Are you on the lookout for a delicious dessert that’s both vegan and indulgent? Look no further than a vegan caramel apple cake. Featuring layers of moist cake, tart apples, and rich caramel sauce, this dish is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. Plus, it’s a great way to use up any apples that might be nearing the end of their shelf life.
The ingredients you will need to make a vegan caramel apple cake:
Here are the ingredients you will need to make a vegan caramel apple cake:
- 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1 cup of granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce
- 1 teaspoon of baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 cup of vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup of non-dairy milk (such as soy or almond milk)
- 2 medium-sized apples (peeled, cored, and thinly sliced)
- 1/2 cup of vegan butter
- 1 cup of brown sugar
- 1/4 cup of non-dairy whipping cream
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
This vegan caramel apple cake is perfect for fall gatherings and is sure to impress your guests. The combination of sweet caramel and tart apples is a match made in heaven. To make this cake, start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Then, mix together the dry ingredients in a large bowl and set aside. In a separate bowl, mix together the wet ingredients and then gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Fold in the sliced apples and pour the batter into a greased cake pan. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. While the cake is baking, prepare the caramel sauce by melting the vegan butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the brown sugar, non-dairy whipping cream, and salt and stir until the sugar has dissolved. Let the mixture simmer for 5-7 minutes or until it thickens. Once the cake has cooled, drizzle the caramel sauce over the top and serve.
Vegan substitutes for traditional cake ingredients:
One of the biggest challenges in making a vegan cake is substituting traditional baking ingredients like butter and eggs. Fortunately, there are many plant-based substitutes that work just as well. In this recipe, we use unsweetened applesauce instead of eggs, and vegan butter instead of dairy butter. You can also use non-dairy milk in place of regular milk. These substitutions will give you a delicious, moist cake that’s entirely vegan.
Another great substitute for eggs in vegan baking is aquafaba, which is the liquid from a can of chickpeas. It can be whipped into a fluffy foam and used in place of egg whites in recipes like meringues and macarons. Additionally, mashed bananas or pureed silken tofu can be used in place of eggs in some recipes, adding moisture and binding properties to the batter.
When it comes to replacing dairy in baking, there are many options as well. Coconut cream can be used in place of heavy cream, while coconut or almond milk can be used in place of regular milk. Vegan cream cheese and sour cream can also be found in many grocery stores, and can be used in recipes like cheesecake and frosting.
Baking tips for a delicious vegan cake:
To get the perfect cake every time, follow these baking tips:
- Measure your ingredients carefully to ensure the right proportions.
- Mix your batter until it’s totally smooth to avoid any lumps.
- Bake at the correct temperature and for the recommended time.
- Allow your cake to cool before slicing or decorating it.
Preparing the apples for the cake: Tips and tricks
To prepare your apples for the cake, you’ll need to peel, core, and thinly slice them. We recommend using firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp, but you can use any type of apple you have on hand. To slice your apples, we suggest using a mandoline or a sharp knife to get thin, even slices. If you don’t have a mandoline, you can use a vegetable peeler to get thin slices as well.
Once you have sliced your apples, it’s important to prevent them from browning. You can do this by placing them in a bowl of cold water with a squeeze of lemon juice. This will keep them fresh and prevent them from turning brown while you prepare the rest of the cake ingredients.
Another tip for preparing your apples is to add some cinnamon and sugar to them before layering them in the cake. This will add a delicious flavor and aroma to your cake, and make it even more irresistible. Simply mix together some cinnamon and sugar in a small bowl, and sprinkle it over the sliced apples before layering them in the cake.
Making the perfect vegan caramel sauce from scratch:
Now it’s time to make the star of the show: the vegan caramel sauce. While regular caramel sauce typically calls for butter and cream, this vegan version uses vegan butter and non-dairy whipping cream. Here’s how to make it:
- In a small saucepan, melt vegan butter over medium heat.
- Add brown sugar, non-dairy whipping cream, and salt, and stir until well combined.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for about 8-10 minutes, until it thickens and turns a deep golden brown color.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the sauce cool for a few minutes before assembling your cake.
One tip to keep in mind when making vegan caramel sauce is to be patient. It can take a bit longer to thicken and reach the desired color compared to regular caramel sauce. However, the end result is just as delicious and cruelty-free. You can also experiment with adding different flavors to your caramel sauce, such as vanilla extract or a pinch of cinnamon, to give it a unique twist. Enjoy!
