This Vegan Applesauce Cake brings warm, comforting feelings without any animal products – and trust us, you won’t miss them one bit! Whether you’re fully plant-based or just looking to try something new, this cake delivers incredible moisture, rich flavor, and that perfect tender crumb that makes every bite absolutely irresistible.
What makes this recipe truly special is how the applesauce works double duty – it replaces both eggs and some of the oil, creating an incredibly moist texture while adding natural sweetness and that lovely apple flavor. The result? A cake that’s not only vegan but also lighter and more wholesome than traditional versions.
Why You’ll Love This Vegan Applesauce Cake
Effortlessly easy – This one-bowl wonder comes together in under 15 minutes of prep time
Perfect flavor balance – Sweet, spiced, and subtly fruity without being overwhelming
Incredibly versatile – Add nuts, dried fruit, or different spices to make it your own
Crowd-pleaser – Perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or when you want to impress without the stress
Ingredient Highlights & Notes
The beauty of this Vegan Applesauce Cake lies in its simplicity. Unsweetened applesauce is your MVP ingredient here – it provides moisture, binding, and natural sweetness all in one. You’ll want to use a good quality applesauce without added sugars or artificial flavors. The combination of all-purpose flour and a touch of whole wheat flour (if you have it) adds lovely depth, but don’t worry if you only have all-purpose on hand.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (or substitute ½ cup with whole wheat flour for extra nutrition)
- 1 cup granulated sugar (coconut sugar works beautifully too)
- 1½ teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (use Ceylon cinnamon for the best flavor)
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg (freshly grated is amazing if you have it)
- ½ teaspoon salt (sea salt or kosher salt)
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves (optional, but adds lovely warmth)
Wet Ingredients:
- 1½ cups unsweetened applesauce (look for organic varieties with no added sugar)
- ½ cup non-dairy milk (oat milk or almond milk work perfectly)
- ⅓ cup neutral oil (vegetable, canola, or melted coconut oil)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract (pure vanilla, not imitation)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (creates amazing lift and tenderness)
Optional Add-ins:
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- ⅓ cup raisins or dried cranberries
- 1 medium apple, peeled and diced small
Equipment & Tools
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk or wooden spoon
- 9×13 inch baking pan or two 8-inch round pans
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wire cooling rack
- Rubber spatula for scraping
Instructions & Method
Step 1: Prep Your Kitchen (5 minutes)
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your baking pan with a little oil or line with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes removal so much easier later.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients (3 minutes)
In your large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and cloves until well combined. Make sure there are no lumps – this ensures even distribution of leavening and spices throughout your cake.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients (2 minutes)
In a separate bowl or large measuring cup, stir together applesauce, non-dairy milk, oil, vanilla, and apple cider vinegar. The mixture might look slightly curdled – that’s totally normal and actually helps create a tender crumb!
Step 4: Bring It All Together (3 minutes)
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Gently fold everything together until just combined. Don’t overmix – a few small lumps are perfectly fine. Overmixing can lead to a tough cake, and we want that tender, moist texture.
Step 5: Add Your Extras (1 minute)
If you’re using nuts, dried fruit, or diced apples, fold them in now with a light hand.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection (35-40 minutes)
Pour batter into your prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs. The top should be golden brown and spring back lightly when touched.
Step 7: Cool and Enjoy (30 minutes)
Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely. The waiting is the hardest part, but it’s worth it!
Tips, Variations & Substitutions
Gluten-Free Option: Replace the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious.
Sugar Alternatives: Try coconut sugar, maple syrup (reduce liquid by 2 tablespoons), or even date sugar for different flavor profiles.
Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cardamom, ginger, or even a dash of black pepper for complexity. During the holiday season, this pairs beautifully with Christmas morning breakfast ideas for a festive touch.
Troubleshooting: If your cake seems dense, check that your baking soda is fresh (it should fizz when mixed with vinegar). If it’s dry, you may have overbaked it or used sweetened applesauce which can affect moisture balance.
