embracing a compassionate lifestyle.

Whether you’re baking for the holidays, Shabbat, or a simple family gathering, this cake is sure to become a beloved staple in your recipe collection.

Easy to prepare with accessible ingredients, it invites both novice and seasoned bakers to enjoy the process and the delicious results. For more plant-based dishes inspired by Jewish flavors, be sure to check out our Marzipan Challah Recipe and the delightful Kosher Sushi Salad Recipe.

For a sweet bread lover’s dream, our Magic Dough Recipe is also a must-try!

📖 Recipe Card: Best Vegan Jewish Apple Cake

Description: A moist and flavorful vegan apple cake inspired by traditional Jewish recipes. Perfectly spiced and naturally sweetened, this cake is ideal for any occasion.

Prep Time: PT20M
Cook Time: PT60M
Total Time: PT80M

Servings: 8 servings

Ingredients

  • 3 cups peeled and chopped apples (about 3 medium apples)
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup organic cane sugar
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan.
  2. In a large bowl, combine almond milk and apple cider vinegar; let sit for 5 minutes.
  3. Mix in vegetable oil and vanilla extract into the almond milk mixture.
  4. In another bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
  5. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and stir until just combined.
  6. Fold in chopped apples gently.
  7. Pour batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
  8. Bake for 55-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
  9. Allow cake to cool before slicing and serving.

Nutrition: Calories: 280 kcal | Protein: 3 g | Fat: 12 g | Carbs: 40 g

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Photo of author

Marta K

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