My Autumnal Apple Cake Recipe

I’m so excited to be sharing this Vegan Autumn Apple Cake Recipe with you. As Autumn approaches, I love nothing more than comforting and tasty food during those colder, darker days. And this recipe is PERFECT for it! So let’s get stuck in…

apple cake recipe

Love This Apple Cake Recipe? You’ve Got To Try These…

This recipe will be a huge winner at your next family event (especially if there are kids present!).

apple cake recipe

How To Make My Apple Cake Recipe

If you’re going to make this delicious Autumnal Apple Cake Recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients…

  1. Self Raising Flour: This is the main dry ingredient that provides structure and bulk to the cake. The self-raising aspect comes from the added baking powder, which helps the cake rise and become light and fluffy.
  2. Baking Powder: Baking powder is a leavening agent that helps the cake rise by producing carbon dioxide gas when mixed with wet ingredients. This leads to a softer and more aerated texture.
  3. Caster Sugar: Sugar adds sweetness to the cake and also helps with moisture retention, contributing to a tender texture. It also aids in the browning and caramelization during baking.
  4. Cinnamon, Ground Ginger, Nutmeg (optional): These spices are optional but add a delightful flavor profile to the cake. Cinnamon brings warmth and depth, ginger adds a slight heat and zing, and nutmeg contributes a nutty and aromatic note. They enhance the overall taste and aroma of the cake.
  5. Pinch of Salt: Salt enhances the flavors of the other ingredients and balances out the sweetness. It also helps to strengthen the protein structure in the flour, contributing to the cake’s texture.
  6. Light Olive Oil: Olive oil provides moisture and richness to the cake. It contributes to a moist crumb and adds a subtle fruitiness to the flavor.
  7. Dairy-Free Milk (e.g., oat milk): Dairy-free milk serves as the liquid base of the cake, providing moisture and helping to bind the ingredients together. Oat milk, in particular, can add a slightly creamy and nutty flavor.
  8. Apple Cider Vinegar: The acidity in apple cider vinegar reacts with the baking powder, creating bubbles that contribute to the cake’s rise and texture. It also adds a hint of tanginess.
  9. Vanilla Extract: Vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor of the cake by adding a sweet and aromatic note. It complements the apple flavor well.
  10. Cooking or Bramley Apples: These diced apples are the star of the show, providing natural sweetness, moisture, and a tender texture. They also infuse the cake with a lovely apple flavor.
  11. Cinnamon Sugar Topping: A mixture of cinnamon and soft brown sugar sprinkled on top before baking adds a caramelized, slightly crunchy layer to the cake. It also intensifies the cinnamon flavor and adds visual appeal.
  12. Vegan Butter or Olive Oil: The vegan butter or olive oil brushed on top of the cake helps with browning during baking and adds a rich, glossy finish to the cake’s surface.
apple cake recipe

One of my favourite parts of this apple cake recipe is its crispy cinnamon topping, this is achieved with cinnamon sugar (a game changer). To make this, simply mix together brown sugar, cinnamon and a little oil until crumbly. Sprinkle this onto the loaf just before you pop it in the oven. The result: a sweet, crispy, cinnamon-y topping which goes divinely with the moist apple cake.

Apple Cake Recipe

What Type of Apple is Best For Baking a Cake?

When it comes to baking a cake, you’ll want to choose apples that hold their shape well during the baking process and have a good balance of sweetness and tartness. Some of the best apple varieties for baking cakes include:

  1. Granny Smith: This is a popular choice for baking due to its tartness and firm texture. It holds up well in the oven and adds a nice tangy contrast to the sweetness of the cake.
  2. Honeycrisp: Honeycrisp apples are known for their crisp texture and balanced sweetness. They add a pleasant crunch to baked goods and release a lovely flavor when cooked.
  3. Braeburn: Braeburn apples have a sweet-tart flavor and a firm texture that makes them suitable for baking. They hold their shape nicely and offer a good balance of flavors.
  4. Jonagold: Jonagold apples are a cross between Jonathan and Golden Delicious varieties. They have a sweet-tart flavor and are both crisp and juicy, making them a great choice for baking.
  5. Fuji: Fuji apples are sweet and crisp, and they retain their shape when baked. They add a pleasant sweetness to cakes without being overly tart.
  6. Pink Lady: Pink Lady apples have a unique combination of sweetness and tartness. They are firm and hold up well in baking, adding a refreshing flavor to your cake.
  7. Cortland: Cortland apples have a tender texture and a slightly tart flavor. They work well in baking, especially in recipes where you want the apples to soften and meld into the cake.
Apple Cake Recipe

As for the nutritional breakdown of the vegan apple cake recipe, one slice (of 8) will give you around 11% of your daily recommended intake of calcium and 6% of your daily iron. I’ve included more nutritional information below!

  • Calories: 237
  • Fibre: 1.3g
  • Total carbohydrates: 34.5g
  • Sugar: 15.6g
  • Protein: 2.7g
  • Total fat: 10.1g
  • Saturated fat: 1.4g
  • Sodium: 27.1mg
  • Potassium: 80.9mg

Also, as it’s a vegan cake (no eggs), you can definitely lick the spoon when you’re finished (the best part in my opinion).

