Oh, you know those days when all you crave is something warm, cozy, and just plain *good*? Like, the kind of dessert that smells like a hug and tastes like pure comfort? That’s exactly why I whipped up this Vegan Apple Oatmeal Sheet Cake. Seriously, it’s become my go-to when I need a quick, wholesome treat that doesn’t fuss. It’s so delightfully easy to throw together, and the combination of sweet apples and hearty oats just hits all the right notes. Best part? It’s totally vegan, so everyone can enjoy a slice of this simple joy!
Why You’ll Love This Vegan Apple Oatmeal Sheet Cake
Honestly, this cake is just a winner on so many levels. Here’s why:
- Super Easy to Make: Seriously, you just mix everything up in two bowls and bake. No fancy techniques here!
- Incredibly Moist and Tender: The applesauce and diced apples keep it so wonderfully moist, you’ll be amazed it’s vegan.
- Wholesome Ingredients: Oats and apples? It feels almost healthy, right? Plus, it’s totally dairy-free and egg-free.
- Perfectly Spiced: Just the right amount of cinnamon and nutmeg to make it smell amazing while it bakes.
- Quick Baking Time: It bakes up fast in a sheet pan, making it perfect for weeknight treats or unexpected guests.
- Versatile & Delicious: Great on its own, or jazz it up with a simple glaze!
Ingredients for Your Perfect Vegan Apple Oatmeal Sheet Cake
Getting this cake just right is all about grabbing the right ingredients. You don’t need anything super fancy, just good ol’ pantry staples and some lovely fresh apples. Trust me, using fresh, ripe apples makes ALL the difference – they’re what give this cake that burst of sweet, slightly tart flavor and keep it wonderfully moist! If you’re looking for more apple inspiration, you might love my apple pie recipe, or maybe some hearty overnight oats have been on your mind!
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup rolled oats (also sometimes called old-fashioned oats – they give it that lovely texture!)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup vegetable oil (or any neutral oil you like)
- ¼ cup plant-based milk (almond, soy, oat, whatever you have!)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup diced apples (about 1-2 medium apples, peeled if you prefer, but I often leave the skin on!)
And if you’re feeling a bit fancy, whip up a quick glaze!
Optional Simple Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons plant-based milk
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Your Vegan Apple Oatmeal Sheet Cake
Alright, let’s get baking! This is where the magic happens, and honestly, it’s so straightforward. Don’t stress, we’ll walk through it together. Making a delicious Vegan Apple Oatmeal Sheet Cake is really just about following a few simple steps, and soon your kitchen will smell like pure heaven. If you’re looking for more easy recipes, check out some of my easy dinner recipes!
Prepping Your Baking Pan and Oven
First things first, we need to get our oven nice and hot! Go ahead and preheat it to 350°F (175°C). While that’s warming up, grab your 9×13 inch baking pan. Give it a good grease and then a light flouring. This is super important so your beautiful cake doesn’t stick!
Combining Dry Ingredients for the Vegan Apple Oatmeal Sheet Cake
In a big ol’ bowl, let’s get all our dry goodies together. Whisk up the flour, rolled oats, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Make sure they’re all friends and evenly mixed – this makes sure everything bakes up just right in your Vegan Apple Oatmeal Sheet Cake.
Mixing the Wet Ingredients
Now, in a separate bowl, it’s time for the wet stuff. Toss in the unsweetened applesauce, granulated sugar, vegetable oil, your plant-based milk, and that lovely vanilla extract. Give it a good stir until it’s all smooth and combined. Easy peasy!
Bringing It All Together: Batter Creation
Okay, here comes the fun part! Pour those wet ingredients from the second bowl right into the big bowl with the dry stuff. Stir it all together until it’s *just* combined. Seriously, don’t go crazy mixing here! Overmixing makes cakes tough, and we want ours delightfully tender. A few little streaks of flour are totally fine.
Incorporating the Apples
Now, gently fold in those diced apples. We want them to be distributed throughout the batter, but we don’t want to mash them up. A gentle hand is key here!
Baking Your Vegan Apple Oatmeal Sheet Cake to Perfection
Pour your wonderful batter into that prepared pan you set aside earlier. Spread it out nice and even so it bakes uniformly. Pop it into your preheated oven and let it bake for about 30-35 minutes. How do you know it’s ready? Easy! Just stick a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, your amazing Vegan Apple Oatmeal Sheet Cake is perfectly baked!
Cooling and Serving
Once it’s done, let the cake cool right there in the pan for a bit before you slice into it. This helps it firm up nicely. Then, just slice and enjoy!
Tips for the Best Vegan Apple Oatmeal Sheet Cake
Okay, so you’ve got the recipe, but want to make your Vegan Apple Oatmeal Sheet Cake absolutely sing? I’ve learned a few little tricks over the years that really make a difference! Don’t be afraid to experiment, but these are my tried-and-true tips.
