There’s something truly magical about baking a cake from scratch—the sweet aroma filling your home, the anticipation as it rises in the oven, and finally, the joy of slicing into something made with your own hands.
If you’re on the lookout for a delicious, eggless, and completely vegetarian cake recipe that’s easy enough for beginners, yet impressive enough for celebrations, you’ve come to the right place! This veg cake is fluffy, moist, and full of classic vanilla flavor, making it a perfect canvas for your favorite frostings or a simple dusting of powdered sugar.
Whether you’re a seasoned baker or stepping into the kitchen for the first time, this recipe will guide you through each step, ensuring sweet success. Plus, it’s adaptable—so you can add your own twists or keep things classic.
So preheat your oven, gather your ingredients, and let’s embark on a baking adventure that everyone can enjoy—no eggs, no fuss, just pure homemade goodness.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Completely Eggless: Perfect for vegetarians or anyone with egg allergies.
- Simple Pantry Ingredients: No fancy or hard-to-find items required.
- Light & Moist Texture: Thanks to a clever combination of leaveners and yogurt.
- Customizable: Add nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruit for your own signature touch.
- Quick to Prepare: Batter comes together in 15 minutes, perfect for last-minute celebrations.
- Versatile: Works as a base for cakes, cupcakes, or even layered desserts.
- Kid-Friendly: Mild flavor and soft crumb make it a family favorite.
Ingredients
Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
---|---|---|
All-Purpose Flour | 1 1/2 cups (180g) | Sifted for best texture |
Baking Powder | 1 1/2 tsp | For rising |
Baking Soda | 1/2 tsp | Helps with fluffiness |
Salt | 1/4 tsp | Balances sweetness |
Plain Yogurt (unsweetened) | 1 cup (240g) | Vegetarian thick curd preferred |
Granulated Sugar | 3/4 cup (150g) | Adjust to taste |
Neutral Oil (sunflower, canola, or vegetable) | 1/2 cup (120ml) | For moisture |
Milk | 1/4 cup (60ml) | Room temperature; dairy or plant-based |
Vanilla Extract | 2 tsp | Pure extract for best flavor |
Vinegar (white or apple cider) | 1 tsp | Helps activate baking soda |
Optional Add-ins: 1/2 cup chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or dried fruit. For a chocolate version, substitute 1/4 cup of flour with unsweetened cocoa powder.
Equipment
- 8-inch round cake pan (or similar sized square pan)
- Mixing bowls (one large, one medium)
- Whisk or electric mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rubber spatula
- Sifter or fine mesh sieve (for flour)
- Parchment paper or oil for greasing
- Wire rack for cooling
- Oven, preheated to 350°F (180°C)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease an 8-inch round cake pan with oil or line with parchment paper for easy removal.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the yogurt and sugar until the mixture is smooth and sugar has mostly dissolved. This may take 2-3 minutes by hand.
- Add the oil, milk, and vanilla extract to the yogurt mixture. Whisk well until everything is thoroughly combined and the mixture looks creamy.
- Stir in the vinegar. Let this sit for about 2 minutes. The mixture may look slightly curdled—this is normal and helps with the rise.
- In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Sifting helps to aerate the flour and ensures an even crumb.
- Gently add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture in two batches. Use a spatula to fold them in, making sure not to overmix. Stop when you no longer see streaks of flour—some lumps are okay.
- If using, fold in any optional add-ins such as chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit at this stage.
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan. Tap the pan lightly on the counter to remove any large air bubbles.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
- Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then carefully transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing or frosting.
Tips & Variations
“Don’t overmix the batter!” Overmixing can make the cake dense. Fold the flour in gently until just combined.
- Make it vegan: Substitute dairy yogurt and milk with plant-based alternatives like soy or almond yogurt and non-dairy milk.
- Use whole wheat flour: Replace up to 50% of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat for a nuttier taste and more fiber.
- Citrus twist: Add 1 tablespoon of lemon or orange zest to the batter for a fresh zing.
- Frosting ideas: Try a classic buttercream, whipped cream, or a simple chocolate ganache for topping.
- Make cupcakes: Divide batter into lined muffin tins and bake for 18-22 minutes.
- For a chocolate cake: Substitute 1/4 cup of flour with cocoa powder and add 2 tablespoons extra sugar.
- Gluten-free option: Substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
“Room temperature ingredients combine more smoothly and help your cake rise better.”
Craving more vegetarian baking ideas? Check out our Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious for another sweet treat, or explore savory bakes with our Vegan Bread Machine Recipe for Soft, Delicious Loaves!
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Per Slice (1/10th of cake) |
---|---|
Calories | 185 |
Fat | 7g |
Carbohydrates | 27g |
Sugar | 12g |
Protein | 3g |
Fiber | 0.7g |
Sodium | 130mg |
Nutrition values are approximate and may vary based on exact ingredients used and serving size.
Serving Suggestions
- Classic: Serve plain or dusted with powdered sugar for a light dessert.
- With Fresh Fruit: Top slices with berries or a spoonful of fruit compote for added freshness.
- Frosted: Spread with vanilla or chocolate buttercream for birthdays and celebrations.
- Cream & Nuts: Serve with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of toasted nuts.
- With Tea or Coffee: Perfect as a snack alongside your favorite beverage.
- Layered Cake: Slice horizontally and fill with fruit preserves or whipped cream for an elegant layered dessert.
For a savory twist to your vegetarian menu, pair your cake with a flavorful main dish like those in our Peruvian Vegetable Recipes for Flavorful Healthy Meals or try a comforting bowl of Low Calorie Vegetable Soup Recipe for Healthy Eating.
Conclusion
Baking a veg cake at home is more than just following a recipe—it’s about creating moments of joy, sharing with loved ones, and savoring a treat that aligns with your dietary choices. This eggless cake is proof that you don’t need complicated ingredients or advanced skills to bake something truly special.
From its soft, moist crumb to the subtle vanilla aroma, this cake is as delightful to eat as it is to prepare.
Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, marking a festival, or simply craving a sweet homemade snack, this recipe has you covered. With easy substitutions and lots of room for creativity, it’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
So grab your apron, let your creativity shine, and start baking—your next favorite cake awaits! And don’t forget to explore other delicious vegetarian and vegan recipes here for more inspiration on your plant-based journey.
📖 Recipe Card: Vegetable Cake
Description: A moist and flavorful cake packed with fresh vegetables, perfect for a healthy treat. Enjoy this eggless, easy-to-make cake with your afternoon tea.
Prep Time: PT20M
Cook Time: PT35M
Total Time: PT55M
Servings: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup grated carrots
- 1/2 cup grated zucchini
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F) and grease a cake pan.
- In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
- In another bowl, whisk sugar, oil, and vanilla extract.
- Add grated carrots and zucchini to the wet mixture.
- Gradually fold in the dry ingredients, alternating with milk.
- Add walnuts if using and mix gently.
- Pour batter into the prepared pan and level the top.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
Nutrition: Calories: 210 kcal | Protein: 3 g | Fat: 10 g | Carbs: 28 g
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