Is this apple cake really vegan?

Yes, the cake is completely plant-based. Instead of butter I use vegan butter or margarine, instead of egg the flax seed flour binds with the sparkling water, and vegan curd keeps it juicy – soy yogurt works just as well. Even the optional marzipan in the crumbles is plant-based.

Which apples work best?

Slightly tart, firmer varieties like Boskoop, Elstar or Braeburn are ideal. They keep a little bite while baking and add a gentle acidity that balances the sweetness. Sweet, mealy apples turn soft quickly, so bake the cake a touch shorter if that's all you have.

Can I bake this apple cake gluten-free?

Half of the flour is already gluten-free rice flour. For a fully gluten-free version, swap the spelt flour for a gluten-free blend with a binder too. The batter turns a little wetter, so bake it a few minutes longer and rely on the skewer test.

How do I keep it moist and how long does it last?

The apples and vegan curd keep the cake naturally moist. Stored airtight it lasts 3–4 days and often tastes even better on the second day. You can also freeze it in slices (up to 3 months) and thaw them individually as needed.

Can I leave out or swap the crumbles?

Of course – the crumbles are optional and the cake is lovely plain with a dusting of powdered sugar. You can skip the marzipan or replace it with chopped almonds or oats for a crunchy topping without the typical marzipan sweetness.

Vegan Apple Cake with Crumbles – moist & easy

Hello lovelies, there's nothing like simple and quick cake recipes and that's exactly what I have for you today: vegan apple cake with crumbles. The apple cake is prepared quickly with only a few ingredients and still tastes refined. The apples and the curd/yogurt make it very juicy but still fluffy, just how we like cake – this is, by the way, an ongoing debate with banana bread :-).

This cake doesn’t have much sugar and I like to bake it with coconut blossom sugar for a caramel flavor. You can also use xylitol or raw cane sugar, whatever you like. This time I have also replaced half of the flour with rice flour and I’m very happy with the result. Rice flour has a very fine texture, is naturally gluten-free and is mainly used in Asia for pastry. But even here it’s becoming increasingly popular and is now also available in most supermarkets. It’s easy to digest and has a lot of fiber.

Vegan apple crumble loaf with cut slices, served

Recipe

And here is the recipe for vegan apple cake with crumbles:

Vegan apple cake with moist crumb, close-up of cut edge

Vegan apple crumble cake on a board with apple halves, plated

Vegan apple crumble cake with tulips and red apples, freshly baked

Apple cake is definitely a classic and since apples are always available, you can enjoy the fine cake pretty much in every season. This time I added delicious crumbles with a touch of marzipan to it, but you can also leave them out. Due to the loaf shape the cake is perfect to go, for a picnic or a snack with friends. I even had it in my suitcase when visiting friends in Berlin.

Dusting icing sugar over vegan apple cake, step

Icing sugar snowing onto vegan apple crumble cake, preparation

A special treat sprinkled with powdered sugar and yes, I also had a lot of fun during the shoot. I enjoy trying new things while taking pictures, and especially pictures with a bit of movement are always exciting - and a big mess, but that's just part of it!

Vegan apple crumble cake with knife and apple halves from above

I hope you like this recipe and you will give this yummy apple cake a try very soon. My kids and their friends loved it and we enjoyed it still warm and straight out the oven, which was very nice.

If you love fruity cakes straight from the tin, be sure to try my plum cake with crumbles and curd layer – another streusel favourite – or, for apple fans, my crisp vegan Swiss apple quiche/pie. And when you want something smaller and quicker, my moist apple cinnamon muffins are baked in no time.

Vegan apple cake with crumbles

Recipe

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