The Ultimate Vegan Apple Upside-Down Cake with Salted Caramel: A Moist & Spiced Delight

Embrace the bounty of apple season with this incredibly delicious and surprisingly simple Vegan Apple Cake recipe! This isn’t just any apple cake; it’s an easy-to-make vegan sensation that promises a wonderfully moist crumb, a symphony of warm spices, and a show-stopping topping of luscious vegan salted caramel with beautifully arranged sliced apples. Whether you’re a seasoned vegan baker or just looking for a delightful plant-based dessert, this caramel apple upside-down cake is guaranteed to impress.

This recipe was originally published on January 29, 2021. It was updated with new information and expanded content on November 3, 2023, to bring you the most comprehensive guide to making the perfect vegan apple cake.

This post is proudly sponsored by Nature’s Charm. All insights, culinary advice, and opinions shared are entirely my own, ensuring an authentic baking experience.

Essential Ingredients for Your Perfect Vegan Apple Cake

Crafting a truly exceptional vegan apple cake begins with understanding the role each ingredient plays. Here’s a deeper dive into what you’ll need and why these choices make all the difference for a moist, flavorful, and perfectly structured cake.

• Flour – You have flexibility here! You can opt for either a standard all-purpose flour for a classic texture or a gluten-free measure-for-measure flour blend if you prefer a gluten-free version. The key for gluten-free blends is to ensure it explicitly states it includes xanthan gum. Xanthan gum acts as a crucial binder in gluten-free baking, mimicking the elasticity and structure that gluten provides in traditional flour, preventing a crumbly texture.
• Salt – A small but mighty ingredient! Salt doesn’t just add a salty note; it’s essential for balancing out the sweetness from the sugars and caramel, making all the other flavors, especially the apple and cinnamon, pop. It truly enhances the overall taste profile of the cake.
• Baking Soda & Baking Powder – These are our dynamic duo for leavening. We use both baking soda and baking powder to achieve the perfect light and fluffy texture. Baking soda reacts with acidic ingredients (like apple cider vinegar and brown sugar) to produce carbon dioxide, giving the cake an initial lift. Baking powder, a double-acting agent, contributes additional rise both when mixed with liquid and when exposed to heat in the oven.
• Cinnamon – The quintessential spice for apples! Ground cinnamon infuses the cake with a warm, comforting aroma and flavor that perfectly complements the sweetness and slight tartness of the apples. For an even more complex spice profile, feel free to substitute it with a ready-made apple pie spice blend, which often includes nutmeg, ginger, and allspice.
• Olive Oil – While you might typically reach for vegetable oil, olive oil brings a wonderful depth of flavor to this cake. Its slightly fruity notes harmonize beautifully with the apples and spices. However, if you prefer a more neutral taste or don’t have olive oil on hand, avocado oil or grapeseed oil are excellent alternatives that won’t overpower the other flavors.
• Brown Sugar – More than just a sweetener, brown sugar is a secret weapon for moisture and flavor. Its molasses content not only adds a rich sweetness but also contributes to the cake’s moistness and gives it a delightful, subtle toffee-like note that pairs exceptionally well with the caramel.
• Granulated Sugar – Used in conjunction with brown sugar, granulated sugar provides a clean, straightforward sweetness that rounds out the flavor profile without adding extra moisture or molasses notes. It helps achieve the perfect balance.
• Non-Dairy Milk – To keep this cake fully vegan, plain unsweetened non-dairy milk is a must. My personal favorite is plain almond milk for its mild flavor that doesn’t compete with the other ingredients. However, plain soy milk or oat milk are equally fantastic options and work just as well, making this recipe adaptable to different dietary needs.
• Flax Egg – This ingenious vegan binder replaces traditional eggs, providing structure and moisture to the cake. To make a flax egg, simply combine ground flaxseeds with water and let it sit for a few minutes until it forms a gel-like consistency. It’s an essential component for holding your vegan cake together.
• Vanilla – A universal flavor enhancer, vanilla extract (or vanilla paste for a more intense flavor and visual specks) adds a layer of warmth and complexity to the cake, complementing the cinnamon and apples beautifully. Always opt for pure vanilla extract for the best flavor.
• Apple Cider Vinegar – This might seem like an unusual addition, but apple cider vinegar plays a crucial role! It reacts with the baking soda, creating an effervescent chemical reaction that produces carbon dioxide, leading to a lighter, more tender crumb and an extra lift in the cake. Don’t worry, you won’t taste the vinegar in the final product!
• Apples – The star of our show! The type of apple you choose significantly impacts the final result. For this upside-down cake, I highly recommend using an apple variety that holds its shape well during baking and offers a pleasant balance of sweetness and tartness. Excellent choices include Jonagold, Honeycrisp, or the classic Granny Smith for those who love a tangier contrast to the sweet caramel. Peel and slice them uniformly to ensure even cooking and a beautiful presentation.
• Vegan Salted Caramel – For ultimate convenience and a truly decadent flavor, I absolutely love using Nature’s Charm’s vegan salted caramel. It makes this recipe the easiest apple upside-down cake you’ll ever bake, saving you time without compromising on taste. If you’re feeling adventurous, you could certainly make your own vegan salted caramel from scratch, but a good quality store-bought version makes dessert a breeze!

