Vegan Apple Cake Recipe

I absolutely love this Vegan Apple Cake Recipe because it captures all the cozy vibes of fall in a single slice. The moist texture combined with the warmth of cinnamon and nutmeg makes it feel like a hug on a chilly day. It’s one of those recipes that’s surprisingly simple but feels impressively comforting when you serve it to friends or family.

When I first tried this recipe, I was amazed at how easy it was to whip up — everything mixes together in one bowl, which means less mess and more time to enjoy the delicious results. Whether you’re looking for a snack to pair with your afternoon tea or a comforting dessert topped with vegan ice cream, this Vegan Apple Cake Recipe is your new go-to.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Vegan Apple Cake Recipe plays a special role, from giving it tender moisture to packing in warmth and flavor. I like to use fresh apples and quality spices to really bring out the autumnal notes.

• Sugar: I prefer organic cane sugar, but brown sugar works well too for extra depth.
• Canola Oil: Neutral taste helps the spices and apple shine without overpowering.
• Applesauce: Adds natural sweetness and moistness — plus it’s a great egg substitute in vegan baking.
• Plant-based Milk: Almond or oat milk works perfectly here to keep it creamy and light.
• Vanilla: A splash of vanilla extract boosts sweetness and rounds out the flavors.
• Flax Meal + Warm Water: This acts as our egg replacement and helps bind the cake together.
• All-purpose Flour: For a tender crumb — you can swap in gluten-free flour blend if needed.
• Cinnamon: The star warm spice that makes you want seconds.
• Baking Powder: Gives the cake a nice lift and fluffiness.
• Nutmeg: Adds a subtle spicy hint that complements the cinnamon beautifully.
• Salt: Just a pinch to balance out the sweetness.
• Apples (peeled and diced): Fresh and crisp apples are essential — I usually grab whatever is in season, but granny smith or fuji are great choices.

Variations

I love how versatile this Vegan Apple Cake Recipe is, so I often switch things up depending on what I have on hand or my mood at the moment. Personalizing it is part of the fun, and you can easily make it suit your taste or dietary needs.

• Add Nuts or Seeds: I like tossing in chopped walnuts or pumpkin seeds for a bit of crunch and added nutrition.
• Use Different Spices: Sometimes I add a pinch of ground cloves or cardamom for an exotic twist.
• Swap Flour: For a gluten-free option, try a blend made for baking — just watch the texture and don’t overmix.
• Mix Fruits: Blueberries, pears, or even cranberries work beautifully if you’re craving a change from apples.

How to Make Vegan Apple Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients and Pan

First things first, preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Lightly grease an 8-inch cake pan with oil to prevent sticking — I like using a silicone brush here for an even coating. While the oven heats, peel and dice your apples so they’re ready to go. This prep helps keep the process smooth and fast.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the sugar, canola oil, applesauce, plant-based milk, vanilla, flax meal, and warm water until everything is well blended and smooth. You’ll notice the mixture thickens a bit from the flax — that’s exactly what you want because it will help bind the cake as it bakes. Be sure to whisk briskly to dissolve any lumps.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients and Fold in Apples

Add the flour, cinnamon, baking powder, nutmeg, and salt directly to your wet ingredients. Stir gently until just combined — don’t overmix, or your cake might turn out dense. Finally, fold in the diced apples carefully so they’re evenly distributed but still chunky. That keeps the texture nice and fresh with bursts of apple in every bite.

Step 4: Bake and Check for Doneness

Spread the batter evenly into your prepared pan. Pop it in your oven and bake for 30 to 40 minutes. Around the 30-minute mark, start checking by inserting a fork into the center — when it comes out clean and the cake pulls slightly away from the pan sides, it’s done. Don’t rush this, because underbaked cake can be soggy and overbaking dries it out.

Step 5: Cool and Serve

Allow your Vegan Apple Cake to cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes before slicing. I like to dust it with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar for a simple, pretty finish. You can enjoy it warm or at room temperature, and honestly, it’s delicious either way.

How to Serve Vegan Apple Cake Recipe

Garnishes

I usually keep it simple with a dusting of powdered sugar — it makes for a lovely presentation without overpowering the flavors. But if I want to be indulgent, I top slices with a scoop of vanilla vegan ice cream or a dollop of coconut whipped cream. A sprinkle of toasted walnuts or a drizzle of maple syrup also adds a delicious touch.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of chai tea or a spiced latte — the spices in the cake really sing alongside warm beverages. For a complete snack, I sometimes offer fresh fruit like sliced pears or a small bowl of mixed berries on the side.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to layer this Vegan Apple Cake Recipe in a trifle with dairy-free custard and caramelized apple slices. Another fun idea is to cut the cake into small squares, skewer them with a cinnamon stick, and serve as bite-sized desserts at parties. Presentation really makes this humble cake feel festive!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover Vegan Apple Cake covered tightly with plastic wrap or in an airtight container on the counter for up to 2 days. If my kitchen is warm, I prefer keeping it refrigerated to maintain freshness and prevent spoilage. Just bring it to room temperature before serving for the best texture.

Freezing

This cake freezes beautifully, which is great when making ahead for busy days. I slice it into wedges, wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, then pop them in a freezer bag. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge, then warm gently before serving.

Reheating

To reheat, I use a low oven setting around 300°F, warming the cake for about 10 minutes to bring back the moist, cozy warmth. You can also microwave a slice for 20-30 seconds if you’re in a hurry, but be mindful not to overdo it or it might dry out.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Vegan Apple Cake Recipe has become a staple in my kitchen for a reason — it’s simple, flexible, and deeply satisfying. I love sharing it with guests who often can’t believe it’s vegan until I tell them. Give it a try; it’s a fantastic way to enjoy fresh apples and cozy spices wrapped up in one irresistibly moist cake. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll find yourself coming back to this recipe again and again.

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