As the leaves begin to change and a crisp breeze sweeps through the air, I find myself longing for warm, comforting treats that celebrate the season. That’s when I decided to whip up this delightful Vegan Apple Cake. Packed with the sweet essence of fresh apples and a hint of cinnamon, it’s a nod to classic fall flavors that transforms any kitchen into a cozy retreat. The best part? This cake is surprisingly easy to prepare, requiring just a handful of simple ingredients and minimal effort. Whether you’re hosting friends or treating yourself after a long day, each slice offers a perfect glimpse into the comfort of homemade goodness. So grab those apples and let’s dive into baking a cake that is not only irresistible but also vegan-friendly!
Why will you love this Vegan Apple Cake?
Comforting Flavors: The warm spices of cinnamon combined with sweet apples create a cake that’s bursting with fall-inspired deliciousness.
Easy Preparation: With just 10 minutes of prep time, you can whip up this cake without a fuss.
Crowd-Pleasing Treat: Perfect for gatherings, this cake will impress both vegans and non-vegans alike, making it a hit at any dinner table.
Versatile Delight: Serve it warm with a scoop of vegan ice cream or enjoy it plain; the choice is yours!
Healthy Indulgence: Made with wholesome ingredients, this cake allows you to indulge without the guilt. Be sure to check out how simple it is to make this flavorful cake with just a few steps!
Vegan Apple Cake Ingredients
Get ready to create a delightful Vegan Apple Cake!
For the Batter
• Apples – 2½ for the filling and 1½ for topping; they provide moisture and natural sweetness.
• All-Purpose Flour – 2 cups (300 grams); this forms the cake’s structure, ensuring a soft crumb.
• Sugar – ¾ cup (150 grams) plus 2 tbsp for sprinkling; balances flavors and adds the right sweetness.
• Almond Milk – 1 cup (250 grams); gives the cake a rich texture while keeping it dairy-free.
• Olive Oil – ¼ cup (50 grams); adds moisture and contributes to a tender crumb.
• Baking Powder – 1 tablespoon (16 grams); helps the cake rise to perfection.
• Vanilla Extract – 1 tablespoon; infuses the cake with a warm, aromatic flavor.
• Cinnamon – 1 teaspoon; adds a cozy spice that pairs beautifully with apples.
• Lemon Zest – Grated zest of ½ lemon (optional); brightens the flavors with a citrusy zing.
• Salt – ⅛ teaspoon; enhances the overall sweetness and balances the flavors.
For Topping
• Additional Apples – 1½, sliced thin; these create a beautiful, sweet layer on top of the cake.
• Sugar – 2 tablespoons mixed with 1 teaspoon cinnamon; adds a sweet and spiced crunch on the top.
Dive into the joy of baking with these simple and wholesome ingredients for your Vegan Apple Cake!
How to Make Vegan Apple Cake
-
Prepare the Pan: Start by lining your cake pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking, then preheat your oven to 360°F (180°C). Getting this done early ensures optimal baking conditions.
-
Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of almond milk, ¼ cup of olive oil, ¾ cup of sugar, 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract, and the grated zest of ½ lemon. Whisk until everything is nicely blended and smooth.
-
Combine the Dry Ingredients: Sift in 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, and ⅛ teaspoon of salt using a fine-mesh sieve. Gently whisk or mix with a hand mixer just until you have a smooth, thick cake batter. Be careful not to over-mix; a few lumps are okay!
-
Fold in the Apples: Chop the 2½ apples into small pieces (cored and seeds removed, peeling optional) and carefully fold them into the batter using a spatula for even distribution.
-
Pour the Batter: Pour the delicious batter into the prepared cake pan, spreading it evenly to ensure uniform baking.
-
Add Apple Topping: Layer the top with thin apple slices from the remaining 1½ apples, arranging them in a circular pattern. Overlap the slices slightly for an appealing look.
-
Sprinkle with Sugar and Cinnamon: Combine 2 tablespoons of sugar with 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, then sprinkle this mix generously over the apple slices for a lovely sweet and spiced crunch.
-
Bake to Perfection: Place the cake on the center rack of your preheated oven and bake at 360°F (180°C) for 55 minutes to 1 hour. Check its doneness with a skewer; it should come out mostly dry. If not, give it another 5 minutes.
-
Cool and Serve: Once out of the oven, let the cake cool in the pan for 15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely, about 1 hour.
Optional: Serve warm with a scoop of vegan ice cream for an extra treat!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Vegan Apple Cake Variations
Feel free to get creative with your Vegan Apple Cake by exploring these delightful variations!
- Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend for a cake that everyone can enjoy.
- Nutty Addition: Fold in ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for an extra crunch and toasty flavor. Nuts bring a beautiful texture that complements the apples.
- Spicy Twist: Add ¼ teaspoon of ground ginger or nutmeg to the batter for a warm, spiced kick that delights the senses.
- Dairy-Free Milk: Swap almond milk with coconut milk for a tropical flavor that adds a rich and creamy touch to your cake. Coconut brings an exotic flair that’s hard to resist.
- Fruit Fusion: Mix in ½ cup of raisins or cranberries to the batter for a fruity burst that adds a chewy texture and sweetness. They’ll surprise you with every bite!
- Chocolate Lover’s: Gently fold in ½ cup of dairy-free chocolate chips for a decadent twist on this classic dessert. Chocolate pairs beautifully with apples—you’ll be thrilled by this unexpected combination!
- Maple Sweetener: Replace sugar with ½ cup of maple syrup for a unique, earthy sweetness that enhances the flavor profile beautifully. Just reduce the liquid in the recipe slightly to compensate.
