Vegetarian Vanilla Cake Recipe for Light and Fluffy Treats

There’s nothing quite as comforting as the aroma of a freshly baked vanilla cake wafting through your kitchen. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply craving a sweet treat, a classic vanilla cake is a timeless favorite that never disappoints.

Even better, this vegetarian vanilla cake recipe is delightfully simple, uses pantry staples, and delivers a moist, tender crumb every single time.

With no eggs or animal-derived ingredients, this cake is perfect for vegetarians and those with dietary restrictions. It’s fluffy, full of rich vanilla flavor, and incredibly versatile—enjoy it plain, dusted with a little powdered sugar, or layered with your favorite frosting or fruit.

If you’re new to vegetarian baking, you’ll be pleasantly surprised at how easy it is to create a show-stopping cake without eggs, gelatin, or other non-vegetarian ingredients. Let’s dive into this foolproof recipe that will soon become a staple in your dessert repertoire!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• No Eggs, No Fuss: This cake is 100% vegetarian and doesn’t rely on complicated egg replacers.
• Moist & Flavorful: Thanks to buttermilk (or a dairy-free alternative), oil, and vanilla extract, the crumb is soft and satisfying.
• Pantry Staples: All the ingredients are easy to find and likely already in your kitchen.
• One-Bowl Simplicity: Minimal cleanup required—just mix, pour, and bake.
• Versatile: Enjoy it plain, with a glaze, or layered with your favorite fruit or frostings.
• Perfect for Every Occasion: Birthdays, tea parties, or just because—it’s a crowd-pleaser!
• Adaptable for Special Diets: Easily swap for dairy-free milk and yogurt to make it vegan-friendly.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need for a classic 8-inch round vanilla cake that serves 8-10 people.

Equipment

• 8-inch round cake pan (or two 6-inch pans for a layer cake)
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Whisk or electric mixer
• Rubber spatula
• Parchment paper (optional, for lining the pan)
• Wire cooling rack
• Oven
• Toothpick (for testing doneness)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your cake pan with oil or nonstick spray. For extra assurance, line the bottom with parchment paper and lightly grease the sides.
2. Combine the dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk to combine and break up any lumps.
3. Mix the wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, yogurt, oil, vanilla extract, and apple cider vinegar until smooth and well-blended.
4. Bring it all together: Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl of dry ingredients. Using a whisk or rubber spatula, gently fold until just combined.

   Tip: Do not overmix! Stir only until no dry streaks remain for a tender, fluffy crumb.

5. Pour and smooth: Pour the batter into your prepared cake pan. Use a spatula to smooth the top evenly.
6. Bake: Place in the center of the oven. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
7. Cool: Remove cake from oven and let cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, carefully turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely before frosting or slicing.
8. Decorate and serve: Dust with powdered sugar, spread with vanilla buttercream, or top with fresh fruit. Slice and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• Make it vegan: Substitute dairy milk and yogurt with unsweetened plant-based alternatives, such as almond milk and coconut yogurt. Check that your sugar is vegan if needed.
• Add some flair: Mix in a handful of chocolate chips, blueberries, or chopped nuts to the batter for extra texture and flavor.
• Layer it up: Double the recipe and split between two pans for an impressive layer cake. Fill with jam, whipped cream, or your favorite frosting.
• Frosting ideas: Classic vanilla buttercream, chocolate ganache, or even a tangy lemon glaze pair beautifully with this cake.
• Storage: Keep any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
• Freeze for later: Wrap cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
• For more easy vegetarian desserts, check out:
  • Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious
  • Vegan Bread Machine Recipe for Soft, Delicious Loaves
  • Vegetarian Swiss Chard Recipes for Healthy Meals

Baker’s Note: “The secret to a great vegetarian vanilla cake is not to overmix and to use plenty of good-quality vanilla extract for maximum flavor.”

Nutrition Facts

Nutrition values are approximate and based on 1 slice (1/10 of the cake), without frosting.

These values will vary if you use plant-based dairy alternatives or add mix-ins or frosting.

Serving Suggestions

• Classic: Serve slices plain or dusted with powdered sugar for an elegant tea-time treat.
• With Fruit: Top with sliced strawberries, blueberries, or a mound of fresh berries and a dollop of whipped cream or yogurt.
• Layered: Split the cake and fill with your favorite jam or a swirl of lemon curd for summer celebrations.
• Frosted: Spread with vanilla or chocolate buttercream for birthdays and special occasions.
• Drizzle: Add a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk or lemon juice for extra sweetness.
• Pairing Ideas: Enjoy with a cup of tea, coffee, or even as a festive dessert alongside Vegetable Alfredo Recipes for Creamy, Healthy Dinners.
• For a hearty vegetarian dinner before dessert, try Peruvian Vegetable Recipes for Flavorful Healthy Meals.

Conclusion

Baking a delicious, fluffy vanilla cake doesn’t require eggs or complicated substitutions—just a handful of wholesome, vegetarian-friendly ingredients. This simple recipe is proof that anyone can create a cake that’s moist, flavorful, and sure to impress, whether you’re baking for a family gathering, a birthday, or just a cozy afternoon treat.

The versatility of this vegetarian vanilla cake means you can dress it up or down to suit any occasion. Pair it with seasonal fruits, your favorite frostings, or enjoy it as a classic snack with tea or coffee.

Once you’ve mastered this cake, you’ll want to share it with friends and family—no one will ever guess it’s egg-free! For more inspiration, browse our collection of Veg Recipes for Slow Cooker: Easy, Tasty Meal Ideas and keep your vegetarian kitchen creative and satisfying year-round.

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