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Vegan Apple Cake Recipe

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4.2 from 10 reviews

This delicious Vegan Apple Cake is a moist and flavorful dessert perfect for any occasion. Made with fresh apples, almond milk, and a blend of warm spices, this cake is dairy-free and egg-free while still delivering a tender crumb and rich taste. The cake features apple pieces folded into the batter and topped with thinly sliced apples and a cinnamon-sugar sprinkle for a beautiful, fruity finish.

Ingredients

Wet Ingredients

  • 1 cup almond milk
  • ¼ cup olive oil (or another vegetable oil)
  • ¾ cup sugar
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • Grated zest of ½ lemon (optional)

Dry Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • ⅛ teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon (for topping)
  • 2 tablespoons sugar (for topping)

Fruit

  • 4 apples, divided into apples for folding into batter and 1½ apples thinly sliced for topping

Instructions

  1. Mix Batter: In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup almond milk, ¼ cup olive oil, ¾ cup sugar, 1 tablespoon vanilla extract, and the grated zest of ½ lemon. Whisk until smooth and well blended. Then sift in 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon baking powder, and ⅛ teaspoon salt through a fine-mesh sieve. Gently whisk or mix with a hand mixer just until the batter is smooth and thick—avoid over-mixing to maintain a tender texture.
  2. Add Apples: Core and seed 2½ apples, keeping the peel on, and chop them into small pieces. Fold these apples carefully into the cake batter with a spatula to distribute evenly without deflating the mix.
  3. Prepare Cake Pan: Line a cake pan with parchment paper to ensure easy removal after baking. Pour the batter into the pan and smooth the top gently.
  4. Arrange Apple Topping: Thinly slice the remaining 1½ apples and layer the slices on top of the batter in a circular, overlapping pattern for an attractive finish. Sprinkle evenly with a mixture of 2 tablespoons sugar and 1 teaspoon cinnamon to add a sweet, spicy crust.
  5. Bake: Preheat the oven to 360°F (180°C) and place the cake on the center rack. Bake for 55 minutes to 1 hour, or until a skewer inserted in the center comes out mostly dry. If it appears wet, continue baking in 5-minute intervals until done.
  6. Cool: Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 15 minutes. Then carefully lift the cake out using the parchment paper and allow it to cool completely on a wire rack for at least 1 hour before slicing and serving.

Notes

  • Keep the apple peels on for added texture and nutrients.
  • Do not over-mix the batter to prevent a dense cake.
  • Ensure the apples used for topping are sliced thinly for even baking and beautiful presentation.
  • Use a sharp knife or mandoline for uniform apple slices.
  • This cake keeps well for up to 3 days stored in an airtight container at room temperature.
  • Optional: Add a pinch of nutmeg or ginger for extra warmth in flavor.