Oh my goodness, let me tell you about this vegan apple cake! It’s seriously one of my all-time favorites. Imagine biting into a slice that’s moist, fluffy, and bursting with the warmth of cinnamon and fresh apples. Every time I make it, it takes me back to my grandma’s kitchen, where the smell of baked apples would fill the air, and we’d eagerly wait for it to come out of the oven. This cake is not just a dessert; it’s a hug in a slice. You’ll love how easy it is to whip up, and trust me, the flavor is absolutely incredible! Whether it’s for a cozy night in or to impress friends at a gathering, this vegan apple cake is guaranteed to delight everyone. Get ready to enjoy a slice of pure happiness!
Ingredients List
- 2 cups all-purpose flour – this forms the base of our cake, providing that lovely structure.
- 1 cup sugar – for sweetness that balances the tartness of the apples.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda – this helps the cake rise and become light and fluffy.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder – working together with baking soda for that perfect lift!
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon – because what’s an apple cake without a hint of warm spice?
- 1/2 teaspoon salt – just a touch to enhance all those delicious flavors.
- 1 cup unsweetened applesauce – this keeps our cake moist and adds natural sweetness.
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil – for richness and tenderness in every bite.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – a splash of vanilla brings everything together beautifully.
- 2 cups chopped apples – I love using a mix of tart and sweet apples for depth of flavor!
How to Prepare Vegan Apple Cake
- First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial because we want our cake to bake evenly and beautifully!
- While the oven is warming up, grab a large mixing bowl and combine the flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Give it a good stir until everything is well mixed—this is where the magic begins!
- Next, it’s time to add the wet ingredients. Pour in the applesauce, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Mix it all together until you have a nice, smooth batter. Don’t worry if it looks a little thick; that’s just how we want it!
- Now, fold in the chopped apples gently. I like to use a spatula for this so I can be careful not to overmix and keep those lovely apple chunks intact.
- Once everything is combined, pour the batter into a greased cake pan. Don’t skip this step; it ensures your cake will come out easily when it’s done!
- Pop the pan into the preheated oven and bake for about 35-40 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Oh, the smell wafting through your kitchen will be heavenly!
- After baking, let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Patience is key here—this cooling time makes all the difference in texture!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick preparation time – you can whip this up in just 15 minutes!
- Uses simple ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry.
- 100% vegan-friendly, making it perfect for everyone to enjoy.
- Moist and flavorful with the perfect balance of sweet and spicy notes.
- Ideal for dessert or a delightful snack any time of the day!
Tips for Success
To make sure your vegan apple cake turns out perfectly every time, here are my top tips! First, make sure your apples are chopped evenly; this helps with even baking and texture. I love mixing different types of apples for a deeper flavor, so go ahead and experiment a little! Also, don’t overmix your batter once you add the apples; just fold them in gently to keep that lovely moistness.
One little trick: if you find your cake is browning too quickly on top, cover it loosely with foil during baking. And remember, patience is key—letting the cake cool before slicing ensures a better texture and helps avoid that tempting crumbly mess! Trust me, waiting just a bit longer is well worth it for that perfect slice!
Variations
One of the best things about this vegan apple cake is how versatile it is! If you want to switch things up, try adding different spices. A dash of nutmeg or allspice can bring a lovely warmth to the cake. Feeling nutty? Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch and flavor. You might even consider mixing in some dried fruits like raisins or cranberries for a delightful surprise in every bite.
Another fun idea is to replace some of the apples with other fruits! Pears or peaches can add a juicy twist, while a handful of shredded carrots can introduce a wonderful earthiness. Just remember to keep your total fruit measurement consistent to maintain that perfect moisture level. Get creative and make this cake your own!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your delicious vegan apple cake fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can pop it in the fridge, where it’ll stay good for about a week. Just remember to let it cool completely before sealing it up—this helps prevent any sogginess!
If you want to enjoy a slice after a few days, reheating is a breeze. I recommend popping a slice in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds to warm it up. You could also use the oven—just wrap the slice in foil and heat it at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes. This way, the cake stays moist, and you’ll be greeted with that wonderful aroma all over again. Trust me, it’s totally worth it for that warm, comforting taste!
Nutritional Information
Let’s talk numbers! This vegan apple cake is not just delicious; it’s also a guilt-free treat! Each slice (which is about 1/8 of the cake) packs in approximately 180 calories. You’ll find about 7 grams of fat, with just 1 gram being saturated fat. And for those looking to keep track of their sugar intake, there’s around 10 grams of sugar per slice, thanks to the natural sweetness of the apples and sugar we added.
In terms of carbohydrates, you’re looking at about 28 grams, with 2 grams of fiber to help keep things balanced. Oh, and don’t forget the protein—there’s about 2 grams of it per slice! Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use, but overall, it’s a pretty wholesome dessert that won’t derail your day. Enjoy your cake without a second thought!
FAQ Section
Can I substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free option?
Absolutely! You can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, but make sure it contains xanthan gum for proper texture. Just follow the same measurements, and you’ll be good to go!
What kind of apples work best in this cake?
I love using a mix of sweet and tart apples for depth of flavor! Varieties like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji are fantastic. They not only taste great but also hold their shape well during baking.
Can I sweeten the cake with something other than sugar?
Definitely! You can use maple syrup or agave nectar, but remember to reduce the liquid in your recipe slightly to maintain the right batter consistency. About 3/4 cup of syrup should work nicely.
How can I make this cake more decadent?
If you’re feeling indulgent, you can drizzle some vegan caramel sauce on top after baking. Or serve it warm with a dollop of vegan whipped cream for an extra treat!
Can I freeze the vegan apple cake?
Yes, you can! Just wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They should stay fresh for up to 2 months. Thaw them in the fridge overnight before enjoying!
For more delicious vegan recipes, check out this vegan upside-down apple cake recipe!
Print
Vegan Apple Cake: 7 Reasons It’s Pure Comfort Food
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
A delicious vegan apple cake that is moist and full of flavor.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups chopped apples
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
- Add applesauce, oil, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Mix well.
- Fold in the chopped apples.
- Pour the batter into a greased cake pan.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let cool before serving.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Add nuts for extra texture.
- Serve with vegan whipped cream if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: vegan apple cake, dessert, vegan baking