Best Small Vegan Cake Recipes for Every Occasion

Craving something sweet but want to keep it light, personal, and 100% plant-based? Small vegan cakes are the perfect solution!

These delightful treats are not only charmingly petite but also packed with flavor, making them ideal for intimate gatherings, a special snack, or when you simply want to indulge without baking a huge cake.

Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or just exploring plant-based baking, these recipes will wow your taste buds with moist textures, rich flavors, and wholesome ingredients.

In this post, I’ll share the best small vegan cake recipes that are easy to make and absolutely delicious. From a classic chocolate delight to a zesty lemon burst and a spiced carrot cake, each recipe is thoughtfully crafted to please everyone at the table.

Plus, these cakes are great for experimenting with your favorite frostings and toppings!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These small vegan cake recipes are designed to be simple, satisfying, and sustainable. They use everyday ingredients, are free from animal products, and cater to both beginners and experts in vegan baking.

The cakes hold together beautifully without eggs or dairy, thanks to clever plant-based substitutes like flaxseed and coconut oil.

Each cake is perfectly portioned, so you’re not overwhelmed with leftovers, plus they bake quickly, making them perfect for last-minute celebrations or cozy afternoons. You’ll find these recipes adaptable for gluten-free or nut-free diets, and they pair wonderfully with a variety of vegan frostings, from creamy cashew to tangy coconut whipped cream.

Ingredients

Mini Vegan Chocolate Cake

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup cocoa powder, unsweetened
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1/3 cup vegetable oil or melted coconut oil
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup unsweetened almond milk (or any plant milk)

Lemon Blueberry Vegan Cake

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup organic cane sugar
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp lemon zest (freshly grated)
• 1/4 cup lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
• 1/3 cup vegetable oil
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 3/4 cup unsweetened soy milk
• 1/2 cup fresh blueberries

Spiced Carrot Vegan Cake

• 1 cup whole wheat flour
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 cup grated carrots
• 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1/3 cup maple syrup
• 1/3 cup coconut oil, melted
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water (flax egg)

Equipment

• Mixing bowls (medium and large)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Whisk or electric mixer
• Grater (for carrots and lemon zest)
• Small cake pans (6-inch round or 4-inch individual pans)
• Cooling rack
• Rubber spatula
• Optional: food processor (for homemade frosting)

Instructions

Mini Vegan Chocolate Cake

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease your small cake pan.
2. In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk well to combine.
3. In a separate bowl, mix apple cider vinegar, oil, vanilla extract, and almond milk.
4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and stir until just combined. Do not overmix.
5. Pour the batter into your prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
6. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.

Lemon Blueberry Vegan Cake

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your cake pan.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and lemon zest.
3. In another bowl, combine lemon juice, oil, vanilla, and soy milk.
4. Stir the wet ingredients into the dry until just combined.
5. Fold in the fresh blueberries gently to avoid breaking them.
6. Pour batter into the pan and bake for 30-35 minutes. Test doneness with a toothpick.
7. Cool completely on a wire rack before serving.

Spiced Carrot Vegan Cake

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare your cake pan with non-stick spray or parchment paper.
2. Mix the ground flaxseed and water in a small bowl and set aside to thicken for 5 minutes.
3. In a large bowl, sift together whole wheat flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
4. In another bowl, combine applesauce, maple syrup, coconut oil, vanilla, and the flax egg.
5. Mix wet ingredients into dry ingredients, then fold in the grated carrots.
6. Pour the batter into your pan and bake for 30-35 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
7. Cool on a wire rack before frosting with vegan cream cheese frosting or nut butter glaze.

Tips & Variations

“For fluffier cakes, ensure your baking soda and powder are fresh. Substitute almond milk with oat or coconut milk for different flavor profiles.”

Try adding chopped nuts or shredded coconut to the batter for texture. For a gluten-free version, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

You can swap out sugar for coconut sugar or date syrup if you prefer natural sweeteners.

For frosting, vegan buttercream or cashew-based cream cheese frosting works beautifully. If you want to keep it simple, a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted vegan chocolate is delightful.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

These cakes shine when served with a cup of plant-based milk or your favorite tea. Top with fresh berries, a dollop of coconut whipped cream, or a swirl of vegan frosting for extra indulgence.

For a festive touch, sprinkle edible flowers or dust with cocoa powder. These small cakes also make beautiful gifts for friends and family — package them in pretty boxes or wrap with parchment and twine.

Want to explore more vegan baking? Check out our Leche De Pantera Recipe for a creamy plant-based treat or try the Julie Marie Eats Recipes for more vegan inspiration.

Conclusion

Small vegan cakes are a wonderful way to enjoy decadent desserts without the guilt or waste. These recipes are perfect for those moments when you want a personal-sized sweet or want to impress guests with minimal fuss.

By using simple, wholesome ingredients and smart baking techniques, you can create moist, flavorful cakes that everyone will love — vegan or not!

Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, a casual afternoon, or simply indulging your sweet tooth, these best small vegan cake recipes offer versatility, ease, and deliciousness in every bite. Don’t forget to experiment with toppings and frostings to make each cake uniquely yours.

Enjoy baking and sharing these lovely little cakes!

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