Name: Vegan Apple Cake Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 flax eggs (2 tablespoons ground flax meal + 5 tablespoons water); ½ cup vegetable oil; ½ cup unsweetened applesauce; ¼ cup nondairy milk; 1 tablespoon vanilla extract; 1 ½ teaspoons apple cider vinegar; 2 cups gluten free all purpose flour (or regular all-purpose flour); 1 cup granulated sugar; 2 teaspoons baking powder; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 2 teaspoons cinnamon; ½ teaspoon nutmeg; ½ teaspoon ginger; ¼ teaspoon salt; Pinch of allspice; Pinch of ground cloves; ¾ cup chopped walnuts or pecans; 2 cups diced, peeled apples; ⅔ cup powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon lemon juice; 1 ½ teaspoon vanilla extract; 1-2 teaspoons nondairy milk; ½ teaspoon cinnamon

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 27 reviews

If you’re searching for a delightful, wholesome treat that feels like a warm hug from the inside, this Vegan Apple Cake Recipe is here to steal your heart and your taste buds. Bursting with tender diced apples, a medley of cozy spices, and a moist, tender crumb, this cake is a celebration of flavors and textures that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re vegan or simply love a good apple dessert, this cake is bound to become your go-to favorite, bringing a perfect balance of sweetness and spice in every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The images show a white bowl on a white marbled surface with three stages of mixing a batter. The first stage shows a thick, light brown batter spread loosely at the bottom of the bowl. The second stage adds chopped granola pieces and small red and yellow apple cubes on top of the batter in separate piles. The third stage shows the batter mixed slightly with the granola and apple pieces, creating a speckled texture of light brown with chunks of light yellow and red from the apple and crumbly, golden granola pieces. The mixing is done with a dark blue spatula. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering the right ingredients is the secret to nailing this vegan apple cake. Each item plays a special role—from the flax eggs binding the cake naturally to the combination of warming spices that give it that irresistible aroma and flavor.

Flax eggs: Made from ground flax meal and water, these replace traditional eggs while adding a subtle nutty flavor and structure.
Vegetable oil: Keeps the cake moist and tender.
Unsweetened applesauce: Adds moisture and a touch of natural sweetness without overpowering the flavor.
Nondairy milk: Lightens the batter and balances its texture.
Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall aroma and depth of the cake.
Apple cider vinegar: Reacts with the baking soda to help the cake rise beautifully.
Gluten-free or all-purpose flour: The base that gives the cake its structure.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the batter evenly.
Baking powder and baking soda: Work together for a perfect rise and fluffy texture.
Cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, allspice, and cloves: The warm spices that create the quintessential apple cake flavor profile.
Salt: Amplifies the flavors and balances the sweetness.
Chopped walnuts or pecans: Add a satisfying crunch and a nutty contrast.
Diced, peeled apples: The star ingredient that keeps every bite juicy and fresh.
Powdered sugar, lemon juice, and vanilla: Combined to create a light, tangy glaze for the perfect finishing touch.

How to Make Vegan Apple Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Flax Eggs

Start by whisking together 2 tablespoons of ground flax meal with 5 tablespoons of water. Allow this mixture to sit for about 5–10 minutes until it becomes gel-like. This step is crucial since these flax eggs will act as the binder and give your cake that tender crumb without using any animal products.

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the prepared flax eggs, ½ cup vegetable oil, ½ cup unsweetened applesauce, ¼ cup nondairy milk, 1 tablespoon vanilla extract, and 1 ½ teaspoons apple cider vinegar. Whisk this mixture thoroughly until everything is smooth and well incorporated, setting the stage for a moist and flavorful cake batter.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 cups gluten-free all-purpose flour (or regular flour if preferred), 1 cup granulated sugar, 2 teaspoons baking powder, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 2 teaspoons cinnamon, ½ teaspoon each of nutmeg and ginger, plus a pinch each of salt, allspice, and ground cloves. Mixing these spices with the dry ingredients ensures an even distribution of flavor throughout the cake.

Step 4: Bring Wet and Dry Ingredients Together

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently but thoroughly until no lumps remain. Avoid overmixing to keep the texture tender. Once combined, fold in ¾ cup chopped walnuts or pecans along with 2 cups diced, peeled apples, making sure they are evenly spread throughout the batter for bursts of crunch and fruity juiciness.

