Name: Unbelievably Good Vegan Caramel Apple Cake in 30 Minutes
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tsp baking soda; 1 tsp ground cinnamon; 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg; 1/4 tsp salt; 1 cup unsweetened applesauce; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup vegan butter, softened; 1/4 cup vegan caramel sauce, plus more for drizzling; 2 tsp vanilla extract; 2 cups peeled and diced apples

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Oh, fall! Is there anything better than the smell of apples and cinnamon wafting through the kitchen? I don’t think so! Growing up, my grandma always had some kind of apple dessert baking the minute the leaves started to turn. And now? Well, let’s just say my oven gets a serious workout from September to November. And trust me, this Vegan Caramel Apple Cake? It’s going to be your new go-to.

I’ve taken all those cozy fall flavors – the warm spice, the sweet apples – and combined them with a rich, gooey caramel that’s totally vegan! Yes, you heard me right. A totally decadent, completely plant-based Vegan Caramel Apple Cake that’s actually easy to make. You’ll be amazed by how delicious this cake turns out, and even your non-vegan friends will be begging for the recipe. Seriously, it’s that good!

Why You’ll Love This Vegan Caramel Apple Cake

Okay, so why *this* cake? Let me tell you, it’s not just another recipe. It’s a total game-changer!

Quick and Easy Vegan Dessert

Seriously, who has hours to spend baking? Not me! This cake is surprisingly speedy, perfect for when you need a little something sweet *fast*.

Irresistible Caramel Apple Flavor

That caramel with the tender apples? It’s like a cozy hug in cake form. Sweet, a little tangy, and totally addictive.

Perfect for Fall Baking

I mean, c’mon, apples *scream* fall, right? This is *the* cake to bake while watching the leaves change. It just *feels* right, ya know?

Completely Vegan and Delicious

Yep, totally plant-based, and you won’t miss a thing. It’s proof that vegan baking can be seriously yummy – pinky swear!

Ingredients for your Vegan Caramel Apple Cake

Alright, let’s gather our goodies! Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this amazing vegan caramel apple cake. Don’t skimp on the quality – it makes a difference, trust me! Make sure your vegan butter is actually *softened* – we’re talking “fingerprint leaves a dent” soft, not melted. And for the apples? I like to peel and dice them into small-ish pieces, about 1/2 inch or so. Okay, here’s the list:

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
1/4 tsp salt
1 cup unsweetened applesauce
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup vegan butter, softened
1/4 cup vegan caramel sauce, plus more for drizzling (I won’t judge if you add more!)
2 tsp vanilla extract
2 cups peeled and diced apples

How to Make Vegan Caramel Apple Cake: Step-by-Step Instructions

Okay, are you ready to get baking? I promise, even if you’re a *total* newbie, this Vegan Caramel Apple Cake is super doable. Just follow these steps, and you’ll be enjoying a slice of fall heaven in no time! Don’t worry if things get a little messy – that’s part of the fun, right?

Preparing the Vegan Caramel Apple Cake Batter

First things first, let’s get that oven preheating to 350°F (175°C). Grab a 9×13 inch baking pan and grease and flour it – nobody wants a stuck cake! In a big bowl, whisk together your flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. In a *separate* bowl – this is important! – cream together your applesauce, sugar, vegan butter, caramel sauce, and vanilla. Once that’s all smooth and dreamy, gradually add the dry stuff to the wet stuff, mixing until *just* combined. Don’t overmix, or you’ll end up with a tough cake, and nobody wants that! Finally, gently fold in those diced apples.

Vegan Caramel Apple Cake - detail 1

Baking Your Vegan Caramel Apple Cake to Perfection

Alright, pour that beautiful batter into your prepared pan and pop it into the oven. Bake for 30-35 minutes. Now, every oven is different, so start checking for doneness around the 30-minute mark. The best way to tell if it’s ready? Stick a wooden skewer into the center. If it comes out clean (or with just a few moist crumbs clinging to it), you’re good to go! If it’s still wet, give it a few more minutes.

Cooling and Caramel Drizzle for your Vegan Caramel Apple Cake

Once your cake is baked, let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. This helps it set up a bit before you transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. And now, the best part: the caramel drizzle! Once the cake is totally cool (or even still a little warm – I won’t tell!), drizzle that extra vegan caramel sauce all over the top. Don’t be shy – the more caramel, the better, right? Slice it up and get ready to enjoy the best Vegan Caramel Apple Cake *ever*!

Tips for the Best Vegan Caramel Apple Cake

Want to take your Vegan Caramel Apple Cake from “good” to “OMG AMAZING”? I’ve got a few tricks up my sleeve! First off, make sure your applesauce and vegan butter are at room temperature. Trust me, it makes a difference in how well everything mixes. Also, remember what I said about not overmixing? Seriously, don’t! And one last thing: don’t even *think* about skipping the caramel drizzle. It’s what makes this cake truly special!

Choosing the Right Apples for Vegan Caramel Apple Cake

Okay, so what kind of apples should you use? I’m a big fan of Granny Smith for their tartness, but Honeycrisp or Fuji work great too! You want something that holds its shape while baking, ya know?

Vegan Caramel Sauce Options for your Apple Cake

Store-bought vegan caramel is totally fine (I love the brand “So Delicious!”), but if you’re feeling ambitious, try making your own! There are tons of easy recipes online. Either way, go for a thick, gooey sauce for maximum caramel-y goodness.

Vegan Caramel Apple Cake Variations

Okay, so you’ve mastered the basic Vegan Caramel Apple Cake (yay!). Now, let’s get a little wild, shall we? One of the best things about baking is how easy it is to tweak a recipe and make it your own! Here are a couple of my favorite ways to jazz things up. Don’t be afraid to experiment, though – who knows what deliciousness you’ll discover?

Spiced Vegan Caramel Apple Cake

Want even *more* fall flavor? Toss in a pinch of ground cloves or ginger along with the cinnamon and nutmeg. Wowza! It adds a cozy warmth that’s just perfect.

Vegan Caramel Apple Cake with Nuts

Chopped walnuts or pecans? Yes, please! Fold about 1/2 cup into the batter before baking. The nutty crunch is *amazing* with the soft cake and gooey caramel. Seriously, try it!

Serving Suggestions for your Vegan Caramel Apple Cake

Okay, so you’ve got this gorgeous Vegan Caramel Apple Cake, but what do you serve with it? My absolute favorite? A scoop of creamy vegan vanilla ice cream. Seriously, the cold ice cream with the warm cake is just *chef’s kiss*. Or, if you’re feeling fancy, a dollop of vegan whipped cream works wonders too! Trust me, you can’t go wrong!

Storing Your Vegan Caramel Apple Cake

Alright, so you’ve (somehow!) got leftovers. Lucky you! To keep your Vegan Caramel Apple Cake fresh, just pop it in an airtight container at room temperature. It’ll stay moist and delicious for about 3 days – though, let’s be honest, it probably won’t last that long! And if you want to warm it up? A quick zap in the microwave is perfect!

Frequently Asked Questions About Vegan Caramel Apple Cake

Got questions about this amazing Vegan Caramel Apple Cake? I thought you might! Here are some of the most common things people ask me. And hey, if you’ve got a question I haven’t answered, just leave a comment below!

Can I make this Vegan Caramel Apple Cake gluten-free?

Absolutely! Just swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend. I’ve had great luck with Bob’s Red Mill Gluten Free 1-to-1 Baking Flour. Just make sure your blend has xanthan gum in it – that helps with the texture. You might need to experiment a little to get it *perfect*, but it’s totally doable!

How do I store leftover Vegan Caramel Apple Cake?

Easy peasy! Just pop it in an airtight container. It’ll stay nice and moist at room temperature for about 3 days. But honestly? It’s usually gone way before then at my house! If you want to keep it longer, you *could* refrigerate it, but it might dry out a bit.

Can I use a different type of apple for this Vegan Caramel Apple Cake?

Sure thing! While I love Granny Smiths for their tartness, you can totally experiment. Honeycrisp, Fuji, or even Braeburn apples would be delish. Just pick an apple that’s firm and holds its shape well during baking. And hey, if you try a different apple, let me know how it turns out!

Nutritional Information for Vegan Caramel Apple Cake

Okay, so you wanna know the nutritional deets? Keep in mind, these are just estimates! It really depends on the brands and ingredients you use. I’m no nutritionist, so don’t take this as gospel, okay?

Enjoyed This Vegan Caramel Apple Cake Recipe?

Woohoo! Did you devour every last crumb? I hope so! If you loved this Vegan Caramel Apple Cake as much as I do, pretty please leave a comment below! And hey, sharing is caring – so spread the vegan love on social media!