Vegan Cake Recipes
So, you’re craving a cake that’s both indulgent and animal-friendly? Well, you’re in luck! Whether you’re a baking newbie or a kitchen veteran, I’ve got these mouth-watering vegan cake recipes that’ll make you the star of the dessert table. Let’s dig in!
Indulgent Chocolate Cake
Alright, let’s talk chocolate because seriously, who’s saying no to chocolate cake? This quick, one-bowl wonder is crazy easy to whip up. Trust me, even Uncle Bob will be reaching for seconds, and he usually turns his nose up at anything without butter and eggs. The secret? It’s moist, rich, and honestly, some even say it’s the best chocolate cake they’ve ever had, vegan or not. Gotta admit, I’m a bit proud every time I serve it.
Ingredients:
- 1 and a half cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup water
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Start by cranking up your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and dust up that 8-inch round cake pan.
- Grab a big bowl and toss in the flour, sugar, cocoa, baking soda, and salt. Give it a good mix.
- Add water, vegetable oil, vinegar, and vanilla to the mix. Stir until it’s all smooth.
- Get that batter into your prepared pan.
- Pop it in the oven for about 30-35 minutes, or till a toothpick comes out clean from the center.
- Let it chill in the pan for 10 minutes, then shift it over to a wire rack to cool down completely.
Wanna treat yourself even more? Check out our stash of easy vegan recipes.
Fluffy Vanilla Cake
If you’re in the mood for something a little more classic, this vanilla cake is your jackpot. With just nine ingredients, you’ll get a result that’s melt-in-your-mouth tender and perfectly sweet. Ever tried vegan buttercream frosting? It’s a hit at birthdays, weddings, and pretty much any festivity. Trust me.
Ingredients:
- 2 and a half cups cake flour
- 1 and a half cups sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
Instructions:
- Fire up that oven again to 350°F (175°C). Get two 9-inch round cake pans ready with grease and flour.
- In a big bowl, whisk together cake flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, mix almond milk, oil, vanilla, vinegar, and applesauce.
- Slowly mix the wet stuff into the dry ingredients till it’s just combined.
- Split the batter between the two pans evenly.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until that trusty toothpick tells you it’s done.
- Let the cakes chill in the pans for 10 minutes, then move ’em to a wire rack to cool fully.
Don’t miss out on our vegan recipe cookies for more sweet goodness.
Here’s a quick look at what you’ll need:
| Ingredient | Chocolate Cake | Vanilla Cake |
|---|---|---|
| Flour | 1.5 cups (all-purpose) | 2.5 cups (cake flour) |
| Sugar | 1 cup | 1.5 cups |
| Cocoa Powder | 1/4 cup | N/A |
| Baking Powder | N/A | 1 tablespoon |
| Baking Soda | 1 teaspoon | N/A |
| Salt | 1/2 teaspoon | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Water | 1 cup | N/A |
| Almond Milk | N/A | 1 cup |
| Apple Cider Vinegar | N/A | 1 tablespoon |
| White Vinegar | 1 tablespoon | N/A |
| Vanilla Extract | 1 teaspoon | 2 teaspoons |
| Vegetable Oil | 1/3 cup | 1/2 cup |
| Applesauce | N/A | 1/2 cup |
So, whether you’re the chocolate-obsessed or vanilla’s biggest fan, these cakes have something special for everyone. Ready for more vegan dish ideas? Don’t miss out on our vegan recipe for dinner party.
Making Moist Vegan Cakes
Whipping up a moist and yummy vegan cake isn’t rocket science, but let’s face it, without the right tips and tricks, it could turn into a crumbly disappointment. Don’t worry, I’ve got the cheat sheet you need to bake up a storm with rich, mouth-watering vegan goodies.
