Best Vegan Vanilla Cake Recipe – Moist & Fluffy Perfection
If you’re searching for the best vegan vanilla cake, you’ve landed in the right spot. This easy vegan vanilla cake recipe delivers an ultra-moist, fluffy, and tender texture with a rich vanilla flavor. Whether you’re baking for a birthday, a celebration, or just a sweet treat, this recipe is your go-to. Plus, it’s simple to make with pantry staples—no fancy ingredients needed!
In this guide, you’ll learn step by step how to make a vegan vanilla cake that’s just as good (or even better) than traditional cakes. From the right cake flour to ensuring the perfect rise, we’ve got all the secrets covered. Let’s dive in!
What Makes This the Best Vegan Vanilla Cake?
There are many vegan cake recipes, but this one stands out because it’s incredibly moist and fluffy without using eggs or dairy. The secret? The right combination of ingredients and techniques that ensure a tender crumb, a light texture, and a rich vanilla flavor.
Why you’ll love this recipe:
- Moist & tender texture – Thanks to the right balance of fats and liquids.
- Simple ingredients – No hard-to-find vegan substitutes needed.
- Versatile – Works as a birthday cake, sheet cake, or layer cake.
- Foolproof recipe – Even beginners can make this cake with ease!
Make Vegan Vanilla Cake Recipe – Moist, Fluffy, and Delicious!
Course: vegan cake, cake5
servings15
minutes30
minutes320
kcalMake the best vegan vanilla cake with this easy, moist, and fluffy recipe! Perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or any occasion. Learn how to bake a vegan cake step by step with simple ingredients. 🍰✨
Ingredients for Vegan Vanilla Cake
2 ½ cups cake flour
1 ½ cups granulated sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup plant-based milk (soy or oat milk works best)
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (or white vinegar)
Âľ cup vegan butter (melted)
1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
½ cup unsweetened applesauce (or mashed banana for extra moisture)
- For the vegan vanilla buttercream:
1 cup vegan butter
4 cups powdered sugar
2 tablespoons plant-based milk
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Make Vegan Vanilla Cake – Step-by-Step Guide
- 1. Preheat & Prepare the Cake Pans
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 8-inch cake pans with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- 2. Mix the Dry Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together cake flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
- 3. Prepare the Wet Ingredients
- In another bowl, mix plant-based milk and apple cider vinegar. Let it sit for 5 minutes to create a buttermilk-like effect. Then, add melted vegan butter, vanilla extract, and applesauce, whisking until smooth.
- 4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
- Gradually pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring gently until smooth. Avoid overmixing, as it can make the cake dense. The cake batter should be thick but pourable.
- 5. Bake the Cake
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans and smooth the tops. Bake the cake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- 6. Cool and Frost
- Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Once completely cool, layer and frost with vegan vanilla buttercream.
Nutritional Information (Per 100g Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 340 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 52g |
| Protein | 3.5g |
| Fat | 14g |
| Saturated Fat | 4g |
| Sugar | 28g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sodium | 220mg |
| Calcium | 90mg |
| Iron | 1.2mg |
Values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
Key Ingredients for a Moist and Fluffy Vegan Vanilla Cake
A great vegan vanilla cake starts with the right ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
Why Cake Flour is Important
Using cake flour instead of all-purpose flour gives this cake a delicate, light texture. Cake flour has a lower protein content, resulting in a softer crumb. If you don’t have cake flour, you can make your own by combining all-purpose flour with cornstarch.
The Role of Vinegar in Vegan Baking
Vinegar (especially apple cider vinegar) helps the cake rise by reacting with baking soda. It also improves texture, making the cake moist and fluffy. Don’t worry—you won’t taste it!
Choosing the Right Vanilla Extract
A lot of vanilla is key to getting that rich vanilla flavor. Always use pure vanilla extract instead of artificial vanilla for the best taste.
Vegan Vanilla Buttercream – The Perfect Frosting
A good vegan cake needs an amazing frosting! This vegan vanilla buttercream is light, fluffy, and rich.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup vegan butter
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp plant-based milk
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Whip vegan butter until fluffy.
- Slowly add powdered sugar, mixing well.
- Add vanilla extract and plant-based milk until creamy.
How to Decorate a Vegan Vanilla Cake Like a Pro
Want to make your cake extra special? Try these tips:
- Use a vegan buttercream frosting for a smooth finish.
- Pipe decorations or add vegan chocolate shavings.
- Create a birthday cake with sprinkles and candles.
Tips for the Best Vegan Cake Texture
- Don’t overmix the batter – It makes the cake dense.
- Use room-temperature ingredients for even mixing.
- Let the cake cool completely before frosting.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Vegan Cake
- Skipping vinegar – It helps the cake rise and improves texture.
- Using all-purpose flour instead of cake flour – You’ll miss out on the soft crumb.
- Overbaking – Check the cake early to prevent dryness.
How to Make a Vegan Vanilla Cake Without a Mixer
No mixer? No problem! Simply whisk ingredients by hand and use a spatula to fold the batter gently. The key is to avoid overmixing.
Best Ways to Store and Freeze Vegan Vanilla Cake
- Store at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Refrigerate for up to a week in an airtight container.
- Freeze the cake layers for up to 3 months. Thaw before frosting.
FAQs About Vegan Vanilla Cake
1. Can I use almond flour instead of cake flour?
No, almond flour lacks gluten and won’t give the same structure.
2. What can I use instead of vegan butter?
Coconut oil works, but it slightly changes the texture.
3. How do I make a gluten-free vegan vanilla cake?
Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, but results may vary.
4. Can I turn this into a sheet cake?
Yes! Pour the batter into a sheet cake pan and bake as directed.
5. What plant-based milk is best for this recipe?
Soy or oat milk works best for a moist and fluffy cake.
Final Thoughts
This best vegan vanilla cake recipe is a game-changer! It’s moist, fluffy, and packed with vanilla flavor, making it perfect for any occasion. Try this recipe today, and let me know how it turns out!
