Name: Vegan Applesauce Cake with Vegan Buttercream Frosting Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 ¼ cups (405g) all-purpose plain flour, spooned and leveled; 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, to taste or as needed; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1-2 tablespoons (15-30g) dairy-free milk, or as needed; 1 batch caramelized apples (for extra gooey version, see recipe notes)

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 33 reviews

If you’re searching for a comforting, moist, and utterly delicious dessert that happens to be completely plant-based, then this Vegan Applesauce Cake with Vegan Buttercream Frosting Recipe is going to become your new best friend. Bursting with warm spices like cinnamon and ginger, this cake captures the essence of cozy autumn afternoons while remaining wonderfully light thanks to the natural sweetness and moisture of applesauce. Paired with a creamy, dreamy vegan buttercream frosting, it’s the perfect treat for gatherings, celebrations, or simply a sweet moment to yourself.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A square piece of light brown cake with a soft and slightly crumbly texture forms the bottom layer, topped by a thick, creamy off-white frosting layer. On top, small chunks of caramelized golden-brown apples are spread evenly, adding a shiny and slightly sticky look. The cake piece sits on a white plate with a scalloped edge and thin gold trim, all placed on a surface with white marble texture. In the background, the rest of the cake is visible with the same layers and toppings, along with a red apple and a blurred ceramic mug with brown and white color bands. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This recipe relies on simple pantry staples that combine to create a moist, tender crumb and a frosting so smooth you’ll want to spread it on everything. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor and texture.

All-purpose flour (3 ¼ cups): Provides the structure and body for a tender cake when measured carefully for the best texture.
Granulated sugar (1 cup): Adds sweetness and helps with browning the crust for those lovely caramelized edges.
Packed brown sugar (½ cup): Infuses subtle molasses notes that deepen the cake’s flavor and keep it wonderfully moist.
Baking powder (3 teaspoons): Gives the cake a gentle lift, making it fluffy without being dense.
Baking soda (1 teaspoon): Reacts with vinegar for extra rise and tenderness.
Ground cinnamon (2 teaspoons): Warms the palate and evokes the classic apple-spice combo everyone loves.
Ground ginger (2 teaspoons): Adds a zesty kick that balances the sweetness with gentle heat.
Allspice or ground nutmeg (½ teaspoon): Offers a hint of complexity and spice depth.
Salt (½ teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
Unsweetened applesauce (2 cups): The star ingredient that delivers natural moisture and sweetness, making the cake irresistibly tender.
Dairy-free milk (¾ cup): Keeps the batter smooth and helps mix everything evenly.
Neutral-flavored oil (½ cup): Adds richness without overpowering the delicate flavors.
White or apple cider vinegar (1 tablespoon, optional): Reacts with baking soda to produce a light crumb.
Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Rounds out the spice notes with a sweet, aromatic touch.
Vegan block butter (1 cup) for frosting: The base for a luscious, creamy vegan buttercream frosting.
Powdered sugar (3-4 cups) for frosting: Sweetens and thickens the frosting to perfection.
Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon) for frosting: Adds subtle warmth and depth to the frosting.
Dairy-free milk (1-2 tablespoons) for frosting: Adjusts frosting texture to silky, spreadable goodness.
Caramelized apples (optional): A luxurious topping to elevate this cake into something truly special.

How to Make Vegan Applesauce Cake with Vegan Buttercream Frosting Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Preheat Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (180°C) so it’s nice and hot when your batter is ready. Grease or line a 9 x 13 inch baking pan with parchment paper to ensure your cake won’t stick, making clean-up a breeze and keeping the cake’s edges perfect.

Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, allspice, and salt until every bit is evenly mixed and no lumps remain. This ensures that your spices and leaveners are distributed perfectly, saving you from uneven spots in the cake.

Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl (or the same one if you prefer), combine the applesauce, dairy-free milk, oil, vinegar if using, and vanilla extract. Make sure these ingredients are mostly at room temperature to encourage a smooth, uniform batter.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients and gently stir until just combined. Avoid overmixing; it’s completely fine – even ideal – if there are a few lumps here and there. This keeps the cake tender and light.

