Have you ever found yourself longing for a dessert that not only satisfies your sweet cravings but also aligns with your values? If so, the Vegan Upside Down Apple Cake Recipe is just what you need. Picture a moist, flavorful cake topped with caramelized apples, all crafted without any animal products.
This delightful cake is perfect for any occasion—whether you’re hosting a gathering, enjoying a quiet afternoon at home, or simply looking to impress your friends. Let’s explore this scrumptious recipe together!
Table of Contents

Why Choose a Vegan Upside Down Apple Cake?
The Benefits of Going Vegan
When you opt for vegan baking, you’re making a choice that comes with several perks. First and foremost, vegan desserts often feature healthier ingredients. By using whole foods and natural sweeteners, you can enjoy a treat that feels good in more ways than one. Plus, this recipe is inclusive—everyone can enjoy it, regardless of dietary restrictions. Lastly, embracing plant-based ingredients contributes to a more sustainable lifestyle, which is something we can all feel good about.
Flavor and Texture
The combination of sweet apples and rich toffee creates an irresistible flavor profile. Each bite offers a delightful balance of moist cake and crunchy walnuts, making it an experience you won’t forget.
Ingredients for Vegan Toffee Apple Upside Down Cake
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delicious cake:
Ingredient | Quantity |
---|---|
Vegan margarine | 25g (plus extra for greasing) |
Dessert apples | 3 |
Muscovado sugar | 195g |
Plain flour | 180g |
Bicarbonate of soda | 1 teaspoon |
Mixed spice | 1½ teaspoons |
Sunflower oil | 80ml |
Vinegar | 1 teaspoon |
Lemon zest | Zest of 1 lemon |
Shelled walnuts | 85g |
Preparation Method for Your Vegan Upside Down Apple Cake
Let’s get started on making this delicious cake!
- Preheat Your Oven: Begin by setting your oven to 180ºC (350ºF). Grease a 23cm square cake tin with some vegan margarine.
- Prepare the Apples: Core and coarsely grate two of the apples. For the remaining apple, slice it thinly to layer on top.
- Create the Toffee Base: In a pan, melt 85g of muscovado sugar along with the vegan margarine. Once melted, pour this mixture into your prepared tin and layer the sliced apple on top.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the plain flour, 110g of muscovado sugar, bicarbonate of soda, and mixed spice.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, mix together the sunflower oil, 180ml water, vinegar, grated apple, and lemon zest.
- Combine Mixtures: Quickly mix the dry ingredients with the wet ones until just combined. Gently fold in the chopped walnuts for added texture.
- Bake Your Cake: Pour the batter over the apples in the tin and bake for about 30 minutes or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool & Serve: Allow the cake to cool for about five minutes before carefully turning it out onto a plate.
Tools Needed
- Oven: Preheat to 180ºC (350ºF).
- Cake Tin: A 23cm square or round cake tin works well. Ensure it is greased to prevent sticking.
- Mixing Bowls: You’ll need separate bowls for dry and wet ingredients.
- Whisk or Electric Mixer: For mixing the batter until smooth.
- Spatula: To fold ingredients together gently without overmixing.
- Grater: For grating apples.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements are crucial for baking success.
- Knife and Cutting Board: For slicing apples.
- Cooling Rack: To allow the cake to cool evenly after baking.

Tips for Making Your vegan upside down apple cake
- Choose the Right Apples: Use firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp, which hold their shape well during baking and provide a nice tartness that balances the sweetness of the cake.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix just until combined to keep the cake light and fluffy.
- Layering Apples: Arrange your apple slices neatly in the bottom of the tin for an attractive presentation once inverted.
- Check for Doneness: Use a toothpick or skewer inserted into the center of the cake; it should come out clean when the cake is done baking.
- Let It Cool: Allow the cake to cool in the tin for about 5 minutes before inverting it onto a plate to prevent breakage.
Presentation Ideas
Create Layers with Caramel Sauce: Drizzle vegan caramel sauce over the top before serving for an extra indulgent touch.
Dust with Powdered Sugar: A light dusting of powdered sugar adds an elegant touch and enhances visual appeal.
Serve with Vegan Whipped Cream or Ice Cream: A dollop of vegan whipped cream or a scoop of dairy-free ice cream complements the warm cake beautifully.
Garnish with Fresh Mint Leaves: Adding a few fresh mint leaves can provide a pop of color and freshness to your presentation.
Use a Decorative Plate or Platter: Presenting your cake on a beautiful serving dish can elevate its appearance, making it look more inviting.
Serving Suggestions for Your Vegan Toffee Apple Upside Down Cake
Perfect Pairings
This cake is fantastic served warm with a scoop of vegan ice cream or whipped coconut cream on top. It also pairs beautifully with herbal tea or coffee for an afternoon treat.
Nutritional Highlights
Apples are loaded with fiber and vitamin C, which support digestive health and boost your immune system. Walnuts are rich in omega-3 fatty acids that promote heart health while providing protein. Plus, muscovado sugar contains minerals like calcium and potassium—offering more nutritional value than refined sugars.
FAQ Section: Your Vegan Upside Down Apple Cake Questions Answered
What makes this cake vegan?
This recipe uses plant-based ingredients like vegan margarine and sunflower oil instead of eggs or dairy products.
Can I substitute ingredients in this recipe?
Definitely! You can swap out plain flour for whole wheat or gluten-free options based on your dietary preferences. Feel free to replace walnuts with pecans or omit them if you prefer.
How should I store leftover cake?
Keep any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or refrigerate them for longer freshness.
Can I freeze this cake?
Yes! Just wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container before freezing. When you’re ready to enjoy again, simply thaw at room temperature.
The Vegan Toffee Apple Upside Down Cake is more than just dessert; it’s an experience filled with flavor and joy that everyone can share.
By choosing this recipe, you’re treating yourself while also ensuring that those with dietary restrictions can join in on the fun. So why not gather your ingredients today? Create this delightful cake that will surely become a favorite in your home!
Learn More Recipes:
Best Chocolate Tiramisu Cake Recipe
Best Banana Pecan Caramel Layer Cake
Print
vegan upside down apple cake
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 9 Servings
Description
Discover this delicious vegan upside down apple cake recipe, featuring caramelized apples, warm spices, and simple ingredients for a delightful treat!
Ingredients
- 25 g vegan margarine (plus extra for greasing)
- 3 dessert apples
- 195 g muscovado sugar
- 180 g plain flour
- 1 teaspoon bicarbonate of soda
- 1½ teaspoons mixed spice
- 80 ml sunflower oil
- 1 teaspoon vinegar
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 85 g shelled walnuts
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 180ºC (350ºF) and grease a 23cm square cake tin.
- Prepare the Apples: Core and coarsely grate 2 apples, then finely slice the remaining apple.
- Make the Toffee Base: In a pan, melt 85g of muscovado sugar with the vegan margarine. Pour this mixture into the prepared tin and layer the sliced apple on top.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, combine the flour, 110g of sugar, bicarbonate of soda, and mixed spice.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, mix sunflower oil, 180ml water, vinegar, grated apple, and lemon zest.
- Combine Mixtures: Quickly mix the dry ingredients with the wet until just combined. Stir in chopped walnuts.
- Bake: Pour the batter over the apples in the tin and bake for about 30 minutes or until a skewer comes out clean.
- Cool & Serve: Let it cool for 5 minutes before turning it out onto a plate.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course