Best Vegan Vanilla Cake Recipe for Moist and Fluffy Results

There’s something magical about a perfectly baked vanilla cake—its delicate crumb, sweet aroma, and classic flavor can instantly transport you to a place of pure comfort. But what if you could enjoy all that nostalgic joy in a cake that is entirely plant-based?

That’s where this best vegan vanilla cake recipe comes in. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, hosting a dinner party, or simply craving a slice of something sweet with your afternoon tea, this cake delivers on all fronts: it’s soft, moist, light, and bursting with real vanilla flavor.

In my years of baking, I’ve tested countless vegan cake recipes, but none have checked all the boxes quite like this one. With straightforward ingredients and fail-proof instructions, you’ll master a crowd-pleasing, dairy- and egg-free cake that everyone will love—vegan or not.

Read on for tips, tricks, and variations to make this your new go-to vanilla cake recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Incredibly Moist and Fluffy: This cake is tender and light, thanks to the perfect blend of plant-based ingredients and a tried-and-true mixing method.
• No Fancy Ingredients Needed: Everything you need is easy to find at any grocery store—no specialty flours or hard-to-source egg replacers required.
• So Versatile: Dress it up with your favorite frosting, fruit, or even a layer of jam. The subtle vanilla profile pairs well with almost any topping.
• Allergy-Friendly: This cake is naturally dairy- and egg-free. With a few simple swaps, it can easily be made nut-free or gluten-free.
• Perfect for Every Occasion: Whether you’re making cupcakes for a party or a show-stopping layer cake, this recipe adapts beautifully.

If you love plant-based baking, be sure to check out my Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious and Vegan Bread Machine Recipe for Soft, Delicious Loaves for more sweet inspiration!

Ingredients

Equipment

• Two 8-inch round cake pans (or one 9×13-inch rectangular pan)
• Mixing bowls (medium and large)
• Whisk and spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Parchment paper (for lining pans)
• Cooling rack
• Offset spatula or knife (for frosting, optional)
• Oven

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease your cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Sift if needed for a finer crumb.
3. In a separate bowl, combine the wet ingredients: plant-based milk, oil, applesauce, vanilla extract, and apple cider vinegar. If using melted vegan butter, whisk it in now.
4. Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients. Whisk gently until just combined. Do not overmix—a few small lumps are fine.
5. Divide the batter evenly between your prepared pans. Use a spatula to smooth the tops.
6. Bake on the center rack for 28-32 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the tops spring back when lightly touched.
7. Cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then carefully run a knife around the edges and turn the cakes out onto a wire rack. Peel off parchment and cool completely.
8. Frost and decorate as desired once completely cool. See below for vegan frosting suggestions!

Baker’s Tip: If you want a perfect flat layer cake, wrap the outside of your cake pans with a damp cake strip or towel before baking. This helps the cakes bake evenly and prevents doming.

Tips & Variations

• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour. Check your baking powder is gluten-free.
• Nut-Free Version: Use oat or soy milk instead of almond milk, and avoid vegan butters with nut ingredients.
• Different Pan Sizes: This recipe makes two 8-inch layers, but you can use a 9×13-inch pan for a sheet cake or make 18-20 cupcakes (bake 18-22 minutes for cupcakes).
• Flavor Twists: Add the zest of 1 lemon or orange for a citrusy note, or swirl in a few tablespoons of berry jam for a fruity surprise.
• Make Ahead: Bake the cake layers a day in advance, wrap tightly, and refrigerate. Frost just before serving for best freshness.
• Freezer Friendly: Unfrosted cake layers can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before decorating.

“Don’t skip the apple cider vinegar—it’s the secret to a light, fluffy crumb and activates the baking soda for just the right rise!”

For more creative ways to use your oven, explore my Vegetarian Tex Mex Recipes for Easy Weeknight Dinners or try a Low Calorie Vegetable Soup Recipe for Healthy Eating for a balanced meal before dessert!

Nutrition Facts

Note: Nutrition will vary depending on your choice of plant milk and optional ingredients. Add your favorite vegan frosting for a richer treat!

Serving Suggestions

• Classic Vanilla Buttercream: Frost the cake with a simple vegan buttercream made from vegan butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and a splash of plant milk. Decorate with sprinkles or fresh berries for a festive finish.
• Layered with Jam: Spread a thin layer of raspberry or strawberry jam between cake layers before frosting for a fruity twist.
• Whipped Coconut Cream: Serve each slice with a dollop of coconut whipped cream and sliced seasonal fruit for a light, summery dessert.
• Chocolate Ganache: Top with a rich vegan chocolate ganache for a decadent treat—just melt dairy-free chocolate chips with coconut milk and pour over the cooled cake.
• Cupcake Style: Make cupcakes and pipe with colorful vegan frosting for parties or kids’ birthdays.
• With Coffee or Tea: This cake pairs beautifully with a hot beverage. Try it with a cup of herbal tea or a strong espresso for an afternoon pick-me-up.

Hosting a brunch or party? This cake makes a beautiful centerpiece alongside savory dishes like Peruvian Vegetable Recipes for Flavorful Healthy Meals or a fresh Vegetable Crackers Recipe for Healthy Homemade Snacking.

Conclusion

There’s no need to compromise on taste or texture when baking vegan treats, and this vegan vanilla cake is proof. With a tender crumb, pure vanilla flavor, and simple method, it’s a recipe you’ll turn to again and again for celebrations of all kinds.

Whether you’re new to plant-based baking or a seasoned pro, you’ll appreciate how easy it is to achieve bakery-quality results at home.

Remember, the true joy of baking comes from sharing. So slice up this cake and surprise your friends, family, and guests—no one will guess it’s vegan!

If you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to explore more delicious plant-based creations on the blog, like my Vegan Bechamel Sauce Recipe for Creamy Pasta Dishes or my Veg Recipes for Slow Cooker: Easy, Tasty Meal Ideas.

Happy baking—and enjoy every bite!

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