So to conclude, eat flour! (Unless you’re coeliac or sensitive) And without further ado, here’s the recipe for my delicious Vegan Autumn Apple Cake Recipe. Happy baking!

If you make this apple cake recipe, please make sure to comment below or to tag me over on Instagram – @georginaburgess_ – I love seeing your recreations!

Vegan Apple Loaf Cake

Vegan Autumn Apple Cake

Georgina Burgess
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Course Dessert, Snack

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 Cups Self Raising Flour
  • 1 tsp Baking Powder
  • 1/2 Cup Caster Sugar
  • 2 tsp Cinnamon (optional)
  • 1/4 tsp Ground Ginger (optional)
  • 1/4 tsp Nutmeg (optional)
  • Pinch of Salt
  • 90 ml Light Olive Oil
  • 160 ml Dairy Free Milk (I like oat milk)
  • 1 tsp Apple Cider Vinegar
  • 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
  • 2 Cooking or Bramley Apples peeled and diced into small chunks

Cinnamon Sugar Topping

  • 1.5 tsp Cinnamon
  • 2 tsp Soft Brown Sugar
  • 1 tsp Vegan Butter or olive oil

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 185c
  • Line and grease a 9×5" loaf tin (I do this using a little oil or vegan butter)

Cinnamon Sugar

  • Mix together the cinnamon, sugar and butter/oil until it resembles a crumbly mixture and set aside

The Batter (Wet Bowl)

  • In a jug, stir together the dairy free milk and apple cider vinegar so that it curdles slightly (this creates vegan buttermilk)
  • Add the oil and vanilla extract to the vegan buttermilk and whisk until fully incorporated

The Batter (Dry Bowl)

  • In a large mixing bowl, sieve in the flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger and baking powder and stir together
  • Then, stir in the sugar and salt

Bringing It All Together

  • Add the wet bowl to the dry bowl and stir together (don't over-mix!)
  • Stir in the chopped apple so that it's evenly dispersed throughout the batter
  • Pour the batter into your lined loaf tin and sprinkle over the cinnamon sugar mixture
  • Place in the oven to bake for 40-50 minutes minutes, or until a skewer comes out clean
  • Leave to cool for 20 minutes before removing from the tin and enjoy!

Notes

It’s also delicious warm with vegan custard!
Keyword vegan dessert, vegan snacks

What Country Did Apple Cake Originate From?

It’s difficult to pinpoint a specific country where apple cake originated from, as similar dishes featuring apples have been made and enjoyed in various cultures for centuries.

Apples have been cultivated for thousands of years and have been used in a wide range of culinary preparations, including cakes. Different countries have their own traditional apple-based desserts, and these have likely evolved over time independently in various regions.

For example:

  • In Germany, “Apfelkuchen” is a type of apple cake that has been enjoyed for generations.
  • France has its “Tarte Tatin,” a caramelized upside-down apple tart.
  • The United States has variations of apple cakes, such as apple upside-down cake and apple crumb cake.

Why is My Apple Cake Dry?

There are several factors that could contribute to your apple cake recipe turning out dry. If you follow my instructions above closely, there shouldn’t be any problems. But if something does happen, here are some possible reasons that your apple cake recipe came out dry, and suggestions on how to avoid them in the future:

  1. Overbaking: Baking the cake for too long can result in dryness. Make sure to follow the recommended baking time in the recipe. You can also check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of the cake; if it comes out with a few moist crumbs clinging to it, the cake is done.
  2. Incorrect Measurements: Using too much flour or too little liquid can lead to a dry cake. Ensure that you measure your ingredients accurately, especially the flour and liquid components.
  3. Ingredient Ratios: The ratio of dry to wet ingredients can impact the moisture content of the cake. Double-check that you’ve used the right proportions of flour, sugar, oil, and liquid as specified in the recipe.
  4. Apples’ Moisture Content: The moisture content of the apples you use can affect the overall moisture of the cake. If your apples are very dry or overripe, they might not contribute enough moisture to the cake. Choosing fresh and slightly juicy apples can help maintain moisture.
  5. Oil or Fat Amount: If the cake recipe includes oil or fat, using too little of it can result in a dry texture. Oil adds moisture to the cake, so ensure you’re using the correct amount.
  6. Overmixing: Overmixing the batter can lead to gluten development, which can result in a tougher and drier texture. Mix the batter until just combined to avoid overworking it.
  7. Not Adding Enough Liquid: Some recipes call for added liquid to compensate for the moisture absorbed by the dry ingredients during baking. If your recipe includes this, make sure you’ve incorporated the liquid properly.
  8. Altitude and Oven Temperature: High altitudes and variations in oven temperatures can affect baking times and moisture retention. Adjustments might be necessary for your specific environment.
  9. Storing Incorrectly: If the cake is not stored properly after baking, it can dry out quickly. Make sure to cover it with plastic wrap, aluminum foil, or place it in an airtight container to maintain its moisture.
  10. Cooling Process: Allowing the cake to cool in a dry environment or for too long can lead to moisture loss. Let the cake cool on a wire rack, and if desired, cover it while it’s slightly warm to trap some moisture.

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