Vegan Apple Cake Recipe

I absolutely love this Vegan Apple Cake Recipe because it perfectly captures the cozy flavors of fall in a simple, one-bowl cake that’s both moist and delightfully spiced. Whenever I want something sweet but wholesome, this apple cake is my go-to — it’s easy to make and packed with tender apple chunks that keep every bite fresh and juicy.

You’ll find that this recipe works wonderfully as a quick afternoon treat with your favorite tea or coffee, but it also shines as a comforting dessert when topped with vegan ice cream or a dusting of powdered sugar. The best part? It’s completely plant-based but still so satisfying that even my non-vegan friends rave about it.

this …

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for this vegan apple cake recipe are simple pantry staples combined with fresh apples and warming spices that perfectly complement each other. When shopping, look for firm, crisp apples that will hold their texture after baking for the best bite.

• Sugar: I use regular granulated sugar, but coconut sugar works well too for a deeper flavor.
• Canola Oil: Neutral-tasting oil keeps the cake moist without overshadowing the apples.
• Applesauce: Adds natural sweetness and moisture, replacing eggs.
• Plant-Based Milk: I usually go with almond or oat milk; just pick your favorite.
• Vanilla Extract: Brings a lovely warmth and depth to the batter.
• Flax Meal + Warm Water: This combo acts as an egg substitute, binding everything together.
• All-Purpose Flour: The base for your cake; you can swap in gluten-free flour if needed.
• Cinnamon: Essential for that classic apple-spice vibe.
• Baking Powder: Helps the cake rise beautifully and stay fluffy.
• Nutmeg: Just a touch adds a subtle, cozy complexity.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
• Apples (peeled and diced): Choose sweeter varieties like Fuji or Gala for the best results.

Variations

I like to mix things up with this Vegan Apple Cake Recipe depending on the season or what I have in the pantry. You can easily personalize it with a few changes, making it your own staple dessert or snack.

• Added Nuts: I’ve sprinkled chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter for some crunch, which my family absolutely loves.
• Spice Mix: Feel free to experiment with ginger or cloves for a spicier twist.
• Sweetener Swap: Use maple syrup or agave instead of sugar for a different sweetness profile.
• Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free blend without any issues.

How to Make Vegan Apple Cake Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (160°C) so it’s nice and hot when you’re ready to bake. Lightly grease an 8-inch pan with some oil or line it with parchment paper—this helps the cake release easily without sticking.

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the sugar, canola oil, applesauce, plant-based milk, vanilla extract, flax meal, and warm water. I like to give it a really good whisk until it’s smooth and fully combined—this makes sure the flax egg is evenly distributed and the batter is silky.

Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients and Fold in Apples

Next, sift in the flour, cinnamon, baking powder, nutmeg, and salt. Stir gently until just combined; don’t overmix or the cake might turn out dense. Then carefully fold in the diced apples—the chunks keep the cake wonderfully moist and add bursts of flavor.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth out the surface. Pop it in the oven and bake for 30 to 40 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the edges start pulling away from the pan and a fork inserted in the center comes out clean. I usually check around 30 minutes just to be safe.

Step 5: Cool and Serve

Let the cake cool for at least 10 minutes before removing it from the pan. You can serve it warm, dusted with powdered sugar if you like, or wait till it’s cooled completely—it’s delicious either way.

How to Serve Vegan Apple Cake Recipe

Garnishes

I like a simple dusting of powdered sugar over this vegan apple cake recipe to highlight its rustic charm. On special occasions, I’ll add a scoop of vanilla vegan ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for extra indulgence — it’s heavenly that way!

Side Dishes

This cake pairs beautifully with a hot cup of chai tea or spiced coffee. If you want something more substantial, a dollop of coconut whipped cream or fresh fruit on the side makes for a lovely balance of textures and flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday gatherings, I’ve arranged this cake sliced on a rustic wooden board surrounded by apple slices and cinnamon sticks — it’s a simple but elegant presentation that always sparks conversation. You could even top it with candied nuts or fresh herbs like rosemary for a fun twist!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I typically keep leftover vegan apple cake covered tightly in the fridge. It stays moist and fresh for up to 4 days, making it a perfect make-ahead snack or dessert to enjoy throughout the week.

Freezing

This cake freezes beautifully. I slice it first, then wrap each piece in parchment and foil before popping it in a freezer bag. When you’re ready, just thaw overnight in the fridge or gently warm it up for a fresh-baked feel.

Reheating

When reheating, I find warming slices in a toaster oven or regular oven preserves the cake’s moisture better than the microwave. About 5-7 minutes at 300°F does the trick, and the cake tastes just like freshly baked.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Vegan Apple Cake Recipe is one I’ve come back to time and again whenever I want a sweet treat that feels both nourishing and festive. It’s simple, comforting, and delivers those lovely apple-and-spice flavors we all crave during cooler months. Trust me—you’ll enjoy making this cake as much as you’ll enjoy eating it, and I can’t recommend it enough for your next cozy baking session.

Print