The Best Vegan Apple Cider Cake Recipe You Need to Try

The Apple Cider Cake Story

Apple cider cakes often fall short of expectations. Many recipes boast of capturing the bold, robust flavors of fresh-pressed apple cider, yet they tend to miss the mark. The resulting cake might be tasty, but it rarely delivers the rich, tangy apple cider experience that you crave. However, this recipe is different. It starts with reducing fresh apple cider to concentrate its flavors, infusing the cake with a rich, deep apple essence that enhances the spices and evokes the scent of a crisp autumn day.

The slow reduction process melds perfectly with the cake’s spices, creating a mouthwatering aroma that fills your kitchen and makes you feel like you’re strolling through an apple orchard during the fall harvest. This cake brings the warmth of autumn right to your home.

What Makes This Cake Unique?

This apple cider cake is not only special because of its flavor, but it also stands out for its versatility. As a fully vegan recipe, it’s free from dairy and eggs, making it suitable for those with dietary restrictions or preferences. It even became my go-to dessert when traditional honey cakes for Jewish New Year couldn’t be served to some of my family members. The result? A moist, springy cake with the nostalgic taste of a warm apple cider doughnut—a treat often found after a day of apple picking.

Originally made out of necessity, this recipe has since become a favorite among my friends and family, regardless of their dietary needs. The flavor profile strikes the perfect balance between the fresh, tangy apple cider and the cozy spices of fall, with a hint of sweetness. Don’t skip the glaze—it really ties everything together, intensifying the apple cider flavor and adding a glossy finish to the cake.

Ingredients

• 1 cup organic apple cider
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
• ½ cup unsweetened applesauce
• ½ cup neutral oil (canola or vegetable oil)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ½ teaspoon real vanilla extract

Instructions

1. In a small saucepan, reduce the apple cider over medium heat until it thickens to about ½ cup. Set aside to cool slightly.
2. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan.
3. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
4. In a large bowl, mix together the applesauce, oil, sugar, and vanilla extract. Slowly add the reduced apple cider, stirring until fully combined.
5. Gradually fold in the dry ingredients with the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan.
6. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

The Ideal Glaze for Your Apple Cider Cake

No apple cider cake is truly complete without the finishing touch of a luscious glaze. This simple yet incredibly effective glaze is crafted by combining 1 cup of powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons of apple cider, and a pinch of salt. When whisked together, these ingredients create a silky, smooth glaze that adds both an appealing shine and a touch of sweetness to the cake. The apple cider in the glaze complements the flavors in the cake, deepening its tangy, spiced profile for a more harmonious and flavorful bite.

To achieve the perfect finish, ensure the cake has completely cooled before applying the glaze. Drizzle it generously over the top, letting it cascade down the sides for a rustic, homemade look. Then, allow the glaze to set for about 20 minutes, forming a delicate, slightly firm layer that locks in moisture and flavor. Not only does the glaze provide visual appeal, but it also enhances the cake’s apple cider essence, elevating its overall taste and making every bite absolutely irresistible. Whether you’re serving this cake for a cozy family gathering or a festive occasion, the glaze is sure to leave a lasting impression on everyone who indulges.

Why You’ll Love This Apple Cider Cake

This vegan apple cider cake is not just another dessert—it’s a comforting, easy-to-make treat that celebrates the flavors of fall. Whether you follow a vegan diet, have dietary restrictions, or simply love the nostalgic taste of apple cider doughnuts, this cake is perfect for you. The secret to its success lies in the reduced apple cider, which intensifies the apple flavor and brings the essence of fall into every bite.

What makes this cake even more appealing is its simplicity. The recipe requires just a few common ingredients and is easy to prepare, making it a great option for busy fall weekends or last-minute gatherings. Plus, the applesauce and oil work together to create a moist, tender crumb that keeps the cake fresh for days.

Best of all, this cake is universally loved. Its perfect balance of sweetness, spices, and apple cider flavor makes it a hit at any gathering—whether you’re serving it at Thanksgiving, a birthday party, or just as an everyday fall treat. Don’t worry about missing the dairy and eggs—this cake holds its own and brings all the warm, comforting vibes of the season.