Celebrating a first birthday or any special occasion with a delightful vegan smash cake is a wonderful way to honor those who love plant-based treats. This vegan smash cake recipe is designed to be simple, wholesome, and irresistibly delicious, perfect for little hands to dig into.
Using natural ingredients and no animal products, this cake is moist, fluffy, and topped with creamy, dairy-free frosting that’s gentle on sensitive tummies.
Whether you’re a seasoned vegan baker or just exploring plant-based desserts, this recipe is accessible and fun. It’s a perfect introduction to vegan baking fundamentals and a charming centerpiece for your celebration.
Plus, it’s free from common allergens like eggs and dairy, making it inclusive for many dietary needs. Ready to create a smashing success?
Let’s dive into the recipe that’s sure to bring smiles all around!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This vegan smash cake recipe is a winner for several reasons. First, it uses simple pantry staples you probably already have, making it easy and budget-friendly.
The texture is soft and crumbly—ideal for tiny fingers to smash and savor without fuss.
Second, it’s completely customizable. You can swap out flavors, add natural colorings, or decorate with fresh fruit for a personalized touch.
The frosting is rich and creamy but dairy-free, made with wholesome ingredients like coconut cream and powdered sugar.
Lastly, this recipe is quick to prepare, perfect for busy parents or anyone wanting a fuss-free yet beautiful cake. You’ll find it pairs wonderfully with other vegan treats, so don’t forget to check out recipes like Vegan Chocolate Milk Recipe Easy and Delicious Guide or Vegan Beignet Recipe: Easy, Fluffy, and Delicious Treat to round out your celebration menu.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 1 1/2 cups (180 g) | For the cake base |
| Baking powder | 1 1/2 tsp | Leavening agent |
| Baking soda | 1/2 tsp | Helps rise and texture |
| Salt | 1/4 tsp | Enhances flavor |
| Granulated sugar | 3/4 cup (150 g) | Sweetens the cake |
| Unsweetened applesauce | 1/2 cup (120 ml) | Egg replacer, moisture |
| Plant-based milk | 3/4 cup (180 ml) | Almond, soy, oat, or your choice |
| Vegetable oil | 1/4 cup (60 ml) | For moistness |
| Vanilla extract | 1 1/2 tsp | Flavor enhancer |
| Lemon juice | 1 tbsp | Reacts with baking soda for lift |
Equipment
- 8-inch round cake pan – For shaping the smash cake
- Mixing bowls – At least two, for dry and wet ingredients
- Whisk or electric mixer – To blend ingredients smoothly
- Measuring cups and spoons – For accuracy
- Rubber spatula – For folding and scraping
- Cooling rack – To cool cake evenly
- Small offset spatula or butter knife – For frosting
- Electric blender or hand mixer – For frosting preparation
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease your 8-inch cake pan and line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Prepare the dry ingredients. In a large bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
- Mix the wet ingredients. In another bowl, combine granulated sugar, applesauce, plant-based milk, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and lemon juice. Whisk until smooth and homogeneous.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients. Gradually pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Use a rubber spatula or mixer on low speed to mix until just combined. Avoid overmixing for a tender crumb.
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Tap the pan gently on the counter to release any air bubbles.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Ovens vary, so start checking at 30 minutes.
- Cool the cake completely on a cooling rack before removing from the pan. This prevents crumbling and ensures the frosting adheres well.
- Prepare the frosting. Chill one can of full-fat coconut milk overnight. Scoop the solid coconut cream into a bowl, adding 1 cup powdered sugar and 1 tsp vanilla extract. Whip until fluffy and spreadable.
- Frost your cake. Use an offset spatula to apply a generous layer of frosting to the top and sides of the cake. Decorate with fresh fruit or sprinkles if desired.
- Chill the assembled cake in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving. This helps the frosting firm up and the flavors meld.
Tips & Variations
“For a more festive smash cake, add natural food coloring to the frosting or mix in shredded coconut for texture. If you want a chocolate twist, replace 1/4 cup of flour with cocoa powder and add vegan chocolate chips.”
To make the cake nut-free, choose oat or rice milk instead of almond milk. You can also swap the vegetable oil for melted coconut oil for a subtle tropical flavor.
If frosting with coconut cream isn’t your preference, try a vegan buttercream made with vegan margarine and powdered sugar.
For extra moisture and flavor, fold in 1/2 cup of finely grated zucchini or mashed ripe banana into the batter. This not only adds nutrition but keeps the cake tender and moist.
Want more ideas? Check out vegan dessert inspiration like Vegan Halloween Dessert Recipes That Will Wow Your Guests or the Vegan Easter Dessert Recipes Everyone Will Love.
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Per Serving (1/10 of cake) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 210 |
| Total Fat | 8 g |
| Saturated Fat | 5 g |
| Carbohydrates | 32 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 18 g |
| Protein | 2 g |
| Sodium | 150 mg |
Serving Suggestions
This vegan smash cake shines on its own as a first birthday treat or special occasion centerpiece. Serve it alongside fresh berries or sliced fruit for a refreshing contrast.
A small bowl of coconut yogurt or vegan ice cream pairs beautifully with each slice, adding creaminess without dairy.
For a fun party setup, create a dessert table with other plant-based goodies. Complement your smash cake with recipes like the Vegan Flour Tortilla Recipe Easy, Soft, and Homemade for savory bites or the Vegan Slow Cooker Recipe for Easy, Delicious Meals to prepare hearty dishes in advance.
Decorate the table with colorful napkins, reusable plates, and fresh flowers to create a joyful atmosphere that everyone will remember. The smash cake is also perfect for photo ops—just be sure to have wipes handy!
Conclusion
Creating a vegan smash cake is a beautiful way to celebrate milestones with compassion and creativity. This recipe offers a tender, flavorful cake that’s gentle on sensitive palates and free from animal products, yet indulgent enough to delight all guests.
With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, even novice bakers can achieve a memorable, smashing success.
The versatility of this cake means you can customize it to suit your theme, season, or taste preferences. Whether you’re celebrating a first birthday, a vegan holiday, or simply indulging in a plant-based treat, this smash cake is sure to bring joy and sweetness to your event.
Don’t forget to explore more vegan recipes to complement your celebration, like the delicious Vegan Cuban Recipes: Delicious Plant-Based Island Flavor for savory dishes or the decadent Vegan Dubai Chocolate Recipe: Easy Homemade Delight for extra sweetness.
Happy baking and smashing!
📖 Recipe Card: Vegan Smash Cake
Description: A soft and moist vegan smash cake perfect for little hands to enjoy. Made with simple plant-based ingredients and naturally sweetened.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT25M
Total Time: PT40M
Servings: 1 6-inch cake
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup organic cane sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk
- 1/4 cup melted coconut oil
- 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, combine almond milk, coconut oil, apple cider vinegar, vanilla, and applesauce.
- Pour wet ingredients into dry and stir until just combined.
- Pour batter into a greased 6-inch cake pan.
- Bake for 22-25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let cool completely before serving.
Nutrition: Calories: 220 kcal | Protein: 2 g | Fat: 10 g | Carbs: 30 g
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