The aroma of cinnamon and fresh apples fills the kitchen as you prepare to bake a cake that feels like a warm hug on a chilly fall day. Just imagine biting into a slice of this Vegan Apple Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting, where the moist, tender crumb harmonizes with the sweet-tartness of apples and a decadent frosting swirled with spices. Each bite is like experiencing a comforting autumn afternoon, reminiscent of family gatherings and laughter.
Growing up, my grandmother always had something sweet ready to greet us, especially as the leaves began to change color. This cake is my tribute to those cherished moments—a best-of-fall treat that’s not only simple to whip up but also bursting with nostalgic flavors. Are you ready to create your own cozy memories? Let’s dive into this delightful baking adventure together!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: Whip up this cake in just about an hour, perfect for satisfying last-minute cravings.
- Irresistible Flavor: The warm notes of cinnamon blend beautifully with the natural sweetness of the apples, creating a comforting and delicious treat.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: This cake looks as wonderful as it tastes, topped with fluffy cream cheese frosting and maybe even a sprig of cinnamon.
- Flexible Serving: Perfect for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or dessert at gatherings—wherever you serve it, it’ll surely be a hit!
- Diet-Friendly Options: Completely vegan and can easily accommodate gluten-free needs just by substituting the flour!
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 large apples (peeled, grated, & strained): Use tart varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for a brighter flavor. Be sure to strain out excess juice for the right cake consistency.
- 1/2 cup oat milk: This dairy-free milk adds creaminess; feel free to swap in almond or soy milk if you prefer.
- 2/3 cup sugar: Granulated sugar brings sweetness; coconut sugar can be used for a deeper flavor if desired.
- 1/3 cup olive oil: Light olive oil keeps the cake moist—vegetable oil is a good substitute.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste (or vanilla extract): Vanilla adds a wonderful depth; look for pure extracts for the best flavor.
- 1 1/2 cups pastry flour: Soft and fine, pastry flour yields a tender crumb. All-purpose flour can work in a pinch but may produce a slightly denser texture.
- 2 teaspoons baking powder: This leavening agent helps the cake rise. Make sure it’s fresh for optimal fluffiness!
- 1 teaspoon apple pie spice (or pumpkin pie spice): A delightful blend of spices that enhances the apple flavor; cinnamon alone can also work.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances sweetness and balances flavors.
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda: Works in tandem with the baking powder for a light texture.
- 6 tablespoons vegan butter: This creates a fluffy frosting; room temperature is best for easy mixing.
- 6 tablespoons vegan cream cheese: For an indulgently creamy frosting; store brand variations usually work well.
- 2-3 teaspoons cornstarch: A small addition that helps with frosting consistency; skip if you prefer a thinner frosting.
- 1 1/3- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar: Adjust sweetness based on your taste; more sugar yields a sweeter frosting.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (or apple pie spice): A classic seasoning that ties everything together beautifully.
How to Make Vegan Apple Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting
Preheat and Prepare: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grab an 8×8 inch square pan. Line it with parchment paper or lightly grease it with a dab of olive oil. This ensures that your cake will come out easily once baked!
Grate and Strain the Apples: Start peeling the apples to get rid of the skin. Using a grater or a food processor, grate the apples into a bowl. Take a moment to enjoy the fresh, fruity smell! Once grated, place them in a mesh strainer to remove excess juice. This helps achieve that perfect cake texture and avoids a soggy finish.
Whisk Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the strained apples, oat milk, sugar, olive oil, and vanilla. Using a whisk, blend them until well combined—the mixture should look pleasantly smooth and creamy, with the apple shreds evenly distributed.
Combine Dry Ingredients: Gradually add in the pastry flour, baking powder, apple pie spice, salt, and baking soda on top of the wet mixture. Gently mix with a spatula until just incorporated; the batter will be a bit chunky, which is completely fine. Over-mixing can lead to a dense cake, and nobody wants that!
Bake Until Golden: Pour your batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top. Place it in the oven and bake for about 30-32 minutes, or until the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. As your cake bakes, enjoy the inviting scents wafting through your kitchen!
Cool the Cake: Once your cake is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for around 10 minutes. Afterwards, gently transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting—this is crucial for preventing the frosting from melting off!
