This Vegan Apple Cinnamon Bundt Cake post is sponsored by Country Crockยฎ Plant Butter. All opinions and recipes are my own.
When I think of bundt cake, I inevitably think of the 90s classic movie My Big Fat Greek Wedding. At the time, I knew what a bundt cake was, but I kind of thought, Mama Portokalos is right! This is just a cake with a hole in the middle. Give me back the hole!
But then I made a bundt cake and I was like hey, the WASP parents from the movie weren’t wrongโฆbundt cake can be really dang delicious! After all, itโs basically one huge donut in cake form.
This Vegan Apple Cinnamon Bundt Cake is my contribution to #teambundt, and itโs honestly better than it sounds. The texture is shockingly tender and moist, and itโs packed with a warming spiced brown sugar-walnut crumble that just screams #fallbaking!
Why youโre going to love this cake
Amazing texture. This bundt cake is shockingly tender and moist. I say shockingly because, if youโre like me, youโve tasted your fair share of dry, dense vegan cakes over the years. I served it to several non-vegans who said โthis cake is melting in my mouthโ and โthis is the moistest cake iโve ever tasted.โ I know the word โmoistestโ rubs some people the wrong way, but facts are facts.
Cozy and Warming. September is here, and while it still might fell like summer in certain parts of the country, the food world is certainly ready for all things cozy and warming. This recipe features copious amounts of cinnamon (Iโm talking 4 teaspoons), along with cloves and freshly grated nutmeg. They get mixed with brown sugar and finely chopped walnuts, and the whole mixture gets folded into the cake, so some pieces feature a slight nutty bite.
Easy to make. While this recipe might sound complicated or challenging, itโs actually very easy to prepare and doesnโt require you to mix the dry and liquid ingredients separately or to do any creaming. Plus, there are step-by-step photos :)
Looking for another easy crowd-pleasing apple dessert? Check out my Vegan Apple Crisp recipe!
Ingredient Rundown
Vegan Butter. If youโve done your fair share of baking, you know that, traditionally, cakes baked with oil make for a lighter, more even crumb, whereas cakes baked with butter have more flavor and richness but also some heaviness.
But, since I use Country Crock Plant Butterโitโs dairy-free butter and made with either olive oil, almond oil, or avocado oilโit doesnโt bring the same heaviness that traditional butter sometimes does. But, it does work just like dairy-based butter. It softens, creams, and melts the same, and bakes up beautifully! (PS: it also browns the same, in case youโre looking for a browned butter vegan dessert!).
The combination of Country Crock Plant Butter with oil makes for a cake that is light and tender, yet rich and and packed with buttery flavor. Itโs the kind of texture that makes this cake taste indulgent but also enables you to eat a fat slice and not feel weighed down.
Oil. As I just mentioned, I use a mix of vegan butter and oil in this recipe. I used used sunflower oil, but any neutral-ish flavored oil should work.
Organic Cane Sugar and Organic Brown Sugar. I use cane sugar in the wet ingredients, but I also use brown sugar in the brown sugar-walnut mixture for that slight molasses flavor, which is great in an fall-flavored cake. I always buy organic cane and brown sugars instead of the standard white and brown sugars because it guarantees that no animal bone char was used in processing the sugar (yes, some commercial white sugars are processed with animal bones, and some commercial brown sugars are made with white sugar!).
Applesauce. This is an apple cake, so obviously we need some apple flavor! Be sure to use unsweetened applesauce, or the cake will be too sweet. The applesauce, along with the plant milk, act as the egg substitute in this recipe, so there are no other more commonly used egg substitutes like flax eggs or aquafaba.
Apple Juice. Another source of sweetness in this cake is apple juice! I donโt think Iโd ever baked with apple juice until now, but letโs just say, I was NOT disappointed. I donโt keep apple juice on hand, so I just bought one of those tiny bottles from Martinelli. It is, hands down, the best apple juice!
Oat Milk. I love using oat milk in baked goods because I find it helps brown cakes the best, but you can use most plant-based milks here, such as cashew milk, carton coconut milk, soy milk, or almond milk.
Walnuts. Finely chopped walnuts get mixed with brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves and then folded into the dry ingredients. It adds a subtle background nuttiness, and apples + walnuts + cinnamon are a classic combo.
Warming Spices. A generous amount of warming spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves) make this cake warm and fuzzy and perfect for fall.
If you can, use freshly grated nutmeg – it makes a difference and brings the most delightful sweet yet spicy aroma! Plus, whole nutmeg has a great shelf life of 3-4 years, so it wonโt go bad any time soon!