How to Make This Irresistible Vegan Apple Cake

Follow these straightforward steps to create a show-stopping vegan apple upside-down cake:

• Step 1: Prepare the Caramel and Apples. In the bottom of a well-greased 8-inch (20 cm) round cake pan, spread half a jar of your chosen vegan caramel sauce. Ensure it’s evenly distributed across the entire base. Then, artfully lay your peeled and thinly sliced apple pieces on top of the caramel. You can arrange them in concentric circles for a beautiful presentation, or simply layer them, making sure the bottom of the pan is covered. This layer will become the stunning top of your cake! Set this aside while you prepare the cake batter.
• Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour (either all-purpose or your gluten-free blend), salt, baking soda, baking powder, and ground cinnamon. Whisking ensures all the leavening agents and spices are evenly distributed, which is crucial for a uniform rise and consistent flavor throughout the cake.
• Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients. In a separate bowl, combine the olive oil, brown sugar, granulated sugar, non-dairy milk, your prepared flax egg, pure vanilla extract, and apple cider vinegar. Whisk these wet ingredients together thoroughly until the sugars are mostly dissolved and the mixture is well combined.
• Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry. Gently add the dry ingredients mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix. Overmixing develops gluten (even in gluten-free flours to some extent, leading to gumminess), which can result in a dense, tough cake. If you are using gluten-free flour, this is a crucial step: let the batter rest for approximately 20-30 minutes. This allows the gluten-free flour to properly hydrate, preventing a gritty texture in your final cake.
• Step 5: Preheat Oven. While your cake batter is resting (if using gluten-free flour), or immediately after mixing (for all-purpose flour), preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). This ensures the oven is at the correct temperature for even baking as soon as your cake is ready.
• Step 6: Bake and Cool. Carefully pour the prepared cake batter over the apple slices and caramel in the cake pan. Use a spatula to gently even out the top of the batter. Place the cake pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 40-45 minutes, or until a wooden toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it rest in the pan for at least 10-15 minutes. This resting period allows the cake to set and prevents it from falling apart when inverted. After resting, carefully invert the cake onto a serving plate or platter. For the best texture and to allow the caramel to fully set, let the cake cool completely before slicing and serving.

Pro Tips for Making the Best Vegan Apple Cake

Achieving a bakery-worthy vegan apple cake is easier than you think with these helpful tips:

• Don’t overmix your batter. This is perhaps the most common mistake in baking. Once you add the dry ingredients to the wet, mix only until no streaks of dry flour remain. Overmixing develops gluten in regular flour (or over-activates binders in GF flour), leading to a tough, dense, and chewy cake rather than a tender, moist one. Gentle mixing is key!
• Let the cake batter rest if using gluten-free flour. As mentioned earlier, gluten-free flours require more time to absorb liquid compared to traditional wheat flour. Skipping this resting period can result in a gritty or dry texture. Allowing the batter to rest for 20-30 minutes gives the starches and binders in the gluten-free blend ample time to hydrate, ensuring a smooth, moist, and pleasant crumb.
• Cool the cake completely before slicing. We know how tempting it is to dig into a warm cake, especially when your kitchen smells incredible! However, patience is a virtue here. Allowing the cake to cool completely helps the internal structure set properly, ensuring it’s moist and doesn’t dry out prematurely. It also makes for cleaner, more intact slices, preventing crumbling.
• Choose the right apples. Your apple choice can make or break an apple cake. Look for firm, crisp apples that won’t turn to mush when baked. Varieties like Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, Jonagold, or Braeburn are excellent. A mix of sweet and tart apples can also add complexity.
• Prepare your pan properly. Even with an upside-down cake, a well-prepared pan is crucial. Lightly grease your cake pan before spreading the caramel. This ensures that when you invert the cake, it releases smoothly and beautifully without sticking. You might even line the bottom with parchment paper (on top of the caramel) if you’re extra cautious, though typically the caramel provides enough lubrication.
• Uniform apple slices. Strive for apple slices that are roughly ¼ inch thick and consistent in size. This ensures they cook evenly and present beautifully on the top of the inverted cake, providing a consistent texture in every bite.