Prepare the Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting: As the cake cools, it’s time to make your frosting! In a mixing bowl, combine the vegan butter, cream cheese, and cornstarch. Using an electric mixer, whip them together for a couple of minutes until fluffy. The mixture should be light and airy, perfect for spreading!
Add Sweetness: Gradually fold in the powdered sugar and ground cinnamon, incorporating each addition until you reach your desired sweetness and texture. Take an extra minute to whip it all together to achieve that irresistibly fluffy finish. Trust me, you will want to have more of this frosting!
Frost the Cake: With your cooled cake at the ready, use a cookie scoop or spatula to spread the creamy frosting generously over the top. For an added touch, dust with a bit of cinnamon or throw on some dried apple slices—or fresh slices if you prefer—that way, everyone knows this Vegan Apple Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting is ready to be enjoyed!
Storing & Reheating
To keep your Vegan Apple Cake fresh, store it at room temperature in an airtight container for up to two days. If you want to keep it longer, pop it in the fridge for up to a week. For the best flavor and texture, consider freezing individual slices for up to three months. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to avoid freezer burn. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw at room temperature or microwave for about 15 seconds for a sweet warm-up!
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Properly strain the apples to avoid excess moisture, which can lead to a soggier cake.
- Use room temperature ingredients for better emulsification especially in the frosting—this ensures a smooth and creamy consistency.
- Timing is key—stick to the baking time to achieve that perfect golden crust.
- If your apple cake seems dense, give the batter a little more mixing prior to baking.
- Feel free to enhance flavors with a splash of maple syrup or a dash of nutmeg in the frosting for a delightful twist.
- Prepare the cake a day in advance! The flavors deepen overnight when stored in the fridge, making it even more delicious.
The flavors of this Vegan Apple Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting are sure to evoke warm feelings of comfort and joy. Not only is it simple to make, but it also stirs up sweet memories while creating new ones. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different toppings or add-ins. Whether served at a cozy family gathering or simply with your afternoon coffee, this cake is bound to put a smile on your face. Enjoy every slice!
Recipe FAQs
Can I use other types of apples for this cake?
Absolutely! Varieties like Fuji or Gala will work beautifully. Each apple brings its own unique flavor, so feel free to experiment based on your taste preferences. Tart apples lend a nice contrast to the sweetness, while sweeter apples can enhance the overall flavor profile.
How can I make this cake gluten-free?
To make this Vegan Apple Cake gluten-free, simply substitute the pastry flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Some favorites are almond flour or coconut flour, but remember that coconut flour may require additional liquid due to its absorbency, so adjust accordingly.
How do I make the frosting less sweet?
If you find the frosting is too sweet for your taste, you can reduce the powdered sugar or even add a bit of lemon juice to balance the sweetness with a touch of tartness. Start slow and adjust until you reach your desired flavor balance.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes! You can bake the cake a day in advance and store it tightly wrapped in the fridge. Just be sure to frost it on the day you plan to serve for that fresh, fluffy texture that everyone loves. Enjoy the convenience of prepping ahead while still delivering a delightful treat!
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Recipe Card
Vegan Apple Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-32 minutes
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: 9 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Vegan
Description
This Vegan Apple Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting is a comforting dessert that combines the warm flavors of cinnamon and sweet apples. Quick to prepare and wholly delicious, it’s a must for any occasion!
Ingredients
- 2 large apples (peeled, grated, & strained)
- 1/2 cup oat milk
- 2/3 cup sugar
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste (or vanilla extract)
- 1 1/2 cups pastry flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon apple pie spice (or pumpkin pie spice)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 6 tablespoons vegan butter
- 6 tablespoons vegan cream cheese
- 2–3 teaspoons cornstarch
- 1 1/3– 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (or apple pie spice)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare an 8×8 inch pan with parchment or oil.
- Grate and strain the apples to remove excess juice.
- Whisk together the wet ingredients in a large bowl until smooth.
- Combine dry ingredients with the wet mixture until just incorporated.
- Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 30-32 minutes until golden and tested clean.
- Cool in pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare frosting by whipping vegan butter, cream cheese, and cornstarch until fluffy.
- Gradually fold in powdered sugar and cinnamon for taste and texture.
- Frost cooled cake and optionally decorate with more cinnamon or apple slices.
Notes
Strain apples well to prevent a soggy cake.
Use room temperature ingredients for better blending in the frosting.
Baking time is crucial for achieving the perfect crust.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
