Vegan Lemon Cake Recipe Easy and Delicious to Make Fast

If you’re looking for a delightful dessert that’s both refreshing and entirely plant-based, this easy vegan lemon cake recipe is your perfect match. Bursting with zesty lemon flavor and a tender crumb, this cake is ideal for any occasion — from a casual afternoon tea to a festive celebration.

The best part? It’s simple to make, requiring common pantry ingredients and no dairy or eggs.

Whether you’re a seasoned vegan baker or just exploring plant-based desserts, this recipe will quickly become a favorite.

The bright citrus notes paired with a light, fluffy texture make this cake irresistibly delicious. Plus, it’s naturally moist thanks to ingredients like plant-based yogurt and oil.

You can also customize the recipe with your favorite toppings or glazes. If you love easy vegan sweets, don’t miss out on this treat — and for more tasty plant-based recipes, check out our Vegan Slow Cooker Recipe for Easy, Delicious Meals or the Vegan Beignet Recipe: Easy, Fluffy, and Delicious Treat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This vegan lemon cake is a crowd-pleaser that checks all the boxes: simple, quick, flavorful, and plant-based. The recipe is designed for ease, using easily accessible ingredients and straightforward steps, making it perfect for both beginners and experienced bakers.

The cake delivers a perfect balance of sweetness and tangy lemon zest, which brightens up every bite. It’s also incredibly moist without being heavy, thanks to the clever use of vegan yogurt and oil.

This cake keeps well for days and even tastes better the next day, making it an excellent make-ahead dessert.

Whether you want to impress friends with a homemade dessert or just need a quick, wholesome treat, this cake is a reliable go-to. Plus, it’s free from common allergens like eggs and dairy, making it inclusive for many dietary preferences.

For more tasty and easy vegan recipes, try the Vegan Flour Tortilla Recipe Easy, Soft, and Homemade or explore Vegan Cuban Recipes: Delicious Plant-Based Island Flavor.

Ingredients

Equipment

• Mixing bowls (large and medium-sized)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Whisk or electric hand mixer
• 9-inch (23 cm) round cake pan or loaf pan
• Parchment paper or non-stick baking spray
• Zester or microplane
• Cooling rack
• Small bowl for glaze (optional)
• Spatula

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your cake pan with a non-stick spray or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, sugar, and salt. Make sure everything is well combined for an even rise.
3. Combine wet ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, mix the plant-based yogurt, vegetable oil, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, vanilla extract, and apple cider vinegar. Whisk until smooth.
4. Incorporate wet into dry: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Using a spatula or whisk, gently fold the batter until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cake light and fluffy.
5. Transfer batter to the pan: Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Tap the pan lightly on the counter to release any air bubbles.
6. Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Cool: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a cooling rack to cool completely.
8. Prepare optional glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and enough lemon juice (2-3 tablespoons) to create a smooth, pourable glaze.
9. Glaze the cake: Once the cake is completely cool, drizzle the glaze over the top for an extra burst of lemony sweetness.
10. Serve and enjoy! Slice the cake and share this delicious vegan treat with friends and family.

Tips & Variations

Tip: For an extra moist texture, try substituting half of the all-purpose flour with almond flour or oat flour. It adds a subtle nuttiness and enhances the crumb.

Variation: Add fresh blueberries or poppy seeds to the batter before baking for a delightful twist. Both pair wonderfully with lemon’s bright flavor.

Pro Tip: If you don’t have plant-based yogurt, unsweetened applesauce or mashed banana can work as a substitute, but expect a slightly different flavor and texture.

For a more festive presentation, garnish the cake with thin lemon slices or edible flowers. This makes it perfect for special occasions or afternoon tea parties.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This vegan lemon cake is versatile and can be served in many delightful ways. Enjoy it plain with a cup of your favorite tea or coffee for a simple treat.

For an indulgent dessert, pair it with coconut whipped cream or a scoop of vegan vanilla ice cream.

Fresh berries or a sprinkle of powdered sugar add a lovely touch if you want to dress it up. It’s also fantastic as a base for layered cakes — try stacking it with vegan lemon curd or fruit preserves for a stunning presentation.

If you love experimenting with vegan desserts, you might enjoy exploring other recipes like the Vegan Halloween Dessert Recipes That Will Wow Your Guests or the Vegan Chocolate Milk Recipe Easy and Delicious Guide for a delightful beverage pairing.

Conclusion

This easy vegan lemon cake recipe is a fantastic addition to your plant-based baking repertoire. Its bright, fresh lemon flavor paired with a moist, tender crumb makes it a true crowd-pleaser.

The recipe’s simplicity and use of everyday ingredients mean you can whip it up anytime, even on a busy weeknight or when unexpected guests arrive.

Whether you’re vegan, dairy-free, or simply looking to try something new, this cake is a delicious way to enjoy a classic dessert without compromise. Remember, baking is all about creativity — feel free to try the suggested variations or add your unique twist.

Don’t forget to explore more recipes like the Vegan Food Processor Recipes for Easy Healthy Meals for effortless plant-based cooking inspiration. Happy baking!

{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Vegan Lemon Cake”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “A light and fluffy vegan lemon cake that’s easy to make and perfect for any occasion. This recipe uses simple ingredients to create a zesty, moist dessert.”, “prepTime”: “PT15M”, “cookTime”: “PT35M”, “totalTime”: “PT50M”, “recipeYield”: “8 servings”, “recipeIngredient”: [“1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour”, “1 cup granulated sugar”, “1 tsp baking soda”, “1/2 tsp salt”, “1 cup unsweetened almond milk”, “1/3 cup vegetable oil”, “1 tbsp apple cider vinegar”, “2 tbsp lemon zest”, “1/4 cup fresh lemon juice”, “1 tsp vanilla extract”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Preheat oven to 350\u00b0F (175\u00b0C) and grease a 9-inch cake pan.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “In a separate bowl, mix almond milk, oil, vinegar, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and stir until just combined.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth the top.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Let cake cool completely before serving.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “220”, “proteinContent”: “2g”, “fatContent”: “9g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “32g”}}