BBC Food Vegan Cake Recipes: Delicious Ideas to Try

Baking vegan cakes is more than just a substitute for traditional recipes—it’s an exciting adventure in flavor and creativity. If you’re searching for the best “bbc food vegan cake recipes,” you’re in for a treat!

The BBC Food team has developed a range of plant-based cake recipes that are delicious, moist, and impressively easy to make. Whether you’re an experienced vegan baker or just getting started, these cakes will satisfy your sweet tooth and make every celebration a little brighter.

In this post, I’ll guide you through three of the most beloved BBC-inspired vegan cake recipes: Classic Vegan Chocolate Cake, Lemon Drizzle Vegan Cake, and Banana Loaf Vegan Cake. With step-by-step instructions, expert tips, nutrition facts, serving ideas, and plenty of helpful links, you’ll be ready to bake up something unforgettable!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Vegan cakes prove that you don’t need eggs or dairy for a tender crumb and rich flavor. Each recipe below is:

• 100% plant-based – perfect for vegans, those with dairy or egg allergies, or anyone seeking a lighter, more sustainable dessert.
• Easy to make – no complicated steps or hard-to-find ingredients.
• Versatile – adapt the flavors, frostings, and add-ins to your tastes or what’s in your pantry.
• Moist and indulgent – you won’t believe how fluffy and satisfying these cakes are!
• Perfect for every occasion – from birthdays to afternoon tea, there’s a vegan cake for any moment.

If you love exploring new vegan recipes, be sure to check out our Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious and our Vegan Bread Machine Recipe for Soft, Delicious Loaves for more baking inspiration!

Ingredients

Classic Vegan Chocolate Cake

Lemon Drizzle Vegan Cake

For the drizzle:

• Juice of 1 lemon
• 60g (1/2 cup) icing (powdered) sugar

Banana Loaf Vegan Cake

Equipment

• Mixing bowls – at least two medium-sized bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons (or digital kitchen scale for accuracy)
• Whisk and spatula
• 8-inch (20cm) round cake tins (for chocolate and lemon cakes), or a loaf tin (for banana loaf)
• Baking paper (parchment)
• Wire cooling rack
• Grater or microplane (for lemon zest)
• Oven

Tip: Lining your tins with parchment makes removing the cakes much easier and prevents sticking.

Instructions

Classic Vegan Chocolate Cake

1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease two 8-inch (20cm) round cake tins and line with baking paper.
2. In a large bowl, sift together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the plant milk, oil, vinegar, and vanilla extract.
4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Mix gently with a spatula or whisk until just combined—do not overmix.
5. Divide the batter evenly between the tins. Smooth the tops.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a skewer inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Cool in the tins for 10 minutes, then remove from tins and cool completely on a wire rack before frosting or serving.

Lemon Drizzle Vegan Cake

1. Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease and line a loaf tin or an 8-inch (20cm) round cake tin.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a small bowl, combine plant milk, oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract.
4. Pour wet ingredients into dry and mix gently until just combined.
5. Pour the batter into the tin and level the top.
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. While the cake bakes, mix the drizzle ingredients (lemon juice and icing sugar) until smooth.
8. When the cake is done, prick the warm cake all over with a skewer and pour the drizzle evenly on top.
9. Allow to cool in the tin for 15 minutes, then remove and cool completely on a rack.

Banana Loaf Vegan Cake

1. Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease and line a standard loaf tin.
2. Mash the bananas in a large bowl. Stir in sugar, oil, and vanilla extract.
3. In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
4. Add the dry mixture to the wet and fold together gently until just combined (do not overmix).
5. Stir in the walnuts if using.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared tin and level the top.
7. Bake for 45-55 minutes until golden and a skewer inserted comes out clean.
8. Cool in the tin for 10 minutes, then remove to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

“Baking times may vary depending on your oven. Always check for doneness in the center.”

If you love easy vegan baking, try our Vegan Bechamel Sauce Recipe for Creamy Pasta Dishes for another plant-based kitchen staple!

Tips & Variations

• Mix up the flavors: Add orange zest to the chocolate cake, or swap walnuts for pecans in the banana loaf.
• Frosting ideas: Use a simple vegan chocolate ganache, classic lemon icing, or a dairy-free cream cheese topping.
• Gluten-free option: Substitute a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend for the regular flour in any recipe.
• Make it nut-free: Omit nuts or swap for pumpkin/sunflower seeds in the banana loaf.
• Extra moisture: If your cakes seem dry, try adding a couple tablespoons of unsweetened applesauce or extra mashed banana to the batter.
• Layer cakes: Double the recipes for the chocolate or lemon cakes and sandwich with jam or vegan buttercream for a celebration-worthy dessert.

“Let your cakes cool completely before slicing or frosting—this ensures a perfect texture and prevents crumbs in your icing.”

Looking for more easy slow cooker vegan meals? Check out Slow Cooker Recipes Vegan Easy Meals for Busy Weeknight!

Nutrition Facts

Nutrition values are approximate and will vary depending on ingredient choices and additions.

Serving Suggestions

• Classic Chocolate Cake: Serve with fresh berries and a scoop of vegan vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.
• Lemon Drizzle Cake: Enjoy with a cup of herbal tea or top with a dollop of coconut yogurt for a refreshing treat.
• Banana Loaf Cake: Toast slices and spread with nut butter for a satisfying snack or breakfast.
• Dress it up: Add edible flowers, a dusting of icing sugar, or a drizzle of melted dairy-free chocolate for extra flair.
• Party tip: Cut cakes into bite-sized squares and serve on a platter for easy sharing at gatherings.

Conclusion

Vegan cake baking is all about joy, creativity, and sharing delicious moments with friends and family. With these easy BBC Food vegan cake recipes, you can whip up impressive treats for any occasion—no eggs, no dairy, no stress.

Each cake is proof that plant-based desserts can be just as fluffy, flavorful, and crowd-pleasing as their traditional counterparts. Remember, don’t be afraid to experiment with new flavors, glazes, or add-ins.

The best part of vegan baking is making it your own. Happy baking, and don’t forget to explore more plant-based delights like our Peruvian Vegetable Recipes for Flavorful Healthy Meals or Vegetarian Swiss Chard Recipes for Healthy Meals for savory inspiration!

More BBC Food Vegan Cake Recipes to Try

If you’re hungry for even more vegan cake inspiration, here are a few additional BBC-style vegan cake recipes you can bake at home:

1. Vegan Carrot Cake:
   • Key Ingredients: Grated carrots, crushed pineapple, walnuts, spices, and plant-based yogurt.
   • Why Try It: Incredibly moist, spiced, and topped with a tangy vegan cream cheese frosting.
2. Vegan Victoria Sponge:
   • Key Ingredients: Self-raising flour, dairy-free butter, plant milk, and strawberry jam.
   • Why Try It: A British classic, perfect for afternoon tea and special occasions.
3. Vegan Gingerbread Loaf:
   • Key Ingredients: Molasses, ground ginger, cinnamon, and brown sugar.
   • Why Try It: Warm, comforting, and ideal for autumn and winter baking.
4. Vegan Orange Polenta Cake:
   • Key Ingredients: Cornmeal (polenta), orange zest and juice, ground almonds, and olive oil.
   • Why Try It: Gluten-free and bursting with citrus flavor for a Mediterranean twist.

All of these cakes can be made with the same easy steps and ingredients found in most supermarkets—just swap in your favorite plant-based options. Enjoy exploring the world of vegan baking!

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