Easy Vegan Apple Spice Cake Recipe with Cream Cheese Frosting

There’s nothing like the aroma of spices wafting through the air while baking a moist and flavorful spice cake. This vegan apple spice cake recipe combines the warmth of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves with the sweetness of applesauce to create a dessert that’s as comforting as it is delicious. Topped with a silky vegan cream cheese frosting, this cake is perfect for holidays, birthdays, or just because! Let’s explore how to make this delightful treat step by step with simple ingredients and clear instructions.

Table of Contents

What Makes a Vegan Apple Spice Cake Special?

A vegan apple spice cake is not just your ordinary dessert. This cake is a celebration of warm spices, natural sweetness, and plant-based baking techniques. By using ingredients like applesauce, almond milk, and vegan butter, we’re creating a cake that’s tender, moist, and bursting with flavor without compromising on texture or richness.

But what truly sets it apart? The silky vegan cream cheese frosting, which adds a creamy tanginess that balances the spices beautifully. Plus, it’s so versatile—you can serve it as a sheet cake, layer cake, or even as cupcakes. This recipe proves that you don’t need eggs or dairy to make a show-stopping dessert!

Easy Vegan Apple Spice Cake Recipe with Cream Cheese Frosting – Delish!

Recipe by chef-jack

Servings

servings

Prep time

minutes

Cooking time

minutes

Calories

280

kcal

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 tablespoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon nutmeg
½ teaspoon cloves
½ teaspoon ginger
1 cup unsweetened applesauce
1 cup brown sugar
½ cup vegan butter, melted
1 cup vegan buttermilk (almond milk + apple cider vinegar)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a cake pan.
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and spices.
In another bowl, combine applesauce, brown sugar, melted vegan butter, vegan buttermilk, and vanilla extract. Mix well.
Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center of the cake comes out clean.
Let the cake cool completely before frosting.

How to Make Vegan Buttermilk for Baking

One of the keys to a fluffy spice cake is using vegan buttermilk. Here’s how to make it:

Take 1 cup of unsweetened almond milk (or any plant-based milk).
Add 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar or lemon juice.
Let it sit for 5 minutes until it curdles.

This simple swap enhances the texture of the cake, ensuring it’s light yet moist.

Why Use Applesauce in Vegan Baking?

Applesauce is a true superhero in vegan baking. Not only does it replace eggs, but it also helps bind the ingredients while adding moisture and a hint of natural sweetness. For this vegan apple spice cake, applesauce complements the spices and adds to the flavor of the cake.

Plus, it’s a healthier option, reducing the need for additional oil or butter. Whether you’re making a sheet cake or a layer cake, applesauce guarantees a soft, moist crumb every time.

The Secret to Moist Vegan Spice Cake

Want to know the secret to a truly moist cake? It’s all about the balance of ingredients. Here’s how this recipe achieves it:

Applesauce: Locks in moisture while adding flavor.
Brown sugar: Enhances the cake’s richness and depth.
Vegan buttermilk: Keeps the batter light and fluffy.

Additionally, don’t overmix the batter. Stir until the ingredients are just combined to avoid a dense cake. Bake the cake at the right temperature, and you’ll have a moist spice cake that’s the definition of perfection.

Tips for Perfect Vegan Cream Cheese Frosting

A good frosting can take your cake to the next level. Here’s how to make the best vegan cream cheese frosting:

Beat ½ cup vegan butter and 8 oz vegan cream cheese until smooth.
Gradually add 2–3 cups of powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
Beat until creamy and spreadable.

For a fun twist, add a drizzle of vegan caramel sauce to complement the spices.

Can You Make This Cake Gluten-Free?

Absolutely! Simply swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free baking blend. Ensure your baking powder and baking soda are gluten-free as well. The result? A cake that’s just as moist and flavorful as the original.

Variations: Caramel, Pumpkin, and Layer Cakes

This recipe is highly adaptable:

Add a layer of vegan caramel sauce for an indulgent touch.
Use pumpkin puree instead of applesauce for a festive twist.
Transform the recipe into a layer cake for special occasions.

Serving and Storing Your Vegan Spice Cake

Serving

Serve your vegan apple spice cake with a cup of chai or coffee for the ultimate fall treat.

Storing

Store the cake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. You can also freeze individual slices for a quick dessert anytime.

Key Takeaways

Applesauce is the secret to a moist and flavorful cake.
Vegan buttermilk makes the texture light and fluffy.
Spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves are essential for that warm, comforting flavor.
Vegan cream cheese frosting adds the perfect creamy finishing touch.
This cake can be customized as a sheet cake, layer cake, or even cupcakes.

FAQs

1. Can I use coconut sugar instead of brown sugar?
Yes, coconut sugar works well and adds a slightly caramel-like flavor.

2. Can I make this cake oil-free?
Yes, replace the vegan butter with extra applesauce or pumpkin puree for an oil-free version.

3. What’s the best vegan cream cheese brand?
Brands like Kite Hill and Violife are excellent choices for their creamy texture and tangy flavor.

4. Can I add nuts to this cake?
Absolutely! Chopped walnuts or pecans make a great addition to the batter or as a topping.

5. How do I prevent my cake from sticking to the pan?
Grease your pan thoroughly with vegan butter or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.