Step 5: Bake the Cake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch cake pan or line it with parchment paper. Pour the batter evenly into the pan and smooth the top. Bake for about 45–50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, signaling that your Vegan Apple Cake Recipe is perfectly baked and ready to enjoy.

Step 6: Prepare the Glaze

While the cake is cooling, whisk together ⅔ cup powdered sugar with 1 teaspoon lemon juice, 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract, 1–2 teaspoons nondairy milk, and ½ teaspoon cinnamon. This luscious glaze adds a sweet, tangy finish that complements the warm spices beautifully.

Step 7: Glaze and Cool

Once the cake has cooled completely, drizzle the glaze over the top using a spoon or piping bag. Allow it to set for a few minutes, adding that irresistible glossy shine and extra flavor dimension to your vegan apple cake.

How to Serve Vegan Apple Cake Recipe

The image shows a white rectangular baking dish filled with a thick brown batter that contains small pieces of chopped apples mixed throughout. On top, there are seven sets of thin apple slices arranged in small, neat half circle groups, spaced evenly across the surface. The layers include the light brown batter with rough texture and visible apple chunks beneath the smooth, shiny apple slice toppings that create a gentle pop of red and cream colors. The dish is placed on a white marbled surface, giving a clean and bright look. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To elevate your Vegan Apple Cake Recipe, consider adding a handful of toasted nuts or extra diced apples on top as a garnish. A dusting of cinnamon or a sprinkle of finely chopped fresh mint also makes for a lovely, fragrant presentation that invites everyone to dig in.

Side Dishes

This apple cake pairs beautifully with a scoop of dairy-free vanilla ice cream or a dollop of coconut whipped cream for a luscious contrast. For a lighter option, try serving it alongside a fresh fruit salad or a warm cup of chai tea to highlight the cake’s warm spice profile.

Creative Ways to Present

Slice the cake into squares and serve on rustic wooden boards for a cozy, homemade vibe. For parties, cut into bite-sized cubes and offer with toothpicks alongside a small bowl of glaze for dipping. Another fun idea is layering cake pieces with vegan yogurt and fruit in clear glasses to create a trifle-style dessert highlighting the cake’s tender texture and flavors.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to retain its softness. If you live in a warmer climate, storing it in the refrigerator will keep it fresh for about 5 days without drying out.

Freezing

This Vegan Apple Cake Recipe freezes wonderfully. Wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, or place slices in a freezer-safe container separated by parchment paper. Freeze for up to 3 months to enjoy a convenient, ready-to-bake dessert whenever you want.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm slices in a microwave for 20–30 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10–15 minutes until warmed through. Reheating helps revive the cake’s moist texture and brings back that fresh-from-the-oven feeling.

FAQs

Can I use regular flour instead of gluten-free?

Absolutely! This Vegan Apple Cake Recipe works wonderfully with either gluten-free or all-purpose flour. Just use the same quantity, and you’ll get a moist, delicious cake either way.

What is the purpose of apple cider vinegar in the recipe?

Apple cider vinegar reacts with the baking soda to help the cake rise and become fluffy. It also adds a subtle tanginess that balances the sweetness of the apples and sugar.

Can I substitute the nuts or leave them out?

Yes, you can swap walnuts for pecans or almonds, or omit the nuts entirely if you have allergies or prefer a nut-free cake. The texture will be a bit softer but just as tasty.

How ripe should the apples be?

Choose crisp apples that are firm, like Gala, Honeycrisp, or Fuji. Ripe but firm apples maintain their shape and provide a nice texture contrast in the cake.

Is the glaze necessary?

The glaze adds a lovely sweet-tangy finish, but the cake is delicious without it too. If you prefer your dessert less sweet, feel free to skip or lightly drizzle the glaze according to your taste.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly magical about this Vegan Apple Cake Recipe—it’s cozy, comforting, and surprisingly easy to pull together with simple pantry ingredients. Once you bake it, you’ll find it hard not to slice off just one more piece. So go ahead, make this cake your next baking adventure and spread the warmth and love with every bite.