Best Quick Vegan Cake Recipes for Easy Delicious Treats

Updated On: October 5, 2025

Best Quick Vegan Cake Recipes

Looking for a delicious vegan cake but short on time? You’re in the right place!

Vegan cakes can be just as moist, flavorful, and satisfying as their traditional counterparts — and they often come together faster than you’d expect. Whether you’re a seasoned plant-based baker or trying vegan desserts for the first time, these quick vegan cake recipes will become your go-to for celebrations or simple sweet cravings.

From a fluffy chocolate cake to a light lemon drizzle, these recipes require minimal ingredients and equipment, making them perfect for spontaneous baking sessions or last-minute guests. Best of all, they’re completely free of eggs, dairy, and other animal products, so everyone can enjoy a slice of pure plant-powered indulgence.

Ready to whip up some sweet magic? Let’s dive into these tasty, speedy vegan cake recipes that prove you don’t need much time or complicated steps to create something truly special!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Fast and fuss-free: These vegan cake recipes are designed to come together quickly without sacrificing flavor or texture. Perfect for busy days or unexpected guests!

Wholesome ingredients: Made with simple pantry staples and natural sweeteners, these cakes are as nutritious as they are delicious.

Versatile and adaptable: Whether you prefer chocolate, lemon, or spice, these recipes provide a great base that you can easily customize with your favorite add-ins.

Plus, you don’t need eggs or dairy, so cleanup is easier and allergies aren’t a worry.

Ingredients

Quick Vegan Chocolate Cake

  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 cup almond milk (or any plant milk)
  • ⅓ cup vegetable oil
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Quick Vegan Lemon Drizzle Cake

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp baking soda
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • 1 cup soy milk (or any plant milk)
  • ⅓ cup melted coconut oil
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp lemon zest
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Quick Vegan Spiced Carrot Cake

  • 1 ¾ cups whole wheat flour
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • ½ tsp nutmeg
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 cup oat milk (or any plant milk)
  • ⅓ cup vegetable oil
  • 1 ½ cups grated carrot
  • ½ cup chopped walnuts (optional)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls (at least two)
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Whisk or electric mixer
  • Spatula
  • 9-inch round cake pan or loaf pan
  • Parchment paper or non-stick spray
  • Cooling rack
  • Grater (for carrot and lemon zest)

Instructions

Quick Vegan Chocolate Cake

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare your cake pan by greasing it lightly or lining it with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, sift together the dry ingredients: flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
  3. In a separate bowl, combine the wet ingredients: almond milk, oil, apple cider vinegar, and vanilla extract.
  4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
  5. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
  6. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  7. Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.

Quick Vegan Lemon Drizzle Cake

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a loaf pan.
  2. Mix dry ingredients: flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl.
  3. Whisk together wet ingredients: soy milk, melted coconut oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla.
  4. Combine wet and dry ingredients gently until smooth but avoid overmixing.
  5. Pour batter into pan and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
  6. While the cake is baking, prepare a lemon drizzle: mix ¼ cup lemon juice with ½ cup powdered sugar.
  7. When the cake is done, prick it all over with a fork and pour the drizzle on top to soak in.
  8. Let cool completely on a wire rack before slicing.

Quick Vegan Spiced Carrot Cake

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round pan or line with parchment paper.
  2. In a bowl, combine dry ingredients: whole wheat flour, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
  3. In another bowl, mix wet ingredients: oat milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract.
  4. Pour wet mixture into dry ingredients, stirring until just combined.
  5. Fold in the grated carrot and walnuts (if using).
  6. Transfer batter to the prepared pan and smooth the top.
  7. Bake for 35-40 minutes until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
  8. Cool in pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack.

Tips & Variations

“Use room temperature plant milk and oil for better batter consistency and rise.”

Substitute flours: For gluten-free options, swap all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend.

Add-ins: Chocolate chips, dried fruit, or nuts can be folded into any batter for extra texture and flavor.

Frosting ideas: Top your cakes with vegan cream cheese frosting, coconut whipped cream, or a simple dusting of powdered sugar.

Storage: Keep cakes covered at room temperature for 2-3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.

Nutrition Facts

Recipe Calories (per slice) Fat (g) Carbs (g) Protein (g) Fiber (g)
Quick Vegan Chocolate Cake 230 9 34 3 2
Quick Vegan Lemon Drizzle Cake 210 7 33 2 1.5
Quick Vegan Spiced Carrot Cake 250 11 32 4 4

Serving Suggestions

Serve your quick vegan cakes with a scoop of dairy-free ice cream or a dollop of coconut whipped cream for an extra special treat. Fresh berries or a drizzle of maple syrup also complement these cakes beautifully, especially the lemon drizzle and carrot cake.

Pair your chocolate cake with a rich vegan ganache or sprinkle with chopped nuts for texture. For a refreshing twist, a cup of herbal tea or almond milk latte makes a perfect accompaniment.

Don’t forget to check out other delightful recipes like the Magic Dough Recipe for a versatile base to your vegan baking adventures or the Julie Marie Eats Recipes for more inspiring vegan dishes.

Conclusion

Whipping up a quick vegan cake doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. These recipes prove that with simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can create moist, flavorful cakes that everyone will love.

Whether you crave the deep richness of chocolate, the fresh zing of lemon, or the warm spices of carrot cake, these recipes have you covered in under an hour.

Vegan baking is a wonderful way to explore new flavors and embrace healthier, cruelty-free desserts. Plus, these cakes are adaptable to whatever you have on hand, making them a flexible choice for any kitchen.

So, next time you’re in a rush but want to satisfy your sweet tooth, give one of these quick vegan cakes a try. Happy baking!

For more baking inspiration, be sure to explore our Lump Of Coal Recipe or the indulgent Marzipan Challah Recipe. Both are fantastic companions to your vegan dessert spread!

📖 Recipe Card: Best Quick Vegan Cake

Description: A moist and fluffy vegan cake that's ready in under an hour. Perfect for any occasion with simple pantry ingredients.

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

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8-inch cake pan.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt.
  3. In another bowl, combine almond milk, vegetable oil, apple cider vinegar, vanilla, and applesauce.
  4. Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and mix until smooth.
  5. Fold in chocolate chips if using.
  6. Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 28-30 minutes.
  7. Check doneness with a toothpick; it should come out clean.
  8. Let the cake cool before slicing and serving.

Nutrition: Calories: 250 | Protein: 3g | Fat: 10g | Carbs: 38g

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Marta K

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