Vegan Apple Crumble Cake: Delicious & Easy Recipe

Hey food lovers! Are you craving a comforting dessert that's both delicious and kind to the planet? Look no further, because this vegan apple crumble cake recipe is about to become your new favorite treat. This recipe combines the best of both worlds: a moist, flavorful cake base, a sweet and spiced apple filling, and a buttery, crumbly topping. It's the perfect dessert for any occasion, from cozy weeknight dinners to impressive gatherings. And the best part? It's surprisingly easy to make, even if you're new to vegan baking! So, grab your aprons, and let's get baking!

Why You'll Love This Vegan Apple Crumble Cake

This vegan apple crumble cake isn't just a dessert; it's an experience. The aroma of cinnamon and apples baking in the oven will fill your kitchen with warmth and nostalgia. The first bite will transport you to a world of pure comfort, with the tender cake, the sweet and tangy apples, and the satisfying crunch of the crumble. But beyond the taste, there are so many reasons to love this recipe. First, it's completely plant-based, meaning it's free from dairy and eggs. This makes it a great option for anyone following a vegan lifestyle or those with dietary restrictions. Second, it's incredibly versatile. You can easily adapt it to your preferences by using different types of apples, spices, or even adding nuts to the crumble. And finally, it's a showstopper! Whether you're serving it at a dinner party or simply enjoying it at home, this cake is sure to impress. We're going to dive into how to create the best cake. This recipe has been crafted to provide you with a memorable experience in the kitchen, that's why we are going to dive into every little secret to make the best crumble in the world, with special focus on how to use the ingredients properly, so let's start with the basics.

The Health Benefits of Vegan Baking

Beyond the deliciousness, there are also some health benefits to embracing vegan baking. Often, vegan desserts are lower in saturated fat and cholesterol than their traditional counterparts. This is because they rely on plant-based fats, such as coconut oil, olive oil, or vegan butter. These fats are often healthier for your heart. Moreover, vegan baking can be a great way to increase your intake of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. This recipe, for example, features apples, which are packed with fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants. Plus, it's a fantastic way to reduce your environmental impact. By choosing plant-based ingredients, you're helping to reduce the demand for animal products, which contributes to deforestation, greenhouse gas emissions, and other environmental concerns. Vegan baking is not only about what you exclude but also about what you include. It is about a culinary adventure that allows for creativity and the celebration of flavors. When you start to incorporate vegan baking into your lifestyle, you are inviting a world of possibilities that also benefits your health. So, embrace the deliciousness and the environmental benefits of baking this amazing recipe.

Ingredients You'll Need

To make this vegan apple crumble cake, you'll need a few key ingredients, most of which you probably already have in your pantry. Let's break it down into three main sections: the cake, the apple filling, and the crumble topping. Make sure to gather all your ingredients before you start so the process will be easier, and you'll avoid any missing elements in your recipe. Also, we will provide you with options for alternative ingredients. Remember that it's okay to experiment and adjust the recipe to your taste, but it's important to understand the role of each element in the composition of the cake. So let's see which ingredients we need.

For the Cake

Flour: All-purpose flour is a great choice for the base, but you can also use a gluten-free blend if you prefer. Just make sure it's a good quality blend designed for baking.
Sugar: Granulated sugar works perfectly. For a slightly different flavor, you can use brown sugar, which will also add moisture to the cake.
Baking powder and baking soda: These are the leavening agents that will help the cake rise and achieve a light and fluffy texture. Make sure they are fresh!
Salt: A pinch of salt enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness.
Plant-based milk: Unsweetened almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk all work well. The choice is up to you, but consider the flavor profiles. For example, oat milk can add a subtle sweetness.
Apple cider vinegar: This is the secret ingredient that reacts with the baking soda to create a light and airy cake. Don't worry, you won't taste the vinegar.
Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth of flavor. Always use pure vanilla extract, not imitation.
Vegetable oil or melted vegan butter: This adds moisture to the cake. If using vegan butter, make sure it's melted before adding it.

For the Apple Filling

Apples: The star of the show! Choose your favorite apples for baking. Granny Smith apples are a classic choice because they hold their shape well and have a tart flavor that complements the sweetness of the cake. Honeycrisp apples are also a great option for their balance of sweetness and tartness.
Lemon juice: Prevents the apples from browning and adds a touch of acidity.
Brown sugar: Adds sweetness and a caramel-like flavor.
Cinnamon and nutmeg: These spices are essential for that classic apple pie flavor. Adjust the amounts to your liking.
Cornstarch: Helps to thicken the apple filling.

For the Crumble Topping

Flour: All-purpose flour or a gluten-free blend.
Brown sugar: Adds sweetness and a delicious caramel flavor to the crumble.
Vegan butter: Cold, cubed vegan butter is key for a crumbly texture. Make sure it's very cold.
Rolled oats: Adds texture and a slightly nutty flavor. If you don't like oats, you can skip them or replace them with chopped nuts.
Cinnamon: For added warmth and flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Alright, guys, now comes the fun part: putting it all together! Follow these simple steps, and you'll have a beautiful vegan apple crumble cake in no time. Remember to read the entire recipe before you start to make sure you have everything ready. Also, don't rush the process; baking is an art, so enjoy the ride! Let's get started, shall we?