Secret Ingredient for Moisture
Alright, lean in close because I’m going to spill the beans on a little-known trick—boiling hot water. Sounds weird? But trust me, it works wonders, especially for those chocolatey cakes we all dream about. Just throw in a cup of the steaming stuff right before you pop that bad boy in the oven. Magic happens—your cake stays lush and moist (Nora Cooks).
But wait, there’s more! Vegan buttermilk’s your next ally. Mix up your go-to non-dairy milk with a splash of apple cider vinegar and chill out for about seven minutes while it curdles like a boss. This little mix will make your cake rise like a star and stay as moist as ever (The Banana Diaries).
Substitutions for Moisture
Besides those nifty tricks, there are some smooth moves you can make with substitutions that are sure to keep things juicy:
-
Sour Cream: That vegan sour cream in your fridge ain’t just for tacos, folks. Add a dollop or two to your cake mix to school dryness and denseness, giving the batter just the right body and letting the crumb flex its fluffiness (Sally’s Baking Addiction).
-
Vinegar and Baking Soda: For those who failed chem class, fear not—the secret reaction between vinegar and baking soda is here to save your cake. This combo goes all bubbly, lightening up your cake’s structure and beating dense disasters (Sally’s Baking Addiction).
| Ingredient | Why We Love It |
|---|---|
| Boiling Hot Water | Keeps chocolate cakes nice and damp |
| Vegan Buttermilk | Keeps the cake moist and helps it rise |
| Vegan Sour Cream | Keeps your cake from drying out |
| Vinegar and Baking Soda | Helps lighten your cake’s crumb |
Heads up, don’t go to town with creaming that butter and sugar. Just a nice little blend to trap air is what we’re after. Overdoing it? You’ll trap so much air that your cake ends up flatlining in the oven—nobody wants a deflated cake, right? (Sally’s Baking Addiction).
Put these tips in your pocket, and you’ll revolutionize your vegan baking game. If you’re hungry for more yum, don’t miss out on our other fun ideas like vegan recipe dinner healthy or vegan recipe healthy. Happy baking!
Customizing Vegan Cake Recipes
So you’re into vegan cakes, huh? Let me tell ya, making them your own is where the fun begins. I’m here to spill some secrets on how to tweak those recipes so they’re not just vegan, but gluten-free and egg-free too. Perfect for folks with dietary quirks.
Gluten-Free Options
If gluten’s a no-go, don’t sweat it. You can still whip up drool-worthy vegan cakes with a few sneaky swaps. Flour’s the biggie here.
- Gluten-Free Flour Blend: Just trade out your usual all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend laced with xanthan gum. It keeps your cake texture in check, just like the old-school stuff (The Big Man’s World).
- Almond Flour: Wanna get fancy (and a bit nutty)? Throw in some almond flour, maybe mix it up with gluten-free oat flour. Adds flavor and a little kick of nutrition.
| Ingredient | Gluten-Free Swap |
|---|---|
| All-Purpose Flour | Gluten-Free Flour Blend with Xanthan Gum |
| Wheat Flour | Almond Flour |
| Regular Oat Flour | Gluten-Free Oat Flour |
Need more gluten-free vegan inspo? Check our vegan recipe gluten-free section.
Egg Replacements
Now, eggs in cakes? They’re like the glue. No worries though, we’ve got vegan magic for that too. Check these out:
- Applesauce: Just swap one egg for 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce. Keeps the cake nice and moist without the eggy stuff. (Healthline).
- Flax Eggs: Mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseeds with 3 tablespoons of water. Let it chill till it looks like jelly. Hello, omega-3 boost! (Healthline).
- Chia Seeds: Works just like the flaxseed trick. Mix 1 tablespoon of chia seeds with 3 tablespoons of water to get that gunky texture.
| Egg Replacement | Equals 1 Egg in Cake |
|---|---|
| Unsweetened Applesauce | 1/4 cup (65g) |
| Flax Egg (Ground Flaxseed + Water) | 1 tbsp + 3 tbsp water |
| Chia Egg (Ground Chia Seeds + Water) | 1 tbsp + 3 tbsp water |
These little swaps mean you can still bake a vegan beauty without skimping on taste or texture. Want more egg-free ideas? Dive into our vegan recipe section.
