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
