Description
This Vegan Apple Cake is a moist, flavorful dessert perfect for any occasion. Made without dairy or eggs, it combines warm spices, fresh apples, and a creamy vegan cream cheese frosting, creating a deliciously spiced treat that’s entirely plant-based. Simple to prepare with everyday ingredients, this cake offers a wonderful balance of sweetness and spice, ideal for sharing with family and friends.
Ingredients
Cake Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (240 g)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- 2 tsp cinnamon
- ¼ tsp nutmeg
- ¼ tsp allspice
- ¼ tsp ground ginger
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup dairy-free milk
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- ½ cup unsweetened applesauce
- ½ cup neutral oil
- 2 tsp vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste
- 2 apples, chopped into small pieces (3 cups / 360 g)
Frosting Ingredients
- 1 cup vegan cream cheese
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla bean paste or vanilla extract
Instructions
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the wet ingredients first — dairy-free milk, apple cider vinegar, applesauce, neutral oil, and vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste. Then add the dry ingredients — all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, ground ginger, and salt. Whisk everything together until the batter is smooth and well combined.
- Prepare and Fold in Apples: Wash and finely chop the apples into small pieces, approximately 1/4-inch squares, to ensure they cook evenly and blend well in the cake. Fold the chopped apples gently into the cake batter, distributing them evenly.
- Bake the Cake: Transfer the batter to a greased or lined 9×9 inch baking pan, spreading it evenly. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 50 to 55 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean when the cake is fully baked.
- Prepare the Frosting: While the cake is baking, whisk together the vegan cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla bean paste or vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Set aside for frosting later.
- Frost and Serve: After the cake has cooled completely, spread the prepared vegan cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. Slice into 16 pieces and enjoy this delicious vegan apple cake.
Notes
- Make sure to chop the apples finely to ensure even cooking and moist texture.
- The cake can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, covered.
- The frosting is optional but adds a rich and creamy contrast to the spiced cake.
- Use a neutral oil such as canola, vegetable, or sunflower oil for best results.
- Allow the cake to cool fully before frosting to prevent melting.
- You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend if needed, but baking time may vary.
