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+ servings
Vegan apple cake recipe slice on a ceramic plate with extra maple syrup, soft editorial styling, and a rustic apple cake in the background.

Vegan Apple Cake Recipe That’s Soft, Full of Flavour and Gluten Free

This vegan apple cake is soft, moist, and easy to make, with tender baked apples, a gluten-free batter, and a cinnamon crumble topping. A cozy plant-based dessert perfect for breakfast, snack time, or a simple homemade treat.
Servings 6
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Cooling Time 20 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 25 minutes

Equipment

Ingredients

For the Apple Cake Batter

For the Crumble Topping

Makes: 7inch round

Instructions

  • Peel and cut the apples into thin slices or small pieces, depending on the texture you prefer in the final cake. As you cut them, drizzle a little lemon juice over the apples and gently toss to coat them evenly. This prevents oxidation (so they don’t turn brown) and also adds a subtle brightness that enhances the overall flavor of the cake.
  • In a large bowl, combine all the dry ingredients. Mix them well to ensure everything is evenly distributed,
  • Prepare the vegan buttermilk: mix soy milk with one tablespoon of lemon juice and let it sit for about 5–10 minutes, until it slightly thickens and curdles. This step adds lightness and helps the cake rise.
  • Mix all the wet ingredients until smooth and well combined ( in a separated bowl ) Pour the wet mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients and gently mix until a uniform batter forms.
  • Once the batter is ready, fold in the apples, making sure they are evenly distributed throughout.
  • In a small bowl, combine the crumble ingredients and mix until you achieve a slightly coarse, sandy texture. The mixture should hold together lightly when pressed, while still remaining crumbly. Set it aside, you will add it later during baking.
  • Pour the batter into a prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly. Place the cake in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) and bake for about 30 minutes. This initial bake allows the structure to set before adding the crumble.
  • After 30 minutes, remove the cake from the oven and gently sprinkle the crumble over the surface, distributing it evenly without pressing it down. This helps it stay light and crisp.
  • Return the cake to the oven and bake for another 15–20 minutes, or until golden on top and fully set. To check if it’s ready, insert a toothpick into the center, if it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, the cake is done.
  • Let the cake cool slightly ( 20 minutes ) before slicing. This allows the structure to set and the flavors to fully develop.

Notes

* Nutrition information is an estimate and may vary depending on the exact ingredients used, portion size, and any changes in seasoning, toppings, or added oil.
*  All recipes on this site, including this one, are tested before publication to make sure the method, texture, and flavour work as intended.
* I use a 7-inch / 18 cm cake pan because I find it the perfect size for a small homemade cake that doesn’t feel too large. If you prefer to use a standard 9-inch / 22 cm cake pan, you can increase the quantities using the recipe calculator in this recipe card.
*  For ingredient substitutions and variations, please refer to the detailed section above, where you’ll find alternative options for apples, sweeteners, oil, and the crumble topping

Nutrition

Serving: 130gCalories: 340kcal
Calories: 340kcal
Cost: 9 $
Course: Breakfast, Dessert
Cuisine: American-Inspired, Italian
Diet: Gluten Free, Vegan
Keyword: 1 Hour or Less, Apple-Sweetened, baked, Brown, Brunch, Cake, Comforting, Cozy, Crumbly, Easy, Fall, Gluten Free, Golden, Make Ahead, Naturally Sweetened, Nostalgic, Nuts, Refined Sugar Free, Soft, Tender, Weekend Cooking, Winter