Vegan Apple Cake Recipe with Cinnamon Streusel

Take advantage of apple season with this Vegan Apple Cake recipe. This easy vegan apple cake is moist, warmly spiced, and finished with a generous layer of vegan salted caramel and neatly arranged apple slices. It works well as a dessert for gatherings or as a cozy treat with afternoon tea.

This recipe was originally published on January 29, 2021 and updated with new information on November 3, 2023.

This post is sponsored by Nature’s Charm. All text and opinions are my own.

Ingredients

• Vegan salted caramel – about ½ jar to line the pan and add a caramelized topping.
• Apples – 2–3 apples, peeled and sliced about ¼ inch thick. Choose apples that hold their shape and provide a touch of tartness (e.g., Honeycrisp, Jonagold, or Granny Smith).
• Flour – 1¼ cups all-purpose flour or a gluten-free 1-to-1 measure-for-measure blend (ensure it contains xanthan gum if required).
• Salt – ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt to balance sweetness.
• Baking soda – ½ teaspoon.
• Baking powder – 1 teaspoon.
• Cinnamon – 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (or substitute apple pie spice for a blend).
• Oil – ½ cup olive oil, or a neutral oil such as avocado or grapeseed if preferred.
• Brown sugar – ¼ cup, for moisture and a toffee note.
• Granulated sugar – ¼ cup for clean sweetness.
• Non-dairy milk – ½ cup unsweetened plain almond, soy, or oat milk.
• Flax egg – 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2½ tablespoons water (let sit to thicken).
• Vanilla – 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract or vanilla paste.
• Apple cider vinegar – 2 teaspoons to react with baking soda and add lift.

How to Make Vegan Apple Cake

1. Prepare the pan: Spread about half a jar of vegan salted caramel across the bottom of an 8-inch (20 cm) round cake pan. Arrange the apple slices in an even layer on top of the caramel and set the pan aside.
2. Mix dry ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, baking soda, baking powder, and cinnamon until evenly combined.
3. Mix wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the oil, brown sugar, granulated sugar, non-dairy milk, the thickened flax egg, vanilla, and apple cider vinegar until smooth.
4. Combine: Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir just until combined. Avoid overmixing; stop when there are no streaks of dry flour. If using a gluten-free flour blend, let the batter rest 20–30 minutes so the flour can fully hydrate.
5. Preheat: While the batter rests, preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
6. Bake: Pour the batter over the prepared apple slices and spread it evenly with a spatula. Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes before inverting onto a plate or platter so the salted caramel and apples become the top. Allow the cake to cool completely before slicing for the best texture.

Tips for Making the Best Vegan Apple Cake

• Don’t overmix: Stir the batter just until the ingredients are combined. Overmixing develops structure in the batter and can lead to a dense cake.
• Hydrate gluten-free flour: If you’re using a gluten-free flour blend, rest the batter for 20–30 minutes before baking so the flour can fully absorb liquid and produce a tender crumb.
• Cool completely before slicing: Let the cake cool through so the crumb sets and the caramel firms slightly. Cutting too soon can cause the cake to break apart or become gummy.

Storage Directions

Refrigerate: Store slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For gluten-free versions, enjoy within 3 days for best quality.

Freeze: Wrap individual slices in a couple of layers of plastic wrap or parchment, place in a freezer-safe bag or container, and freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

More Delicious Vegan Desserts

• Vegan banana cupcakes — super moist and full of banana flavor.
• Vegan chocolate banana cupcakes — a chocolate twist on classic banana cupcakes.
• Chocolate haupia pie — a no-bake, vegan and gluten-free layered dessert with coconut and chocolate.
• Chocolate chip chickpea cookies — a surprising, protein-packed cookie option.
• Gluten-free thumbprint cookies — a buttery, jam-topped favorite made without gluten.

Nutrition (per slice)

Calories: 273 kcal | Carbohydrates: 34 g | Protein: 3 g | Fat: 15 g | Sodium: 208 mg | Fiber: 3 g | Sugar: 19 g

Thanks for stopping by! I hope you enjoy this Vegan Apple Cake. For more dairy-free, gluten-free, and vegan dessert ideas, search for similar recipes and experiment with seasonal fruit and vegan toppings like salted caramel or simple glazes.