All-Purpose Flour. While cake flour is often the choice for the lightest and fluffiest cakes, the combination of ingredients here is so magical that you donโt need cake flour to achieve that light, tender texture. I havenโt tried making this cake gluten-free, but as I usually say, if you are not allergic to gluten, use the gluten-containing flour. This is supposed to be a treat, and you will get much better results if you use all-purpose flour than if you use a gluten-free flour substitute.
What kind of cake pan can I use to make this recipe?
A 10-cup bundt cake pan is ideal for this recipe. I have this 9.5 inch bundt pan that holds 10 cups.
If you have a slightly larger bundt pan that holds 12 cups (usually 10-inch bundt pan), thatโs also fine. The batter won’t fill the pan up as much and your cake will be slightly shorter/less thick, but should still yield good results. To be safe, you can start checking the cake 5 to 10 minutes earlier than the cook time states.
If you have a slightly smaller bundt pan (e.g., a 9×3-inch bundt pan that typically holds 9 cups), you should also be able to make this cake, but be sure to not overfill your pan. The batter should be at least 1 1/4 inches below the rim of the pan.
And if you donโt have a bundt pan, you can still make this cake in a different pan that has 10-cup capacity. Some other options include:
- a 9×2-inch square pan (10-cup capacity)
- an 11x7x2-inch rectangular pan (10-cup capacity)
- a 9×2.5-inch springform pan (10-cup capacity)
- a 10×2-inch round pan (11-cup capacity)
How to Make this Vegan Apple Cinnamon Bundt Cake
Start with the preparations. Preheat your oven to 350ยฐF/175ยฐC and generously grease your bundt cake pan with oil or cooking spray. This will make it easy to invert the cake after baking and ensure it doesnโt stick to the pan.
Make the spiced brown sugar-walnut mix. Finely chop your walnuts, then mix with brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
Mix the dry ingredients. Mix together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. I often advise to sift the dry ingredients because (1) it helps make the end result softer and fluffier and (2) it ensures even distribution of the leavening agents across the batter. That said, I forgot to sift the dry ingredients this time and the cake came out perfectly soft and fluffy, so I guess I am a hypocrite.
Then add the spiced brown sugar-walnut mix into the dry ingredients and combine well.
Add in the wet ingredients. Next, make a well in the dry ingredients and pour in all of the wet ingredients. The great thing about this cake is that it doesnโt require you to mix the liquid ingredients separately or do any creaming or blending. Mix on low speed using an electric mixer until the ingredients are just combined.
Bake the cake! Pour the cake batter into the prepared bundt pan, then bake in the preheated oven for 60-65 minutes. Itโs okay if the top is cracked – the icing can cover that up, but also it doesnโt affect the taste!
Allow the cake to rest in the bundt pan on a cooling rack for 15-20 minutes. Then, run a paring knife around the edges to loosen it up, and then carefully invert the cake onto the cooling rack. Once the cake is slightly cooled, you can drizzle the orange Icing on top.
Tips for making this Vegan Apple Cinnamon Bundt Cake
Get an oven thermometer and allow adequate time to preheat! Every oven is different, and if yours hasnโt been calibrated, chances are itโs a bit off. My last apartment oven in NYC was 50-75 degrees cooler than it stated! Plus, preheating an oven takes a lot longer than you think. Most home ovens donโt reach the stated temperature when the preheat cycle is over.
Generously grease the bundt cake pan. Given its irregular shape, generously greasing the pan (including all of the crevices) is important to ensure you can smoothly and easily invert the cake out of the pan. After greasing the pan with oil or (vegan butter or cooking spray), sprinkle a little flour in the pan; then tilt the pan to distribute the flour evenly. Flip the pan over and tap out any excess flour.
Donโt overmix! Once the wet and dry ingredients are incorporated, stop mixing. Overmixing is one of the most common baking mistakes, and it can result in cakes that are dry, tough, or dense. This cake is light and tender, so letโs keep it that way!
Check the cake just a few minutes ahead of the indicated bake time. My cake took exactly 60 minutes, but every oven is different so I recommend checking around the 55 minute mark. But, donโt open the oven during the first 3/4 of baking! Opening the oven (even for a second) allows heat to escape and dramatically changes the temperature of the oven, and can result in sunken cakes.
Let the cake rest in the pan but not for too long. Rest the cake in the bundt pan for 15-20 minutes to help firm it up enough so that it doesnโt crumble when you invert it. But donโt leave the cake in the pan for too long, as it can cause the cake to stick to the pan even more. I run a paring knife around the edges of the cake, then tap the pan a few times, and gently shake it to help loosen it up. Then place your cooling rack or large plate on top of the cake and carefully invert the cake.
Substitutes for this Vegan Apple Cinnamon Bundt Cake
No walnuts? Pecans would be an excellent substitute. Allergic to walnuts? You can try finely chopped pumpkin seeds.
