Vegan Apple Cake with Optional Caramel Drizzle Recipe

I absolutely love sharing this Vegan Apple Cake with Optional Caramel Drizzle Recipe because it’s such a crowd-pleaser that never disappoints. When you bake it, the warm cinnamon and fresh apples fill your kitchen with the most inviting aroma, making it feel like home in every bite. It’s one of those desserts that works perfectly for everything from casual family dinners to special occasions when you want to impress without fuss.

What makes this cake truly special is how simple it is to pull together—all in one bowl! You don’t need a dozen gadgets or complicated steps, and the optional caramel drizzle is just the cherry on top (or should I say, just the perfect swipe of gooey love). You’ll find that this Vegan Apple Cake with Optional Caramel Drizzle Recipe becomes a go-to whenever you want something sweet, comforting, and delightfully moist.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is key to making this Vegan Apple Cake with Optional Caramel Drizzle Recipe shine. The mix of staples like flour, sugar, and cinnamon pairs perfectly with fresh apples and a bit of oil to keep things moist. I always look for crisp, tart apples like Granny Smith to balance the sweetness.

• All-purpose flour: The base for your cake—feel free to swap with a gluten-free blend if needed.
• Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and pairs beautifully with the cinnamon.
• Baking soda and baking powder: These help your cake rise and stay fluffy despite being vegan.
• Ground cinnamon: Brings that warm, cozy spice that apples and fall desserts live for.
• Salt: Just a pinch to balance and enhance the flavors.
• Canola oil or melted coconut oil: Keeps the cake moist and tender; I tend to use canola oil for a neutral flavor.
• Unsweetened applesauce: Adds natural sweetness and moisture without eggs.
• Pure vanilla extract: A splash makes a surprisingly big impact on flavor depth.
• Peeled and diced apples: Fresh is best; I use about 3 cups, which is about 3 medium apples.
• Chopped walnuts: For a lovely crunch—pecans work just as well or omit if you’re nut-free.
• Vegan butter, brown sugar, and non-dairy milk (for caramel drizzle): These simple staples turn into a dreamy sauce to drizzle over your cake.

Variations

I love encouraging you to make this Vegan Apple Cake with Optional Caramel Drizzle Recipe your own. Over time, I’ve tried several twists, which makes it even more fun to bake depending on the season or who I’m serving it to.

• Nut-free version: Just leave out the walnuts altogether; the apples give plenty of texture without them.
• Gluten-free option: Swap the flour for a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking mix—you won’t lose out on flavor or structure.
• Spice it up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or ground ginger for a warming, extra fall flavor that my family adores.
• Caramel drizzle variation: Use maple syrup or vegan caramel sauce for a quicker drizzle if you’re short on time.

How to Make Vegan Apple Cake with Optional Caramel Drizzle Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prep Your Pan

Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). I like to lightly grease a 9 x 13 inch baking pan with a little oil to prevent sticking—using parchment paper works great too if you want an ultra-smooth release. This helps your cake come out cleanly every time without worrying about crumbling.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients Thoroughly

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt until everything is evenly combined. I find this step important because it helps distribute your leavening agents so the cake rises evenly and the cinnamon goes everywhere you want that cozy spice.

Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients and Stir

Now pour in the oil, applesauce, and vanilla extract. Stir everything together gently but thoroughly. You’ll notice the batter is much thicker and stiffer than most cakes because the fresh apples add moisture only as they bake—don’t worry, this texture is exactly what you want for that perfect crumb.

Step 4: Fold in Apples and Nuts

Next, fold in the peeled and diced apples and chopped walnuts. Sometimes I find it easiest to use my hands here to make sure everything is well incorporated without overmixing—plus, it’s a fun step that reminds me I’m making something from scratch!

Step 5: Bake Your Cake

Press the batter evenly into your prepared pan. Bake for about 45-50 minutes—keep an eye on it starting at 45 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let it cool on a wire rack to set up before moving to the next step.

Step 6: Make the Optional Caramel Drizzle

While the cake cools, make your caramel drizzle by combining vegan butter, brown sugar, and non-dairy milk in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir constantly as the butter melts, then bring to a gentle boil—watch closely so it doesn’t overflow! Keep stirring and boiling for 2 minutes, then remove from heat. This caramel is pure magic and adds a lovely, sticky sweetness that my family goes crazy for.

Step 7: Drizzle and Serve

Once your cake has cooled about 20 minutes, drizzle the caramel sauce evenly over the top. Let it cool another 10 minutes so the drizzle slightly thickens but still stays gooey—then slice up and dig in! This optional caramel definitely takes the Vegan Apple Cake with Optional Caramel Drizzle Recipe to next-level indulgence.

How to Serve Vegan Apple Cake with Optional Caramel Drizzle Recipe

Garnishes

I like to garnish my slices with a light dusting of powdered sugar and a sprinkle of chopped walnuts to echo the cake’s flavors. Sometimes, a few thin apple slices fanned on top add a fresh touch and make it look a bit fancy without much effort.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs beautifully with a scoop of vegan vanilla ice cream or a dollop of coconut whipped cream—both my family favorites. For a cozy brunch, serve it alongside a warm cup of chai or spiced coffee for total comfort vibes.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday gatherings, I’ve tried layering the cake cubes in a trifle bowl with vegan custard and cinnamon-spiced apples—everyone loved the festive presentation. Drizzling the caramel right before serving keeps it fresh and gives that tempting shine. You can also bake the cake in individual ramekins for personalized servings at dinner parties.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, I store this apple cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. It actually tastes even better the next day, as the flavors meld wonderfully! If your kitchen is warm, keep it in the fridge but bring it to room temperature before serving to enjoy its soft texture.

Freezing

I’ve had great luck freezing this cake either whole (well-wrapped) or cut into squares. Just thaw at room temperature overnight, and it retains its moisture and flavor—perfect for making ahead for parties or snacks on busy days.

Reheating

To revive leftovers, I gently reheat slices in a low oven (around 300°F) for 10 minutes or pop them in the microwave for 20-30 seconds. Adding a bit of extra drizzle or vegan butter before reheating helps restore that fresh-from-the-oven warmth and gooeyness.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Vegan Apple Cake with Optional Caramel Drizzle Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it’s one of those “easy but impressive” recipes I turn to when I want to share something comforting and delicious. I’m always amazed how the simple ingredients come together to create such a moist, flavorful cake that doesn’t require any complicated steps. I hope you enjoy baking and sharing this cake as much as I do—it’s a sweet way to celebrate the flavors of fall or any time you crave a homemade treat that’s vegan and utterly satisfying.

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