The Ultimate Vegan Basic Vanilla Cake: A Simple and Delicious Recipe
Vanilla cake is a timeless classic, beloved for its simple elegance and comforting flavor. But what if you’re vegan? Fear not! This recipe delivers a moist, fluffy, and utterly delicious vegan vanilla cake that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s a birthday celebration, a casual get-together, or simply a sweet treat to brighten your day, this cake is sure to impress. It’s surprisingly easy to make, even for novice bakers. We’ll walk you through each step, ensuring your success in creating the perfect vegan vanilla cake.
## Why This Recipe Works
This vegan vanilla cake recipe stands out for several reasons:
* **Moisture:** We use a combination of plant-based milk and oil to keep the cake incredibly moist. The oil adds richness, while the plant-based milk provides hydration.
* **Fluffy Texture:** Baking powder and baking soda work together to create a light and airy crumb. The vinegar reacts with the baking soda, further enhancing the leavening process.
* **Vanilla Flavor:** A generous amount of vanilla extract infuses every bite with that classic vanilla flavor we all know and love. You can also add vanilla bean paste for an even more intense vanilla experience.
* **Simple Ingredients:** This recipe uses readily available ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. No fancy or hard-to-find items are required.
* **Easy to Make:** The steps are straightforward and easy to follow, making this cake a great option for beginner bakers.
* **Versatile:** This cake can be easily adapted to create different flavors or variations. You can add fruit, chocolate chips, or nuts to the batter. It also pairs well with a variety of frostings.
## Ingredients You’ll Need
Before you start baking, gather the following ingredients:
**For the Cake:**
* 3 cups (375g) all-purpose flour
* 2 cups (400g) granulated sugar
* 3 ½ teaspoons baking powder
* 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1 ½ cups (360ml) plant-based milk (such as almond, soy, or oat milk)
* ¾ cup (180ml) vegetable oil (such as canola or sunflower oil)
* 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
* 3 teaspoons vanilla extract
* 1 cup (240ml) boiling water
**For the Frosting (Optional):**
* 1 cup (226g) vegan butter, softened
* 4 cups (480g) powdered sugar
* ½ cup (120ml) plant-based milk
* 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
## Equipment You’ll Need
* Two 9-inch round cake pans
* Parchment paper
* Mixing bowls
* Electric mixer (handheld or stand mixer)
* Measuring cups and spoons
* Spatula
* Wire rack
## Step-by-Step Instructions
Now, let’s get baking! Follow these detailed instructions to create your perfect vegan vanilla cake.
**1. Prepare the Cake Pans:**
* Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
* Grease two 9-inch round cake pans with vegan butter or cooking spray.
* Cut out circles of parchment paper to fit the bottom of each pan and place them inside. This will prevent the cake from sticking.
**2. Combine Dry Ingredients:**
* In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Make sure all the ingredients are well combined.
**3. Combine Wet Ingredients:**
* In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the plant-based milk, oil, apple cider vinegar, and vanilla extract.
**4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:**
* Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. Overmixing can result in a tough cake.
**5. Add Boiling Water:**
* Slowly pour the boiling water into the batter and mix until smooth. The batter will be thin. This is normal and helps create a moist cake.
**6. Pour Batter into Pans:**
* Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared cake pans. You can use a kitchen scale to ensure the pans are filled equally.
**7. Bake the Cakes:**
* Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The cakes should be golden brown and spring back slightly when touched.
**8. Cool the Cakes:**
* Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10-15 minutes before inverting them onto a wire rack to cool completely. Remove the parchment paper.
**9. Make the Frosting (Optional):**
* While the cakes are cooling, prepare the frosting.
* In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened vegan butter with an electric mixer until light and fluffy.
* Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition.
* Add the plant-based milk and vanilla extract and beat until the frosting is smooth and creamy. If the frosting is too thick, add a little more plant-based milk. If it’s too thin, add a little more powdered sugar.
**10. Frost the Cake:**
* Once the cakes are completely cool, place one cake layer on a serving plate or cake stand.
* Spread a generous layer of frosting over the top of the cake.
* Place the second cake layer on top of the frosting.
* Frost the entire cake with the remaining frosting. You can decorate the cake with sprinkles, fresh fruit, or vegan chocolate shavings.
**11. Serve and Enjoy!**
* Slice and serve your delicious vegan vanilla cake. Enjoy!
## Tips for the Perfect Vegan Vanilla Cake
* **Use Room Temperature Ingredients:** Using room temperature ingredients will help the batter come together more smoothly and evenly.
