Vegan Apple Crumb Cake with Gooey Apple Butter Filling

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Vegan Apple Crumb Cake is a must-try for anyone who loves apples and cozy desserts! The layers of sweet apple butter filling and crunchy crumb topping create a wonderful contrast in texture, while the cake itself is soft and moist, making each bite heavenly. The addition of apple butter in the middle adds a gooey, caramelized sweetness that takes this cake to the next level. Plus, being vegan, it’s suitable for those with dietary restrictions while still being completely indulgent. Whether you’re serving it for dessert or as a snack with tea or coffee, it’s sure to impress!

Ingredients

For the cake:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup coconut oil (or vegetable oil), melted
• 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1/2 cup maple syrup or agave syrup
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup almond milk (or any plant-based milk)

For the apple butter filling:

• 1/2 cup apple butter (store-bought or homemade)
• 1/2 cup finely chopped apples (peeled and cored)
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup or brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

For the crumb topping:

• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup rolled oats
• 1/4 cup coconut sugar or brown sugar
• 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted (or vegan butter)
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Pinch of salt

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

For the cake:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8-inch round or square cake pan.
2. In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Stir to combine.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted coconut oil, applesauce, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and almond milk.
4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Do not overmix.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and spread it evenly.

For the apple butter filling:

1. In a small bowl, mix the apple butter with the chopped apples, maple syrup, and cinnamon.
2. Carefully spoon the apple butter mixture over the cake batter, spreading it evenly over the surface. It will sink slightly into the batter during baking.

For the crumb topping:

1. In a separate bowl, mix together the flour, oats, coconut sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
2. Add the melted coconut oil and mix until the crumb topping comes together and resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the apple butter filling.

Baking:

1. Bake the cake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean (except for a little bit of apple butter). The top should be golden and the cake should have risen.
2. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 8-10
• Prep time: 20 minutes
• Cook time: 35-40 minutes
• Total time: 1 hour

Variations

• Add nuts: For extra crunch, you can mix in chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds into the crumb topping or batter.
• Different fruit filling: Swap the apple butter for pumpkin butter, pear butter, or even a fruit jam of your choice for a unique twist.
• Gluten-free: To make this cake gluten-free, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of the all-purpose flour.
• Spiced up: Add a pinch of ground ginger or cloves to the cake batter for a more complex flavor profile.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also refrigerate it for up to 5 days.
• Reheating: To reheat, warm slices in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I use store-bought apple butter for the filling?

Yes, store-bought apple butter works perfectly for this recipe, but homemade apple butter can make it extra special!

2. Can I substitute the applesauce with something else?

Yes, you can substitute applesauce with mashed banana or pumpkin puree for a different flavor.

3. Can I make this cake without coconut oil?

Yes, you can use any vegetable oil, vegan butter, or even applesauce in place of the coconut oil for a slightly different taste.

4. Can I add more spices to the cake?

Definitely! Feel free to add ground ginger, cloves, or allspice to enhance the fall flavors.

5. Can I freeze this cake?

Yes, you can freeze the cake! Once it has completely cooled, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.

6. How can I make this cake sweeter?

If you prefer a sweeter cake, you can add more maple syrup or sugar to the batter or apple butter filling, depending on your taste.

7. Can I use a different plant-based milk?

Yes, you can use any plant-based milk, such as soy, oat, or rice milk, in place of almond milk.

8. Can I double the recipe?

Yes, you can double the recipe to make a larger cake or two smaller cakes. Just adjust the baking time and check for doneness with a toothpick.

9. What’s the best way to serve this cake?

This cake is delicious on its own, but you can also serve it with a scoop of vegan vanilla ice cream, a drizzle of caramel sauce, or a dollop of whipped coconut cream.

10. Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, this cake can be made ahead of time. It stores well in an airtight container and can be enjoyed the next day as the flavors continue to develop.

Conclusion

Vegan Apple Crumb Cake with Gooey Apple Butter Filling is the perfect combination of sweet, spiced, and indulgent. The rich apple butter filling and the crumbly, cinnamon topping create a flavor-packed dessert that is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re vegan or not, this cake is sure to be a favorite. With its delightful layers of flavor and moisture, it’s an ideal choice for fall gatherings, holidays, or simply when you’re craving something comforting and delicious.

Vegan Apple Crumb Cake with Gooey Apple Butter Filling

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Vegan Apple Crumb Cake with Gooey Apple Butter Filling is a warm, comforting dessert with spiced apples and a rich apple butter filling, topped with a crunchy, cinnamon crumb topping.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 8-10 servings
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Vegan
• Diet: Vegan

Ingredients

1. 2 cups all-purpose flour
   
   1 teaspoon baking soda
   
   1/2 teaspoon baking powder
   
   1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
   
   1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
   
   1/4 teaspoon salt
   
   1/2 cup coconut oil (or vegetable oil), melted
   
   1 cup unsweetened applesauce
   
   1/2 cup maple syrup or agave syrup
   
   1 teaspoon vanilla extract
   
   1/2 cup almond milk (or any plant-based milk)
   
   1/2 cup apple butter (store-bought or homemade)
   
   1/2 cup finely chopped apples (peeled and cored)
   
   1 tablespoon maple syrup or brown sugar
   
   1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
   
   1/2 cup all-purpose flour (for crumb topping)
   
   1/4 cup rolled oats
   
   1/4 cup coconut sugar or brown sugar (for crumb topping)
   
   1/4 cup coconut oil, melted (or vegan butter)
   
   1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for crumb topping)
   
   Pinch of salt (for crumb topping)

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Instructions

For the cake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8-inch round or square cake pan.

1. In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Stir to combine.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted coconut oil, applesauce, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and almond milk.
3. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Do not overmix.
4. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and spread it evenly.
5. For the apple butter filling: In a small bowl, mix the apple butter with the chopped apples, maple syrup, and cinnamon. Spoon the apple butter mixture over the cake batter, spreading it evenly over the surface. It will sink slightly into the batter during baking.
6. For the crumb topping: In a separate bowl, mix together the flour, oats, coconut sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Add the melted coconut oil and mix until the crumb topping comes together and resembles coarse crumbs.
7. Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the apple butter filling.
8. Baking: Bake the cake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean (except for a little bit of apple butter). The top should be golden and the cake should have risen.
9. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

• For extra crunch, you can mix in chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds into the crumb topping or batter.
• To make this cake gluten-free, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of the all-purpose flour.
• This cake can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. It can also be refrigerated for up to 5 days.
• Freeze the cake after it cools completely by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months.
• For a sweeter cake, you can add more maple syrup or sugar to the batter or apple butter filling.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice
• Calories: 230
• Sugar: 20g
• Sodium: 120mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 0mg