Best Vegan Cake Recipe UK For Delicious Homemade Treats

Updated On: October 5, 2025

If you’re on the hunt for the best vegan cake recipe in the UK, look no further! Vegan baking has come a long way, and this recipe perfectly combines moist texture, rich flavour, and wholesome ingredients to create a cake that everyone will love—whether you’re vegan or not.

Perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or a sweet treat any day of the week, this cake is simple to make and uses ingredients readily available in UK supermarkets.

With its light crumb and deliciously fluffy layers, this cake will satisfy your sweet tooth while being kind to animals and the environment. Plus, it’s entirely free from dairy, eggs, and refined sugars, making it a healthier alternative to traditional cakes.

Let’s dive into the step-by-step process to bake a show-stopping vegan cake that will impress all your friends and family!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This vegan cake recipe is a true crowd-pleaser, combining simplicity with exceptional flavour. It uses common pantry staples like self-raising flour, plant-based milk, and natural sweeteners, meaning no hunting down obscure ingredients.

The recipe is flexible and forgiving, perfect for both beginner and experienced bakers.

The texture is delightfully moist but not dense, with just the right amount of sweetness. This cake also uses a clever combination of apple cider vinegar and baking soda to give it a light, airy rise—no eggs needed!

Whether you frost it with a luscious vegan buttercream or enjoy it plain, this cake will quickly become your go-to recipe for celebrations or everyday indulgence.

Ingredients

  • 250g self-raising flour (make sure it’s vegan-friendly)
  • 200g caster sugar or coconut sugar for a healthier option
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 240ml plant-based milk (oat, almond, or soy work well)
  • 80ml vegetable oil (rapeseed or sunflower oil)
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • Optional: 100g dairy-free chocolate chips or chopped nuts

Equipment

  • Two 8-inch round cake tins, greased and lined
  • Mixing bowls
  • Electric hand mixer or whisk
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Spatula for folding ingredients
  • Cooling rack
  • Oven preheated to 180°C (fan)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (fan) and prepare your cake tins by greasing and lining them with baking parchment.
  2. In a large bowl, sift together the self-raising flour, caster sugar, baking soda, and salt. This ensures your cake has a light texture without lumps.
  3. In a separate bowl, combine the plant-based milk, vegetable oil, apple cider vinegar, and vanilla extract. Stir well to blend the wet ingredients.
  4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and gently mix using a spatula or whisk until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the batter fluffy.
  5. If using, fold in your dairy-free chocolate chips or nuts carefully to evenly distribute without deflating the batter.
  6. Divide the batter evenly between the two cake tins, smoothing the tops with a spatula.
  7. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean.
  8. Remove the cakes from the oven and allow them to cool in the tins for 10 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack to cool completely.
  9. Once cooled, frost your cake with your favourite vegan icing or enjoy it plain with a dusting of icing sugar.

Tips & Variations

“For a fun twist, try adding fresh berries or a zesty lemon glaze to brighten up the flavour!”

  • Gluten-free option: Use a gluten-free self-raising flour blend to make this cake suitable for gluten-sensitive friends.
  • Chocolate cake: Add 2 tbsp of cocoa powder to the dry ingredients for a rich chocolate version.
  • Frosting ideas: Try a vegan cream cheese frosting or a simple coconut whipped cream topping for extra indulgence.
  • Storage: Store your cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the fridge for up to a week.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient Per Slice (1/12 of cake)
Calories 210 kcal
Fat 9g
Saturated Fat 1g
Carbohydrates 30g
Sugars 18g
Fibre 1g
Protein 2g

Serving Suggestions

This cake shines when paired with fresh fruit and a hot cup of tea, making it perfect for traditional UK afternoon tea occasions. For a celebratory touch, frost with a vegan buttercream or spread with dairy-free jam between the layers.

Another lovely way to serve is alongside a scoop of dairy-free vanilla ice cream or coconut yoghurt for a refreshing contrast. If you’re hosting guests, consider decorating with edible flowers or fresh berries to impress visually as well as in taste.

For more delicious vegan recipe ideas, check out our Jamaican Minced Beef Recipes or explore the delightful Leche De Pantera Recipe. And if you love baking, our Magic Dough Recipe is a must-try for your kitchen adventures!

Conclusion

Baking the best vegan cake in the UK has never been easier or more rewarding. This recipe proves that you don’t need eggs or dairy to create a moist, fluffy, and flavourful cake that everyone will adore.

With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up a delightful treat that’s perfect for any occasion.

Whether you’re vegan, have dietary restrictions, or simply want to try something new, this cake will not disappoint. Remember, baking is an art, so feel free to experiment with flavours and decorations to make it your own.

Happy baking!

📖 Recipe Card: Best Vegan Cake Recipe UK

Description: A moist and fluffy vegan cake perfect for any occasion, made with simple UK-friendly ingredients. Easy to prepare and deliciously dairy-free and egg-free.

Prep Time: PT20M
Cook Time: PT35M
Total Time: PT55M

Servings: 8 servings

Ingredients

  • 250g self-raising flour
  • 200g caster sugar
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp bicarbonate of soda
  • 240ml unsweetened oat milk
  • 80ml vegetable oil
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 100g dairy-free dark chocolate, chopped
  • 100g mixed berries (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and grease a 20cm cake tin.
  2. In a large bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and bicarbonate of soda.
  3. In a separate bowl, mix the oat milk, vegetable oil, apple cider vinegar, and vanilla extract.
  4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
  5. Fold in the chopped dark chocolate and berries if using.
  6. Pour the batter into the prepared cake tin and smooth the top.
  7. Bake for 35 minutes or until a skewer comes out clean.
  8. Allow the cake to cool in the tin for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Nutrition: Calories: 320 kcal | Protein: 4 g | Fat: 12 g | Carbs: 48 g

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Photo of author

Marta K

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