Vegan Apple Kugel Recipe
Soft, custardy apple kugel with a crisp, cinnamon-dusted top and serious “just one more bite” energy. No weird ingredients, no complicated steps—just a nostalgic, spiced apple bake that you can (and should) eat for breakfast, dessert, and anytime in between.
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 358kcal
Cost: $7
Equipment
Ingredients
For the Apples:
- 3 large apples peeled and thinly sliced (top choices: granny smith, pink lady, or honeycrisp)
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
For the Kugel:
- ¼ cup egg replacer powder
- ½ cup vegan butter room temperature
- 1 cup apple sauce
- ¾ cup sugar
- ½ teaspoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
To serve:
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ cup vegan butter thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon powdered sugar optional
- Maple syrup to taste optional
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a baking dish.
- In a large bowl, toss the thin apple slices with flour, brown sugar and nutmeg until they are evenly coated.
- Either in a medium bowl using a hand mixer, or in a stand mixer with a whip attachment, cream together the egg replacer powder, and vegan butter until smooth.
- Add the applesauce, sugar, lemon zest, lemon juice, cinnamon, and vanilla extract. Mix for about 60 seconds until well combined.
- Sift in the flour, baking powder, and salt. Mix with a rubber spatula, or with the paddle attachment if using a stand mixer for 20-30 seconds, just until no dry spots remain.
- Arrange most of the sliced apples in the prepared baking dish. Save 4-6 slices to place on top of the kugel.
- Spread the batter evenly over the apples, smoothing the top with a wet offset spatula.
- Top the kugel with a few reserved slices of seasoned apples.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes, until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Remove from the oven and while still warm, dust with cinnamon and dot with the thinly sliced pats of vegan butter, allowing it to melt over the surface.
- If desired, dust with powdered sugar and serve with warm maple syrup on the side.
Notes
🍏 The Tart Side of the Fruit
Granny Smith, Pink Lady, or Honeycrisp apples hold their shape and balance the sweetness perfectly. Red Delicious? Mealy, flavorless, and best left on the store shelf.
⏰ It’s About Time
Start checking at 35 minutes. Rotate the pan and switch racks if your oven heats unevenly. It’s done when a toothpick comes out clean.
⏳ Freeze Frame
Cool for at least 15 minutes before slicing to help it set and hold its shape.
Nutrition
Calories: 358kcal | Carbohydrates: 53g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 16g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Trans Fat: 3g | Sodium: 232mg | Potassium: 130mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 33g | Vitamin A: 48IU | Vitamin C: 5mg | Calcium: 32mg | Iron: 1mg