Step 5: Bake the Cake

Pour the thick batter into your prepared pan and smooth the surface with a spatula or spoon. Pop it into the oven and bake for 32 to 38 minutes. Use a toothpick to test for doneness around 35 minutes – a few moist crumbs are perfectly normal for this luscious cake.

Step 6: Cool Completely Before Frosting

Let the cake cool in the pan on a wire rack until fully cooled. This step is important because frosting a warm cake will cause the frosting to melt and slide off, and we want everything looking and tasting just right.

Step 7: Whip Up Your Vegan Buttercream Frosting

In a large bowl or your stand mixer, beat the vegan block butter until it’s light and fluffy, then gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Adjust the consistency by adding more sugar if you want it thicker or a splash of dairy-free milk for a softer, spreadable frosting.

Step 8: Frost and Decorate Your Cake

Once the cake is cooled, spread your frostings generously across the top. For a truly indulgent touch, swirl in some of your caramelized apples caramel for extra gooey delight and arrange apple slices as a finishing flourish.

How to Serve Vegan Applesauce Cake with Vegan Buttercream Frosting Recipe

A clear glass bowl sits on a white marbled surface filled with dry ingredients layered in distinct sections: light brown sugar, medium brown sugar, white sugar, and white flour with cinnamon and other spices mixed in, all creating a mix of tan, white, and brown colors in different textures. Next to the bowl are red apples and a white cup. In the second image, the bowl now contains light brown dry ingredients with two thick, shiny, smooth layers on top — a golden yellow applesauce on one side and creamy white liquid being poured over it from above. The bowl is the same clear glass showing all layers clearly. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Simple garnishes like a sprinkle of cinnamon, chopped toasted walnuts, or an extra drizzle of caramelized apples add visual charm and complementary textures to your cake.

Side Dishes

Serve slices of this cake alongside warm vegan vanilla ice cream or a cup of spiced chai tea for a cozy pairing that makes dessert time feel like a warm hug.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn your cake into mini layered cupcakes or stack individual rounds with frosting in between for a chic-looking presentation. Adding fresh apple slices or edible flowers on top can also make it party-perfect.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once frosted, store leftover cake covered tightly with plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one day, or in the fridge for up to three days. The frosting stays creamy, while the cake remains moist and delicious.

Freezing

You can freeze leftover cake, un-frosted or frosted, in airtight containers or well-wrapped foil for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge for a soft, fresh taste when ready to enjoy again.

Reheating

If you want to enjoy it warm, simply microwave a slice for about 15 seconds or let it come to room temperature naturally. This warms the spices and softens the buttercream without compromising flavor.

FAQs

Can I use gluten-free flour for the Vegan Applesauce Cake with Vegan Buttercream Frosting Recipe?

Absolutely! Use a gluten-free all-purpose blend that includes xanthan gum or other binders for the best results. The texture may be slightly different but still delicious and moist.

Is it necessary to use vegan block butter for the frosting?

Vegan block butter provides the best texture and stability for frosting, but you can experiment with coconut oil or vegan margarine, keeping in mind that different fats might alter the consistency.

Can I substitute applesauce with mashed bananas?

While mashed bananas add moisture and sweetness, they will change the cake’s flavor profile. Applesauce keeps the cake lighter and maintains its characteristic tangy sweetness much better.

How do I make the caramelized apples for topping?

Simply sauté sliced apples with a bit of vegan butter and brown sugar until tender and golden. This adds a rich, gooey topping that beautifully complements the spices in the cake.

Is this cake suitable for kids and picky eaters?

Definitely! The familiar flavors of apple and cinnamon paired with the soft, moist texture make this cake a hit with kids and adults alike. The vegan buttercream frosting is creamy without being too sweet, appealing to many palates.

Final Thoughts

I cannot recommend this Vegan Applesauce Cake with Vegan Buttercream Frosting Recipe enough if you want a treat that feels like a warm, welcoming hug on a plate. It’s effortless to make, brimming with cozy flavors, and topped with an indulgent frosting that perfectly complements every bite. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll keep coming back for more. So grab your ingredients and make a slice of comfort today!