Vegan Apple Raisin Cake

Soft, moist, and packed with tender apples, juicy raisins, and warm cinnamon, this Vegan Apple Raisin Cake is the perfect everyday bake. The combination of creamy coconut milk and fresh apples creates a wonderfully moist crumb, while raisins add natural sweetness and texture. Whether served with coffee, tea, or simply enjoyed on its own, this easy vegan cake delivers comforting autumn flavors all year round.

Unlike many vegan apple cakes that can turn dry after baking, this apple raisin cake stays soft thanks to the blend of coconut milk and vegetable oil. Fresh apple slices are layered through the center of the cake, creating pockets of fruity sweetness in every slice. The subtle hint of vanilla and cinnamon brings warmth and depth, making this a recipe you'll return to again and again.

If you enjoy fruit-filled pastry, you may also love our vegan apple pie recipe, where fresh apples create an equally comforting and flavorful pie.

Vegan Apple Raisin Cake and Texture Development

A great vegan apple cake depends on achieving the right balance between moisture and structure. Coconut milk provides richness without dairy, while sunflower oil helps keep the crumb soft for several days. Fresh apples release moisture during baking, creating a tender texture, while raisins contribute bursts of sweetness throughout the cake. The result is a moist vegan apple raisin cake with a delicate crumb, warm cinnamon aroma, and natural fruit flavor that continues to develop after cooling.

Prep time: 20 minutes · Bake time: 50-60 minutes · Total: 80 minutes

Why This Vegan Apple Raisin Cake Works

This vegan cake works because each ingredient contributes to both texture and flavor. Coconut milk adds richness, oil keeps the cake moist, and lemon juice lightly reacts with the baking powder to create a lighter crumb. Layering the apples inside the batter prevents them from sinking and creates a beautiful fruit-filled center.

The combination of apples, raisins, cinnamon, and vanilla delivers a classic bakery-style flavor profile without eggs or dairy.

Equipment Needed

This vegan apple raisin cake requires only simple baking equipment:

• Large mixing bowl

• Medium mixing bowl

• Whisk

• Rubber spatula

• Fine sieve

• Kitchen scale

• 25 cm (10-inch) loaf pan

• Parchment paper

• Cooling rack

• Cake tester or skewer

Using a digital kitchen scale is highly recommended for the most accurate and consistent results.

Ingredients for Vegan Apple Raisin Cake

This vegan apple raisin cake relies on simple pantry ingredients that work together to create a soft, moist texture and rich homemade flavor. Creamy coconut milk and sunflower oil keep the crumb tender, while fresh apples, juicy raisins, and warm cinnamon provide the classic taste of a traditional apple cake without any dairy or eggs.

Each ingredient has a specific purpose, from adding moisture and structure to enhancing flavor and aroma. Combined, they create a perfectly balanced vegan cake that stays fresh for several days and slices beautifully.

Wet Ingredients

• 200 ml coconut milk (18% fat) (¾ cup + 1 tbsp)

• 100 ml sunflower oil, or another neutral oil (7 tbsp)

• 150 g fine sugar or caster sugar (¾ cup)

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 1 tbsp lemon juice

Dry Ingredients

• 250 g all-purpose flour (2 cups)

• 3 tsp baking powder

• 1½ tsp ground cinnamon

• ¼ tsp salt

Filling & Topping

• 1 medium apple (Elstar, Jonagold, or a similar variety), peeled and sliced

• 100 g raisins (⅔ cup)

• Pinch of ground cinnamon

• 1 tsp lemon concentrate or extra lemon juice

• 1 tsp sugar

• Optional: coarse sugar (1 tbsp) or flaked almonds (¼ cup) for topping

How to Make Vegan Apple Raisin Cake

This recipe uses a simple mixing method that makes it suitable for beginner and experienced bakers alike. The key is to avoid overmixing the batter, which helps maintain a soft and tender texture.

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan

Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) using conventional top-and-bottom heat.

Grease a standard 25 cm (10-inch) pan and line both the base and sides with parchment paper. This makes removing the cake much easier after baking.

Step 2: Prepare the Apples and Raisins

Peel 1 medium apple and remove the core. Cut it into slices approximately 0.5 cm (0.2 inch) thick. Place the apple slices in a bowl and mix with a pinch of ground cinnamon, lemon concentrate (1 tsp) or extra lemon juice (1 tsp), and sugar (1 tsp). Add the raisins (100 g or ⅔ cup) and toss everything together until the fruit is lightly coated.

This simple preparation step enhances the flavor and helps the fruit remain moist during baking.

Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the coconut milk (200 ml or ¾ cup + 1 tbsp), sunflower oil (100 ml or 7 tbsp), fine sugar or caster sugar (150 g or ¾ cup), vanilla extract (1 tsp), and lemon juice (1 tbsp). Continue whisking until the sugar is mostly dissolved and the mixture appears smooth and well combined.

Step 4: Add the Dry Ingredients

Sift the all-purpose flour (250 g or 2 cups), baking powder (3 tsp), ground cinnamon (1½ tsp), and salt (¼ tsp) directly over the wet ingredients. Using a rubber spatula, gently fold everything together until no dry flour remains visible. Mix only until combined. Overmixing can result in a dense or tough cake. The finished batter should be smooth and thick.

Step 5: Fill the Pan

Pour approximately half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the surface. Arrange the prepared apple slices and raisins evenly over the batter, creating a layer through the center of the cake. Cover with the remaining batter until the fruit is no longer visible. If desired, sprinkle the top with coarse sugar (1 tbsp) or flaked almonds (¼ cup) for additional texture and visual appeal.

Step 6: Bake the Cake

Place the loaf pan in the center of the oven (hot air setting, 180°C / 350°F) and bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until golden brown. Check for doneness by inserting a skewer into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean, the cake is fully baked. During baking, the apples soften beautifully while the raisins become plump and sweet, creating a moist and flavorful cake.

Step 7: Cool Before Slicing

Allow the cake to cool in the pan for approximately 15 minutes. Carefully lift it out using the parchment paper and transfer it to a cooling rack. Leave it to cool completely before slicing. This resting period allows the crumb to set properly and helps develop the cake's final texture and flavor.

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Serving the Cake

This vegan apple raisin cake is delicious served:

• With coffee or tea

• Slightly warm with vegan butter

• With a dusting of powdered sugar

• Alongside plant-based whipped cream

• As a simple afternoon snack

The cake also keeps exceptionally well and often tastes even better the next day as the apple, raisin, and cinnamon flavors continue to develop.

Nutritional Information

Understanding the nutritional values of this vegan apple raisin loaf cake can help with portion planning while still enjoying a delicious homemade treat. The figures below are estimated and may vary slightly depending on the type of coconut milk, sugar, and apples used.

Nutrient	Whole Cake	Per Slice (1/12th)
Calories	3,120 kcal	260 kcal
Carbohydrates	460 g	38 g
Sugars	220 g	18 g
Protein	33 g	2.8 g
Fat	128 g	10.7 g
Saturated Fat	38 g	3.2 g
Fiber	14 g	1.2 g
Salt	2.2 g	0.18 g

With its soft crumb, sweet raisins, tender apple layer, and comforting cinnamon aroma, this Vegan Apple Raisin Loaf Cake is a simple recipe that delivers exceptional flavor. The combination of coconut milk and fresh fruit creates a moist texture without eggs or dairy, while the warm spices make every slice feel comforting and homemade. Whether you're looking for an easy vegan apple loaf cake, a dairy-free cake, or a reliable autumn baking recipe, this vegan apple raisin cake offers delicious results with minimal effort.