Assembling the layers of your vegan caramel apple cake:
Now it’s time to put all the pieces together. Here’s how to assemble your vegan caramel apple cake:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and grease two 8-inch round cake pans.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, whisk together the applesauce, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and non-dairy milk.
- Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
- Divide the batter evenly between the two cake pans and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Arrange the apple slices in a single layer on top of the cake batter in each pan.
- Bake for approximately 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.
- Let the cakes cool for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, place one cake layer on a cake stand or plate. Spread a layer of caramel sauce over the apple slices, then place the second cake layer on top.
- Spread the remaining caramel sauce over the top of the cake, letting it drizzle down the sides.
For an extra touch of flavor, you can sprinkle some chopped pecans or walnuts on top of the caramel sauce. This will add a nice crunch and nutty flavor to the cake. Alternatively, you can also add a pinch of cinnamon to the cake batter for a warm and cozy flavor. Serve the cake with a dollop of vegan whipped cream or a scoop of dairy-free ice cream for a delicious dessert that everyone will love.
Decorating your vegan caramel apple cake with flair:
To make your vegan caramel apple cake extra special, you can decorate it with toppings like chopped nuts, whipped cream, or extra apple slices. Get creative and have fun with it!
Another great way to decorate your vegan caramel apple cake is by drizzling some vegan caramel sauce on top. You can make your own caramel sauce using coconut cream, coconut sugar, and vanilla extract. Simply heat the ingredients in a saucepan until they thicken and turn golden brown. Then, let the sauce cool for a few minutes before drizzling it over your cake.
If you want to add a touch of elegance to your cake, you can also decorate it with edible flowers. Some edible flowers that pair well with caramel and apple flavors include marigolds, pansies, and lavender. Just make sure to use flowers that are safe to eat and haven’t been treated with any chemicals or pesticides.
How to store and keep your vegan caramel apple cake fresh:
If you have any leftover cake (which is unlikely!), you can store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. You can also freeze the cake for up to three months if you’re planning ahead. Just be sure to let it thaw completely before serving.
It’s important to note that the texture of the cake may change slightly after being frozen and thawed. To help maintain its texture, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap before placing it in the freezer. Additionally, if you plan on adding any toppings or decorations to the cake, it’s best to do so after it has thawed to prevent any moisture from affecting the decorations.
Creative ways to serve and enjoy your vegan caramel apple cake:
There are so many ways to enjoy your vegan caramel apple cake. Here are a few ideas:
- Serve with a dollop of vegan whipped cream or ice cream.
- Pair with a hot cup of coffee or tea for the perfect afternoon treat.
- Bring it to your next potluck or dinner party and watch it disappear!
If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a drizzle of vegan caramel sauce on top of your cake for an extra burst of flavor. You can also sprinkle some chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, on top for a crunchy texture.
For a fun twist, cut your cake into small squares and use them as a base for mini vegan caramel apple cake trifle cups. Layer the cake with vegan whipped cream, diced apples, and more caramel sauce for a decadent dessert.
Frequently asked questions about making a vegan caramel apple cake:
Still have questions about making a vegan caramel apple cake? Here are some frequently asked questions:
Can I use gluten-free flour in this recipe?
Yes, you can use gluten-free flour in this recipe. Just be sure to use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend that’s suitable for baking.
What can I use instead of applesauce?
If you don’t have applesauce on hand, you can use mashed bananas or pureed pumpkin as a substitute.
Can I make the cake and caramel sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the cake and caramel sauce a day or two ahead of time. Just be sure to store them separately and assemble the cake right before serving.
Now that you’re armed with all the knowledge you need, it’s time to get baking! Your taste buds will thank you.
What are some tips for decorating the cake?
To decorate the cake, you can drizzle extra caramel sauce on top, sprinkle chopped nuts or cinnamon, or add a dollop of vegan whipped cream. You can also arrange thinly sliced apples on top of the cake for an extra pop of flavor and texture.
Can I make this cake without a stand mixer?
Yes, you can make this cake without a stand mixer. Simply use a hand mixer or whisk to mix the ingredients together until well combined. Just be sure to mix the batter thoroughly to ensure that the cake rises properly.
With these additional tips, you’ll be able to make a delicious and beautiful vegan caramel apple cake that everyone will love. Happy baking!