Apple Almond Cake

posted by Chef Ani on Oct 6, 2021 (last updated Jan 15, 2025)

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This apple almond cake is the perfect balance of sweet and nutty, offering a moist, tender texture perfect for any occasion. Whether you want to impress guests or satisfy your sweet tooth, it’s a crowd favorite. It’s easy to make and full of fall flavors. Get ready to fall in love with this plant-based, vegan twist on a classic apple cake treat!

If you have leftover apples, try my Vegan Apple Tart, Mini Apple Hand Pies, and Apple Cinnamon Twisted Sweet Bread for more delicious ways to use them!

As many of you know, I really like to bake, and apple season is a very good excuse to make the most amazing apple desserts. Today I will show you one of my favorite apple treats: The Apple Almond Cake. This is a deliciously moist, flavorful, and delicate cake, perfect for the fall season. It is a crowd-pleaser and easy to make.

Apple Almond Cake is a popular dessert, especially during fall and winter when apples are in season. Its warm, comforting flavors make it ideal for cooler weather and seasonal gatherings like Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s. With its moist texture and fragrant aroma, it’s perfect for festive occasions or as an everyday treat.

With its plant-based ingredients, this almond apple cake has become increasingly popular in modern baking, particularly among those seeking dairy-free, egg-free options for holiday spreads. Its versatility and wholesome ingredients make it a crowd-pleaser year-round, perfect for those who love celebrating with a nourishing, delicious dessert.

Why You’ll Love This Apple Almond Cake

Quick and Easy: This apple cake comes together effortlessly with simple ingredients, perfect for busy bakers or last-minute dessert cravings.
Moist and Flavorful: Fresh apples in the batter keep this cake wonderfully moist and infuse it with natural sweetness and flavor.
Plant-Based & Vegan: A deliciously guilt-free treat that caters to all dietary preferences, making it the perfect choice for vegan bakers and non-vegans alike.
Customizable: To make it uniquely yours, add your favorite spices, such as cinnamon, all-spice, or ginger. Adjust to your taste for an extra layer of warmth.
Perfect for Fall: The warm blend of apples and almonds is ideal for cozy, cooler days, creating a comforting dessert for fall gatherings or seasonal celebrations.

What is Apple Almond Cake?

Apple Almond Cake is a deliciously moist and tender dessert that combines the natural sweetness of fresh apples with the rich, nutty flavor of ground almonds. Unlike traditional recipes that may contain eggs and dairy, this version is entirely plant-based and vegan. I’ve replaced eggs with a flax meal and used coconut oil to keep the cake moist and flavorful. This makes a treat for those with dietary restrictions and a delectable, indulgent option that everyone can enjoy without compromising taste or texture.

Ingredients & Substitutions

Apples: Fresh apples are the star of this cake, adding moisture and a touch of sweetness. For sweetness, you can use McIntosh, Honey crisp, and Gala apples or Granny Smith for a tart contrast. Peel the apples for a smoother texture, or leave the skin on for added fiber.
Coconut Oil: Use unrefined coconut oil for a light, coconut-infused flavor. Refined coconut oil is better for a neutral taste. Canola oil or plant-based butter are great substitutes.
Ground Flax Meal: A nutrient-rich egg replacer that adds fiber. Swap with ground chia seeds in the same ratio for similar benefits. It is always good to add some fiber and extra nutrient, even to a cake, ground flax meal also helps bind the cake.
Flours: Combining all-purpose and almond flour yields a tender texture. For gluten-free baking, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Almond four or almond meal is a wonderful, healthy, and nutritious flour to add to cakes. I mix this with regular flour, and it makes a light and delicate cake. If you prefer to make this apple cake a little healthier, you can substitute some of the white flour with white whole wheat flour, which will give you more fiber and nutrients.
Plant-Based Milk: Almond, soy, oat, or plant-based milk will do. You can choose one that complements the other flavors.
Baking Powder: This ensures the cake rises appropriately. Check its freshness by mixing a small amount with water. If it fizzes, it’s good to use.
Almond Extract: Adds a nutty, aromatic layer of flavor. Use it sparingly to avoid overpowering the dish, or skip it.
Vanilla Extract or Vanilla Bean Paste: Enhances flavors and adds depth. For the best results, opt for pure vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste.
Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances flavor complexity. Sea salt or kosher salt can be used for subtle differences in taste.
Spices: Cinnamon and cardamom add warmth and aroma. For a seasonal twist, include ginger or allspice to suit your taste.
Sliced Almonds: Almond slices provides crunch and visual appeal to the topping. Flaked almonds, slivered almonds, chopped pecans or walnuts make excellent alternatives.
Cane Sugar: It sweetens both the cake and topping. However, you can substitute coconut sugar, maple sugar, or light brown sugar.

