There’s something truly magical about a slice of cake—its soft crumb, sweet aroma, and the way it can turn any day into a celebration. If you think going vegan means saying goodbye to delicious, moist, and fluffy cakes, think again!
Over the years, vegan baking has evolved to create cakes that rival (and sometimes surpass) their traditional counterparts. With an ever-growing range of plant-based ingredients, you can savor chocolate, vanilla, or even fruity cakes, all without dairy or eggs.
Today, I’m excited to share my favorite good vegan cake recipes with you. Whether you’re a seasoned vegan baker or just beginning your plant-based journey, these recipes are easy to follow, use accessible ingredients, and deliver perfect results every time.
You’ll discover that vegan cakes can be rich, decadent, and crowd-pleasing—proving that compassion and flavor can happily coexist. So, preheat your oven and get ready to enjoy every forkful!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Moist and Fluffy Texture: These vegan cakes are never dry or crumbly. Clever ingredient substitutions ensure every bite is soft and satisfying.
- Dairy and Egg-Free: Perfect for those with allergies or dietary preferences, without sacrificing taste.
- Simple Ingredients: No specialty store trips required—most ingredients are in your pantry right now.
- Customizable Flavors: From chocolate and vanilla to lemon or spice, you can adapt these cakes for any occasion.
- Family and Party Friendly: Even non-vegans will ask for seconds!
- Easy Cleanup: Minimal equipment and one-bowl methods make for a stress-free baking experience.
Ingredients
Here’s a classic recipe for a Vegan Vanilla Cake—a perfect base for all your creative variations!
Ingredient | Quantity | Purpose |
---|---|---|
All-purpose flour | 2 1/2 cups (315g) | Main structure |
Organic cane sugar | 1 cup (200g) | Sweetness |
Baking powder | 2 1/2 tsp | Leavening |
Baking soda | 1/2 tsp | Extra lift |
Salt | 1/2 tsp | Balance flavor |
Unsweetened plant milk (soy, almond, or oat) | 1 1/2 cups (360ml) | Moisture |
Neutral oil (canola, sunflower, or melted coconut) | 1/2 cup (120ml) | Texture and richness |
Apple cider vinegar | 2 tsp | Activates baking soda, adds tenderness |
Pure vanilla extract | 2 tsp | Flavor |
Equipment
- 2 x 8-inch round cake pans (or 1 x 9×13-inch pan)
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk or electric mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Parchment paper (for lining pans)
- Rubber spatula (for scraping the bowl)
- Cooling rack
- Oven mitts
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Mix the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
- Combine wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix the plant milk, oil, apple cider vinegar, and vanilla extract.
- Make the batter: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Whisk until just combined. Don’t overmix; a few small lumps are okay.
- Divide and pour: Evenly divide the batter between prepared pans, smoothing the tops with a spatula.
- Bake: Place pans in the oven and bake for 28-32 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Let cakes cool in their pans for 10 minutes, then run a knife around the edges and turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
- Frost and serve: Frost with your favorite vegan buttercream or a simple dusting of powdered sugar. Slice and enjoy!
Tips & Variations
“Vegan cakes are incredibly forgiving—don’t be afraid to experiment with flavors, fillings, and frostings!”
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute a good gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour. Check that your baking powder is gluten-free.
- Chocolate Version: Replace 1/2 cup of flour with unsweetened cocoa powder for a rich chocolate cake. Add 1/2 cup vegan chocolate chips for extra indulgence.
- Fruit Swirl: Gently fold 1 cup of fresh berries or swirl in 1/2 cup of fruit preserves before baking.
- Lemon Zest: Add the finely grated zest of one lemon and swap half the vanilla for lemon extract.
- Spice Cake: Add 1 teaspoon cinnamon and 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg for a cozy, autumn-inspired cake.
- Soy-Free: Use oat or almond milk instead of soy, and opt for a soy-free oil.
- Love baking? Don’t miss my Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious for another sweet vegan treat!
Pro Tip: For a bakery-style look, chill your cake layers before frosting. This makes them easier to handle and keeps the frosting smooth.
Nutrition Facts
Here’s a general breakdown for one slice (1/12 of the cake, unfrosted):
Nutrient | Per Slice |
---|---|
Calories | 210 |
Total Fat | 7g |
Saturated Fat | 0.5g |
Carbohydrates | 36g |
Sugar | 13g |
Protein | 3g |
Fiber | 1g |
Sodium | 200mg |
Note: Nutrition will vary based on plant milk choice, add-ins, and frosting.
Serving Suggestions
- Classic: Serve a slice with vegan vanilla or chocolate buttercream and a cup of tea or coffee.
- Fresh Berries: Top with a handful of fresh strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries for a burst of color and flavor.
- Layered: Slice each cake in half horizontally and fill with vegan jam or lemon curd for a stunning layered dessert.
- Birthday Celebration: Add colorful vegan sprinkles or edible flowers for a festive touch.
- With Dessert Sauces: Drizzle with a homemade vegan chocolate or caramel sauce for extra indulgence.
- Hosting a vegan dinner party? Try pairing your cake with Vegetable Alfredo Recipes for Creamy, Healthy Dinners to impress your guests from start to finish!
Conclusion
Vegan cakes are proof that plant-based baking is anything but boring. With the right ingredients and a few simple techniques, you can create cakes that are fluffy, flavorful, and sure to delight everyone at the table.
Whether you’re baking for a special celebration, a weekend treat, or simply to satisfy your sweet tooth, these recipes deliver every time. Plus, they’re easy to adapt, so you can put your own unique twist on them.
If you’re excited to expand your vegan baking repertoire, don’t forget to check out my Vegan Bread Machine Recipe for Soft, Delicious Loaves and explore new ways to bring plant-based goodness into your kitchen.
With each recipe, you’ll discover just how satisfying and joyful vegan baking can be. Now, go ahead—preheat that oven, gather your ingredients, and treat yourself to a slice of homemade happiness!
📖 Recipe Card: Vegan Chocolate Cake
Description: A rich and moist vegan chocolate cake that's easy to make and delicious for all occasions. No eggs or dairy needed—just simple pantry staples.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT35M
Total Time: PT50M
Servings: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup hot water
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8-inch round 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.
- Pour in hot water and stir until well combined.
- Pour batter into prepared pan.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let cool before serving.
Nutrition: Calories: 220 kcal | Protein: 3 g | Fat: 8 g | Carbs: 36 g
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