Looking for the perfect vegan yellow cake that’s fluffy, moist, and bursting with classic vanilla flavor? You’ve come to the right place!
Vegan baking can sometimes feel tricky, but with the right recipe, you’ll have a delightful cake that rivals any traditional yellow cake. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, a special occasion, or just indulging your sweet tooth, these best vegan yellow cake recipes will not disappoint.
They’re crafted to be simple, accessible, and, most importantly, incredibly delicious.
From the golden crumb to the luscious vegan frosting, these cakes are designed to please everyone, vegan or not. Plus, they are free from eggs, dairy, and any animal products, making them perfect for anyone adopting a plant-based lifestyle or with dietary restrictions.
Ready to dive into the world of vegan baking? Let’s explore these fantastic recipes that will soon become your new favorites!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These vegan yellow cake recipes offer a perfect balance of texture and flavor. They are incredibly moist without being dense, with a delicate crumb that melts in your mouth.
The secret lies in the combination of plant-based ingredients like almond milk, apple cider vinegar, and plant oils, which work together to create a tender and fluffy cake.
Not only are they allergy-friendly, but they also use simple pantry staples, making them easy to whip up any time. Whether you want a classic layered cake or a quick sheet cake, these recipes provide flexibility to suit your baking needs.
Plus, they pair wonderfully with a variety of frostings, from vegan buttercream to coconut whipped cream.
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 ¾ cups unsweetened almond milk (or any plant milk)
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- ⅓ cup vegetable oil (canola or light olive oil works well)
- 1 tbsp pure vanilla extract
- ½ tsp turmeric powder (for natural yellow color, optional)
Equipment
- Two 8-inch round cake pans (or one 9×13-inch pan for sheet cake)
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Electric mixer or hand mixer (optional but recommended)
- Cooling rack
- Spatula
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your cake pans lightly with oil or line them with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Mix the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and turmeric powder if using.
- Prepare the wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the almond milk and apple cider vinegar. Let it sit for 5 minutes to create a vegan “buttermilk”.
- Add oil and vanilla: To the vegan buttermilk, add the vegetable oil and vanilla extract. Whisk until combined.
- Combine wet and dry: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Using a whisk or mixer, blend until just combined. Be careful not to overmix to keep the cake light and airy.
- Pour batter into pans: Divide the batter evenly between your prepared pans. Smooth the tops with a spatula.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes: Bake until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. For sheet cakes, baking time may be closer to 35-40 minutes.
- Cool completely: Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool fully before frosting.
- Decorate and serve: Frost with your favorite vegan frosting and enjoy!
Tips & Variations
“For a natural yellow hue, a small pinch of turmeric powder works wonders without altering flavor.”
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend, adding a teaspoon of xanthan gum if your blend doesn’t contain it.
- Flavor Boost: Add a teaspoon of lemon zest or orange zest to the batter for a citrus twist.
- Chocolate Variation: Replace ½ cup flour with cocoa powder for a vegan chocolate yellow cake hybrid.
- Frosting Ideas: Pair with vegan cream cheese frosting, chocolate ganache, or simple powdered sugar glaze.
- Layer Cake Tip: Chill your cake layers before frosting to prevent crumbs from mixing into the frosting.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Per Serving (1 slice) |
---|---|
Calories | 280 kcal |
Carbohydrates | 45 g |
Protein | 3 g |
Fat | 8 g |
Saturated Fat | 1 g |
Sodium | 220 mg |
Fiber | 1 g |
Sugar | 28 g |
Serving Suggestions
Serve your vegan yellow cake with fresh berries or a dollop of coconut whipped cream for a light and refreshing dessert. For a more indulgent treat, drizzle some vegan chocolate sauce or caramel over the top.
These cakes also pair beautifully with a hot cup of tea or coffee, making them perfect for afternoon gatherings or celebrations.
Looking for more delicious vegan dessert ideas? Check out our Magic Dough Recipe for a versatile vegan pastry base or the Leche De Pantera Recipe for a plant-based take on a classic creamy dessert.
More Best Vegan Yellow Cake Recipes to Try
Classic Vegan Yellow Layer Cake
This recipe builds on the base yellow cake batter but uses vegan butter for a richer flavor and pairs it with a creamy vegan buttercream frosting. Perfect for birthdays or special occasions!
Ingredients:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ¾ cups sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 ½ cups unsweetened soy milk
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- ½ cup vegan butter, melted
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- Optional: ¼ tsp turmeric for color
Instructions are similar to the basic recipe, substituting oil with melted vegan butter for a richer crumb.
Vegan Lemon Yellow Cake
Brighten up your yellow cake by adding fresh lemon juice and zest! This version is perfect for spring or summer celebrations.
Ingredients:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups sugar
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 ¾ cups almond milk
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- ⅓ cup vegetable oil
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- Zest of 2 lemons
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
Add the lemon zest to the dry ingredients and replace ¼ cup of almond milk with fresh lemon juice.
Vegan Yellow Cake with Coconut Milk
For a tropical twist, swap regular plant milk for full-fat coconut milk. This adds a subtle coconut flavor and extra moisture to the cake.
Ingredients:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups sugar
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 ¾ cups full-fat coconut milk
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- ⅓ cup vegetable oil
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- Optional: ¼ tsp turmeric for color
Conclusion
Creating the perfect vegan yellow cake is easier than you think! With these recipes, you get a moist, flavorful cake that’s free from animal products yet full of classic comfort.
Whether you’re sticking to the basics or experimenting with lemon and coconut flavors, these cakes are sure to delight every palate. The versatility of vegan baking means you can customize your cake to suit any taste or occasion.
Don’t forget to explore more vegan delights like our Jamaican Minced Beef Recipes or satisfy your sweet tooth with the Manny Randazzo King Cake Recipe. Happy baking and enjoy every bite of your vegan yellow cake masterpiece!
📖 Recipe Card: Best Vegan Yellow Cake
Description: A moist and fluffy vegan yellow cake perfect for any occasion. Made without eggs or dairy, it's both delicious and cruelty-free.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT30M
Total Time: PT45M
Servings: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp turmeric (for color)
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a small bowl, mix almond milk and apple cider vinegar; let sit for 5 minutes.
- In a large bowl, whisk flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and turmeric.
- Add the almond milk mixture, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and applesauce to dry ingredients; mix until smooth.
- Pour batter into a greased 8-inch cake pan.
- Bake for 28-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let cake cool completely before frosting or serving.
Nutrition: Calories: 280 | Protein: 3g | Fat: 10g | Carbs: 44g
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