Apple Orange Cinnamon Almond Cake: Our Vegan Recipe

Fruit cakes are always a hit in our household—they’re rich, zesty, and perfectly sweet.

This apple orange cinnamon almond cake brings all those delightful flavors together into one moist, delicious treat.

It’s light, fluffy, and combines the tang of apples and oranges with the warmth of cinnamon and the nuttiness of almonds.

Whether it’s for Christmas, a Sunday treat, or even a summer celebration, this cake fits right in!

So, how can you make this vegan-friendly cake at home? What ingredients do you need, and how long will it take?

We’ve got all the details here, plus some helpful tips to make sure your cake turns out just right. Let’s dive in!

Why Make Vegan Apple Orange Cinnamon Almond Cake?

When it comes to baking, apples, oranges, cinnamon, and almonds are powerhouse ingredients that work beautifully together.

This cake is not just delicious but also super easy to make with a few simple swaps to keep it vegan.

You only need a handful of ingredients to whip this up in about an hour. The best part? It’s naturally gluten-free, using almond meal instead of flour, resulting in a cake that’s moist, fluffy, and melts in your mouth.

The fresh apples and oranges really make the flavors shine, and because it’s vegan, everyone can enjoy it.

Now, let’s get into the ingredients that make this cake so special and how to make it all plant-based!

Apple Orange Cinnamon Almond Cake – The Ingredients

We love how simple this cake is to put together. With just nine ingredients, you get a lot of flavor for minimal effort. Here’s what you’ll need, along with some vegan-friendly substitutions:

Apples

We like using Pink Lady apples because they’re naturally sweet and not too tart. Slice them up and remove the core to get them ready for the cake.

Oranges

Just one medium-sized fresh orange will do. Use both the juice and grated rind to give the cake a citrusy kick.

Vegan Egg Substitute

You’ll need a substitute for the three eggs. We recommend using a flaxseed mixture (3 tablespoons of ground flaxseed mixed with 9 tablespoons of water) as it helps bind the cake and adds a slightly nutty flavor.

Brown Sugar

This gives the cake its warm sweetness that pairs perfectly with cinnamon. If you don’t have brown sugar, golden caster sugar works as a substitute.

Vegan Cream

Use a plant-based thick or heavy cream (coconut cream or soy-based heavy cream works great) for volume. It keeps the cake rich without using dairy.

Oil

We recommend a neutral-flavored oil like canola, so it doesn’t overpower the other flavors. For an extra creamy texture, you can use melted coconut oil.

Almond Meal 

Blanched almond meal is best since it won’t get too lumpy. Sieve the mixture to remove any lumps before using it in the batter.

Cinnamon

The perfect complement to the apples. You can experiment with other spices like ground ginger or nutmeg, but cinnamon is our go-to for this cake.

Flaked Almonds 

These go on top to add a satisfying crunch. A sprinkle of raw sugar can also be added for extra sweetness or even a splash of vanilla extract for that final touch.

How to Make a Vegan Apple Orange Cinnamon Almond Cake

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Servings: 10
• Calories: 285 kcal

Ingredients

• 3 Pink Lady apples
• 1 medium orange
• 3 tablespoons ground flaxseed + 9 tablespoons water (flax egg)
• 70 g of brown sugar
• 90 ml of canola oil (or any neutral-flavored oil)
• 90 ml of vegan cream (coconut or soy-based)
• 200 g of almond meal
• 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
• Flaked almonds (for the topping)
• Demerara sugar (to taste, optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 325°F. Line your baking pan with parchment paper and grease the edges.
2. Prep the Apples: Peel, core, and thinly slice the apples. Set them aside.
3. Grate the Orange: Grate some of the orange rind into the apple slices. Then squeeze the juice from the orange into the mixture for that fresh, citrusy flavor.
4. Prepare the Flax Egg: In a small bowl, mix the ground flaxseed with water and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it thickens. This will act as the egg replacement.
5. Combine the Sugar and Oil: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, oil, and vegan cream. Mix until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture becomes smooth.
6. Add the Flax Egg: Pour the flax egg mixture into the sugar and oil mixture. Whisk until fully combined.
7. Add the Dry Ingredients: Sift in the almond meal and cinnamon, mixing well to create a smooth batter.
8. Layer the Cake: Pour one-third of the batter into your prepared cake tin. Layer half of the sliced apples over the batter, evenly spreading the orange juice and rind. Pour the remaining batter on top of the apple layer.
9. Top the Cake: Sprinkle the flaked almonds over the top and dust with a bit of Demerara sugar if desired.
10. Bake: Place the cake in the oven and bake for 40-50 minutes, or until it rises and turns golden brown. Once baked, allow it to cool completely before slicing.

And that’s it! Pretty simple, right? Be sure to let the cake cool down fully before cutting into it; this helps maintain its shape and texture.

Tips for Making a Great Vegan Apple Orange Cinnamon Almond Cake

Here are some tips we’ve learned along the way to get this cake just right:

• Flax Egg as a Binder: The flaxseed mixture is key for holding the cake together, so don’t skip this step. It acts similarly to eggs in baking and adds a slight nuttiness that pairs well with the almonds.
• Cool Completely: This cake is soft, so make sure to let it cool entirely before slicing. If you cut into it too soon, it might collapse and lose its structure.
• Experiment with Spices: Feel free to add other spices like ginger or nutmeg for a different flavor profile. We sometimes toss in a handful of raisins for a bit of extra texture and sweetness.

Final Thoughts

This vegan apple orange cinnamon almond cake is a treat we keep coming back to. It’s light, moist, and packed with flavor, perfect for any occasion.

We love how it’s gluten-free and uses fresh fruit to bring out those vibrant, delicious tastes.

Pair it with a cup of tea, coffee, or even a glass of wine on a crisp, fall evening.

Next time you’re craving a fruity, plant-based cake, give this recipe a try!

Frequently Asked Questions