Are you looking for a delicious and healthy dessert option that is both vegan and bursting with flavor? Look no further than our vegan caramel apple cake recipe. This delectable treat is jam-packed with the goodness of juicy apples and sweet caramel, all while being free of animal products and healthier than traditional cakes. In this article, we will guide you through every step of the process, so you can create your very own perfect vegan caramel apple cake.

The ingredients you’ll need to make vegan caramel apple cake

Before we begin, let’s take a look at the ingredients you’ll need for this recipe. For the cake batter, you’ll need:

• 1 and 1/2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup organic cane sugar
• 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1/4 cup coconut oil (melted)
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 2 cups chopped apples (peeled and sliced)

For the homemade vegan caramel sauce, you’ll need:

• 1/2 cup organic cane sugar
• 1/4 cup coconut cream
• 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

You’ll also need a 9×9 inch baking pan, parchment paper, and cooking spray.

Now that we have all the ingredients ready, let’s talk about the steps to make this delicious cake. First, preheat your oven to 350°F. Then, in a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Add the applesauce, melted coconut oil, and chopped apples to the bowl and mix well.

Next, pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. While the cake is baking, let’s make the vegan caramel sauce. In a small saucepan, heat the sugar over medium heat until it melts and turns golden brown. Add the coconut cream, sea salt, and vanilla extract to the pan and whisk until the sauce is smooth and creamy.

Once the cake is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Drizzle the vegan caramel sauce over the cake and serve warm. This vegan caramel apple cake is perfect for fall and will surely impress your friends and family!

Step-by-step instructions for preparing the vegan caramel apple cake batter

First, preheat your oven to 350°F/175°C and grease the 9×9 inch baking pan with cooking spray. Line the bottom of the pan with parchment paper for easy removal of the cake from the pan.

In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking soda, sea salt, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg. Mix well using a whisk.

Next, add the organic applesauce, melted coconut oil, and chopped apples. Stir until all the ingredients are well combined and you have a smooth batter. Pour the batter into the prepared pan.

How to make homemade vegan caramel sauce for the cake

Now, let’s move on to making the vegan caramel sauce. In a saucepan, heat the organic cane sugar over medium heat. Stir continuously until the sugar melts and turns a golden brown color.

As soon as the sugar has melted, remove the saucepan from the heat. Gradually add the coconut cream, stirring constantly. Be careful, as the mixture will bubble and splatter as you add the cream.

Return the saucepan to the heat and add the sea salt and vanilla extract. Allow the mixture to simmer for a few minutes until the sauce is golden and thick. Remove from the heat and allow it to cool slightly.

Once the caramel sauce has cooled slightly, you can drizzle it over your favorite vegan cake or dessert. This homemade vegan caramel sauce is not only delicious but also healthier than store-bought caramel sauce, as it contains no artificial ingredients or preservatives. You can store any leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Tips for selecting the right apples for your cake recipe

Picking the right type of apples is important for this cake. While any variety of apple will work, we recommend using a firm apple variety like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn. These apples will hold their shape and provide a nice texture to the cake.

Another important factor to consider when selecting apples for your cake recipe is the level of sweetness. If you prefer a sweeter cake, you may want to choose a variety like Fuji or Gala. However, if you prefer a more tart flavor, Granny Smith apples are a great choice.

It’s also important to note that the size of the apples can affect the baking time and texture of the cake. If you use larger apples, you may need to adjust the baking time to ensure that the cake is fully cooked. Additionally, smaller apples may result in a more tender texture.

Suggestions for vegan substitutions to traditional cake ingredients

If you’re looking to make this recipe even healthier, there are some vegan substitutions you can make to the traditional cake ingredients. You can use coconut sugar instead of organic cane sugar, and coconut cream instead of heavy whipping cream or milk. You can also swap out the all-purpose flour for oat flour or almond flour.

Another great vegan substitution for traditional cake ingredients is using applesauce instead of eggs. This not only makes the cake vegan-friendly, but also reduces the amount of cholesterol in the recipe. Additionally, you can use mashed bananas or chia seeds as an egg replacement.

For those who are looking to add some extra nutrition to their cake, you can add in some pureed vegetables such as sweet potato or pumpkin. These vegetables not only add moisture to the cake, but also provide additional vitamins and minerals. You can also add in some nuts or seeds for added protein and healthy fats.