Trying out these gluten-free and egg-free tricks doesn’t just make your baking game stronger, it makes sure everyone gets a slice of the action. Happy baking adventures!
Frosting and Decorating Tips
Baking is where I find my happy place, and frosting and decorating vegan cakes is like the cherry on top—or, you know, the sprinkles on the cake. Here’s how I jazz up my cakes to make them both tasty and eye-poppingly pretty.
Vegan Buttercream Frosting
Whipping up a vegan buttercream frosting can be a piece of cake, honestly! My go-to is Earth Balance vegan buttery sticks for that rich taste and perfect texture they bring to the frosting (Thanks to Nora Cooks for the inspo!). Now, let’s get to it:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup vegan butter (highly recommend Earth Balance)
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1-2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2-4 tablespoons non-dairy milk (any favorite, like almond or soy)
Instructions:
- Whip that vegan butter till it’s as smooth as a baby’s cheek.
- Toss in your powdered sugar, little by little.
- Add in that delicious vanilla.
- Pour in the non-dairy milk bits at a time, till you hit frosting Nirvana.
Creative Decor Ideas
Let your inner artist out when dressing up those cakes! Here are some quirky and cool ways to make your cakes a feast for the eyes:
Colors and Patterns:
- Get bold with natural dyes from beet juice, spinach powder, or turmeric for a pop of color.
- Try marbling frosting shades by swirling them together like a painting.
Toppings:
- Fresh fruit: Berries, kiwi slices, or edible flowers turn your cake into Pinterest-level gorgeousness.
- Vegan sprinkles: Let’s make it a party with some jazzy vegan-friendly sprinkles.
Tools and Techniques:
- Grab those piping bags and different nozzles to create fancy patterns, lovely flowers, or even spell out messages! Cool cakes first; at least that’s what School Night Vegan suggests.
- Begin with a crumb coat to keep any loose crumbs sealed in—pop in the fridge for a wee chill (15-20 mins) before the main frosting drama.
Pro Tips:
- Doubling your vegan buttercream batch is never a bad idea. More is more in this case.
- A cake turntable will make your frosting smoother and life easier.
- For that oh-so-sleek finish, drizzle your cake with a shiny vegan chocolate ganache. Instant chic mood.
Decorating cakes is loads of fun and full of surprises. Try out these tips, and remember, you’re not just adding frosting; you’re adding joy. Hopping over to explore more vegan delights like vegan recipes? You’ll find gems in easy vegan recipes and vegan recipe healthy too! Whether you’re going for a sweet treat that meets a family hug or a show-stopper piece of art, these tips got your back.
Healthier Vegan Cake Alternatives
So, you’re on the hunt for a guilt-free slice of vegan cake? Maybe you’ve been trying to cut back on sugar, or you’ve sworn off oils in your baked goods. Fear not, because you don’t have to wave goodbye to deliciousness just yet. Dive into some healthier vegan cake options that satisfy both your taste buds and your dietary choices.
Lower Sugar Options
Cutting down on sugar doesn’t mean giving up the yum factor. Say hello to a whole new world of sweet-tasting goodness that won’t give your blood sugar a rollercoaster ride.
People swear by natural sweeteners like maple syrup, agave nectar, or coconut sugar – all tasty alternatives to refined white sugar. You could even throw some fruits like mashed bananas, applesauce, or dates into the mix. They’re like nature’s candy, adding sweetness and a moist texture.
Here’s a cheat sheet for swapping out sugar:
| Sweet Stuff | Equals 1 Cup Sugar |
|---|---|
| Maple Syrup | 3/4 cup |
| Agave Nectar | 2/3 cup |
| Coconut Sugar | 1 cup |
| Mashed Banana | 1 cup |
| Applesauce | 1 cup |
| Date Paste | 2/3 cup |
For more flavor without the sugar, try unsweetened cocoa powder or vanilla extract. Check out our crashing low-sugar cake and vegan cookie recipes for more sweet ideas minus the guilt.