Making the Cake

Preheat your oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan. You can also line the bottom with parchment paper for easy removal.
Whisk the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Combine the wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the plant-based milk, apple cider vinegar, vanilla extract, and vegetable oil or melted vegan butter.
Combine wet and dry: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Pour into the pan: Pour the cake batter into the prepared cake pan and set aside.

Preparing the Apple Filling

Peel and chop the apples: Peel, core, and chop the apples into ½-inch pieces.
Toss with other ingredients: In a medium bowl, toss the chopped apples with lemon juice, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cornstarch. Make sure the apples are evenly coated.

Creating the Crumble Topping

Combine dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, brown sugar, rolled oats, and cinnamon.
Cut in the butter: Add the cold, cubed vegan butter to the dry ingredients and use your fingers or a pastry cutter to work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

Assembling and Baking

Add the filling: Sprinkle the apple filling evenly over the cake batter.
Add the crumble: Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the apple filling.
Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 45-55 minutes, or until the cake is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool and serve: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve warm or at room temperature. This cake is so delicious, I know you will love it.

Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Vegan Apple Crumble Cake

Want to take your vegan apple crumble cake to the next level? Here are some tips and tricks to help you achieve the perfect results every time. These tips are very important, so make sure to take them into account. They will make a difference in your final product, so pay attention!

Choosing the Right Apples

The choice of apples can significantly impact the final result. Granny Smith apples are great for their tartness and ability to hold their shape during baking. Honeycrisp apples are also a fantastic option, offering a balanced sweetness and crispness. If you want a sweeter filling, consider using a mix of apples, including Fuji or Gala. Experiment to find your favorite combination. Remember that each apple has its texture and flavor profile, so choose wisely.

Getting the Perfect Crumble

The key to a perfect crumble is cold vegan butter. Make sure your butter is cold when you cut it into the flour mixture. This helps create those lovely, crumbly textures. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Don't overmix, or the crumble will become too dense. Another trick is to chill the crumble topping in the fridge for 15-20 minutes before sprinkling it over the apples. This will help it hold its shape during baking. If you have some time, it is always a good option.

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Adjusting Sweetness and Spices

Feel free to adjust the sweetness and spices to your liking. If you prefer a less sweet cake, reduce the amount of sugar in the cake batter and the apple filling. For a more intense apple pie flavor, add a pinch of cloves or allspice to the apple filling. Taste the apple filling before assembling the cake and adjust the spices as needed. Personalize your recipe, and don't be afraid of experimenting with the spices.

Preventing a Soggy Bottom

To prevent the dreaded soggy bottom, make sure your apples aren't too juicy before baking. If your apples are very juicy, you can toss them with a little extra cornstarch or tapioca starch to absorb the excess moisture. You can also pre-bake the apple filling for a few minutes before adding the crumble topping. This will help to cook down some of the juices. Remember the less moisture, the better.

Variations and Serving Suggestions

This vegan apple crumble cake is delicious on its own, but here are some variations and serving suggestions to elevate your dessert experience. Remember that you can add many variations to make this recipe unique. You have a blank canvas, so let's start with a few suggestions, but don't limit yourself!

Add-ins and Variations

Nuts: Add chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds to the crumble topping for added texture and flavor.
Dried fruit: Add dried cranberries or raisins to the apple filling for a chewy, sweet surprise.
Spices: Experiment with different spices, such as cardamom, ginger, or star anise.
Citrus zest: Add a teaspoon of lemon or orange zest to the cake batter or apple filling for a burst of freshness.
Glaze: Drizzle the cooled cake with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and plant-based milk.

Serving Suggestions

With ice cream: Serve warm with a scoop of vegan vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of vegan caramel sauce.
With whipped cream: Top with a dollop of homemade or store-bought vegan whipped cream.
With a cup of coffee or tea: Enjoy a slice of cake with a warm beverage for a cozy treat.
For breakfast: Yes! Why not? You can enjoy it for breakfast. This is a very delicious and easy way to start your day with a lot of energy.

Storage Instructions

To store your vegan apple crumble cake, let it cool completely. You can then store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. If you're storing it in the refrigerator, you may want to warm it up slightly before serving to restore its texture. The best option will depend on your taste preferences, but we are going to dive into a few more tips.

Room Temperature Storage

If you plan to eat the cake within a couple of days, storing it at room temperature is a great option. Make sure to keep it in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out. Avoid direct sunlight and heat sources to maintain the cake's quality. If you want to retain the texture and flavor, we recommend you use a special container that allows you to store the food properly. Always take into account the temperature of the area to determine how to preserve the cake.

Refrigeration and Freezing

For longer storage, the refrigerator is a great option. The cake will stay fresh for up to 5 days. Wrap individual slices or the entire cake tightly in plastic wrap before placing it in an airtight container. If you want to freeze the cake, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in a layer of foil. The cake can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before serving. Remember that depending on the ingredients, the cake can lose some of its texture, but it will be safe to eat.

Conclusion

There you have it, guys! A delicious and easy vegan apple crumble cake recipe that's sure to impress. Whether you're a seasoned vegan baker or a curious beginner, this recipe is a must-try. So, gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and enjoy the process of creating this comforting and satisfying dessert. This recipe is amazing, so feel free to adapt it to your taste, and the possibilities are endless. Happy baking, and enjoy every bite of your delicious creation!