Vegan Vanilla Cake is a delightful treat that brings joy to any occasion, whether it’s a birthday celebration or a simple afternoon tea. As someone who has always had a sweet tooth, I can confidently say that this cake is not just for those following a vegan lifestyle; its a delicious dessert that everyone can enjoy. The history of vanilla cake dates back to the 19th century, where it became a staple in many households, symbolizing comfort and celebration. What I love most about this Vegan Vanilla Cake is its light, fluffy texture and the rich, aromatic flavor of vanilla that dances on your palate. Plus, its incredibly convenient to make, requiring simple ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry. This cake is perfect for those who appreciate a moist, flavorful dessert without any animal products, making it a beloved choice for vegans and non-vegans alike!
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk (or any plant-based milk)
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil (or melted coconut oil)
- 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Preparing the Batter
Lets get started on our delicious vegan vanilla cake! First, I like to gather all my ingredients and tools to make the process smooth and enjoyable. Youll need a mixing bowl, a whisk, a spatula, and two 9-inch round cake pans. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) so its nice and hot when were ready to bake.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the dry ingredients: 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 cup of granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Whisk them together until they are well mixed. This step is crucial as it ensures that the leavening agents are evenly distributed throughout the flour.
- In another bowl, mix the wet ingredients. Start with 1 cup of unsweetened almond milk, then add 1/2 cup of vegetable oil, 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce, 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract, and 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar. Whisk these together until they are fully combined. The vinegar will react with the baking soda later, helping our cake rise beautifully.
- Now, its time to combine the wet and dry ingredients. Pour the wet mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Using a spatula, gently fold the mixture together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are perfectly fine. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake, and we want it to be light and fluffy!
Preparing the Cake Pans
Before we pour our batter into the pans, we need to prepare them to ensure our cake comes out easily after baking.
- Take your two 9-inch round cake pans and lightly grease them with vegetable oil or vegan butter. You can also line the bottoms with parchment paper for extra assurance that the cakes wont stick.
- Once greased, you can dust a little flour in each pan, shaking it around to coat the sides. This step is optional but can help with the release of the cake.
Baking the Cake
Now that our batter is ready and our pans are prepped, its time to bake!
- Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared cake pans. I like to use a kitchen scale to ensure both layers are the same weight, but you can also eyeball it if you prefer.
- Place the pans in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. To check if they are done, insert a toothpick into the center of the cakes. If it comes out clean or with a few crumbs attached, they are ready!
- Once baked, remove the pans from the oven and let them cool in the pans for about 10 minutes. After that, carefully run a knife around the edges and invert the cakes onto a wire rack to cool completely. This step is important as it prevents the cakes from becoming soggy.
Making the Frosting
While the cakes are cooling, lets whip up a simple vegan vanilla frosting to go with our cake. This frosting is creamy, sweet, and perfectly complements the vanilla flavor of the cake.
- 1/2 cup vegan butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons almond milk (or any plant-based milk)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- In a mixing bowl, beat the softened vegan butter with a hand mixer or stand mixer until its creamy and smooth.
- Gradually add in the
Conclusion:
In summary, this Vegan Vanilla Cake is an absolute must-try for anyone looking to indulge in a deliciously moist and fluffy dessert without compromising on their dietary choices. The combination of simple, wholesome ingredients creates a cake that is not only delightful to the taste buds but also easy to whip up in your own kitchen. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just treating yourself to a sweet moment, this cake is sure to impress. For serving suggestions, I recommend pairing this cake with a fresh fruit compote or a dollop of coconut whipped cream for an extra touch of indulgence. You can also experiment with variations by adding a hint of almond extract for a nutty flavor or folding in some chocolate chips for a delightful twist. The possibilities are endless! I encourage you to give this Vegan Vanilla Cake a try and share your experience with friends and family. I would love to hear how it turns out for you! Dont forget to snap a picture and tag me on social media so we can celebrate your baking success together. Happy baking, and enjoy every delicious bite of this Vegan Vanilla Cake! PrintVegan Vanilla Cake: A Deliciously Simple Recipe for Everyone
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 1 two-layer cake (serves approximately 8–10 people) 1x
Description
Enjoy a light and fluffy Vegan Vanilla Cake made with simple plant-based ingredients. Perfect for any occasion, this cake is easy to prepare and can be topped with a creamy vegan vanilla frosting for a delightful finish.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk (or any plant-based milk)
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil (or melted coconut oil)
- 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup vegan butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons almond milk (or any plant-based milk)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Gather all ingredients and tools: mixing bowl, whisk, spatula, and two 9-inch round cake pans. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the dry ingredients: flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Whisk until well mixed.
- In another bowl, mix the wet ingredients: almond milk, vegetable oil, applesauce, vanilla extract, and apple cider vinegar. Whisk until fully combined.
- Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Gently fold together with a spatula until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
- Lightly grease the two 9-inch round cake pans with vegetable oil or vegan butter. Optionally, line the bottoms with parchment paper.
- Dust a little flour in each pan, shaking to coat the sides.
- Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared cake pans.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with a few crumbs.
- Once baked, let the cakes cool in the pans for about 10 minutes. Run a knife around the edges and invert onto a wire rack to cool completely.
- In a mixing bowl, beat the softened vegan butter with a hand mixer or stand mixer until creamy and smooth.
- Gradually add in the powdered sugar, mixing until well combined.
- Add almond milk and vanilla extract, mixing until the frosting is light and fluffy.
Notes
- Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for the best results.
- You can customize the frosting by adding cocoa powder for a chocolate version or incorporating fruit purees for different flavors.
- Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes