Vanilla cake, a timeless classic. The mere mention of it evokes memories of birthday parties, family gatherings, and sweet indulgences. But what if you’re following a vegan lifestyle? Does that mean you have to miss out on this beloved treat? Absolutely not! This recipe will guide you on How To Make Vegan Vanilla Cake that’s just as delicious, moist, and fluffy as the traditional version. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this simple yet impressive vegan dessert.
What Makes This Vegan Vanilla Cake Special?
This recipe is special because it’s crafted with love and simple, plant-based ingredients. You won’t find any eggs or dairy here! Instead, we’ll be using a few clever substitutes that create a cake so good, no one will guess it’s vegan.
Vegan Vanilla Cake Ingredients
Ingredients You’ll Need
For this recipe, you’ll need:
For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (or a gluten-free blend for a gluten-free version)
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- ¾ cup unsweetened applesauce
- ¾ cup plant-based milk (almond, soy, or oat milk work well)
- ⅓ cup vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For the Vegan Vanilla Frosting:
- 1 cup vegan butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- ½ cup plant-based milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Equipment You’ll Need
- Two 9-inch round cake pans
- Parchment paper
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula
- Toothpick
- Cooling rack
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Cake Pans
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans. You can also line the bottom of the pans with parchment paper for easier cake removal later.
2. Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the applesauce, plant-based milk, oil, and vanilla extract until well combined.
3. Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk until everything is well incorporated.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed with an electric mixer until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter.
5. Pour and Bake
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
6. Cool Completely
Once baked, allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before inverting them onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Vegan Vanilla Cake Baking
While the Cakes Cool, Make the Vegan Vanilla Frosting:
- In a large bowl, beat the softened vegan butter with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Stir in the plant-based milk, vanilla extract, and salt.
- Beat until the frosting is light and fluffy. Add more plant-based milk if necessary to reach your desired consistency.
Assemble the Cake
Once the cakes are completely cool, frost the bottom layer with a generous amount of frosting. Top with the second cake layer and frost the entire cake. You can decorate the cake as you like, with sprinkles, fresh fruit, or chopped nuts.
FAQs About Making Vegan Vanilla Cake
Q: Can I use a different type of plant-based milk?
A: Absolutely! Any unsweetened plant-based milk, like almond, soy, oat, or cashew milk, will work well in this recipe.
Q: Can I make this cake gluten-free?
A: Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend.
Q: Can I freeze vegan vanilla cake?
A: Yes, you can freeze the unfrosted cakes for up to 2 months. Wrap them well in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil before freezing. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before frosting.
Tips from Expert Baker, Sarah:
“For extra fluffy cakes, sift your dry ingredients together twice. This helps to aerate the flour and baking powder, resulting in a lighter crumb.”
Conclusion
There you have it! Now you know how to make vegan vanilla cake that is both delicious and impressive. This recipe is perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or any occasion when you need a sweet treat. Enjoy!
Ready for another baking adventure? Check out our recipe for Vegan Chocolate Cake!
