If you are a fan of cozy, comforting desserts that bring a burst of fall flavors and a delightful texture, then this Vegan Applesauce Cake with Buttercream Frosting Recipe might just become your new favorite. Picture a tender, moist cake infused with warm spices like cinnamon, ginger, and allspice, perfectly complemented by the natural sweetness and moisture of applesauce. The crowning glory is a fluffy vegan buttercream frosting that adds that creamy, luscious finish every special cake deserves. This recipe strikes the perfect balance between simple ingredients and a deeply satisfying, plant-based dessert that will impress friends and family alike.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a single square piece of cake on a white plate with a gold rim. The cake has two layers: the bottom layer is a light brown, spongy texture, and the top layer is thick white cream with small brown apple chunks scattered all over it. In the background, the rest of the cake is visible with similar toppings, and there is a red apple and a ceramic jug out of focus on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients are straightforward, accessible, and each plays a crucial role in making the cake delightfully moist, flavorful, and beautifully spiced. Every component has been thoughtfully selected to work in harmony, creating a depth of texture and richness without any animal products.

3 ¼ cups (405g) all-purpose plain flour, spoon and leveled: The foundation of your cake’s structure; accurate measuring keeps your cake light and fluffy.
1 cup (200g) granulated sugar: Sweetens the batter without overpowering the natural apple flavors.
½ cup (100g) packed brown sugar: Adds caramel notes and contributes to moisture and depth.
3 teaspoons baking powder: Essential for rise and airiness, making the cake perfectly tender.
1 teaspoon baking soda: Works with vinegar to help the cake rise and balance acidity.
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon: Classic warming spice that gives the cake a comforting aroma.
2 teaspoons ground ginger: Brings a subtle zing that complements the applesauce beautifully.
½ teaspoon allspice (or ground nutmeg): Adds a hint of complexity and Christmas-like festivity.
½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the sweet and spicy flavors.
2 cups (510g) unsweetened applesauce, room temperature: The moisture powerhouse that keeps the cake tender and naturally sweet.
¾ cup (170g) dairy-free milk, room temperature: Keeps the batter smooth and helps everything bind beautifully.
½ cup (110g) neutral flavored oil: Adds richness without overpowering, ensuring moistness.
1 tablespoon vinegar or lemon juice, optional: Reacts with baking soda to give the cake a lovely lift.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Delivers a fragrant, sweet underpinning to tie all flavors together.
Buttercream frosting ingredients: Vegan block butter for creaminess, powdered sugar for sweetness and texture, vanilla for flavor, and dairy-free milk to thin the frosting to your preferred consistency.
Optional decoration: Caramelized apples for extra indulgence and a caramel swirl that can elevate your frosting.

How to Make Vegan Applesauce Cake with Buttercream Frosting Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease or line a 9 x 13 inch (23 x 33 cm) baking pan with parchment paper. This simple prep ensures your cake bakes evenly and releases easily from the pan, setting you up for success.

Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, add the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, allspice, and salt. Whisk everything together thoroughly until you have a uniform mixture with no lumps. This step ensures every bite has an even distribution of spice and leavening agents.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients and Combine

In another bowl, blend the applesauce, dairy-free milk, oil, vinegar (if using), and vanilla extract until smooth. Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and gently stir just until combined. Be careful not to overmix; it’s okay if the batter has a few lumps as long as the dry flour is fully moistened. Your batter should be slightly thick and luscious.

Step 4: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth the surface evenly. Bake for 32-38 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. The slightly gooey crumb is a sign of a perfect moist cake.

Step 5: Cool the Cake

Once out of the oven, set your cake pan on a cooling rack and let it cool completely. Cooling is crucial before frosting to prevent melting the buttercream frosting and to preserve the cake’s texture.

Step 6: Prepare the Vegan Buttercream Frosting

Using a stand mixer or a hand mixer in a large bowl, beat room temperature vegan butter until it’s light and fluffy. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract and continue beating until you achieve a smooth consistency. Add dairy-free milk a little at a time to reach your desired frosting texture, whether thicker for piping or slightly softer for spreading.

Step 7: Frost and Decorate

Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cake. For an extra special touch, swirl caramel from caramelized apples into the frosting and dot with extra apple pieces if you have them. This step adds gooey sweetness and boosts that cozy apple-cinnamon vibe.

How to Serve Vegan Applesauce Cake with Buttercream Frosting Recipe

Two glass bowls with light brown cake batter are on a white marbled surface. The bowl on the left shows the batter being mixed with a metal whisk by a woman's hand, with some dry flour still visible on top, creating a lumpy texture. The bowl on the right shows the batter fully mixed and smooth, with a white spatula partially visible stirring the batter. Around the bowls, there are bright red apples and small white cups on a wooden board, adding color contrast. The scene feels warm and homey. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Simple garnishes can elevate the cake’s presentation and flavor. Fresh apple slices tossed lightly in cinnamon sugar, a sprinkle of chopped toasted walnuts or pecans, or a drizzle of homemade caramel sauce all pair beautifully with the cake’s warm spices and creamy frosting.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs wonderfully with a scoop of dairy-free vanilla ice cream or a dollop of coconut whipped cream to add a cool contrast to the warm spices. For a beverage sidekick, consider a spiced chai latte or a crisp apple cider to keep the autumn spirit alive.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut the cake into small squares for a delightful party platter or layer it between sheets of parchment for an adorable gift in a box. You can also turn the cake into mini cupcakes using the same batter and frosted with buttercream, perfect for individual treats at celebrations.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day or refrigerate for up to 3 days. The frosting will keep the cake moist, and chilling actually helps the flavors meld even more deeply.

Freezing

This cake freezes beautifully. Wrap individual slices or the whole cake tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 1 month. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best texture.

Reheating

If you like to enjoy your cake warm, reheat slices in the microwave for about 20 seconds. This creates an incredibly cozy experience, as the spices and frosting soften, inviting you to savor every bite.

FAQs

Can I substitute the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free option?

Yes! You can use a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup like all-purpose flour. Just be sure it contains xanthan gum or another binding agent to help maintain texture.

What can I use instead of vegan butter in the frosting?

If you prefer, you can use coconut oil solidified but chilled, or try a vegan cream cheese frosting as a delightful alternative, which pairs nicely with the applesauce base.

Is it necessary to use oil or can I use applesauce only?

The oil adds richness and moistness that applesauce alone can’t fully provide. Omitting the oil may result in a drier cake, so it’s best to include it for that indulgently soft texture.

Can I make this cake nut-free?

Absolutely! This recipe doesn’t inherently include nuts, but avoid garnishing with nuts if there are allergy concerns and use a safe dairy-free milk option.

How long does this cake stay fresh once frosted?

Once frosted, keep the cake covered and refrigerated for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and prevent the vegan buttercream from spoiling.

Final Thoughts

This Vegan Applesauce Cake with Buttercream Frosting Recipe is a shining example of how plant-based ingredients can come together to create something incredibly comforting, flavorful, and delightful. Whether for a simple family dessert or a festive occasion, this cake brings warmth, sweetness, and a little touch of magic to the table. I really encourage you to give it a try and watch how it becomes a beloved staple in your baking repertoire.