How to assemble and bake the caramel apple cake to perfection

Once you have prepared the cake batter and caramel sauce, it’s time to assemble and bake the cake. Pour the caramel sauce over the top of the batter and spread it evenly across the surface. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

After removing the cake from the oven, let it cool for 10-15 minutes before serving. For an extra touch of sweetness, you can drizzle some additional caramel sauce over the top of the cake. This cake pairs perfectly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Enjoy!

Decorating options and ideas for your vegan caramel apple cake

Once the cake has cooled, it’s time to decorate! Drizzle some more caramel sauce over the top for an extra caramel-y flavor, or dust with powdered sugar for a classic look. You can also add some chopped nuts, fresh fruit, or coconut whipped cream for an extra special touch.

If you want to take your vegan caramel apple cake to the next level, consider adding a layer of apple compote between the cake layers. To make the compote, simply cook diced apples with a bit of sugar and cinnamon until they are soft and caramelized. Spread the compote over one of the cake layers before adding the second layer on top. This will add a burst of apple flavor and texture to your cake.

The best way to store and serve your finished vegan caramel apple cake

Store your finished cake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. To serve, you can enjoy it cold or warmed slightly in the microwave. It’s perfect for a midday snack or after-dinner treat.

For an extra special touch, try serving your vegan caramel apple cake with a dollop of coconut whipped cream and a drizzle of homemade caramel sauce. To make the caramel sauce, simply heat 1 cup of coconut sugar and 1/2 cup of coconut cream in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly until the sugar has dissolved and the mixture has thickened. Allow the sauce to cool slightly before drizzling over your cake.

Variations on the recipe – trying different flavors and additions with your vegan caramel apple cake

If you’re looking to change things up, there are plenty of variations to try. You can add some spices like ginger or cardamom for an extra kick, or swap out the apples for pears or peaches. You can also try adding some chocolate chips or chopped nuts for some extra crunch.

Another variation to consider is adding a layer of vegan cream cheese frosting between the layers of cake. This will add a tangy flavor that pairs well with the sweetness of the caramel and apples. You can also experiment with different types of vegan caramel, such as salted caramel or coconut caramel, to give your cake a unique twist. Don’t be afraid to get creative and try out different flavor combinations!

Frequently asked questions and troubleshooting tips when making a vegan caramel apple cake

Some frequently asked questions when making this vegan caramel apple cake include:

• Can I use a different type of flour?
• Can I use a different type of oil?
• How do I know when the cake is done?

If you’re experiencing issues with the recipe, some troubleshooting tips include:

• If the cake is too dry, add more applesauce or oil to the batter.
• If the cake is too wet, reduce the amount of apples or add more flour.
• If the caramel sauce is too thick, add a little more coconut cream.

For those who are new to vegan baking, it’s important to note that some ingredients may need to be substituted or adjusted to achieve the desired texture and flavor. For example, using a plant-based milk instead of dairy milk may affect the overall moisture of the cake.

Another tip for making this vegan caramel apple cake is to use fresh, crisp apples that are in season. This will ensure that the apples hold their shape and provide a nice crunch in each bite.

Why this vegan caramel apple cake is a healthier alternative to traditional cakes

This vegan caramel apple cake recipe is a healthier alternative to traditional cakes because it uses natural sweeteners like organic cane sugar, coconut oil, and applesauce instead of refined sugar and butter. It’s also vegan, which means it’s free of animal products and lower in cholesterol and saturated fat. Plus, the addition of apples adds fiber and nutrients to the cake, making it a healthier dessert option all around.

With these easy-to-follow steps, you’ll be able to create a delicious and healthy vegan caramel apple cake. Perfect for any occasion, this cake is sure to impress and satisfy your sweet tooth!

Another benefit of this vegan caramel apple cake is that it’s easy to customize to your dietary needs. For example, if you’re gluten-free, you can use gluten-free flour instead of regular flour. If you’re watching your sugar intake, you can reduce the amount of sweetener used or use a natural sugar substitute like stevia. You can also add your own twist to the recipe by incorporating different spices or toppings, such as cinnamon or chopped nuts.