You can substitute the brown sugar with coconut sugar, if you prefer.
If you donโt have cloves, you can add more nutmeg and half teaspoon of allspice.
I used sunflower oil, but any neutral-flavored oil or even extra virgin olive oil would work. If using melted coconut oil, be sure to bring your plant-based milk to room temperature, as cold milk will help solidify the oil back into its natural state.
I used oat milk, but most plant-based milks would work, including cashew milk, soy milk, almond milk, or carton coconut milk.
If you give this Vegan Apple Cinnamon Bundt Cake recipe a try, be sure to tag me on Instagram with your recreations and please comment with your feedback below!
Big Vegan Flavor
Techniques and 150 recipes to master vegan cooking.
Vegan Apple Cinnamon Bundt Cake
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup (55-60g) loosely packed organic brown sugar
- 1/2 cup (75-80g) finely chopped walnuts
- 4 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves
- Heaping 1/2 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg*
- 3 1/2 cups (420g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/4 cups (300 mL) plant-based milk of choice (I used full-fat oat milk)
- 1 stick (112g) Country Crock Plant Butter, melted
- 1/2 cup (120 mL) neutral-flavored oil (I used sunflower oil)
- 1 1/4 cups (250g) organic cane sugar
- 3/4 cup (180 mL) no-sugar added apple juice
- 3/4 cup (180g) unsweetened applesauce
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
Orange Icing
- Note: This cake isnโt too sweet on its own so the icing is a delicious addition, but if you are watching your sugar intake, feel free to omit.
- 1 1/4 cups (150g) organic powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons plant-based milk of choice
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice (can sub lemon juice for a slightly tart icing)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350ยฐF/175ยฐC. Grease a 10-cup bundt cake pan** with oil (or vegan butter or cooking spray) including in the crevices, then sprinkle a little flour in the pan. Tilt the pan to distribute the flour evenly, then flip the pan over and tap out any excess flour.
- In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, walnuts, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. Mix well.
- In a large bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Add in the spiced brown sugar-walnut mixture and stir together to mix well.
- Make a well in the center of the flour mixture and then add the plant-based milk, melted vegan butter, oil, cane sugar, apple juice, applesauce, and vanilla.
- Using an electric mixer on slow speed, combine the dry and wet ingredients until you have a smooth, thick batter, but stop mixing as soon as the batter comes together – do not overmix. Overmixing can cause the batter to become tough.
- Pour the cake batter into the greased bundt pan and smooth the surface with a spatula. If any bubbles have developed in the batter, tap the pan gently on the counter.
- Bake the cake in the preheated oven for 60-65 minutes, or until the cake is firm and springs back when touched. Mine took exactly 60 minutes, but all ovens are different.
- Transfer the cake to a cooling rack for 15-20 minutes. Then, run a paring knife around the edges to loosen it up, tap the cake and shake it gently to help loosen it, and then carefully invert the cake onto the cooling rack.
- To make the Orange Icing: Pour the powdered sugar into a medium bowl. Gradually add the almond milk and orange juice and beat with a whisk until you achieve your desired consistency. Add more liquid for a thinner glaze. Drizzle icing on top of bundt cake. Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days, or in the fridge for 4-5 days.
Notes
Ok awesome! Thank you so much, I’ll try first and see how they turn out. :)
Could these be made as mini bundt cakes for a shower?
Hi Sydney, mini bundt cakes would be so cute! We havenโt tried ourselves so we arenโt sure they would work, a trial is recommended prior to making them for a shower! The original recipe bakes the bundt cake for 60 minutes. If youโd like to try mini versions, Iโd bake them for 25-30 minutes, and then do the toothpick test. If they arenโt done yet, bake for another 5 minutes, and try again. Please let us know how they turn out, best of luck!
I just bought a Bundt pan and decided to make this cake. It came out so nice that my oldest daughter called me a mini Martha. I told her I would rather be a senior Nisha. My family said it was so good that I need to make it again so I will. Thanks so much for your hard work.
Lol! So great to hear the whole family is a fan of the recipe! Thanks for sharing that with us, Nelly :)
Amazing! Iโve now made this cake 5 or 6 times and itโs consistently excellent. I tend to keep the glaze on the side for people who want the additional sweetness and I add 2 diced Granny Smith apples to the batter. It quickly became a family favorite. Easy, moist, delicious and stunning presentation. Thanks, Nisha! I use your recipes all the timeโฆ.including your instant pot cookbook!
Wow, sounds like it’s a real favorite, Linda! Thanks for continuously relying on this recipe :) We are thrilled you and the family enjoy the cake, thank you for sharing that with us :)
Is it possible to cook this in an Instapot? I only have an Instapot bundt cake tin.
