Dessert

Vegan Apple Cake Recipe

Bylina Carter February 25, 2026February 25, 2026

Introduction

This vegan apple cake is a moist, flavorful treat perfect for any occasion. With warm spices and tender chunks of apple, it’s a cozy dessert that’s easy to make and sure to please everyone.

A round baked apple cake in a dark baking pan shows a golden brown cracked top with visible pieces of pale yellow apple chunks scattered throughout the single thick layer. The cake surface looks soft and textured with slight crispiness in places. Around the pan, there are red apples on a wooden board to the left, and small white bowls containing white powdered sugar and brown cinnamon powder on a white marbled surface. The arrangement gives a fresh and cozy baking vibe. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

¾ cup of sugar
⅓ cup of canola oil

¼ cup of applesauce
3 tablespoons of plant-based milk

2 teaspoons of vanilla
1 tablespoon flax meal, plus 3 tablespoons of warm water

1 cup all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon of cinnamon
1 teaspoon of baking powder

½ teaspoon of nutmeg
½ teaspoon of salt
2 apples (peeled and diced)

Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. Lightly grease an 8-inch pan with oil.
Step 2: In a medium bowl, combine the sugar, oil, applesauce, plant-based milk, vanilla, flax meal, and warm water. Whisk briskly until fully incorporated and the mixture is smooth.

Step 3: Add the flour, cinnamon, baking powder, nutmeg, and salt. Stir gently until just combined. Fold in the peeled and diced apples.
Step 4: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan. Bake for 30 to 40 minutes, until the cake is pulling away from the sides and a fork inserted comes out clean.
Step 5: Allow the cake to cool slightly, then dust with powdered sugar if desired. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Tips & Variations

Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a nice balance of sweetness and acidity.
Try adding chopped nuts or raisins for extra texture and flavor.
Make sure not to overmix the batter to keep the cake tender.

Substitute maple syrup for sugar to add a richer sweetness.

Storage

Store the cake covered in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days. Reheat slices gently in the microwave or oven before serving to bring back moistness.

How to Serve

A round apple cake sits on a white marbled surface, showing a golden-brown top with visible chunks of baked apple pieces embedded throughout. A woman's hand holds a small metal sieve with a red handle above the cake, sprinkling fine white powdered sugar that gently falls onto the cake’s uneven textured surface. In the background, two apples and a black container with more powdered sugar add context to the scene. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of flour?

Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend if needed, but baking times and texture may vary slightly.

What can I use instead of flax meal?

You can replace the flax meal with a chia seed egg or a commercial egg replacer to bind the batter effectively.

lina Carter