Baking a delicious cake that’s entirely plant-based doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. Whether you’re a seasoned vegan baker or just starting out, easy vegan cake recipes offer a delightful way to satisfy your sweet tooth without compromising on your lifestyle or values.
With simple ingredients found in any pantry and straightforward steps, these cakes can be whipped up quickly for birthdays, celebrations, or just a cozy afternoon treat.
In this blog post, we’ll explore how to create moist, fluffy, and flavorful vegan cakes using basic substitutes that work perfectly in place of eggs and dairy. From the perfect crumb to the sweetest frosting, you’ll find practical tips and tricks to make your vegan baking journey a success.
Plus, I’ll share some handy equipment recommendations and tasty variations to keep your baking exciting.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Vegan cakes often get a bad rap for being dry or bland, but these recipes prove otherwise. They are:
- Simple and accessible: No need for specialty ingredients or hard-to-find items.
- Deliciously moist: Thanks to clever ingredient swaps like applesauce or flaxseed meal, these cakes remain tender and flavorful.
- Flexible: Easy to customize with your favorite flavors, fruits, or nuts.
- Healthier: Typically lower in saturated fat and cholesterol compared to traditional cakes.
- Inclusive: Perfect for guests with dietary restrictions or those exploring plant-based eating.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 2 cups (240g) | For the base of the cake |
| Granulated sugar | 1 cup (200g) | Use organic or unrefined for a richer taste |
| Baking soda | 1 tsp | Helps the cake rise |
| Baking powder | 1 ½ tsp | Additional leavening agent |
| Salt | ½ tsp | Enhances flavor |
| Unsweetened applesauce | ½ cup (120ml) | Egg substitute and moisture provider |
| Plant-based milk | 1 cup (240ml) | Almond, soy, oat, or your favorite |
| Vegetable oil | ⅓ cup (80ml) | Can substitute with melted coconut oil |
| Vanilla extract | 2 tsp | For flavor |
| Apple cider vinegar | 1 tbsp | Reacts with baking soda for fluffiness |
Equipment
- Mixing bowls: One large and one small for wet and dry ingredients.
- Measuring cups and spoons: For accurate ingredient quantities.
- Whisk or electric mixer: To combine ingredients smoothly.
- 9-inch round cake pan: Or two 8-inch pans for layered cakes.
- Parchment paper: To line the pan and prevent sticking.
- Cooling rack: To cool the cake evenly after baking.
- Spatula: For folding and scraping batter.
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan. Line the bottom with parchment paper to ensure the cake releases easily.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Make sure everything is evenly distributed.
- Combine wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the applesauce, plant-based milk, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and apple cider vinegar.
- Mix wet and dry: Pour the wet mix into the dry ingredients. Gently fold using a spatula or whisk until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cake tender.
- Pour batter into pan: Transfer the batter into the prepared cake pan, smoothing the top evenly.
- Bake: Place in the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely before frosting or serving.
Tips & Variations
“For an extra fluffy texture, be sure to sift your flour before mixing! Also, swapping applesauce for mashed bananas works beautifully to add natural sweetness and moisture.”
You can easily customize this vegan cake base in numerous ways:
- Add ½ cup of chopped nuts or vegan chocolate chips into the batter for added texture.
- Mix in 1 tsp of cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice for a warm, cozy flavor.
- Use coconut sugar instead of granulated sugar for a richer color and caramel undertone.
- Try layering with a vegan frosting made from blended cashews or store-bought vegan buttercream.
- For a fruity twist, fold in fresh or frozen berries before baking.
If you’re interested in other vegan recipe ideas to complement your cake, check out Vegan Chocolate Milk Recipe Easy and Delicious Guide for a perfect beverage pairing, or explore savory options like Vegan Slow Cooker Recipe for Easy, Delicious Meals for your next dinner.
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 220 | 11% |
| Total Fat | 7g | 9% |
| Saturated Fat | 1g | 5% |
| Sodium | 210mg | 9% |
| Total Carbohydrates | 36g | 13% |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.5g | 6% |
| Sugars | 20g | — |
| Protein | 2g | 4% |
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
Serving Suggestions
This easy vegan cake is versatile and pairs well with a variety of toppings and sides. Consider these options:
- A dollop of vegan whipped cream and fresh berries for a light, refreshing dessert.
- Spread with your favorite vegan frosting or nut butter for extra indulgence.
- Serve alongside a hot cup of coffee or tea for a cozy afternoon snack.
- For a festive touch, top with edible flowers or a dusting of powdered sugar.
- Pair it with a scoop of vegan ice cream for a decadent treat.
For more delicious vegan dessert ideas, don’t miss the Vegan Halloween Dessert Recipes That Will Wow Your Guests or try the fluffy Vegan Beignet Recipe: Easy, Fluffy, and Delicious Treat.
Conclusion
Baking an easy vegan cake is a rewarding experience that combines creativity, health consciousness, and a respect for animal-friendly ingredients. This recipe is a fantastic starting point for anyone looking to explore plant-based baking without the intimidation of complicated techniques or rare ingredients.
With just a few pantry staples and some simple steps, you can create a moist, delicious cake that everyone will love—vegan or not.
Feel free to personalize your cake with different flavors and toppings to suit your taste. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply indulging in a homemade treat, this vegan cake recipe brings joy and satisfaction with every bite.
For more inspiring vegan recipes and meals, explore my other posts like the Vegan Cuban Recipes: Delicious Plant-Based Island Flavor and Vegan Flour Tortilla Recipe Easy, Soft, and Homemade. Happy baking!
📖 Recipe Card: Easy Vegan Chocolate Cake
Description: A simple and moist vegan chocolate cake perfect for any occasion. This recipe uses common pantry ingredients and requires minimal effort.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT30M
Total Time: PT45M
Servings: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 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 boiling water
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8-inch cake pan.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Add almond milk, vegetable oil, apple cider vinegar, and vanilla extract; mix until smooth.
- Carefully stir in boiling water until batter is well combined.
- Pour batter into the prepared cake pan.
- Bake for 30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool completely before serving.
Nutrition: Calories: 220 kcal | Protein: 3 g | Fat: 9 g | Carbs: 32 g
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