Storage Directions for Freshness

To enjoy your delicious vegan apple cake for longer, follow these storage guidelines:

Storage: Store any leftover slices in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Refrigeration helps maintain moisture and extends freshness. For gluten-free versions, it’s best to consume them within 3 days as they tend to dry out a bit faster.

Freezing: This cake freezes wonderfully! To freeze, wrap each individual slice tightly with a couple of layers of plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or an airtight container. Frozen slices can be kept for up to 2 months. Thaw them at room temperature or gently warm them in the microwave for a quick treat.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Got questions? We’ve got answers to help you perfect your vegan apple cake!

• Can I use homemade vegan caramel? Absolutely! While a good quality store-bought vegan caramel (like Nature’s Charm) makes this recipe super easy, feel free to use your favorite homemade vegan salted caramel recipe. Just ensure it’s thick enough to coat the bottom of the pan without running off the apples.
• What if I don’t have apple cider vinegar? Lemon juice can be used as a substitute for apple cider vinegar. It provides the necessary acidity to react with the baking soda and help the cake rise. Use the same quantity.
• Can I make this cake nut-free? Yes! If you are concerned about nuts, ensure your non-dairy milk is nut-free (e.g., oat milk or soy milk) and check the ingredients of your vegan salted caramel. Nature’s Charm offers a variety of plant-based products, so always check their specific product labels for allergen information.
• Can I use a different size cake pan? This recipe is designed for an 8-inch (20 cm) round cake pan. If you use a different size, you may need to adjust the baking time. A smaller pan might require more time, and a larger pan less. Always use the toothpick test to ensure doneness. For best results, stick to the recommended pan size.
• How do I know when the cake is done? The best way to check for doneness is to insert a wooden toothpick or a thin skewer into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean, with no wet batter attached, your cake is ready. The cake should also be golden brown and spring back slightly when gently pressed.
• Can I add nuts to the cake? Certainly! For an added crunch and flavor, you can sprinkle about ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans over the caramel and apples before pouring the batter. This would add another delicious layer of texture.

More Delicious Vegan Desserts to Try

If you’ve fallen in love with this vegan apple cake, you’re in for a treat! Explore more plant-based delights from our collection:

• My vegan banana cupcakes are super moist and flavorful, you’d never guess they’re vegan!
• If chocolate is your passion, try my rich and indulgent vegan chocolate banana cupcakes instead.
• This chocolate haupia pie is a fantastic option that’s vegan, gluten-free, and no-bake! It features a delightful combination of a rich chocolate filling layered over a creamy coconut filling.
• Looking for delicious vegan cookies? These chocolate chip chickpea cookies and gluten-free thumbprint cookies are a couple of my absolute favorites – perfect for a quick snack or dessert!

And if you’re also exploring non-vegan options for upside-down cakes, don’t miss my delightful banana coconut upside-down cake, the unique kumquat cake, or the ever-popular gluten-free pineapple upside-down cake. You’d also love this comforting apple honey ricotta cake and this rustic gluten-free apple cobbler!

Thanks so much for stopping by and taking the time to explore this recipe! I truly hope you loved making and devouring this delicious Vegan Apple Cake as much as I did. For even more mouth-watering dairy-free, gluten-free, and/or vegan dessert inspiration and culinary adventures, make sure to follow me on Pinterest, Facebook, and Instagram. You can also get all of my newest content and exclusive tips delivered straight to your inbox by signing up for my email newsletter — I promise not to spam you, only to share deliciousness!