Ingredients
- 3 ¼ cups (405g) all-purpose plain flour
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- ½ cup (100g) packed brown sugar
- 3 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 2 teaspoons ground ginger
- ½ teaspoon allspice or ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 cups (510g) unsweetened applesauce, room temperature
- ¾ cup (170g) dairy-free milk, room temperature
- ½ cup (110g) neutral flavored oil
- 1 tablespoon white or apple cider vinegar or lemon juice (optional)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup (225g) vegan block butter, room temperature
- 3-4 cups (300-400g) powdered sugar / icing sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
- 1-2 tablespoons (15-30g) dairy-free milk (for frosting)
- 1 batch caramelized apples (optional, for decoration)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease or line a 9 x 13 inch (23 x 33 cm) baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together all dry ingredients until well combined with no lumps.
- Add the wet ingredients and mix until just combined. Do not overmix; some small lumps are fine.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 32-38 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
- Place the pan on a wire rack and allow the cake to cool completely.
- To make the frosting, beat the vegan butter until light and fluffy. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until combined. Adjust with more sugar or milk for desired consistency.
- Once the cake is cooled, spread the frosting evenly over the top.
- Optionally, swirl caramelized apples into the frosting and decorate with the apples.
- Cut into slices and serve. Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for 1 day, in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 1 month.
Notes
- Measure flour using the spoon and level method or use a digital scale to avoid a dense cake.
- The recipe works with gluten-free flour like King Arthur’s Measure for Measure; add 5-7 minutes to baking time.
- Ensure applesauce and milk are at room temperature to prevent batter from splitting.
- Alternative frostings like vegan cream cheese can be used as listed in the blog post.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
