Moist Eggless Apple Spice Cake (Easy – No Mixer Needed)

This Eggless Apple Spice Cake is fall baking at its best—moist, tender, and layered with warm spices and apples, all topped with a crunchy streusel. As an allergy mom with 12+ years of egg-free baking experience, I’ve tested this recipe until it’s foolproof, so you can count on it to work every single time. Made with simple ingredients and no mixer required, it’s an easy, family-friendly treat that looks impressive and tastes even better. One bite, and you’ll see why it’s become a year-round favorite in our house.

Ingredients You’ll Need, Substitutions & Notes

Amounts are included in the printable recipe below (scroll down). You’ll need:

• Flour: I used white whole wheat flour in this recipe, but you can use half whole-wheat flour + half all-purpose flour. You can also use just all-purpose flour, but the texture will be fluffy rather than dense.
• Baking powder & Baking soda: Make sure they’re not expired or too old. To avoid a chemical aftertaste, make sure your baking powder is labeled aluminum-free. I usually use the Clabber Girl brand, and though the ingredients state aluminum, I’ve never noticed an aluminum aftertaste. 
• Apple pie spice: This is a blend of ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice and is easily found in most American grocery stores. If this blend is not available in your country, you can use ½ tsp nutmeg, ½ tsp allspice, and 1 tsp ground cinnamon.
• Salt: I prefer kosher or sea salt. If you only have table salt handy, I recommend reducing the amount to half.
• Brown sugar: You can use light or dark brown sugar.
• Maple syrup: You can substitute maple syrup for agave nectar.
• Butter: I prefer to use unsalted butter, but if you only have salted butter handy, you can use it. In this case, skip the salt called for in the recipe.
• Applesauce: I use and recommend unsweetened applesauce.
• Buttermilk: You don’t have buttermilk? No problem!! Check out my recipe for Easy Homemade Buttermilk Substitute [Video].
• Vanilla extract: For optimal flavor, reach for pure vanilla instead of imitation. Even better, try homemade vanilla extract!
• Apples: My favorite apples for baking are Braeburn, Cortland, Honey Gold, Jonathan, Fuji, and Granny Smith apples. You want to use baking apples that are firm enough to hold up while they bake. I used Fuji apples.
• Spice Streusel: This is optional, but if you decide to make it, you’ll need all-purpose flour, brown sugar, apple pie spice, salt, butter, and vanilla extract.

Overview: How to Make Egg-Free Apple Spice Cake Step-by-Step

Please check the recipe card at the bottom of the post for exact quantities and detailed instructions (scroll down).

Step 1 – Prepare the Equipment

Preheat the oven to 350º F (180º C). Grease and flour a 9-inch Non-stick springform pan.

Step 2 – Combine the Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, apple pie spice, and salt.
In another bowl, combine brown sugar, maple syrup, butter, applesauce, buttermilk, and vanilla.
Stir in flour mixture just until combined. Fold in chopped apples. Spread batter in the prepared baking pan.

Step 3 – Make the Streusel (optional)

Prepare the streusel (if using). Combine flour, brown sugar, apple pie spice, and salt in a medium bowl. Drizzle melted butter and vanilla. Toss with a fork to combine. Sprinkle the top of the cake with the streusel.

Step 4 – Bake the Cake

Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Remove the cake from the oven and set the pan on a wire rack. Allow cooling for at least 30 minutes before topping or serving.

Substitutions & Additions

• Nuts. Add some texture to your cake by adding 1 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts.
• Frosting. Skip the streusel on top and decorate your cake with cream cheese frosting. In this case, make sure your cake is completely cool before icing.
• Extra Spiced. Besides the apple pie spice, add 1/4 teaspoon each ground ginger & allspice for an extra spiced cake.

Storing & Freezing Instructions

Can’t eat a whole apple cake in one sitting? Here’s how to store the extra.

Leftovers

As this cake is moist, store it in a dry place at cool room temperature. If the weather is very hot or humid, you can store the cake in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Wrap it well so it doesn’t absorb other odors. 

Freeze

Here’s how to freeze your homemade apple spice cake without eggs:

1. Let the cake cool completely.
2. Wrap it up in aluminum foil, then with plastic wrap.
3. Place inside a large freezer Ziploc bag and freeze for up to 3 months.

Thaw the eggless apple cake overnight in the refrigerator and bring it to room temperature before slicing and serving when ready to enjoy.

Recipe Card

This recipe was originally published in October 2017. The recipe remains the same, but more notes, tips, photos, and information have been added to the post in September 2022 to make it as helpful as possible!