Best Vegan Butter Cake Recipe for Moist, Fluffy Delight

There’s something incredibly comforting about a classic butter cake, and when it’s made vegan, it becomes a delightful treat for everyone—whether you follow a plant-based lifestyle or just want a luscious dessert that’s kind to animals and the planet.

This best vegan butter cake recipe is moist, tender, and rich, with a buttery flavor that doesn’t come from dairy but from the magic of plant-based ingredients. Perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or an everyday indulgence, this cake proves that you don’t need eggs, milk, or butter to create something truly scrumptious.

If you’ve been hesitant about vegan baking, this recipe is the perfect place to start. The ingredients are simple and easy to find, and the steps straightforward enough for bakers of all levels.

Plus, you’ll love how versatile this cake is—it pairs beautifully with fruit toppings, vegan frosting, or a simple dusting of powdered sugar. Ready to impress your friends and family with a vegan cake that rivals any traditional recipe?

Let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This vegan butter cake is a game-changer because it combines the classic buttery flavor and tender crumb you expect from traditional butter cakes—but without any animal products.

• Simple Ingredients: You probably already have everything in your pantry, from plant-based milk to apple cider vinegar.
• Moist & Fluffy: The texture is dreamy—soft, moist, and just the right amount of crumbly.
• Easy to Customize: Add vanilla, lemon zest, or spices to make it your own.
• Kid-Friendly: Even picky eaters won’t believe it’s vegan!
• Perfect for Any Occasion: From casual tea times to special celebrations, this cake fits the bill.

Ingredients

• 1 ¾ cups (220g) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ¼ tsp salt
• 1 cup (240ml) unsweetened plant-based milk (soy, almond, oat, or your choice)
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• ⅓ cup (80ml) melted coconut oil or vegan butter
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• Optional: zest of 1 lemon or orange

Equipment

• 8-inch (20cm) round cake pan
• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer or whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cooling rack
• Spatula

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease the cake pan lightly with coconut oil or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the vegan buttermilk: In a small bowl or measuring cup, combine the plant-based milk and apple cider vinegar. Stir and set aside for 5-10 minutes. This will curdle and act as a buttermilk substitute.
3. Mix dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
4. Add wet ingredients: Pour the vegan buttermilk, melted coconut oil (or vegan butter), and vanilla extract into the dry ingredients. If using, add the citrus zest here. Mix gently with a whisk or electric mixer until the batter is smooth and no lumps remain.
5. Pour the batter into your prepared cake pan. Use a spatula to smooth the top evenly.
6. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Avoid opening the oven door early to prevent the cake from sinking.
7. Cool the cake: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, remove it from the pan and transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely before frosting or serving.

Tips & Variations

“For an extra moist cake, substitute half the all-purpose flour with cake flour.”

Looking to switch things up? Here are some ideas:

• Chocolate Variation: Add ¼ cup (25g) cocoa powder to the dry ingredients for a chocolate butter cake. You may want to add a little extra sugar to balance the bitterness.
• Fruit-Infused: Fold in ½ cup fresh or frozen berries for a fruity twist.
• Spiced Up: Add 1 tsp cinnamon and ¼ tsp nutmeg for a warm, cozy flavor.
• Frosting: Top your cake with vegan cream cheese frosting, chocolate ganache, or a simple dusting of powdered sugar.
• Gluten-Free Version: Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend for a gluten-free vegan butter cake.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This vegan butter cake shines when served with a variety of accompaniments:

• Fresh berries: Strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries add a lovely tart contrast.
• Vegan whipped cream: Light and airy, it adds a luscious topping.
• Fruit compotes or sauces: Try a homemade raspberry sauce or caramelized apples for extra flavor.
• Tea or coffee: Perfect for a cozy afternoon snack.
• For celebrations: Pair it with a vegan buttercream frosting or chocolate glaze for a show-stopping dessert centerpiece.

Conclusion

This best vegan butter cake recipe is more than just a dessert; it’s an invitation to enjoy baking that’s kind, simple, and delicious. Whether you’re new to vegan baking or a seasoned pro, this cake offers a perfect balance of moistness, flavor, and easy preparation.

The best part? It’s versatile enough to adapt to your taste preferences and occasions, making it a staple recipe in your collection.

Next time you want to impress your loved ones with a plant-based dessert, remember this recipe. And if you love exploring more vegan treats, be sure to check out the Jamaican Minced Beef Recipes for hearty meals or the delightful Leche De Pantera Recipe for something sweet and creamy.

For a fun twist on dough, don’t miss the Magic Dough Recipe—perfect for quick vegan snacks!

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