Best Vegan Vanilla Cake Recipe: moist, and Easy Vegan Cake to Make

Looking for the perfect vegan vanilla cake recipe that’s not only delicious but also incredibly moist and fluffy? You’ve come to the right place! Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, planning a dinner party, or just craving a sweet treat, this easy vegan vanilla cake recipe will satisfy your cravings while being 100% plant-based. Plus, it’s so simple to follow that even beginner bakers can achieve the best results.

In this article, we’ll walk you through how to make the best vegan vanilla cake with a fluffy texture, rich vanilla flavor, and moist crumb. Read on to learn why this cake is worth baking and how it’s guaranteed to impress both vegans and non-vegans alike!

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What Makes the Best Vegan Vanilla Cake?

The best vegan vanilla cake strikes a balance between taste, texture, and ease of preparation. What makes this recipe a winner is its incredibly soft and moist crumb, along with its rich vanilla flavor that shines through with every bite. Achieving this texture in a best vegan cake can sometimes be tricky, but with the right combination of ingredients, you won’t miss the eggs or dairy at all. Whether you want to bake a birthday cake, sheet cake, or layer cake, this recipe has you covered.

Why Vegan Cakes Are Moist and Fluffy

Ever wondered how vegan cakes stay so moist without using eggs or butter? The secret lies in plant-based ingredients that mimic the texture and binding properties of eggs and dairy. The combination of vegan butter, vegan yogurt, and vegan buttermilk gives the cake a rich texture while keeping it light and fluffy. These ingredients also help retain moisture in the cake, ensuring a soft crumb that doesn’t dry out.

Key Ingredients for a Moist Vegan Vanilla Cake

Here are the must-have ingredients that make this vegan vanilla cake so moist and delicious:

Vegan Butter: Adds richness and helps create a fluffy, tender crumb. Make sure to use a high-quality vegan butter for the best results.
Vegan Buttermilk: Created by mixing plant-based milk (like soy or almond) with an acidic ingredient such as vinegar or lemon juice. This helps the cake rise and gives it that tender, moist texture.
Vanilla Extract: Use a lot of vanilla to infuse the cake with a strong vanilla flavor. We recommend using at least two teaspoons for a 9-inch cake.
Cake Flour: Lighter than all-purpose flour, cake flour helps create that soft and delicate crumb you want in a vegan vanilla cake.
Vegan Yogurt: This is a great egg replacement and adds extra moisture to the cake batter, resulting in a moist and tender cake..

Ingredients for Vegan Vanilla Cake

Here’s a breakdown of everything you’ll need to make the perfect vegan vanilla cake:

2 ½ cups cake flour: Cake flour is lighter and finer than regular flour, giving the cake a soft, tender crumb.
1 ½ cups sugar: This adds the right amount of sweetness and helps the cake develop a golden color when baked.
1 tablespoon baking powder: Helps the cake rise and gives it that fluffy, airy texture.
½ teaspoon baking soda: This works alongside the baking powder to ensure the cake rises perfectly.
½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors without making the cake salty.
1 ½ cups plant-based milk (soy or almond): Used to make the vegan buttermilk that keeps the cake moist.
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar: Combines with the plant milk to make a tangy vegan buttermilk.
½ cup vegan butter (melted): Adds richness and moisture to the cake.
⅓ cup vegan yogurt: Helps make the cake moist and adds a creamy texture.
1 tablespoon vanilla extract: The key ingredient for that strong vanilla flavor.
Optional toppings: You can top the cake with fruits, sprinkles, or any favorite vegan dessert toppings.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven and Prepare the Pans
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two round cake pans (9-inch or 6-inch depending on the size you prefer) or line them with parchment paper to prevent sticking. This will help ensure the cake doesn’t stick to the pans, and you’ll get a smooth release.

Step 2: Make Vegan Buttermilk
In a small bowl or jug, combine your plant-based milk (soy or almond works best) with 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar. Stir it gently, and let it sit for 5-10 minutes. The mixture will curdle slightly, creating a vegan version of buttermilk. This adds tenderness and moisture to your cake.

Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the cake flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Make sure everything is well combined to ensure the cake rises evenly and the texture is consistent.

Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, mix the melted vegan butter, vegan yogurt, vanilla extract, and the prepared vegan buttermilk. Stir until smooth. The vanilla extract will give your cake that rich, aromatic flavor we all love.

Step 5: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients Together
Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Using a spatula or a whisk, mix gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix! Overmixing the batter can lead to a dense cake. You want the mixture to be smooth, but it’s okay if there are a few lumps.

Step 6: Pour the Cake Batter Into the Pans
Evenly divide the batter between your prepared cake pans. Use a spatula to smooth the top of the batter so the cake bakes evenly.

Step 7: Bake the Cake
Place the pans on the center rack of your preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Make sure to check after 25 minutes, as baking times may vary slightly depending on your oven.

Step 8: Cool the Cakes
Once baked, remove the pans from the oven and let the cakes cool in the pans for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully transfer the cakes to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting. Cooling is important to avoid melting the frosting.

Step 9: Frost and Decorate
Once the cakes have cooled, you can frost them with vegan buttercream or your favorite vegan frosting. For an elegant touch, you can also decorate the top of the cake with fresh fruit, vegan chocolate shavings, or sprinkles.

Nutrient Information for Vegan Vanilla Cake (Per Slice)

Nutrient	Amount (Per Slice)
Calories	320 kcal
Carbohydrates	50g
Fat	12g
Protein	3g
Fiber	1g
Sugar	30g
Sodium	300mg
Calcium	100mg
Iron	1.5mg

Note: This nutrient breakdown is based on dividing the cake into 12 servings. Nutritional values may vary depending on specific ingredients and portion sizes used.

How to Make Vegan Buttermilk for Your Vegan Cake Recipe

Creating vegan buttermilk is essential for this cake. The acidity from the buttermilk reacts with the baking soda to help the cake rise, while also contributing to its tender texture. To make vegan buttermilk, simply combine one cup of plant-based milk (soy or almond works best) with one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes, and you’ll notice the milk curdles slightly, mimicking traditional buttermilk.

Can You Make a Gluten Free Vegan Vanilla Cake?

Yes, it’s absolutely possible to make this recipe gluten-free! Simply swap the cake flour with a gluten-free flour blend that’s designed for baking. Look for a blend that contains xanthan gum, which will help the cake hold together and maintain a moist texture. Keep in mind that the cake might be slightly denser than the original version, but it will still be delicious!

Tips for Getting That Moist and Tender Texture

Here are some extra tips to ensure your cake turns out perfectly moist:

Don’t overmix the batter: Overmixing can cause the cake to become dense. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
Use vegan yogurt: It adds moisture and helps bind the ingredients, resulting in a softer cake.
Bake the cake on the center rack of your oven to ensure even heat distribution.

Vegan Buttercream Frosting: The Perfect Match

No vegan vanilla cake is complete without a rich, creamy frosting! The best option here is a vegan buttercream, made with vegan butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. It’s easy to whip up and perfectly complements the flavor and texture of the cake. Spread it between your cake layers for a classic finish, or pipe it on for an elegant look.

How to Decorate Your Vegan Vanilla Cake

If you’re making this cake for a special occasion like a birthday, decorating it with flowers or sprinkles is a fun and beautiful option. You can also use vegan chocolate shavings or fruit to add an extra layer of decoration. The simplicity of the vanilla flavor pairs well with a variety of toppings, so get creative!

Can I Make This Recipe for Layer Cakes and Cupcakes?

Absolutely! This vegan vanilla cake recipe is versatile enough to be made into a layer cake, sheet cake, or even cupcakes. For cupcakes, reduce the baking time to about 18-20 minutes. For a layer cake, divide the batter evenly between your round cake pans and adjust the baking time accordingly. This recipe can also be doubled if you’re looking to make a larger cake for a party.

How to Store and Freeze Vegan Vanilla Cake

If you have leftovers (lucky you!), store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, you can freeze individual slices by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe container. To enjoy frozen slices, simply thaw them at room temperature for a few hours.

Substitute Ideas: How to Adjust for Dietary Needs

If you need to adjust this recipe for specific dietary restrictions, here are a few ideas:

Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend.
Soy-Free: Opt for almond or oat milk instead of soy milk.
Oil-Free: Replace the vegan butter with applesauce or extra vegan yogurt for a lower-fat option.

Frequently Asked Questions About Vegan Cakes

Can I use coconut oil instead of vegan butter?
Yes, coconut oil works, but it may give the cake a slight coconut flavor.

How can I prevent my cake from being too dense?
Make sure not to overmix the batter and use fresh baking soda and powder.

Is there a way to add chocolate to this recipe?
Yes, fold in some chopped vegan chocolate or drizzle melted chocolate on top.

How long does this cake last?
It can stay fresh for 3 days at room temperature and up to 3 months in the freezer.

What’s the best way to frost this cake?
A simple vegan buttercream or a vegan cream cheese frosting are both excellent choices!

Summary: Key Tips for a Moist Vegan Vanilla Cake

Use vegan butter and vegan yogurt for moisture.
Don’t overmix the batter to keep the cake fluffy.
Frost with a rich vegan buttercream for the best results.
This recipe can be adapted for cupcakes, layer cakes, or sheet cakes.
Store leftovers in an airtight container or freeze for future treats.

With these tips and this vegan vanilla cake recipe, you’re sure to create a cake that’s just as moist, fluffy, and delicious as any traditional vanilla cake.