Vegan Apple Cake Recipe

I absolutely love this Vegan Apple Cake Recipe because it hits that perfect sweet spot between cozy and fresh. It’s one of those cakes that feels like a warm hug, especially on a crisp fall afternoon when apples are at their peak. What makes it truly special is how those juicy apple chunks blend with comforting spices and a tender crumb—all without any eggs or dairy, so it’s easy on everyone’s diet and conscience.

Whether you’re baking for a casual family snack or need a simple dessert that impresses without fuss, this vegan apple cake is your go-to. I discovered this recipe when I wanted something quick but comforting—not too sweet, but just indulgent enough. You’ll find that the mix of applesauce and flax meal creates a moist, fragrant cake that stays soft for days, making it perfect to bake ahead.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together beautifully to make a moist and flavorful cake that’s bursting with fresh apple goodness. I always recommend using fresh, crisp apples for the best texture, and choosing a mild oil like canola keeps things light without overpowering the flavors.

• Sugar: Balances the tartness of the apples; you can substitute with coconut sugar for a richer flavor.
• Canola oil: Keeps the cake moist without adding strong flavors; you can try light olive or avocado oil if preferred.
• Applesauce: Acts as a natural sweetener and moisture agent, enhancing the apple flavor.
• Plant-based milk: Any variety works—almond, soy, or oat milk will do just fine.
• Vanilla: Adds warmth and depth to the cake’s flavor.
• Flax meal: Combined with warm water, it replaces eggs as a binding agent.
• All-purpose flour: The base of the cake; make sure it’s fresh for the best rise and texture.
• Cinnamon: The star spice that pairs perfectly with apples.
• Baking powder: Gives the cake its lift, so don’t skip it!
• Nutmeg: Adds a subtle warm spice that complements cinnamon.
• Salt: Enhances all the sweet and spicy flavors.
• Apples: Peeled and diced ensures tender bites throughout the cake.
• Powdered sugar (optional): Dust on top for a pretty finish and extra touch of sweetness.

Variations

I love playing around with this Vegan Apple Cake Recipe to suit the season or my mood. You’ll find it’s super flexible, so feel free to tweak it to your taste—for example, swapping apples for pears or adding nuts for crunch.

• Add walnuts or pecans: My family goes crazy when I toss in some toasted nuts for extra texture and nutty flavor.
• Try different apples: Using tart Granny Smiths or sweet Fuji apples changes the sweetness and tang beautifully.
• Spice it up: A pinch of cloves or ginger amps up the warmth and complexity if you like bolder flavors.
• Make it gluten-free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a well-balanced gluten-free blend—with my experience, adding a bit more flax meal helps with the texture.

How to Make Vegan Apple Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Flax Egg and Wet Ingredients

Start by mixing your flax meal with warm water and letting it sit for about 5 minutes until it thickens into that egg-like texture. Meanwhile, whisk together sugar, canola oil, applesauce, plant-based milk, and vanilla in a medium bowl. I find whisking briskly helps blend everything into a smooth, harmonious mixture perfect for the next steps.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients and Mix

In a separate bowl, sift together flour, cinnamon, baking powder, nutmeg, and salt—this ensures even distribution of spices and rising agents. Slowly add the dry mix into the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Resist the urge to overmix here; it keeps the cake tender and avoids any dense spots.

Step 3: Fold in the Diced Apples

Carefully fold in those juicy, peeled, and diced apples. This is where the magic happens—the apple bits stay juicy and soft but keep a bit of bite, which gives every slice a delightful texture contrast.

Step 4: Bake and Check for Doneness

Pour your batter into a lightly greased 8-inch pan and place it in the oven preheated to 325°F (165°C). Bake for 30 to 40 minutes until the edges pull away slightly from the pan and a fork inserted in the center comes out clean. I check around the 30-minute mark just to be safe, since ovens vary and you want that perfect moist texture without overbaking.

Step 5: Cool and Serve

Once out of the oven, let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. I love dusting it lightly with powdered sugar right before serving—it adds just a touch of elegance and sweetness that makes this simple cake feel special.

How to Serve Vegan Apple Cake Recipe

Garnishes

I love keeping it simple with a dusting of powdered sugar or a light drizzle of maple syrup that melds beautifully with the spices. For a festive touch, try sprinkling crushed walnuts or adding a scoop of vegan vanilla ice cream—you’ll wow anyone at the table.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of chai tea or a creamy latte. If you want to add a side, plant-based yogurt with a sprinkle of cinnamon makes a lovely, light complement to this rich, fruity cake.

Creative Ways to Present

For holidays or brunches, I like to serve the cake with whipped coconut cream topped with toasted pecans and a dusting of cinnamon. Layering it into a trifle with vegan custard and sliced apples is another showstopper I’ve tried that guests loved.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I wrap leftover slices tightly in plastic wrap and store them in an airtight container in the fridge where they stay moist and fresh for up to 4 days. This way, I can grab a quick snack or a last-minute dessert without reheating.

Freezing

Freezing works like a charm for this Vegan Apple Cake Recipe! I cut the cake into slices, wrap them individually in freezer-safe foil or parchment, and then place them in a freezer bag. It freezes well for up to 3 months without losing much moisture.

Reheating

To reheat, I pop slices in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds or warm them in a preheated oven at 300°F for 10 minutes. This revives the cake’s softness and highlights those wonderful apple spices again.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Vegan Apple Cake Recipe is one of those treasures I love sharing because it’s so straightforward yet so satisfying. It’s made many chilly afternoons cozier and brought smiles over our casual family dinners. I’m confident you’ll enjoy how easy it is to whip up, and your kitchen will smell like fall in no time. Give it a try—your new favorite apple cake is waiting!

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