How To Make Apple Almond Cake

Prepare the Topping: In a small bowl, combine sliced almonds, sugar, almond flour, cinnamon, and cardamom. Stir until the ingredients are well mixed. Add melted coconut oil and stir to combine. Set the topping mixture aside.
Preheat and Prepare the Cake Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8-inch cake pan and line the bottom with parchment paper for easy removal after baking.
Cream Wet Ingredients: In a medium bowl, use a hand mixer to cream the coconut oil and sugar until smooth. Mix in the vanilla and almond extract. Set aside.
Sift and Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together flour, almond flour, salt, and baking powder. Stir the dry ingredients until evenly combined.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry mixture to the creamed wet mixture, alternating with milk. Mix until the cake batter is smooth.
Fold, Transfer, & Add the Topping: Gently fold the chopped or grated apple into the batter. Pour the batter into the prepared cake tin. Smooth the top with a spatula. Then, evenly sprinkle the almond topping over the batter.
Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 40 – 45 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out with a few crumbs. Optionally, during the last 10 minutes, cover the cake loosely with foil to prevent the almonds from over-toasting.
Cool and Serve: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 – 15 minutes before removing it. Dust with powdered sugar for a pretty presentation, slice the apple cake, and enjoy!

Allergy-Friendly Options

Gluten-Free: Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in this apple cake recipe. Ensure the blend includes xanthan gum or a similar binder to maintain the cake’s texture. Bob’s Red Mill 1-to-1 Gluten Free Baking Flour is a favorite brand.
Nut-Free: Simply omit the almonds from the batter and topping. You can replace them with sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, or even oats to retain a satisfying crunch without compromising flavor.
Oil-Free: Replace the coconut oil with unsweetened applesauce in this recipe. The applesauce adds moisture and helps maintain a soft, tender crumb while eliminating the fat.

What Can I Serve with Apple Almond Cake

This cake offers a delightful blend of fruity sweetness and nutty richness. To complement its flavors, consider these serving ideas:

Ice Cream: Serve this delicious apple cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or my favorite pear cream ice cream for a delicious combination.
Hot Apple Cider: The spiced warmth of apple cider mirrors the cake’s fruity notes, creating a cozy and harmonious pairing.
Hot Lemonade: A soothing drink made with fresh lemon juice, ginger, and a touch of maple syrup provides a zesty contrast to the cake’s sweetness.
Citrus Salad with Pomegranate Dressing: Brighten your table with a medley of orange and grapefruit segments drizzled with a tangy pomegranate dressing. This refreshing side adds a vibrant, juicy balance to the cake’s richness.
Pear Cream: It adds a luxurious touch with a pear-infused cream sauce. Its smooth texture and delicate flavor complement the apple cake’s nutty and fruity profile.

These pairings will enrich your serving experience, making every bite of the apple almond cake even more enjoyable.

Recipe Variations and Add-ons

Chopped Almonds: Stir in chopped almonds into the batter for an added crunchy almonds and a nutty depth of flavor. They will complement the apples beautifully and enhance the texture.
Cinnamon: Enhance the cake’s warmth with a teaspoon of cinnamon. This spice pairs wonderfully with apples and adds a cozy, spiced flavor that is perfect for cooler months.
Vegan Frosting: For an extra indulgent touch, top the cake with a creamy glaze, vegan buttercream frosting, or a simple dusting of powdered sugar. The frosting adds richness, while the powdered sugar keeps it light and elegant.
Other Spice Variations: For more complexity, try adding a pinch of all-spice or ginger. These spices bring an additional layer of warmth and can create a unique flavor in this vegan apple cake.

