This Vegan Apple Ring Cake-Ciambella di Mele is so easy to put together. Totally dairy free and super moist! Use your favorite nut milk and use more whole wheat flour if you like. It's perfect for breakfast or for when you're craving something a little sweet.
If you're making this Ciambella di Mele, be sure to also check out my Torta di Mela e Prugne and Orange Poppy Seed Cake for more simple, fruit forward Italian cakes
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Ingredients
- 2 large apples, peeled and cored (1 sliced, 1 diced)
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- 1 cup (240 ml) almond milk (or preferred plant milk)
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- 1½ cups (190 g) all-purpose flour
- ⅔ cup (80 g) whole wheat flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ¾ cup (150 g) sugar
- ½ cup (120 ml) neutral oil (canola, sunflower, or mild olive oil)
- 2 tablespoons orange juice
- 1-2 tablespoons turbinado sugar (for topping)
How to Make Vegan Apple Ring Cake
- Preheat oven to 175°C (350°F). Spray a tube or Bundt pan well with baking spray.
- In a small bowl, stir apple cider vinegar into the almond milk. Let sit 5 minutes to create vegan buttermilk.
- Slice one apple and dice the other. Toss both with lemon juice and set aside.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, and baking powder. Rub the lemon zest into the flour with your fingers to release the oils.
- In another bowl, whisk together sugar, oil, almond milk mixture, and orange juice.
- Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients gradually, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Fold in the diced apple pieces.
- Pour batter into prepared pan. Arrange apple slices evenly over the top and sprinkle with turbinado sugar.
- Bake in the center of the oven for 35-45 minutes, or until a skewer inserted comes out clean.
- Let cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before removing. Cool completely before slicing.
Expert Tips for the Best Vegan Apple Cake
- Use firm apples
I prefer Honeycrisp or Granny Smith. They hold their shape and don't turn mushy. - Don't overmix
Overmixing develops gluten and makes the cake dense. Mix just until combined. - Grease the pan thoroughly
Bundt and tube pans have curves. Spray well and lightly flour if needed. - Let the vegan buttermilk sit
That slight curdling helps create a tender crumb. - Add spices if you like
½ teaspoon cinnamon or nutmeg adds warmth. - Check at 35 minutes
Every oven is different. Start testing early to avoid overbaking.
I've been obsessed with my tube pans. I keep making different ciambelle (ring cakes) every week and am trying to share all the recipes here before I lose them. They're written on scraps of paper stained with oil and flour scattered around my counters.
This is one I've made several times in the last few weeks.
This lovely apple cake is dairy-free and egg-free. If you adore apple desserts as much as I do, this is a recipe to try! Moist and full of flavor…the eggs aren't even missed one bit.
FAQ
Store covered at room temperature for 2 days or refrigerate up to 5 days. Bring to room temperature before serving.
Yes. Wrap tightly and freeze up to 2 months.
Yes. Bake at 175°C for about 20-25 minutes.
Firm baking apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Pink Lady.
You can reduce slightly to ½ cup, but the texture may be less tender.
Yes. The oil and apples keep it soft without needing eggs or butter.
hope your weekend is full of peace and happiness! xo Lora
Apple Ring Cake -Ciambella di Mele
Ingredients
- 2 large apples peeled and cored (1 apple sliced, 1 apple cut into small chunks)
- zest and juice of one lemon
- 1 cup almond milk or whatever milk you prefer
- 1 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar
- 1 ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ⅔ cup whole wheat flour
- 2 tsps baking powder
- ¾ cup sugar
- ½ cup canola oil or whatever oil you prefer
- 2 Tablespoons orange juice
- 1-2 tablespoon turbinado sugar
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 F. Spray a tube or Bundt pan with baking spray.
- Before you cut the apples, add the vinegar to the almond milk and let it sit and start to curdle a little to make the vegan buttermilk.
- Separate the apple chunks from the slices. Squeeze the lemon juice onto the apple slices and the chunks; set aside.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flours and the baking powder. Add the lemon zest to the flour and mix it together with your fingers to release the lemon flavor; set aside.
