Basic Vegan Cake Recipe: Easy, Delicious, and Fluffy

Baking a cake is one of life’s simple pleasures. Whether you’re marking a special occasion or just craving a sweet treat, a homemade cake has a unique charm.

But what if you want to keep it plant-based and accessible to everyone? Enter the basic vegan cake recipe—a moist, fluffy, and delicious cake that’s entirely egg-free and dairy-free, yet every bit as delightful as its traditional counterparts.

Over the years, vegan baking has evolved from a niche skill to a mainstream delight. This recipe is perfect for those new to plant-based baking or anyone seeking a reliable, crowd-pleasing dessert.

It uses familiar pantry staples, comes together in one bowl, and offers endless opportunities for customization. If you’ve ever felt intimidated by vegan baking, rest assured: with a few clever swaps and my easy-to-follow steps, you’ll be enjoying a luscious vegan cake in no time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple Ingredients: No fancy items—just pantry staples you probably already have.
• One-Bowl Wonder: Minimal cleanup! The batter comes together easily in a single bowl.
• Fluffy Texture: Thanks to the combination of plant milk and vinegar, you get a light, tender crumb.
• Customizable: Add chocolate chips, berries, citrus zest, or spices to make it your own.
• Perfect for All Occasions: Birthdays, holidays, or simple weeknight desserts—this cake fits the bill.
• Allergy-Friendly: Egg-free, dairy-free, and easy to make nut-free or soy-free.

“This vegan cake recipe proves you don’t need eggs or dairy to create something truly special.”

Ingredients

Below is a quick-reference table for the ingredients you’ll need for a standard 8-inch round cake. For substitutions and creative ideas, see the Tips & Variations section.

Equipment

• 8-inch round or square cake pan (line with parchment for easy removal)
• Mixing bowl (large enough for all ingredients)
• Whisk or fork
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Rubber spatula (for folding and scraping batter)
• Cooling rack
• Oven

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line your cake pan with parchment paper for easy release.
2. Mix the wet ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, combine plant-based milk and apple cider vinegar. Let it sit for 2 minutes to curdle slightly—this creates a vegan “buttermilk” effect.
3. Add the neutral oil and vanilla extract to the bowl. Whisk until fully combined.
4. Add the dry ingredients. Sift in the flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Gently whisk or fold until just combined—do not overmix, as this can make the cake dense.
5. If using add-ins (like chocolate chips or berries), fold them in with a spatula now.
6. Pour the batter into your prepared cake pan. Smooth the top with a spatula for even baking.
7. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean (a few moist crumbs are okay).
8. Remove the cake from the oven. Let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely.
9. Once cool, frost or glaze as desired—or simply dust with powdered sugar for a classic finish.

Tip: Every oven is different. Start checking your cake at 28 minutes to avoid overbaking.

Tips & Variations

• Make it chocolatey: Swap 1/3 cup flour for cocoa powder and add 1/4 cup extra plant milk for a rich vegan chocolate cake.
• Citrus twist: Add 1 tablespoon lemon or orange zest to the batter. Top with a simple citrus glaze.
• Gluten-free option: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Check out my Gluten Free Soy Free Vegetarian Recipes for Healthy Meals for more ideas!
• Lower sugar: Reduce sugar to 3/4 cup for a less sweet cake, or swap for coconut sugar.
• Oil-free: Replace oil with unsweetened applesauce for a lighter, oil-free variation (the crumb will be slightly denser).
• Nut-free version: Choose oat, rice, or soy milk and avoid nut-based add-ins.
• Decorations: Top with fresh berries, edible flowers, or a vegan buttercream. For inspiration, see my Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious.

“Vegan baking is all about creativity—don’t be afraid to experiment with flavors and textures!”

Nutrition Facts

Here’s a rough estimate for one slice (1/10th of the cake) without frosting or add-ins:

Note: Nutrition will vary based on your plant milk, oil type, and add-ins. Always check packaging for exact values if you have dietary concerns.

Serving Suggestions

• Classic: Enjoy a slice with a cup of tea or coffee for a simple afternoon treat.
• Frosted: Top with vegan vanilla or chocolate buttercream. For a fruity twist, try a layer of jam between two cake layers.
• Fresh: Serve with a dollop of coconut whipped cream and fresh berries.
• Elegant: Lightly dust with powdered sugar and garnish with edible flowers.
• Try it warm: Slightly warm slices and top with a scoop of vegan vanilla ice cream for a comforting dessert.
• Explore more vegan baking: For a heartier loaf, see my Vegan Bread Machine Recipe for Soft, Delicious Loaves or browse my collection of Veg Recipes for Slow Cooker: Easy, Tasty Meal Ideas for plant-based inspiration!

Hosting a party? Double the recipe and bake in a 9×13-inch pan for easy sheet cake slices!

Conclusion

This basic vegan cake recipe is proof that delicious baking can be inclusive, easy, and absolutely satisfying. With just a handful of simple ingredients, you’ll create a tender, moist cake that’s sure to impress vegans and non-vegans alike.

The best part? It’s endlessly adaptable—dress it up for celebrations, keep it simple for snacking, or experiment with new flavors every time.

Remember, the beauty of vegan baking is in its flexibility. Don’t hesitate to get creative with add-ins, spices, and toppings.

Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting your plant-based journey, this recipe is a wonderful foundation. Happy baking—and if you try this cake, be sure to share your results!

For more plant-based inspiration, don’t miss my Peruvian Vegetable Recipes for Flavorful Healthy Meals and browse my site for more global vegan delights. Enjoy every bite!

{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Basic Vegan Cake”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “A simple and fluffy vegan cake perfect for any occasion. Enjoy this moist dessert with your favorite frosting or toppings.”, “prepTime”: “PT15M”, “cookTime”: “PT30M”, “totalTime”: “PT45M”, “recipeYield”: “8 servings”, “recipeIngredient”: [“2 cups all-purpose flour”, “1 cup granulated sugar”, “1 cup unsweetened almond milk”, “1/3 cup vegetable oil”, “2 teaspoons baking powder”, “1/2 teaspoon baking soda”, “1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar”, “1 teaspoon vanilla extract”, “1/4 teaspoon salt”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Preheat oven to 350\u00b0F (175\u00b0C).”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Grease an 8-inch round cake pan.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “In a separate bowl, mix almond milk, vegetable oil, apple cider vinegar, and vanilla extract.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and mix until just combined.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth the top.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Bake for 30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Let the cake cool before serving.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “210 kcal”, “proteinContent”: “3 g”, “fatContent”: “7 g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “34 g”}}