This vegan spiced apple cake is moist, flavorful, and filled with warm spices. Topped with a creamy frosting, it’s perfect for fall or any cozy occasion.
Servings: 10 Slices
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (or a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend)
- 1/3 cup organic cane sugar (or granulated sweetener of choice)
- 1/3 cup brown sugar replacement (packed)
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- 1/2 cup coconut oil, melted (or any neutral oil)
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk (or other plant-based milk)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups finely chopped or grated apples (peeled, if preferred)
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
For the Frosting:
- 1/2 cup vegan butter (softened)
- 1/2 cup vegan cream cheese
- 1 cup powdered sugar (sifted)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1–2 tbsp unsweetened almond milk (as needed for consistency)
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon (optional, for a spiced frosting)
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Cake Batter
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9-inch round or square cake pan with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger and cloves.
- In a separate bowl, combine the oil, applesauce, almond milk, and vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Fold in the chopped or grated apples and walnuts or pecans (if using).
Step 2: Bake the Cake
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 3: Make the Frosting
- In a large bowl, beat the vegan butter and vegan cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, 1/2 cup at a time, mixing until smooth.
- Mix in the vanilla extract and cinnamon (if using). Add almond milk 1 tablespoon at a time until the frosting reaches your desired consistency.
Step 4: Assemble the Cake
- Once the cake is completely cool, spread the frosting evenly over the top and sides of the cake.
- Decorate with a sprinkle of cinnamon, chopped nuts, or thin apple slices if desired.
Tips:
- Storage: Store the frosted cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Bring to room temperature before serving.
- Bundt Cake Option: Bake the batter in a bundt pan for 40–45 minutes and drizzle with the frosting instead of spreading it.
Enjoy this spiced apple cake with its perfect balance of warmth and sweetness!
