The aroma of freshly grated apples fills the air, merging with the warm spices of cinnamon, instantly whisking you away to a cozy kitchen on an autumn afternoon. Imagine the tender crumbs of a moist cake, lovingly swirled with sweet cinnamon throughout, topped with a rich, creamy frosting that makes each bite a little celebration of fall. This Vegan Apple Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting isn’t just a dessert; it’s a warm embrace of flavors that evokes childhood memories of family gatherings and the simple joy of homemade goodness.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Vegan Apple Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Vegan Apple Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting

Vegan Apple Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting

Growing up, my grandmother would whip up apple dishes that made our entire house smell like a warm hug. This recipe captures that nostalgia, infusing your home with sweet aromas and creating an inviting space for friends and family. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply treating yourself after a long day, this cake is a heartfelt way to savor the season. Let’s get ready to bake this delicious vegan apple cake that will surely make your taste buds sing with delight!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Prep this delicious cake in just 20 minutes, then relax while it bakes for 30.
Irresistible Flavor: Moist, tender cake bursting with fresh apples and warm spices that create a comforting experience.
Eye-Catching Appeal: The beautiful swirls of cream cheese frosting, dusted with cinnamon or topped with apple slices, look as good as they taste!
Flexible Serving: Perfect for a cozy family dessert, a delightful snack, or an impressive treat at parties.
Diet-Friendly Options: Completely vegan and can be easily adapted for gluten-free needs by substituting with your favorite flour.

Ingredients You’ll Need

2 large apples (peeled, grated, & strained): This is the star of the cake, providing moisture, natural sweetness, and delicious flavor. Use sweet varieties like Fuji or Gala for best results.
1/2 cup oat milk: A creamy, dairy-free option that blends beautifully with the other ingredients. You can substitute almond or soy milk if needed.
2/3 cup sugar: This balances the flavors beautifully. Feel free to use coconut sugar or maple syrup for a healthier option.
1/3 cup olive oil: Adds moisture to the cake and helps keep it tender. Can be swapped with melted coconut oil for a different flavor.
1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste (or vanilla extract): For that lovely warm aroma and depth of flavor. Pure vanilla extract works well, but the paste offers little flecks of flavor.
1 1/2 cups pastry flour: This light flour gives a tender texture. If gluten-free, use almond flour or a gluten-free flour blend.
2 teaspoons baking powder: Helps the cake rise and become fluffy. Be sure it’s fresh for the best results.
1 teaspoon apple pie spice (or pumpkin pie spice): A delightful blend capturing the essence of fall.
1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances the sweetness and balances flavors.
1/4 teaspoon baking soda: Works with the baking powder for extra lift in your cake.
6 Tablespoons vegan butter: This adds a rich flavor to the frosting; make sure it’s softened for easy mixing.
6 Tablespoons vegan cream cheese: Creamy and tangy, making a fantastic base for your frosting.
2-3 teaspoons cornstarch: Helps thicken the frosting and gives it a fluffy texture.
1 1/3- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar: The main sweetener for your frosting; adjust depending on how sweet you prefer it.
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (or apple pie spice): Sprinkled in the frosting for extra flavor; it ties the cake and frosting together beautifully.

How to Make Vegan Apple Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting

Preheat and Prepare: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare an 8×8 inch square pan by lining it with parchment paper or lightly greasing it with oil—this ensures easy removal once your cake is baked.

Grate the Apples: Peel and grate the apples into a bowl. If you have a food processor, feel free to use it for quicker grating! Once grated, strain the apples through a mesh strainer to remove excess juice. This step is crucial for achieving the right cake texture, as too much moisture can make the cake dense.

Whisk Wet Ingredients: In a spacious mixing bowl, add the strained grated apples, oat milk, sugar, olive oil, and vanilla bean paste. Whisk together until fully mixed, bringing those flavors together to create a delightful base.

Combine Dry Ingredients: Next, add the pastry flour, baking powder, apple pie spice, baking soda, and salt on top of the wet mixture. Gently mix these dry ingredients into the wet ones using a spatula or whisk until just combined. It’s okay if the batter appears slightly chunky; this means you didn’t overmix!

Bake Until Golden: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Place it in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 32 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the edges are lightly golden. Keep an eye on that beautiful rise!

Cool the Cake: Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it rest in the pan for about 10 minutes. Carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Patience is key here—don’t frost it too soon!

