Vegan cakes are a delightful way to enjoy the classic sweetness of cake without using any animal products. Whether you’re vegan, lactose intolerant, or simply looking to try something healthier and more sustainable, a vegan cake can be just as moist, flavorful, and satisfying as traditional cakes.
The best part? Vegan baking often involves creative swaps like flaxseeds, applesauce, or aquafaba to replace eggs, and plant-based milks and oils instead of dairy.
This recipe will guide you through making a simple yet scrumptious vegan cake that can be customized to your taste buds.
In this post, you’ll discover the ingredients, equipment, and step-by-step instructions needed to bake a perfect vegan cake from scratch. Plus, I’ll share useful tips, variations, and serving ideas to help you make every bite memorable.
If you enjoy this recipe, be sure to check out other tasty vegan options like our Vegan Slow Cooker Recipe for Easy, Delicious Meals and Vegan Chocolate Milk Recipe Easy and Delicious Guide for more plant-based inspiration!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This vegan cake recipe is both accessible and adaptable. It uses common pantry staples, meaning you don’t need any specialty ingredients to get started.
The cake comes out incredibly moist and fluffy thanks to the clever use of apple cider vinegar and baking soda, which create a natural rise and tender crumb.
It’s perfect for beginners but also versatile enough for experienced bakers to tweak with different flavors or frostings. Whether for birthdays, holidays, or just a sweet treat, this cake proves that vegan baking can be simple, delicious, and crowd-pleasing.
Plus, you’ll love that it’s free from refined sugars if you substitute with maple syrup or coconut sugar, and free from dairy and eggs, making it allergy-friendly and ethical.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 2 cups (240g) |
| Sugar (organic cane sugar or coconut sugar) | 1 cup (200g) |
| Baking soda | 1 tsp |
| Baking powder | 1 tsp |
| Salt | ½ tsp |
| Plant-based milk (almond, soy, oat, etc.) | 1 cup (240ml) |
| Apple cider vinegar | 1 tbsp |
| Vegetable oil (canola, sunflower, or melted coconut oil) | ⅓ cup (80ml) |
| Vanilla extract | 2 tsp |
| Optional add-ins: vegan chocolate chips, lemon zest, or chopped nuts | ½ cup (80-100g) |
Equipment
- Mixing bowls (large and medium size)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk or electric mixer
- Rubber spatula
- 8-inch (20 cm) round cake pan or 9×5-inch loaf pan
- Parchment paper (optional, for lining pan)
- Cooling rack
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your cake pan with a little oil or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Stir to combine evenly.
- Prepare wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the plant-based milk and apple cider vinegar. Let this sit for 5 minutes to curdle slightly—this acts as a vegan buttermilk.
- Add the vegetable oil and vanilla extract to the milk mixture and whisk well.
- Combine wet and dry: Pour the wet ingredients into the large bowl with the dry ingredients. Using a whisk or spatula, gently fold everything together until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cake light and fluffy.
- Add optional ingredients: If using vegan chocolate chips, lemon zest, or nuts, fold them into the batter now.
- Pour batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Ovens vary, so start checking at 30 minutes.
- Cool the cake in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely before frosting or serving.
Tips & Variations
“For an extra moist cake, substitute half the oil with unsweetened applesauce.”
To make this cake gluten-free, replace the all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking blend and add 1 tsp xanthan gum.
Try adding different flavors like cocoa powder for a chocolate cake or spices like cinnamon and nutmeg for a warm twist.
If you want to frost your cake, vegan buttercream or coconut whipped cream are excellent choices, adding richness without dairy.
For other creative vegan recipe ideas, explore our Vegan Flour Tortilla Recipe Easy, Soft, and Homemade and Vegan Halloween Dessert Recipes That Will Wow Your Guests.
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Amount per serving (1 slice) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 220 kcal |
| Fat | 8 g |
| Saturated Fat | 1 g |
| Carbohydrates | 34 g |
| Fiber | 1.5 g |
| Sugar | 18 g |
| Protein | 2 g |
| Sodium | 180 mg |
Serving Suggestions
This vegan cake pairs wonderfully with a cup of hot tea or coffee for a cozy afternoon snack. You can also serve it as a dessert topped with fresh berries and a dollop of coconut whipped cream for a festive touch.
For a birthday or special occasion, frost your cake with vegan buttercream or chocolate ganache made from coconut cream and dairy-free chocolate. Garnish with chopped nuts, shredded coconut, or edible flowers for extra flair.
Looking for more wholesome vegan meal ideas? Check out our Vegan Soul Food Recipe Book: Delicious Plant-Based Meal for hearty dishes that complement your vegan desserts perfectly.
Conclusion
Baking a vegan cake from scratch is easier than you think, and this recipe proves that plant-based ingredients can create a moist, flavorful, and satisfying dessert. With simple pantry staples and straightforward steps, you can whip up a cake that everyone—vegans and non-vegans alike—will enjoy.
Experiment with different add-ins, frostings, and serving styles to make this recipe your own. Whether it’s a family gathering, a birthday celebration, or just a treat to brighten your day, this vegan cake is a fantastic option that’s kind to animals and the planet.
Don’t forget to explore more vegan recipes on the blog, like the Recipe Vegetarian Chopped Liver Made Easy and Delicious for savory inspiration or the Veganomicon Recipes Online: Best Dishes to Try Today for a collection of crowd-pleasers.
📖 Recipe Card: Vegan Cakes Recipe
Description: A simple and delicious vegan cake that is moist and fluffy. Perfect for any occasion and easy to customize with your favorite flavors.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT30M
Total Time: PT45M
Servings: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup almond milk
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1/2 cup dairy-free chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch cake pan.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, mix almond milk, vegetable oil, apple cider vinegar, vanilla, and applesauce.
- Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
- Fold in chocolate chips if using.
- Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Allow cake to cool before removing from pan and serving.
Nutrition: Calories: 250 kcal | Protein: 3 g | Fat: 10 g | Carbs: 38 g
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