Apple Almond Cake served on a cake stand

Tools and Equipment

8-inch Cake Pan: A standard size that ensures even heat distribution, giving you a perfectly baked cake. If you don’t have an 8-inch pan, you can use a slightly larger one, but adjust the baking time as needed.
Hand Mixer: This tool is excellent for effortlessly creaming wet ingredients, especially when incorporating coconut oil or softened butter. It ensures a smooth, consistent batter without the need for manual whisking.
Mesh Sifter: Helps prevent clumps in your dry ingredients and ensures they are evenly incorporated into the batter. If you don’t have a sifter, a fine-mesh strainer or whisking the dry ingredients together can work as alternatives.
Apple Peeler: This tool speeds up the apple preparation, making peeling, coring, and slicing easier. If you don’t have an apple peeler, a sharp knife will do the job, though it might take a little longer.

How to Store Apple Almond Cake

Refrigeration: To keep your leftover cake fresh, store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay delicious for up to 5 days. For the best texture, let it come to room temperature before serving, or gently warm it in the microwave for a few seconds.
Freezing: For long-term storage, wrap slices of the cake tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. This will protect the cake from freezer burn and keep it fresh for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature or warm it in the oven for a few minutes for a freshly baked taste.

Tips and Tricks to Make the Best Apple Almond Cake

Chop the apples into small even pieces to ensure the cake will bake evenly.
Don’t overmix the batter. Mix just enough to combine the ingredients to avoid a dense texture.
If you want a firmer texture, consider adding a bit more flour. If you prefer a moister cake, increase the apple amount slightly.

Nutritional Health Benefits of Apples

Apples are delicious and packed with numerous health benefits, and they are best harvested in the fall when they reach their peak flavor and ripeness. Apples offer a wide range of nutrients that support overall health. They are rich in dietary fiber, which aids in digestion and promotes a feeling of fullness, making them an excellent choice for weight management. Apples are also high in antioxidants, particularly flavonoids, which help protect the body from oxidative stress and reduce the risk of chronic diseases. Additionally, they are an excellent source of vitamin C, supporting immune function and skin health. With their ability to improve heart health, regulate blood sugar levels, and support gut health, apples truly stand out as a nutritious and versatile fruit. (1)

FAQ’s

Can I use any kind of apples?

Yes, a variety of apple works well for this recipe. McIntosh, Honeycrisp, Gala, Pink Lady, or even Granny Smith apples are great options, each offering a slightly different flavor and texture.

Can I substitute other fruits for apples?

Yes, pears or peaches would work as great alternatives to apples. Adjust the baking time depending on the fruit’s moisture content.

How do I know when the cake is done?

To check if the cake is done, insert a toothpick or cake tester into the center. It is ready if it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs.

How do I prevent the apples from sinking to the bottom of the cake?

Tossing the apple pieces in some flour before adding them to the batter can help keep them suspended in the cake as it bakes.

Can I double this apple cake recipe to make a larger cake?

Yes! You can double the ingredients to make a larger cake or even bake it in a 9×13-inch pan. Adjust the baking time accordingly, and check for doneness around 40 minutes.

If you have never been to an apple orchard and picked your own apples, you may want to put this on your bucket list. It is an amazing experience. Here in New England, we have the most wonderful apple orchards designed for the apple experience. I love to walk down the various apple rows, looking for just the right kind of apple for whatever I want to make that day. There are lots of options: green, red, yellow, sweet, tart, crispy, etc. And many places also have freshly squeezed apple cider from just the right mixture of apples, and apple juice takes on a completely new meaning.

I hope you enjoy this almond apple cake. It is one of my favorite apple cakes. It reminds me of the fall experience, the pumpkins, the apple cider, the spice, and the apple orchards. Apple season is one of my favorite seasons, and it is happening right now. Time to make an apple almond cake.

Watch My Apple Almond Cake Recipe Video: