Best Vegan Pound Cake Recipe: Moist, Delicious, and Easy

If you’re a lover of pound cake and you’re looking for a vegan alternative, you’re in for a treat. This vegan pound cake recipe is a delightful twist on the classic dessert, and I’ll show you how to make it perfectly moist, with either a lemon glaze or a hint of vanilla. Whether you’re new to vegan baking or an experienced pro, this guide will help you create the best vegan cake that rivals any traditional recipe. Plus, it’s simple enough to follow and uses easy vegan ingredients you’ll likely already have in your pantry. Read on to discover how to make a vegan pound cake with lemon or vanilla flavor that’s soft, rich, and utterly irresistible.

Table of Contents

What Makes the Best Vegan Pound Cake?

A great vegan pound cake is all about balancing flavor, texture, and moisture. Traditional pound cakes typically rely on a pound of butter, sugar, flour, and eggs, but the vegan version swaps out those ingredients for vegan butter, plant-based milk, and vegan yogurt. The result? A deliciously moist and soft cake that still has that rich, buttery flavor and crumbly texture we all know and love.

The secret to a perfect vegan pound cake lies in two things: getting the right texture and flavor balance. Using the right combination of flour, vegan butter, and vanilla extract or lemon juice can ensure your cake tastes incredible and has that melt-in-your-mouth quality. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just because you want to indulge in a moist vegan pound cake, this recipe is bound to impress.

Ingredients for Vegan Pound Cake (With Quantities)

To make this delicious vegan pound cake, you’ll need the following ingredients. These quantities will create a moist, flavorful cake that serves 8-10 people:

2 ½ cups all-purpose flour: This is the base of your cake, giving it structure. You can also use cake flour for an even softer texture.
1 cup vegan butter: Make sure it’s at room temperature for easier mixing. This adds richness and moisture.
1 cup coconut sugar: Provides natural sweetness. You can also use regular sugar if preferred.
1 cup vegan yogurt: Helps to keep the cake moist and adds a slight tang.
1 tbsp vanilla extract: Essential for a vanilla pound cake flavor.
2 tbsp lemon juice: If you’re making a vegan lemon pound cake, this adds that refreshing citrus note.
1 tbsp lemon zest: Provides an additional zesty kick.
1 tbsp baking powder: This will help the cake rise and become fluffy.
¼ cup plant-based milk: Almond or soy milk works best for creating the right batter consistency.
Pinch of salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the other flavors.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method for Vegan Pound Cake

Follow these simple steps to create the perfect vegan pound cake:

Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan or bundt pan and lightly dust with flour to prevent sticking. You can also use parchment paper for easier removal.
Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. This ensures everything is evenly distributed and helps avoid lumps in the batter.
Cream Together Vegan Butter and Sugar: In another bowl, use an electric mixer to beat vegan butter and coconut sugar until light and fluffy. This process takes about 3-4 minutes. Be sure the butter is at room temperature for smooth blending.
Add Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the vegan yogurt, vanilla extract, and lemon juice to the creamed butter mixture. Mix until everything is well combined. The batter should be smooth and creamy at this point.
Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture in increments, alternating with the plant-based milk. Stir gently after each addition to avoid overmixing, which can make the cake dense.
Add Lemon Zest (Optional): If making a vegan lemon pound cake, fold in the lemon zest to infuse the batter with a fresh citrus flavor.
Pour into the Pan: Transfer the batter to the prepared loaf pan or bundt pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. The batter should be thick but spread easily.
Bake the Pound Cake: Place the cake in the oven and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top browns too quickly, you can loosely cover it with aluminum foil halfway through baking.
Let the Cake Cool: Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer the cake to a cooling rack to cool completely before slicing or glazing.
Optional Lemon Glaze: If you’d like to top your cake with a lemon glaze, mix together 1 cup of powdered sugar with 2-3 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cake and let it set before serving.

Nutrient Table for 100g of Vegan Pound Cake

Here’s a nutritional breakdown for 100g of vegan pound cake:

Nutrient	Amount (per 100g)
Calories	290 kcal
Total Fat	12g
Saturated Fat	4g
Carbohydrates	40g
Sugars	22g
Dietary Fiber	2g
Protein	4g
Sodium	180mg
Calcium	30mg
Iron	1.2mg

This breakdown shows that while the vegan pound cake is a delicious treat, it’s also lower in cholesterol and saturated fat compared to traditional pound cakes, making it a lighter alternative for plant-based eaters.

How to Create a Vegan Pound Cake: Tips and Tricks

Making a vegan pound cake may seem tricky at first, but trust me, it’s easier than you think! Here are a few tips that will help:

Room Temperature Vegan Butter: Always use vegan butter at room temperature. This makes it easier to cream with sugar and helps the batter turn out smooth.
Vegan Yogurt or Vegan Sour Cream: These add extra moisture and help the cake stay soft and fluffy.
Avoid Overmixing: When you add the flour and other dry ingredients into the wet mixture, be careful not to overmix the batter. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake rather than a light, airy one.

Why Choose Vegan Cake Recipes?

You might be wondering, why go for a vegan cake recipe in the first place? There are several good reasons! First, it’s a great way to enjoy delicious baked goods while aligning with plant-based and cruelty-free values. Plus, vegan baking can often be healthier. This vegan pound cake recipe is free of cholesterol and uses simple ingredients that are easy to find.

Additionally, opting for vegan alternatives often means you can cater to a wider range of dietary restrictions, such as those who are lactose intolerant or have egg allergies. And of course, with the right method, vegan cakes can be just as fluffy, moist, and flavorful as their traditional counterparts.

Can You Make a Vegan Pound Cake with Lemon or Vanilla?

Absolutely! One of the best things about this recipe is that it’s flexible. You can make a vegan pound cake with lemon for a tangy citrus flavor, or stick with the more classic vanilla pound cake if you prefer something subtle and sweet. Both versions turn out incredibly moist and tender.

For a vegan lemon pound cake, simply add fresh lemon juice and lemon zest to the batter. If you’re a fan of vanilla, a generous splash of vanilla extract will create a deliciously aromatic vanilla vegan pound cake that pairs well with tea or coffee.

How to Make the Perfect Lemon Glaze for a Vegan Pound Cake

One of the highlights of a vegan lemon pound cake is the tangy lemon glaze that tops it off. To make the glaze, simply whisk together powdered sugar and fresh lemon juice until smooth. You want the glaze to be thick enough to coat the cake but still pourable.

Once your cake has cooled completely, drizzle the glaze over the top and let it set. The combination of sweet and tart creates the perfect finish for this moist vegan pound cake.

Can You Bake a Vegan Pound Cake in a Loaf Pan or Bundt Pan?

Yes, you can bake a vegan pound cake in either a loaf pan or a bundt cake pan, depending on the presentation you prefer. A bundt cake pan will give you a beautiful, decorative shape, while a loaf pan results in a more traditional-looking cake.

Regardless of the pan you choose, make sure it’s well-greased to prevent the cake from sticking. Baking time will vary slightly, but you’ll know your cake is done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

What’s the Difference Between Vanilla Pound Cake and Lemon Pound Cake?

The difference lies in the flavorings. Vanilla pound cake gets its signature taste from vanilla extract, while lemon pound cake uses fresh lemon juice and zest for that bright citrusy flavor. Both versions are incredibly moist and rich, but the lemon variety has a fresh, zesty kick that makes it perfect for summer days.

How to Ensure Your Vegan Pound Cake Comes Out Moist and Fluffy

To achieve the perfect texture, follow these tips:

Use room temperature ingredients: This helps the batter mix smoothly.
Don’t overmix the batter: Stir just until the ingredients are combined.
Vegan Yogurt or Sour Cream: Adding this ensures your cake stays moist, even after baking.

How Long Should You Let the Cake Cool Before Serving?

Once you’ve removed the cake from the oven, let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then transfer it to a cooling rack to cool completely. This ensures the cake firms up and doesn’t fall apart when sliced.

How to Store Leftover Vegan Pound Cake to Keep It Fresh

To keep your vegan pound cake fresh, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. It will stay moist at room temperature for up to three days. You can also freeze it for up to two months.

What Are the Health Benefits of an Easy Vegan Lemon Pound Cake?

A vegan lemon pound cake is lower in saturated fat and cholesterol compared to traditional versions. Using natural sweeteners like coconut sugar and plant-based yogurt also makes this dessert a slightly healthier option.

Can You Make This Recipe Gluten-Free or Low Sugar?

Absolutely! For a gluten-free version, simply substitute the flour with a gluten-free baking blend. For a lower-sugar option, you can reduce the sugar or use a sugar substitute that works for baking.

The Ultimate Guide to Experimenting with Vegan Pound Cake Flavors

Don’t be afraid to get creative with your vegan pound cake. Try adding vegan chocolate, berries, or spices like cinnamon and nutmeg for a unique twist on the classic recipe.