10-Minute Prep Vegan Upside-Down Apple Cake: The Cozy Fall Dessert You’ve Been Missing

There’s something magical about the smell of apples, cinnamon, and caramel wafting through your kitchen on a crisp fall day. This vegan upside-down apple cake is here to bring that magic to your table. It’s moist, tender, and topped with a sticky-sweet layer of caramelized apples that will make you swoon. Best of all? It’s ready in just 10 minutes of prep time.

Whether you’re a vegan dessert enthusiast or just looking for a show-stopping treat to impress your friends, this cake is your new go-to. Let’s get baking!

Why This Vegan Upside-Down Apple Cake Is a Must-Try

This isn’t just another apple cake—it’s a masterpiece of flavor and texture. Here’s why it’s worth every bite:

• Effortless Prep: No fancy techniques or hard-to-find ingredients. Just simple steps and a stunning result.
• Vegan Perfection: No eggs, no dairy, no compromises. It’s 100% plant-based and 100% delicious.
• Fall in Every Bite: The combination of warm spices, tender apples, and a fluffy cake base is pure autumn bliss.
• Versatile and Fun: Customize it with your favorite nuts, spices, or even swap apples for pears.

Ready to create a dessert that’s as beautiful as it is tasty? Let’s dive in!

What You’ll Need

Before we start, let’s gather our ingredients. Most of these are pantry staples, so you’re probably already halfway there.

For the Caramelized Apple Topping:

• 3 medium apples (I love using Granny Smith for their tartness, but Honeycrisp works too)
• 1/4 cup vegan butter (try 4th & Heart Original Grass-Fed Ghee for a rich, buttery flavor)
• 1/2 cup brown sugar (for that deep caramel flavor)
• 1 tsp cinnamon (because what’s fall without cinnamon?)

For the Cake Batter:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce (keeps the cake moist and adds natural sweetness)
• 1/2 cup plant-based milk (oat milk is my go-to for its creaminess)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup melted coconut oil (adds a hint of richness)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract (for that warm, cozy flavor)
• 1 tsp cinnamon (double the spice, double the fun)

Tools You’ll Need

• 9-inch round cake pan
• Mixing bowls (one for dry ingredients, one for wet)
• Whisk or spatula
• Knife and cutting board (for slicing those apples)
• Measuring cups and spoons

How to Make the Perfect Vegan Upside-Down Apple Cake

Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease your cake pan with a bit of vegan butter or coconut oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create the Caramelized Topping
In a small saucepan, melt the vegan butter over low heat. Stir in the brown sugar and cinnamon until it forms a smooth, glossy mixture. Pour this into the bottom of your cake pan, spreading it evenly.

Step 3: Arrange the Apples
Peel and slice your apples into thin wedges. Arrange them in a circular pattern over the caramel layer. This is where you can get creative—make it as pretty as you like!

Step 4: Mix the Cake Batter
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. In a separate bowl, combine the applesauce, plant-based milk, granulated sugar, melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—this keeps the cake tender.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Pour the batter over the apples in the cake pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 6: Flip and Reveal
Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, carefully invert it onto a serving plate. The caramelized apples will now be on top, creating a stunning, Instagram-worthy dessert.

Tips for the Best Vegan Upside-Down Apple Cake

• Add Crunch: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the apples before adding the batter for a delightful texture contrast.
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or ginger to the batter for an extra layer of warmth.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free blend to make this cake gluten-free.
• Serve Warm: This cake is best enjoyed warm, especially with a scoop of vegan vanilla ice cream on the side.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 250
• Fat: 8g
• Carbohydrates: 42g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 28g
• Protein: 2g

Why This Recipe Stands Out

This vegan upside-down apple cake is more than just a dessert—it’s a celebration of fall flavors. The caramelized apples create a gooey, sticky topping that pairs perfectly with the light, fluffy cake. It’s a dessert that feels indulgent but is surprisingly easy to make.

If you’re looking for more vegan dessert inspiration, check out my 1920s Chocolate Cake or this quick Pumpkin Mug Cake.

Let’s Connect!

Did you try this vegan upside-down apple cake? I’d love to hear how it turned out! Share your tho

Vegan Upside-Down Apple Cake

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 40 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 8

Calories 250 kcal

Equipment

• 9-inch round cake pan
• Mixing bowls (one for dry ingredients, one for wet)
• Whisk or spatula
• Knife and cutting board (for slicing those apples)
• Measuring cups and spoons

Ingredients

  

For the Caramelized Apple Topping:

• 3 medium apples I love using Granny Smith for their tartness, but Honeycrisp works too
• 1/4 cup vegan butter try Miyoko’s Creamery for a rich, buttery flavor
• 1/2 cup brown sugar for that deep caramel flavor
• 1 tsp cinnamon because what’s fall without cinnamon?

For the Cake Batter:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce keeps the cake moist and adds natural sweetness
• 1/2 cup plant-based milk oat milk is my go-to for its creaminess
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup melted coconut oil adds a hint of richness
• 1 tsp vanilla extract for that warm, cozy flavor
• 1 tsp cinnamon double the spice, double the fun

Instructions

 

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

• Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease your cake pan with a bit of vegan butter or coconut oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create the Caramelized Topping

• In a small saucepan, melt the vegan butter over low heat. Stir in the brown sugar and cinnamon until it forms a smooth, glossy mixture. Pour this into the bottom of your cake pan, spreading it evenly.

Step 3: Arrange the Apples

• Peel and slice your apples into thin wedges. Arrange them in a circular pattern over the caramel layer. This is where you can get creative—make it as pretty as you like!

Step 4: Mix the Cake Batter

• In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. In a separate bowl, combine the applesauce, plant-based milk, granulated sugar, melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—this keeps the cake tender.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

• Pour the batter over the apples in the cake pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 6: Flip and Reveal

• Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, carefully invert it onto a serving plate. The caramelized apples will now be on top, creating a stunning, Instagram-worthy dessert.

Notes

• Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• Serve warm with a scoop of vegan vanilla ice cream for an extra treat!

Keyword fall dessert, upside-down cake, Vegan apple cake

This vegan upside-down apple cake is the ultimate fall dessert. It’s easy, delicious, and perfect for sharing. Don’t forget to explore more recipes on Fouzia’s Kitchen for more culinary inspiration!