Seasonal Twist: This cake makes an excellent addition to your fall activities – serve it warm with a cup of spiced tea while enjoying autumn’s cozy vibes.
Serving Suggestions
This Vegan Applesauce Cake is wonderful on its own, but here are some delightful ways to dress it up:
- Simple Glaze: Mix powdered sugar with a little non-dairy milk and vanilla
- Cinnamon Sugar Dusting: Perfect for a rustic, homestyle presentation
- Warm with Tea: Pairs beautifully with chai, apple cinnamon tea, or coffee
- Holiday Presentation: Serve alongside other Thanksgiving appetizers for a complete autumn feast
The cake is delicious at room temperature but absolutely divine when served slightly warm. If you’re planning a special gathering, consider making this part of your fall cupcake ideas by baking the batter in cupcake tins instead.
Storage, Make-Ahead & Reheating
Room Temperature: Store covered for up to 3 days. The cake actually improves after the first day as the flavors meld together beautifully.
Refrigerator: Keeps for up to a week when wrapped well. Bring to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
Freezer: Wrap individual slices or the whole cake tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
Make-Ahead Tips: You can mix the dry ingredients up to a week ahead and store in an airtight container. The baked cake also freezes beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep or unexpected guests.
Reheating: Warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in a 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes.
Nutrition & Dietary Notes
This Vegan Applesauce Cake is naturally dairy-free, egg-free, and can easily be made gluten-free. Each slice (assuming 12 servings) contains approximately:
- Calories: 185
- Fat: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 18g (mostly natural from applesauce)
- Protein: 3g
The applesauce provides natural fiber and vitamins while keeping the fat content lower than traditional cakes. It’s a more wholesome option that doesn’t sacrifice flavor or satisfaction.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use homemade applesauce?
A: Absolutely! Homemade unsweetened applesauce works perfectly. Just make sure it’s not too chunky – a smooth consistency gives the best texture.
Q: Why did my cake turn out dense?
A: This usually happens from overmixing the batter or using old baking soda. Mix just until ingredients are combined, and check that your baking soda fizzes when mixed with vinegar.
Q: Can I make this as cupcakes instead?
A: Yes! Divide the batter among 18 cupcake liners and bake for 18-22 minutes at the same temperature.
Q: What’s the best non-dairy milk to use?
A: Oat milk and almond milk work wonderfully. Avoid coconut milk from a can as it’s too thick – stick with carton varieties.
Q: Can I reduce the sugar?
A: You can reduce it by up to ¼ cup, but the cake will be less sweet and slightly less moist. The sugar helps with texture as well as flavor.
Q: How do I know when it’s done baking?
A: The top should be golden brown and spring back when lightly touched. A toothpick should come out with just a few moist crumbs – completely clean means it’s overbaked.
This recipe connects beautifully with mindful living practices, much like the approach to developing healthy habits – it’s about making choices that nourish both body and soul while bringing joy to everyday moments.
Conclusion
Creating this Vegan Applesauce Cake is more than just baking – it’s about filling your home with warmth, sharing delicious moments with loved ones, and proving that plant-based desserts can be every bit as satisfying as traditional ones. The natural sweetness from applesauce, the warming spices, and that incredibly moist texture make this cake a true winner for any occasion.
Whether you’re new to vegan baking or a seasoned pro, this recipe offers the perfect balance of simplicity and flavor. It’s forgiving enough for beginners yet delicious enough to impress even the most discerning dessert lovers.
Ready to get baking? Gather your ingredients, preheat that oven, and prepare for your kitchen to smell absolutely amazing. Don’t forget to share a slice (or the whole recipe!) with friends and family – good food is always better when shared. And if you’re looking for more ways to embrace mindful, wholesome living, consider exploring self-care practices that complement this nurturing approach to cooking and eating.
Happy baking!