Make the Frosting: Once your cake has cooled completely, it’s time to whip up that dreamy frosting. In a bowl, combine the softened vegan butter, vegan cream cheese, and cornstarch. Using a handheld or stand mixer, whip the mixture together until fluffy and well blended.

Whip in the Sugar and Spice: Gradually add the powdered sugar and ground cinnamon to the butter mixture, continuing to mix until fully incorporated. Take an extra minute to whip it again until the frosting is super fluffy and smooth—this makes a world of difference!

Frost the Cake: Grab a cookie scoop to dollop portions of the cinnamon cream cheese frosting onto your cake, then use a cake spatula to spread it evenly. For the finishing touch, top your masterpiece with a dusting of cinnamon, some dried apple slices, or fresh apple slices for that crunch.

Storing & Reheating

This Vegan Apple Cake can be stored at room temperature for up to two days in an airtight container. For longer storage, refrigerate it for about a week. When freezing, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and foil to keep out air—this helps it last up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy a slice, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight, and if you want to refresh it, warm slightly in the microwave for about 15 seconds.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Make sure to thoroughly strain your grated apples to ensure the cake isn’t too wet.
Room temperature butter and cream cheese mix more smoothly, so allow them to sit out for a bit before using.
Use a toothpick to test for doneness; cake is ready when the toothpick comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, not wet batter.
If your cake seems overly dense, it may have been overmixed; gentle mixing is the way to go.
For deeper flavors, consider toasting the spices before adding them to the batter or frosting.
You can prepare the cake batter a day in advance; just cover it and let it sit in the fridge until you’re ready to bake.

Embrace the comforting, spiced sweetness of this Vegan Apple Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting as a fantastic addition to your baking repertoire. This cake isn’t merely a dessert but a celebration of the rich flavors of the season. Whether enjoyed with your morning cup of coffee or shared at a gathering with loved ones, there’s something so special about homemade baked goods. Don’t hesitate to add your spin or make it your own!

Recipe FAQs

Can I use different types of apples for this cake?

Absolutely! You can use any variety of apples you love—Fuji, Gala, Honeycrisp, or Granny Smith all work wonderfully. Each type will bring its sweetness and flavor profile to the cake, making it uniquely yours!

How do I make the frosting less sweet?

If you prefer a less sweet frosting, simply reduce the amount of powdered sugar to 1 cup instead of 1 1/3 cups. You can also incorporate a bit of lemon juice to give a nice tang that balances the sweetness.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Certainly! Substitute the pastry flour with a gluten-free flour blend or almond flour. Just ensure you adjust the liquid slightly if needed, as different flours absorb moisture differently.

How should I store leftover frosting?

Leftover frosting can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just give it a good whip again before spreading it on the next cake or even cookies!

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Vegan Apple Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting

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Author: Dorothy
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30-32 minutes
Total Time: 0 hours
Yield: Serves 8
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Vegan American

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Description

This Vegan Apple Cake is a heartwarming dessert bursting with fresh apples and aromatic spices. Topped with creamy cinnamon frosting, it’s a perfect treat for gatherings or a cozy night in. Every bite delivers flavor and nostalgia, making it an ideal addition to your recipe collection!

Ingredients

Scale

2 large apples (peeled, grated, & strained)
1/2 cup oat milk
2/3 cup sugar
1/3 cup olive oil
1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste (or vanilla extract)
1 1/2 cups pastry flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon apple pie spice (or pumpkin pie spice)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
6 Tablespoons vegan butter
6 Tablespoons vegan cream cheese
2–3 teaspoons cornstarch
1 1/3– 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (or apple pie spice)

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Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare an 8×8 inch square pan.
Grate and strain the apples to remove excess moisture.
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the apples, oat milk, sugar, olive oil, and vanilla until blended.
Combine dry ingredients with the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
Pour into the prepared pan and bake for 30-32 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Let the cake cool for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack.
Make frosting by mixing softened vegan butter and cream cheese until fluffy, then add cornstarch and powdered sugar.
Spread the frosting on the cooled cake and top as desired with cinnamon or apple slices.

Notes

Strain the apples thoroughly to avoid a wet cake.
Use room temperature butter and cream cheese for smoother mixing.
Adjust powdered sugar based on desired frosting sweetness.