Vegan Apple Cake with 7 ingredients
Vegan Apple Cake with 7 ingredients is a easy American recipe that serves 8. 250 calories per serving. Recipe by Hilltop Recipes on YouTube.
Prep: 20 min | Cook: 1 hr | Total: 1 hr 35 min
Cost: $3.11 total, $0.39 per serving
Ingredients
- 1 cup Almond Milk (unsweetened, room temperature)
- 1/3 cup Canola Oil (or sunflower oil)
- 1 cup Granulated Sugar (plus 2 tbsp for topping)
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract (or 1 tsp ground cinnamon for flavor)
- 2 cups All-Purpose Flour (sifted)
- 2 tsp Baking Powder
- 1/4 tsp Salt (pinch)
- 2 medium Apple (use firm apples like Granny Smith; keep skin on for batter, peel for topping)
- 2 tbsp Granulated Sugar (topping) (sprinkled on top apple slices)
Instructions
Combine Wet Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, pour the plant milk, add the oil, sugar, and vanilla extract. Whisk until the sugar begins to dissolve.
Time: PT2M
Sift Dry Ingredients
Add the all‑purpose flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt to a fine mesh sieve and sift directly over the wet mixture.
Time: PT2M
Mix the Batter
Whisk by hand or with a hand mixer for a few seconds, just until the batter is smooth and thick. Do not over‑mix.
Time: PT2M
Prepare Apples for the Batter
Core the apples, cut each in half, then into quarters, and finally into bite‑size wedges. No need to peel for this part.
Time: PT5M
Fold Apples Into Batter
Using a spatula, gently fold the apple wedges into the batter until evenly distributed.
Time: PT2M
Prepare the Cake Tin
Lightly oil the 8‑inch cake tin and line the bottom with parchment paper.
Time: PT3M
Add Batter and Top with Apple Slices
Pour the batter into the prepared tin. Peel the remaining apple, slice it thinly, and arrange the slices in a circular overlapping pattern on top. Sprinkle the 2 tbsp of sugar over the arranged slices.
Time: PT3M
Bake the Cake
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the cake for about 1 hour, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Time: PT1H
Temperature: 350°F
Cool and Serve
Allow the cake to cool in the tin for 10 minutes, then lift it out using the parchment paper and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Time: PT10M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 250
- Protein
- 3 g
- Carbohydrates
- 45 g
- Fat
- 7 g
- Fiber
- 2 g
Dietary info: Vegan, Dairy‑free, Egg‑free
Allergens: Contains nuts if nut‑based milk is used, Contains gluten (wheat flour), May contain soy if soy milk is used
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Almond Milk: Soy Milk, Oat Milk, Rice Milk
- Instead of Canola Oil: Vegetable Oil, Sunflower Oil
- Instead of Granulated Sugar: Coconut Sugar, Organic Cane Sugar
- Instead of Vanilla Extract: Maple Extract, Almond Extract
- Instead of All-Purpose Flour: Gluten‑Free Flour Blend, Whole Wheat Flour
- Instead of Baking Powder: Cream of Tartar + Baking Soda
- Instead of Salt: Sea Salt
- Instead of Apple: Pear, Quince
- Instead of Granulated Sugar (topping): Coconut Sugar
Equipment Needed
- Mixing Bowl
- Whisk
- Fine Mesh Sieve
- Spatula
- 8‑inch Cake Tin
- Parchment Paper
- Oven
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Do not over‑mix the batter after adding the flour.
- Sift the dry ingredients to keep the cake light.
- Arrange the apple slices evenly for a decorative top.
- Bake until a toothpick comes out clean to avoid under‑ or over‑baking.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use crisp, slightly tart apples (Granny Smith) for the best texture and flavor contrast.
- Room‑temperature ingredients blend more evenly and give a smoother batter.
- For extra caramel flavor, drizzle a thin layer of maple syrup over the top apple slices before sprinkling sugar.
Troubleshooting
Batter is too thick and difficult to stir.
Add an extra 2‑3 Tbsp of plant milk until the batter reaches a pourable consistency.
Cake is dense or gummy.
Do not over‑mix after adding the flour and ensure the batter is not over‑beaten.
Apple slices on top become soggy.
Pat the sliced apples dry with a paper towel before arranging them on the batter.
Cake cracks on the top.
Check oven temperature with an oven thermometer; baking at too high a heat can cause rapid rise and cracking.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil; freeze for up to 2 months.
Room temperature: Can sit at room temperature for up to 1 day, covered.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Bake the cake a day ahead and store it refrigerated; it tastes even better after the flavors meld.
- Freeze individual slices wrapped in plastic for quick dessert portions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of vegan apple cake in American cuisine?
Apple cake has long been a comfort dessert in the United States, especially in the Midwest and New England where apples are abundant. The vegan version reflects the growing plant‑based movement, adapting a classic family recipe to be dairy‑ and egg‑free while keeping the traditional flavor and texture.
What are the traditional regional variations of apple cake in American cuisine?
In the Midwest, apple cake is often spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg and served with a vanilla glaze. In the South, a crumble topping is common. This vegan recipe stays true to the classic moist crumb but uses plant milk and oil instead of butter and eggs.
How is vegan apple cake traditionally served in the United States?
It is typically served warm or at room temperature, sliced and dusted with powdered sugar, sometimes accompanied by a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce. The vegan version can be paired with dairy‑free ice cream for the same experience.
What occasions or celebrations is vegan apple cake traditionally associated with in American culture?
Apple cake is popular for fall gatherings, Thanksgiving desserts, family picnics, and holiday brunches. Its seasonal apple flavor makes it a favorite for harvest festivals and cozy weekend treats.
What other American dishes pair well with vegan apple cake?
Serve it alongside a dollop of coconut whipped cream, a scoop of dairy‑free vanilla ice cream, or a side of caramel‑apple compote. It also complements a warm cup of spiced chai or coffee.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making vegan apple cake?
The biggest errors are over‑mixing the batter, which creates a gummy texture, and using too much liquid which can make the cake collapse. Also, failing to dry the apple slices for the topping can lead to soggy spots.
Why does this vegan apple cake recipe use a hand whisk instead of a stand mixer?
A brief whisk prevents over‑development of gluten in the flour, keeping the crumb light. A stand mixer can easily over‑mix, especially with the added apple pieces, resulting in a denser cake.
Can I make vegan apple cake ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, bake the cake a day ahead, let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator. It stays fresh for up to four days, or you can freeze individual slices for longer storage.
What texture and appearance should I look for when the vegan apple cake is done?
The top should be golden‑brown with caramelized apple slices, and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. The cake should spring back slightly when gently pressed.
What does the YouTube channel Hilltop Recipes specialize in?
The YouTube channel Hilltop Recipes focuses on simple, wholesome home cooking with an emphasis on plant‑based and family‑friendly meals, offering step‑by‑step tutorials that use everyday ingredients.
How does the YouTube channel Hilltop Recipes' approach to vegan baking differ from other vegan cooking channels?
Hilltop Recipes prioritizes minimal equipment, clear visual cues, and budget‑friendly ingredient swaps, making vegan baking accessible to beginners, whereas many other channels may use more specialized tools or exotic ingredients.
Last updated: August 29, 2026