* **Don’t Overmix:** Overmixing the batter can result in a tough cake. Mix until just combined.
* **Measure Accurately:** Accurate measurements are essential for baking success. Use measuring cups and spoons for dry and liquid ingredients.
* **Use High-Quality Vanilla Extract:** The vanilla extract is a key ingredient in this cake, so be sure to use a high-quality extract for the best flavor. Vanilla bean paste can be used for an even richer vanilla flavor.
* **Cool Completely Before Frosting:** Make sure the cakes are completely cool before frosting them. Otherwise, the frosting will melt.
* **Level the Cake Layers:** If your cake layers are uneven, you can use a serrated knife to level them before frosting. This will make your cake look more professional.
* **Chill the Cake:** Chilling the frosted cake for at least 30 minutes before serving will help the frosting set and make it easier to slice.
## Variations and Add-Ins
This vegan vanilla cake recipe is a great base for experimenting with different flavors and add-ins. Here are a few ideas:
* **Chocolate Chips:** Add ½ to 1 cup of vegan chocolate chips to the batter.
* **Fruit:** Add ½ to 1 cup of chopped fruit, such as berries, bananas, or apples, to the batter.
* **Nuts:** Add ½ to 1 cup of chopped nuts, such as walnuts, pecans, or almonds, to the batter.
* **Lemon Zest:** Add the zest of one lemon to the batter for a lemon vanilla cake.
* **Spices:** Add ½ teaspoon of cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom to the batter for a spiced vanilla cake.
* **Different Frostings:** Experiment with different frostings, such as vegan chocolate frosting, vegan cream cheese frosting, or vegan peanut butter frosting.
* **Cupcakes:** This recipe can also be used to make vegan vanilla cupcakes. Simply pour the batter into lined cupcake tins and bake for 18-20 minutes.
## Storing Your Vegan Vanilla Cake
* **Unfrosted Cake:** Unfrosted vegan vanilla cake can be stored at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out.
* **Frosted Cake:** Frosted vegan vanilla cake should be stored in the refrigerator. Cover the cake loosely with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. The cake will stay fresh for up to 3 days.
* **Freezing:** You can also freeze vegan vanilla cake. Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. The cake can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw the cake in the refrigerator overnight before serving. Frosted cake can also be frozen, but the frosting may become slightly softer after thawing.
## Nutritional Information (approximate, without frosting)
* Calories: Approximately 350 per slice (based on 12 slices)
* Fat: 15g
* Saturated Fat: 2g
* Cholesterol: 0mg
* Sodium: 300mg
* Carbohydrates: 50g
* Sugar: 30g
* Protein: 3g
## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
**Q: Can I use a different type of plant-based milk?**
A: Yes, you can use any type of plant-based milk you like, such as almond milk, soy milk, oat milk, or coconut milk. The flavor and texture of the cake may vary slightly depending on the type of milk you use.
**Q: Can I use a different type of oil?**
A: Yes, you can use any type of vegetable oil you like, such as canola oil, sunflower oil, or coconut oil. Avoid using strongly flavored oils, such as olive oil, as they may affect the taste of the cake.
**Q: Can I use a different type of sugar?**
A: Yes, you can use a different type of sugar, such as coconut sugar or brown sugar. However, the flavor and texture of the cake may vary slightly depending on the type of sugar you use.
**Q: Can I make this cake gluten-free?**
A: Yes, you can make this cake gluten-free by using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Be sure to use a blend that is designed for baking cakes.
**Q: Why is my cake dry?**
A: A dry cake can be caused by several factors, such as overbaking, using too much flour, or not using enough liquid. Be sure to measure your ingredients accurately and bake the cake for the recommended time.
**Q: Why is my cake not rising?**
A: A cake that doesn’t rise can be caused by several factors, such as using old baking powder or baking soda, not using enough leavening agents, or overmixing the batter. Be sure to use fresh baking powder and baking soda and mix the batter until just combined.
**Q: Can I make this cake ahead of time?**
A: Yes, you can make this cake ahead of time. Bake the cake layers and wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. Store them at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Frost the cake just before serving.
## Conclusion
This vegan basic vanilla cake recipe is a simple and delicious way to enjoy a classic dessert without any animal products. With its moist texture, fluffy crumb, and rich vanilla flavor, this cake is sure to become a favorite. Whether you’re vegan or not, this recipe is a must-try for any cake lover. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake the perfect vegan vanilla cake!
Enjoy this delightful vegan vanilla cake, perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or simply a sweet treat. Happy baking!