Vegan Apple Cake Recipe

If you’re anything like me and love a cozy slice of cake that feels like a warm hug, then you’re going to adore this Vegan Apple Cake Recipe. It’s moist, packed with juicy apple chunks, and perfectly spiced—plus, it uses simple, wholesome ingredients you probably already have on hand. Whether you’re welcoming fall or craving an easy-to-make, comforting dessert, this cake hits all the right notes. Stick with me, and I’ll walk you through everything you need to make this fan-freaking-tastic treat come out just right!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Vegan Apple Cake Recipe plays its part in creating a tender, flavorful cake with just the right texture. Shop for firm, crisp apples so they hold up nicely during baking, and grab a good-quality plant-based milk to ensure richness without dairy.

• Sugar: I use regular granulated sugar, but brown sugar works too if you want a deeper caramel flavor.
• Canola Oil: Neutral in taste and keeps the cake moist without overpowering flavors.
• Applesauce: Helps keep this cake super moist and adds a subtle natural sweetness.
• Plant-based Milk: Unsweetened almond or oat milk are my go-tos here.
• Vanilla Extract: Just a touch to bring out the sweet spices beautifully.
• Flax Meal + Warm Water: This combo acts as your egg substitute—don’t skip letting it gel!
• All-purpose Flour: The base that gives structure and crumb.
• Cinnamon: The star spice that whispers fall vibes.
• Baking Powder: To make sure your cake rises nicely and stays fluffy.
• Nutmeg: Adds just the right warm kick to the spice blend.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances flavors.
• Apples: Peeled and diced—firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work beautifully.
• Powdered Sugar (Optional): For a pretty, light dusting before serving.

Variations

One of the best things about this Vegan Apple Cake Recipe is how flexible it is. I love tweaking it depending on what’s in season or what flavors I’m craving. You can absolutely make it your own!

• Use Different Apples: I’ve swapped in tart Granny Smiths for a more tangy bite, or softer Gala for natural sweetness—it always turns out great.
• Add Nuts: Chopped walnuts or pecans stirred in add a lovely crunchy contrast that my family always asks for.
• Spice It Up: Feel free to bump up the cinnamon or toss in a pinch of cloves or ginger for extra warmth during chilly months.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend; just keep an eye on the batter texture as you may need to adjust the liquids slightly.

How to Make Vegan Apple Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Flax Egg and Apples

I always start by mixing the flax meal with warm water—this is your vegan egg substitute that adds structure and moisture. Give it at least 5 minutes to gel up; this little trick was a game-changer for me after some trial and error with runny mixes. Meanwhile, peel and dice your apples so they’re ready to fold in right away.

Step 2: Whisk Together Wet Ingredients

In a medium bowl, combine sugar, canola oil, applesauce, plant-based milk, vanilla, and your flax egg. Whisk these together briskly until everything is smooth and uniform. The applesauce needs to be well mixed in because it’s what keeps this cake so moist and tender.

Step 3: Fold in Your Dry Ingredients and Apples

Next up, add flour, cinnamon, baking powder, nutmeg, and salt. Stir gently until just combined—you don’t want to overmix or the cake might turn out dense. Finally, fold in the chopped apples, making sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Pour the batter into your lightly greased 8-inch pan and spread it out evenly. Bake in a preheated 325°F oven for 30 to 40 minutes. I usually start checking around 30 minutes by inserting a fork or toothpick—it should come out clean, and the edges will gently pull away from the pan. The smell at this point? Absolutely heavenly.

How to Serve Vegan Apple Cake Recipe

Garnishes

I often dust the top lightly with powdered sugar for that simple, elegant touch. Sometimes I add a sprinkle of cinnamon or even a drizzle of maple syrup for extra sweetness. Fresh apple slices on the side make for a pretty presentation if you’re serving guests.

Side Dishes

Pair this cake with a cozy cup of chai or cinnamon-spiced latte for an amazing afternoon pick-me-up. For dessert, I love serving it alongside a scoop of vegan vanilla ice cream or a dollop of coconut whipped cream.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve layered slices of this vegan apple cake with a vegan cream cheese frosting to create a festive apple cake stack. Wrapped up as a gift with a pretty box and tied with ribbon, it’s the sweetest surprise for friends and family.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days—after that, it stays fresher in the fridge. Just make sure it’s covered well so it doesn’t dry out.

Freezing

I freeze individual slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then a layer of foil. They keep well for up to 3 months and thaw quickly at room temperature or in the microwave for a quick treat.

Reheating

To revive the cake’s moist texture, I warm slices gently in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or pop them in a low oven (300°F) wrapped loosely in foil for about 10 minutes. It comes out tasting freshly baked every time!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Vegan Apple Cake Recipe has become one of those dishes I love keeping in my arsenal—it’s reliable, delicious, and makes the whole house smell like a cozy fall day. I used to struggle with vegan cakes being dry or dense, but this recipe changed the game for me with its moist texture and balanced spices. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do, and that it brings a smile to your table, just like it does to mine. Grab those apples, get your mixing bowl ready, and let’s bake a slice of happiness today!

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