Oil-Free Variations
If you want a cake minus the greasy guilt, you’re in luck. Ditching oil from your cake doesn’t mean compromising on texture. You can still have a piece of velvety vegan cake pie.
Follow the lead from The Big Man’s World and opt for unsweetened applesauce or mashed banana to keep things moist. Applesauce adds a bit of a fruity kick, while bananas bring their own sweet, tropical vibe.
Here’s how these subs line up:
| No Oil Necessities | Equals 1 Cup Oil |
|---|---|
| Unsweetened Applesauce | 1 cup |
| Mashed Banana | 1 cup |
| Silken Tofu (Purée) | 1 cup |
| Greek Yogurt (Non-Dairy) | 1 cup |
Silken tofu gets you a creamy hit, turning cakes into a soft, flavorful masterpiece. Non-dairy Greek-style yogurt isn’t too shabby, either, bringing both creaminess and taste.
With these oil-free options, your vegan cake game will level up without dragging your health down. Drop by our easy vegan recipes section for more lip-smacking ideas that keep oils out!
Playing with healthier tweaks lets you munch on your fave bakes while keeping your diet on track. Tinker with these switches, and relish how finger-lickin’ good that healthier vegan cake can get!
Unique Vegan Cake Experiences
Ever trotted into the tasty world of vegan cakes? It’s like stepping into a wonderland of delicious surprises. Let’s talk about two intriguing paths you might want to wander down: raw cake creations and niche cake courses.
Raw Cake Creations
Ever thought about a cake you don’t bake? Raw cakes are catching the eye and even snagging awards next to your classic baked buddies. These guys skip the oven, letting the natural taste and goodness shine through. Munching on these makes me feel good during and after. They are kinda like a health and happiness combo platter (Crystal Dawn Culinary).
And get this: making raw cakes doesn’t have to cost more than baking up your average cake. Actually, whipping up a raw delight might even be cheaper than buying sugary treats, especially if you grab your ingredients in bulk. Steer clear of pricey nuts like macadamias, hazelnuts, or pecans, and watch those costs tumble (Crystal Dawn Culinary).
| Ingredient | Ballpark Cost (per lb) |
|---|---|
| Almonds | $6.00 |
| Cashews | $7.00 |
| Pecans | $13.00 |
| Dates | $4.00 |
| Coconut Flakes | $5.00 |
Crafting a raw cake is like assembling a puzzle: mix up some nuts, dates, and coconut for the base, and throw in fruits and other flavors for the filling. There’s heaps of inspiration in my vegan recipes for lunch write-up.
Niche Cake Courses
Want to level up your vegan cake skills? Check out niche cake courses! One star in this scene is the “Nut-Free Raw Cake Academy,” which hands you not just five core nut-free recipes but a bonus module, too. These courses are loaded with tips on flavor tweaks, opening doors to different cake spins (Crystal Dawn Culinary).
The program hooks you up with 45 top-quality tutorial vids, most rocking closed captions for extra accessibility. They’re built easy-to-digest, perfect for folks just dipping their toes into the raw vegan baking game (Crystal Dawn Culinary).
What do you get from diving into the “Nut-Free Raw Cake Academy”?
- Video how-tos and guidance
- Deep dives on how ingredients play with each other
- The scoop on the theory behind each bake
These give me the confidence to tweak recipes or even whip up creations on my own without being chained to the instructions (Crystal Dawn Culinary). For more mouth-watering ideas, swing by the vegan recipe healthy section.
So, let’s shake up your vegan cake world with these unique experiences. Be it roaming through raw cakes or jumping into some specialized learning, there’s a treasure trove of ideas ready to be savored in this tasty adventure.
