Go Back
–+ servings
a cake server holding a slice of vegan apple cake above the sliced cake.
Print Recipe
4.95 stars (140 ratings)

1 Bowl Vegan Apple Cake

This moist and fluffy Vegan Apple Cake tastes just like fall, with diced apples, crunchy walnuts, and warm cinnamon in every slice! It’s easy to make in one bowl and served with an optional caramel drizzle on top.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time45 minutes
Cooling time30 minutes
Total Time1 hour 30 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Servings: 16 servings
Calories: 306kcal
Author: Nora Taylor

Ingredients

Apple Cake

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup canola oil or melted coconut oil*
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 3 cups peeled and diced apples
  • 1 cup chopped walnuts

Optional Caramel Drizzle

  • 4 tablespoons vegan butter
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons non-dairy milk
US Customary - Metric

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F and lightly grease a 9 x 13 inch pan.
  • In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon and salt.
  • Now pour in the oil, applesauce and vanilla and stir until combined. The dough will be very stiff, not like most cake batters. This is because the fresh apples will provide a lot of moisture as the cake bakes.
  • Fold in the diced apples and nuts. Use your hands if needed to get them incorporated.
  • Press the cake batter into the pan, evenly. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let the cake cool while you prepare the caramel drizzle.
  • Make the caramel drizzle: In a small pot on the stove, add the vegan butter, brown sugar and non-dairy milk. Heat over medium heat until the butter melts. Bring to a boil and stir constantly, being careful not to let the mixture overflow. Continue to boil for 2 minutes, stirring, then remove from heat.
  • After the cake has cooled for about 20 minutes, drizzle the caramel sauce over it. Let cool for 10 more minutes before serving. Enjoy!

Notes

  1. You may use canola oil or melted coconut oil. Or use any neutral flavored oil you like, such as avocado oil. 
  2. Substitute a gluten-free flour mix to make the cake gluten free.
  3. You can use walnuts or pecans, or leave the nuts out entirely.
  4. Serve with a dollop of vegan whipped cream or vanilla ice cream, if desired.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 306kcal | Carbohydrates: 55g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Sodium: 168mg | Potassium: 125mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 35g | Vitamin A: 154IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 33mg | Iron: 1mg