Nothing captures the essence of fall like this delightful Warm Apple Spice Snacking Cake. Bursting with the flavors of fresh apples, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger, this cake is an absolute autumn essential. The soft, tender texture of the cake pairs perfectly with the creamy vegan frosting, making each bite a comforting experience. Whether you’re enjoying it with a cup of tea, coffee, or cider, this cake will bring warmth and coziness to your day. Plus, it’s dairy-free, vegan-friendly, and comes together easily, making it the ideal dessert for gatherings or a weekend treat.
Why You’ll Love This: You’ll love this apple snacking cake for its rich, warming spices that make every bite taste like fall. The combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and ginger creates a fragrant, aromatic cake that will fill your kitchen with the coziest scents. Apples add a touch of natural sweetness and moisture, making the cake tender and soft without being overly sweet. The easy-to-make vegan frosting adds a creamy, tangy balance that complements the spice-laden cake. Plus, the cake is made with simple, accessible ingredients that come together in no time. Perfect for both seasoned bakers and beginners, this cake will quickly become your go-to fall dessert.
Perfect Occasion: This cake is perfect for any fall occasion, whether you’re hosting a casual get-together with friends, a family dinner, or just enjoying a relaxing afternoon at home. It’s especially ideal for autumn holidays like Halloween or Thanksgiving, offering a sweet alternative to the traditional pies and cookies. This snacking cake travels well too, making it great for potlucks or sharing with neighbors. Serve it as a comforting treat after a brisk walk in the crisp fall air, or make it the centerpiece of your next cozy weekend brunch.
Decoration Tips: For an extra touch of fall charm, consider sprinkling the frosted cake with a dusting of ground cinnamon or a light drizzle of maple syrup before serving. You can also top the frosting with thin apple slices arranged in a decorative pattern, or sprinkle on some chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for added texture and flavor. If you're feeling extra festive, a few dried apple chips or a dusting of powdered sugar can give the cake a beautiful, rustic look. Serve the cake on a wooden board or a vintage-style plate for that perfect autumnal presentation.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour (210 g)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup vegan protein powder (or substitute with an equal amount of flour)
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon allspice
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
- ½ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients:
- 1 cup dairy-free milk
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- ½ cup unsweetened applesauce
- ½ cup neutral oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste
To fold in:
- 2 apples, finely chopped into small pieces (about 3 cups / 360 g)
Frosting Ingredients:
- 1 cup vegan cream cheese
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons vegan protein powder (or substitute with powdered sugar)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste or vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9x9-inch baking pan to ensure your cake doesn’t stick.
- In a large bowl, combine the wet ingredients: dairy-free milk, apple cider vinegar, applesauce, neutral oil, and vanilla extract. Whisk everything together until fully blended.
- In a separate bowl, mix together the dry ingredients: all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, vegan protein powder (or flour), baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, ground ginger, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until the batter is smooth and no lumps remain.
- Wash and finely chop the apples into ¼-inch cubes. Gently fold the chopped apples into the cake batter, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake for 50-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- While the cake is baking, prepare the frosting by whisking together the vegan cream cheese, powdered sugar, vegan protein powder (or more powdered sugar), and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- Once the cake has finished baking and cooled completely, spread the frosting generously over the top of the cake.
- Slice into squares, serve, and enjoy the warm, spiced flavors of fall in every bite!
Enjoy!