Vegan Apple Bread with Cream Cheese Icing and Caramelized Apples Recipe
Introduction
This vegan apple bread is a moist and flavorful treat that’s perfect for breakfast or a cozy snack. With warm cinnamon and tender chunks of apple, it’s naturally sweet and easy to make. Optional cream cheese icing and caramelized apples take it to the next level.
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups (315g) all-purpose plain flour (see note for gluten-free option)
- 1 cup (190g) packed brown sugar (or coconut sugar or granulated sugar)
- 3 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt (optional)
- 1 medium-sized apple (~180g), grated very coarsely or chopped finely
- 1 cup (250g) dairy-free milk
- 1/2 cup (120g) neutral flavored oil
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (optional)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
- 1/4 cup (60g) vegan cream cheese (room temperature)
- 1/2 cup (50g) powdered sugar / icing sugar (or to taste)
- 2 tablespoons (20g) vegan butter (room temperature)
- 1 medium-sized apple (~180g), cubed
- 1 tablespoon (15g) vegan butter (or oil, or water)
- 2 tablespoons (25g) packed brown sugar (or coconut sugar)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease or line an 8-inch (20 cm) loaf pan with parchment paper.
- Step 2: Add all the dry ingredients to a large mixing bowl. Mix until there are no lumps.
- Step 3: Add all the wet ingredients to the bowl and mix until combined. Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
- Step 4: Bake for around 50 minutes to 1 hour. Check at 35 minutes—if browning quickly, loosely cover with foil. The bread is done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few crumbs.
- Step 5: Let the bread rest in the pan for at least 10 minutes, then remove and cool completely on a wire rack.
- Step 6: (Optional) To make the cream cheese icing, mix the vegan cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vegan butter in a small bowl until smooth. For a firmer icing, add more butter and sugar to taste.
- Step 7: (Optional) For caramelized apples, sauté the cubed apples and butter in a small saucepan over medium-low heat until they start to soften and turn golden.
- Step 8: Add the brown sugar to the apples, stirring gently as they caramelize. Add a splash of water if they begin to stick. Cook longer for deeper caramelization.
- Step 9: Once the bread has cooled, spread the cream cheese icing on top and arrange the caramelized apples over it. Slice and serve.
Tips & Variations
- For a gluten-free version, substitute the flour with a gluten-free blend and ensure baking powder is gluten-free.
- Use coconut sugar for a richer, caramel-like sweetness.
- You can skip the cream cheese icing and caramelized apples for a simpler bread that’s still delicious.
- Add chopped nuts or raisins to the batter for extra texture and flavor.
Storage
Store the apple bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day or in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also freeze individual slices of the undecorated bread for up to 1 month. Reheat gently in the microwave or toaster oven before serving.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use other types of apples?
Yes, feel free to use any firm apple variety like Granny Smith, Fuji, or Honeycrisp. Each will bring a slightly different flavor and texture.
Is it necessary to add apple cider vinegar?
Apple cider vinegar is optional but helps the bread rise and become fluffier when combined with baking soda. You can omit it if you prefer.
Print
Vegan Apple Bread with Cream Cheese Icing and Caramelized Apples Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This Vegan Apple Bread is a moist, flavorful loaf packed with grated apples and warm cinnamon. Made without dairy or eggs, it offers a perfect plant-based treat that is tender and light. Optional cream cheese icing and caramelized apples add a delightful finish, making it perfect for breakfast, snack, or dessert.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups (315g) all-purpose plain flour (can be substituted with gluten-free flour)
- 1 cup (190g) packed brown sugar (coconut sugar or granulated sugar also works)
- 3 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt (optional)
Wet Ingredients
- 1 x (~180g) medium-sized apple (grated very coarsely or chopped finely)
- 1 cup (250g) dairy-free milk
- 1/2 cup (120g) neutral flavored oil
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (optional)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
Cream Cheese Icing (Optional)
- 1/4 cup (60g) vegan cream cheese (room temperature)
- 1/2 cup (50g) powdered sugar / icing sugar (or to taste)
- 2 tablespoons (20g) vegan butter (room temperature)
Caramelized Apples (Optional)
- 1 x (~180g) medium-sized apple (cubed)
- 1 tablespoon (15g) vegan butter (oil or water as alternatives)
- 2 tablespoons (25g) packed brown sugar (or coconut sugar)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease or line an 8-inch (20 cm) loaf pan with parchment paper to ensure easy removal of the bread.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add all the dry ingredients — flour, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Mix thoroughly until no lumps remain.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Add the wet ingredients — grated or finely chopped apple, dairy-free milk, neutral oil, apple cider vinegar (if using), and vanilla extract (if using) — into the dry mixture. Stir well until fully combined to form the batter.
- Pour Batter and Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth out the top evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 50 minutes to 1 hour. Begin checking at 35 minutes; if the top is browning too fast, loosely cover with aluminum foil. The bread is done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few crumbs attached.
- Cool Bread: Allow the apple bread to rest in the pan for at least 10 minutes to firm up, then carefully remove it from the pan and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Icing (Optional): In a small bowl, mix the vegan cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vegan butter until smooth. For a firmer icing, add extra butter and sugar to taste. This icing is soft at room temperature.
- Make Caramelized Apples (Optional): In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, sauté cubed apples with vegan butter until they become tender and slightly golden. Add brown sugar and gently stir as the apples caramelize. If the apples stick, add a dash of water. Cook longer for deeper caramelization.
- Assemble and Serve: After the bread has cooled, spread or dollop the cream cheese icing on top and garnish with the caramelized apples. Slice and serve immediately for best texture and flavor.
- Storage: Store the apple bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day or refrigerate for up to 4 days. Individual slices of undecorated bread can be frozen and stored for up to 1 month.
Notes
- If you prefer gluten free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a quality gluten-free flour blend.
- Coconut sugar can be used instead of brown sugar for a different flavor profile and lower glycemic index.
- Grating the apple very coarsely or chopping finely ensures the bread stays moist without large chunks.
- Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick; some crumbs on it are okay, but no wet batter should remain.
- The cream cheese icing is optional but adds a delicious tangy sweetness.
- Caramelized apples add a lovely texture contrast but can be omitted for a simpler bread.
- Ensure the vegan cream cheese and butter are at room temperature for best icing consistency.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Vegan
Keywords: vegan apple bread, vegan baking, plant-based bread, apple cinnamon bread, dairy-free, egg-free, vegan dessert, vegan snack
