Indulge in the cozy flavors of fall with this mouthwatering Vegan Apple Crumble Cake. Featuring a moist apple-infused cake base, a sweet and crunchy crumble topping, and artful slices of apple, this dessert is perfect for warm gatherings or peaceful afternoon tea moments.
Why You’ll Love It:
- Apple Abundance: Bursting with the luscious goodness of fresh apples.
- Vegan Wonder: A plant-based recipe that doesn’t skimp on flavor.
- Simple Elegance: Easy-to-follow steps for a homemade masterpiece.
- Crumbly Delight: Experience the delightful contrast of soft cake and crisp crumble.
- Balanced Sweetness: Just the right level of sweetness to satisfy your dessert cravings.
Ingredients:
For the Dry Ingredients:
- 2 ½ cups (315g) all-purpose plain flour (or gluten-free all-purpose flour)
- 1 cup (190g) packed brown sugar (coconut sugar or regular sugar)
- 3 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- A pinch of salt (optional)
For the Wet Ingredients:
- 1 cup (240g) dairy-free milk
- 1 medium-sized apple (180g), coarsely grated or finely chopped
- ½ cup (120g) neutral-flavored oil
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (optional)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
For the Crumb Topping:
- ⅓ cup (35g) chopped pecans
- ¼ cup (30g) all-purpose plain flour (or gluten-free all-purpose flour)
- 2 tablespoons (30g) vegan butter, spreadable butter, or coconut oil (softened)
- 2 tablespoons (25g) packed brown sugar (coconut sugar or regular sugar)
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 medium-sized apple (180g), thinly sliced
To Serve (Optional):
- Powdered sugar / icing sugar
Instructions:
Prepare the Vegan Apple Cake:
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and line or grease an 8-inch (20 cm) springform or loose-bottom cake pan with parchment paper.
- In a spacious mixing bowl, combine all the dry ingredients until free of lumps.
- Add the wet ingredients to the bowl and mix until just incorporated. The batter should be luxuriously thick. Pour or ladle the batter into the prepared cake pan, smoothing the top evenly.
Crafting the Crumb Topping: 4. In the same bowl (or a separate clean bowl), use your fingers or a spoon to blend all the ingredients for the crumb topping until a fine mixture forms, free of butter or flour chunks.
Assemble and Bake the Cake: 5. Artfully arrange the thinly sliced apple atop the cake in ‘fan’ patterns or as creatively as you like. Sprinkle the crumble mix into the spaces on the cake’s surface.
- Bake your apple crumble cake for 55-60 minutes. Should the crumble topping brown too swiftly, shield the pan with aluminum foil or an oven-safe plate. Verify the cake’s readiness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should emerge clean or with only a few moist crumbs.
- Allow the cake to rest in the pan for 10-15 minutes, then gently transfer it from the pan and let it fully cool on a wire rack.
Optional Presentation: 8. If desired, dust your cooled cake with powdered sugar or drizzle with a simple glaze (see note 4).
- Savor your Vegan Apple Crumble Cake alongside dairy-free yogurt, vegan ice cream, or a soothing cup of coffee.
Elevate your autumn gatherings with this delightful culinary masterpiece!