Hi Prathibha, we haven’t made it in the IP so we can’t say if it works ourselves.
That bundt cake tin may be safe for oven use? If so, you can just use the regular recipe with this tin.
BUT, before using your Instant Pot bundt cake pan in the oven, it’s important to confirm that it’s oven-safe by checking the manufacturer’s instructions or contacting the manufacturer directly. If you don’t have access to the instructions, you can try looking up the product online or reaching out to the company’s customer service team for more information.
Hope that helped!
Delicious!!
I made it in two loaf pans and had enough batter left over for 4 muffins as well (had to use what I had) and it turned out amazing! I plan to make this next holiday season for sure.
Awesome! Thanks for sharing, Lauren!
Best dessert ever! Truly enjoyed every bite!
Hi Mia, weโre thrilled to hear you enjoyed this recipe! Next time, would you mind leaving a rating alongside your review? Star ratings are big help to readers who are thinking of making the recipe. Thanks!
Perfection! Love that itโs not too sweet. Recipe will definitely be on repeat.
Thanks for the lovely feedback, Barbara!
This was delicious. It was the right spice level — really lovely and kind of adult (despite that I make a lot of decadent kid-friendly desserts).
Awesome, Deepa. Thanks for your comment and for taking the time to review!
Sometimes with a good spicy cake, like my carrot cake, if I make it a couple, maybe even three days ahead of time the flavors seem to get richer. I am wondering if I could make this cake two or three days before I want to serve it. Will it still taste fresh and delicious? I have made it before, but I made it the morning of the evening. I was going to serve it. Delicious!!
Hi Frankie, yes this cake can be made a couple of days ahead. Just place into an airtight tupperware container and store in the fridge. Enjoy!
Yay! Thank you so much!!
Yep- enjoy!
My family chose this recipe for Thanksgiving over all the vegan sweets we’ve made over the years. So Good!!!
Amazing, Adrienne! We’re thrilled to hear it :)
Lovely cake; very nice texture and flavour. I had no problems except the glaze was so runny most of it ran off the cake.
Glad you enjoyed it, Debi-jo! Sorry to hear the consistency of the frosting wasn’t exactly what you were expecting.
itโs really really delicious
i couldnโt wait until i have a bundt form so he is a little flat
but this doesnโt harm the taste
for my taste buds and sugar intake i reduced the sugar in the batter
and i donโt miss any icing
itโs great and now i have to fight not to eat it all up in a hurry
thanks for the recipe
lg birgit
Would it work to bake this in a 9 x 13 pan? I don’t have a bundt pan. Looks delicious, I’ll be making it this weekend for Canadian Thanksgiving.
Hi Karen,
Thanks for reaching out. This recipe is delicious, and I know it’s a great for a Thanksgiving dish! The recipe calls for a 10 cup capacity bundt pan. A 9×13 pan holds 14-15 cups, I think the cake may not reach the height needed. Nisha included alternatives in her recipe too, I’ll attach them here. Enjoy!
a 9ร2-inch square pan (10-cup capacity)
an 11x7x2-inch rectangular pan (10-cup capacity)
a 9ร2.5-inch springform pan (10-cup capacity)
a 10ร2-inch round pan (11-cup capacity)
You have done it again! I made this recipe for dessert tonight, and it was amazing! Nisha, I love all your recipes, and I love how you infuse so much flavor into everything you create. Thank you for sharing this wonderful talent with the world!
Aww, Kristine, you’re too kind! We’re so glad you enjoyed the bundt cake!
We got some apples from nearby trees and decided to try this recipe out as it landed in my inbox this week! It turned out sooooooo good!!! Seriously soft and chock full of yummy spices โค๏ธ
Oh I bet this would be amazing with fresh local apples! Thanks for the kind words, Yashodha!
I want to make this for book club but wondered the same about adding apple pieces. Also could apple juice be used in the icing instead of orange to intensify the appleness?
Sensational! Iโm not a cake personal at all and I absolutely loved this. So soft, moist, light, not too sweet and perfectly spiced. This will be my go to this autumn! I even shared some with my non vegan friends and family and they all loved it! Thanks for the recipe
Thanks for the lovely feedback, Ruby! You’re welcome for the recipe!
Sounds like a wonderful addition for Rosh Hashanah- thank you. Do you think I could add some chopped apple as well?
Light, fluffy, great flavor! My first successful vegan cake. Had nearly given up as other’s had been heavy and dense. So rewarding. Shared with neighbors who also loved it. I had to substitute half the flour for whole wheat pastry flour because I ran out of white all purpose. Was great, will make for company because my husband I pigged out!
Thanks for sharing, Robin! We’re thrilled everyone enjoyed the cake!