- Zesty Upgrade: Incorporate the zest of an orange instead of lemon for a refreshing citrus twist that brightens the overall flavor. The orange zest adds an aromatic quality that’s uplifting and delicious.
Expert Tips for Vegan Apple Cake
Choose the Right Apples: Use a mix of tart and sweet apples for depth of flavor. Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are excellent choices to enhance your Vegan Apple Cake.
Don’t Over-Mix: When combining ingredients, mix just until incorporated. Over-mixing can lead to a denser texture, so aim for a smooth batter without too many lumps.
Monitor Baking Time: Ovens can vary, so start checking your cake at the 55-minute mark. Insert a skewer; it should come out with just a few moist crumbs for the perfect bake!
Cooling is Key: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. This helps maintain the cake’s structure and prevents it from breaking.
Flavor Boost: Try adding a pinch of nutmeg or a sprinkle of cardamom along with the cinnamon for extra warmth in your Vegan Apple Cake!
Make Ahead Options
The Vegan Apple Cake is an excellent choice for meal prep, making it a breeze to serve during busy weeknights or gatherings. You can prepare the batter and refrigerate it up to 24 hours ahead of baking. Just remember to store it in an airtight container to maintain freshness. Additionally, you can slice the apples for topping and keep them in a bowl of water with a splash of lemon juice to prevent browning and maintain their color. When you’re ready to bake, simply pour the batter into the pan, layer the apple slices, sprinkle with sugar and cinnamon, and pop it in the oven. This easy prep ensures your cake tastes just as delicious with minimal effort!
What to Serve with Vegan Apple Cake?
As the rich aroma of baked apples and cinnamon wafts through your home, it’s time to think about delightful accompaniments for this lovely dessert.
-
Vanilla Vegan Ice Cream: The creamy, cool texture complements the warm cake perfectly, creating a delightful contrast in temperatures.
-
Maple Syrup Drizzle: Adding a touch of sweet maple syrup enhances the apple flavors while giving a luscious finish.
-
Toasted Nuts: A sprinkle of toasted walnuts or pecans adds a crunchy element, contrasting wonderfully with the soft cake.
-
Fresh Berries: Serve with a side of raspberries or blueberries for a burst of freshness that perfectly balances the cake’s sweetness.
-
Coconut Whipped Cream: Light and airy, this tropical twist brings a subtle richness that pairs beautifully with the warm spices.
-
Chai Tea: A fragrant cup of chai brings warmth and spice to every bite, enhancing the cozy flavors of the cake.
Let your imagination run wild and create the perfect dessert experience that’ll leave everyone longing for just one more slice of Vegan Apple Cake!
How to Store and Freeze Vegan Apple Cake
Fridge: Store the cake in an airtight container for up to 3 days. This helps maintain its moistness while keeping it fresh for dessert or snacking.
Freezer: Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge when you’re ready to enjoy a slice.
Reheating: To warm individual slices, pop them in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds. Enjoy the comforting flavors of your Vegan Apple Cake warmed up!
Room Temperature: If you plan to enjoy it within a day, keep it covered at room temperature. This preserves its delicious texture without drying it out.
Vegan Apple Cake Recipe FAQs
What types of apples work best in this Vegan Apple Cake?
Absolutely! For the best results, I recommend using a mix of tart and sweet apples. Granny Smith apples offer a lovely tartness, while Honeycrisp adds sweetness and crunch. This blend enhances the depth of flavor, making the cake even more delightful!
How should I store the Vegan Apple Cake?
To keep your Vegan Apple Cake fresh, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. This helps maintain its moisture and flavor. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze slices for up to 3 months!
Can I freeze Vegan Apple Cake? If so, how?
Yes, you can freeze the cake! Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. To thaw, just leave the slices in the fridge overnight. This way, you can enjoy a slice of your delicious cake anytime!
What should I do if my Vegan Apple Cake is too dense?
If you find that your cake is denser than expected, consider that it could be due to over-mixing the batter. To avoid this in the future, mix the ingredients just until combined, and try not to overwork the flour. This step is crucial for achieving a light and fluffy texture.
Can my pets eat this Vegan Apple Cake?
While the ingredients in the Vegan Apple Cake are plant-based, it’s best to avoid giving it to your pets. Ingredients like sugar and cinnamon should be limited for pets like dogs or cats, as they can lead to digestive issues. Always stick to pet-safe treats!
Is this recipe suitable for those with nut allergies?
If there are nut allergies to consider, you can substitute almond milk with oat milk or coconut milk for a nut-free version. Just ensure that other ingredients, including the flour and added toppings, are also free from cross-contamination with nuts. Enjoy the baking!
Deliciously Soft Vegan Apple Cake That Will Wow Everyone
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Prepare the Pan: Start by lining your cake pan with parchment paper and preheating your oven to 360°F (180°C).
- Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a bowl, combine almond milk, olive oil, sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon zest, whisk until smooth.
- Combine the Dry Ingredients: Sift in flour, baking powder, and salt, then mix until you have a smooth batter.
- Fold in the Apples: Chop the apples into small pieces and fold them into the batter.
- Pour the Batter: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan, spreading it evenly.
- Add Apple Topping: Layer the top with thin apple slices, arranging in a circular pattern.
- Sprinkle with Sugar and Cinnamon: Combine sugar and cinnamon, then sprinkle over the apple slices.
- Bake to Perfection: Bake at 360°F (180°C) for 55 minutes to 1 hour. Check doneness with a skewer.
- Cool and Serve: Let the cake cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.