Best Vegan Apple Cake

If you ask me, vegan apple cake is one of those desserts that makes everyone happy.

This cozy fall treat brings together tender chunks of fresh apple and warm cinnamon in a moist, dairy-free cake that’s perfect for sharing. The simple combination of ingredients creates something that feels both nostalgic and new.

Even though it’s made without eggs or butter, this cake bakes up just as light and fluffy as traditional versions. A sprinkle of brown sugar on top adds a subtle crunch and caramel notes that make each bite special.

It’s the kind of dessert that works for both casual weeknight dinners and holiday gatherings – and no one will guess it’s completely plant-based.

What Kind of Apples Should I Use?

For a vegan apple cake, you’ll want to pick apples that hold their shape while baking and offer a nice balance of sweet and tart flavors. Granny Smith apples are a classic choice since they stay firm during baking and their tartness works well with the cake’s sweetness. If you prefer something less tart, Honeycrisp or Pink Lady apples are great alternatives that will still maintain their structure in the oven. When choosing your apples, look for ones that feel firm and heavy for their size, with no soft spots or bruising. Remember to peel them just before using to prevent browning, and try to cut your apple chunks into similar sizes so they cook evenly in the cake.

Options for Substitutions

This vegan apple cake is pretty adaptable! Here are some helpful swaps you can try:

• Regular flour: You can use whole wheat flour for a nuttier taste (though the cake will be denser), or a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend if you need to avoid gluten. Just make sure your blend contains xanthan gum.
• Coconut oil: Any neutral vegetable oil works well here – try canola, sunflower, or melted vegan butter. Just make sure whatever you use is in liquid form.
• Applesauce: Mashed ripe banana or pumpkin puree can work instead, though they’ll add their own flavor. You could also use an extra 1/2 cup of oil, but the applesauce helps keep the cake moist.
• Walnuts: Feel free to swap these with pecans, almonds, or leave them out entirely if you’re avoiding nuts. You could add raisins instead for extra texture.
• Plant-based butter: Coconut oil works great as a replacement in the topping. If using coconut oil, add a tiny pinch of salt to make up for the saltiness in vegan butter.
• Dairy-free milk: Any plant milk will work here – almond, soy, oat, or coconut milk are all good options. Just avoid flavored varieties that might compete with the apple taste.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Baking

The success of this vegan apple cake largely depends on the moisture balance – using too much applesauce can make the cake dense and gummy, while too little will leave it dry, so stick precisely to the 1/2 cup measurement. A common mistake is not properly measuring the flour – instead of scooping directly with the measuring cup, use the spoon-and-level method to avoid packing too much flour into your cake. When it comes to the apples, cutting them into inconsistent sizes can lead to uneven baking, so aim for uniform 1/2-inch cubes that will cook at the same rate. For the best texture, make sure your coconut oil is completely liquefied but not hot when adding it to the batter, and let the cake cool in the pan for at least 20 minutes before removing it – trying to take it out too soon can cause it to break apart.

What to Serve With Vegan Apple Cake?

This cozy vegan apple cake pairs perfectly with your favorite hot drinks and some simple toppings that make it even more special. A scoop of dairy-free vanilla ice cream or coconut whipped cream on top creates a lovely temperature contrast with the warm cake. For morning or afternoon tea, serve it alongside a hot cup of coffee, chai tea, or apple cider – the warm spices in the cake taste amazing with these beverages. If you’re feeling extra indulgent, try drizzling each slice with some warm maple syrup or vegan caramel sauce, which complements the apple and cinnamon flavors beautifully.

Storage Instructions

Keep Fresh: This vegan apple cake stays moist and delicious when kept in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If your kitchen is warm, you might want to pop it in the fridge where it’ll stay good for up to a week. Just make sure to cover it well to prevent it from drying out!

Freeze: Want to save some for later? Cut the cake into individual slices, wrap them in plastic wrap or foil, and place them in a freezer bag. They’ll keep nicely for up to 3 months. This is super handy when you need a quick dessert or want to make the cake ahead for a special occasion.

Thaw & Serve: When you’re craving a slice, just take it out of the freezer and let it thaw at room temperature for about 2-3 hours. If you want to warm it up, pop it in the microwave for 15-20 seconds – it’ll taste almost like it’s freshly baked! The apple chunks might be a bit softer after freezing, but the cake will still be super tasty.

Preparation Time	20-30 minutes
Cooking Time	45-50 minutes
Total Time	75-90 minutes
Level of Difficulty	Medium

Estimated Nutrition

Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):

• Calories: 3500-4000
• Protein: 40-50 g
• Fat: 200-220 g
• Carbohydrates: 480-520 g

Ingredients

• 3 cups regular flour
• 2 cups white sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup coconut oil, liquefiied*
• 1/2 cup applesauce with no added sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 3 cups apples, peeled and cut into cubes
• 1 cup walnuts, chopped*
• 4 tablespoons plant-based melted butter
• 1/2 cup light brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons dairy-free milk

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Pan and Ingredients

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

Lightly grease a 9 x 13 inch baking pan to ensure easy removal of the cake once it’s baked.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.

Ensure that the dry ingredients are well-combined to distribute the leavening agents evenly throughout the batter.

Step 3: Combine with Wet Ingredients

Pour in the melted coconut oil, applesauce, and vanilla extract into the bowl of dry ingredients.

Stir until the mixture forms a stiff dough.

This texture is normal since the diced apples will introduce additional moisture during baking.

Step 4: Incorporate Apples and Nuts

Fold in the diced apples and nuts until evenly distributed throughout the dough.

If needed, use your hands to fully integrate these ingredients.

Once mixed, press the cake batter evenly into the prepared pan.

Step 5: Bake the Cake

Bake the cake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until it turns golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Allow the cake to cool in the pan as you prepare the caramel drizzle.

Step 6: Prepare and Apply Caramel Drizzle

To make the caramel drizzle, heat a small pot over the stove.

Add vegan butter, brown sugar, and non-dairy milk.

Stir constantly as you bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, ensuring it doesn’t overflow.

Let it boil for 2 minutes, then remove from heat.

Once the cake has cooled for about 20 minutes, pour the caramel sauce over it evenly.

Allow the cake to cool for an additional 10 minutes before serving.

Enjoy your delicious, moist apple cake!