When it comes to the apples, using a mix of varieties is super fun! A slightly tart apple like a Gala or Fuji, paired with something a bit softer like a Honeycrisp, gives you a more complex flavor. And please, if you have time, dice them yourself rather than buying pre-chopped – it just tastes better! For more baking fun, check out my easy banana bread or some no-bake oatmeal energy bites!
Don’t overwork that batter! Seriously, once the wet and dry ingredients meet, stir just until they’re combined. Overmixing develops the gluten too much, leading to a tougher cake, and nobody wants that.
And listen, if you don’t have applesauce, don’t freak out! Mashed ripe banana or even pumpkin puree can work in a pinch, though it will change the flavor profile a bit. Just make sure whatever you use is unsweetened!
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
Let’s talk ingredients! For the plant-based milk, honestly, any kind works beautifully. Whether it’s almond, soy, oat, or even cashew, they all do the job of adding just the right moisture without altering the flavor too much. I usually reach for whatever I have open in the fridge! For the oil, a neutral one like vegetable, canola, or even a light olive oil is perfect. If you’re feeling adventurous, a mild-tasting avocado oil could also be a fun swap.
Now, about that applesauce – unsweetened is key because we’re already adding sugar. If you happen to only have sweetened, just cut back on the granulated sugar a little bit. And if you’re out of applesauce entirely? Ripe mashed banana is a fantastic sub, though it will give the cake a lovely banana flavor. For more great plant-based baking ideas, you should totally check out my healthy bread recipes!
Frequently Asked Questions about Vegan Apple Oatmeal Sheet Cake
Got questions about this yummy Vegan Apple Oatmeal Sheet Cake? I get it! Sometimes baking can feel a little mysterious, but I’m here to help clear things up. These are some of the things people often ask me:
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! This cake is fantastic for making ahead. Once it’s completely cooled, you can wrap it up tightly and keep it at room temperature for a couple of days, or pop it in the fridge for up to four days. It actually tastes even better the next day!
What kind of apples are best for this recipe?
Honestly, most baking apples will work! I love using a mix of sweet and tart apples for the best flavor. Fuji, Gala, Honeycrisp, or Granny Smith all do wonderfully. Just make sure they’re ripe for that perfect sweet-tart balance and moisture.
My cake seems a bit dense. What did I do wrong?
Don’t worry, it happens! The most common culprit for a dense cake is overmixing. Once you combine the wet and dry ingredients, stir only until *just* combined. A few little lumps are totally okay! Also, make sure your baking soda is fresh; old baking soda won’t give your cake the lift it needs.
Can I add nuts or other spices to this Vegan Apple Oatmeal Sheet Cake?
You sure can! If you like a little crunch, feel free to mix in about half a cup of chopped walnuts or pecans with the apples. As for spices, a pinch of ground ginger or cloves can add another layer of warmth, but don’t go overboard – the simplicity is part of its charm!
How should I store leftover cake?
Once the cake is cool, you can store it in an airtight container at room temperature for about 2-3 days. If it’s really warm where you are, or if you’ve added a glaze (like from my whipped cream recipe, though you’d need to adapt it for vegan!), popping it in the fridge for a few days is a good idea too.
Nutritional Information (Estimated)
Just a friendly heads-up, these numbers are estimates and can wiggle a bit depending on the exact ingredients you use! This is for one slice of your delicious Vegan Apple Oatmeal Sheet Cake:
- Calories: Around 250
- Fat: About 12g
- Carbohydrates: Roughly 35g
- Fiber: Around 3g
- Protein: About 3g
It’s a pretty wholesome treat all around!
Share Your Vegan Apple Oatmeal Sheet Cake Creations!
I absolutely adore seeing your baking adventures! Have you made this delightful Vegan Apple Oatmeal Sheet Cake? I’d be thrilled if you’d share your experience in the comments below. Maybe you have a special twist you tried? Don’t be shy about rating the recipe or tagging me on social media with your gorgeous cake pics! You can also reach out through my contact page!
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Vegan Apple Oatmeal Sheet Cake
- Total Time: 50 min
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
A simple and delicious vegan apple oatmeal sheet cake recipe.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- ¼ cup plant-based milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup diced apples
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, rolled oats, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- In a separate bowl, combine the applesauce, sugar, vegetable oil, plant-based milk, and vanilla extract. Mix well.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Gently fold in the diced apples.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool in the pan before slicing and serving.
Notes
- You can add a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and a little plant-based milk for extra sweetness.
- For a richer flavor, use a mix of apple varieties.
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 35 min
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: vegan, apple, oatmeal, sheet cake, dessert, dairy-free, egg-free