- In another large bowl whisk together the sugar, oil, milk, and orange juice. Stir in the flour a cup at a time until it is incorporated. Scrape down the sides of the bowl with a spatula after you add each cup and mix well.
- Fold in the apple chunks.
- Pour the batter into your prepared ring pan. Place the apple slices around the top of the batter. Sprinkle the turbinado sugar on top of the apple slices.
- Bake in the middle of the oven for 35-45 minutes or until a skewer inserted into the cake comes out clean.
Nutrition Disclaimer
Please keep in mind that the nutritional information presented below is an approximation and may vary depending on the exact ingredients used.
Notes
I prefer Honeycrisp or Granny Smith. They hold their shape and don't turn mushy.Don't overmix
Overmixing develops gluten and makes the cake dense. Mix just until combined. Grease the pan thoroughly
Bundt and tube pans have curves. Spray well and lightly flour if needed. Let the vegan buttermilk sit
That slight curdling helps create a tender crumb. Add spices if you like
½ teaspoon cinnamon or nutmeg adds warmth. Check at 35 minutes
Every oven is different. Start testing early to avoid overbaking.
Your cake looks delicious, I didn't realize that adding cider vinager would have that effect, makes sense though, Now, what is in that yummy salad? Have a great day.
Hi I'm Lyn and I have a Pinterest problem 🙂 This recipe looks delish. I like all the ingredients and I don't think you can go wrong with apples! I can just imagine the flavour that the rum gives!
Using this logic, if I don't have any lunch at all, does that mean I can have two pieces of this cake?
I love the Dolly Parton quote and I can hear her saying it in my head.
I can too and that's why I love it:)she's darling.
--The cake looks Delish.
I'd love a slice w/ some nice strong Starbucks right now.
MMMM
This cake looks fabulous!!!
What lovely quotes you picked, being good is not easy but atleast we can try our best, Right...
I have to agree Pinterest is very addictive and so much fun.
healthy lunch = more cake is my kind of meal!
we try to get as much veggies as possible but in the same time, a sweet treat for breakfast or after dinner is becoming a habit 🙂
the apple cake sounds delish.
Apple cake is always a killer,.. I am wondering what it tastes like all vegan.
yes I agree pinterest is fun! XD
It tastes like a really good apple cake;)The apples folded in batter and the almond milk make it very moist. We liked it over here;)
'Speak the truth, even if your voice shakes'. I wish more people would follow that gem of wisdom. I have spent hours scrolling through Pinmarket (I think that's what it's called), so Pinterest scares me in a 'time sucking' way. However, I do need to join. I also love 'Healthier eating = more cake'. If it means more of this apple ring, I better start stocking up on the greeens and quinoa!
I do as well. It can take away time but is also very inspiring. I do a little here and there when I can:)
This looks delicious and the quotes you selected were terrific! It is SO hard to be good - any time you are (or I am) I consider it a VICTORY!
You're right! A victory, indeed;)
This looks simply amazing! I need to make this!!
What a fantastic recipe! I love this healthier version. I also adore apple cake and look forward to trying this!
I'm not on Pinterest so thank you for that second quote from dearlittleauntie, I love it. Also loving the look of this cake. Have you ever baked this batter in cupcake tins?
I haven't but it is a great idea.:)
Yum!! And yes, pinterest is very addicting!
A really delicious looking and so much healthier apple cake. Eat one piece for me 😉
I will sure try this one:)
First mistake of the day was coming here prior to eating even a crumb or having a cup of coffee. Why do you torture me so; I thought we were friends?
TwEat me over a slice please?
a slice is TwEating over now;)
What a fabulous cake!! I LOVE the huge chunks of apples!
this cake look amazing and delicious
Your Vegan Apple Ring Cake wants me to have more cake because it's healthy and delicious!
"Happy Cooking"
You should be a math teacher. healthy lunch = more cake is spot on!