If you think vegan cakes can’t be as moist, fluffy, and flavorful as regular cakes, think again! Whether you’re fully plant-based, dairy-free, or just want to try something new, vegan cakes are the perfect way to enjoy dessert without compromise. Today, we’re diving into 5 vegan cake recipes that are simple to make, use accessible ingredients, and taste absolutely indulgent.
From a classic chocolate cake to a summery lemon cake, these recipes are perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or just a weekend treat. And the best part? You don’t need fancy ingredients — just a few pantry staples and a bit of creativity.
Let’s get baking!
1. Classic Vegan Chocolate Cake
Nothing beats a rich, fudgy chocolate cake — and this vegan version is so moist and decadent you’d never guess it’s dairy-free and egg-free.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ¾ cups organic cane sugar
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 ½ cups unsweetened almond milk (or oat milk)
- ½ cup neutral oil (canola or vegetable)
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup hot coffee or hot water
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 8-inch cake pans.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients.
- In a separate bowl, mix almond milk, oil, vinegar, and vanilla.
- Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and mix until smooth.
- Slowly stir in hot coffee — the batter will be thin, but that’s what makes it moist.
- Divide batter evenly between pans and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool completely, then frost with your favorite vegan chocolate buttercream.
Tip: The coffee enhances the chocolate flavor — you won’t taste coffee in the final cake.
2. Moist Vegan Lemon Cake
Bright, zesty, and perfect for spring, this vegan lemon cake is a refreshing dessert that’s light yet satisfying.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¾ cup non-dairy yogurt (coconut or soy works well)
- ½ cup neutral oil
- ½ cup almond milk
- 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- Zest of 2 lemons
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9-inch round cake pan.
- In a bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, whisk sugar, yogurt, oil, almond milk, lemon juice, zest, and vanilla.
- Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
- Pour batter into pan and bake for 30–35 minutes.
- Cool and drizzle with a simple lemon glaze made from powdered sugar and lemon juice.
Tip: For an extra citrus punch, top with candied lemon slices.
3. Vegan Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
Carrot cake is naturally moist and full of flavor, making it perfect for a vegan twist.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ tsp baking soda
- 2 tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp nutmeg
- ½ tsp salt
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup melted coconut oil
- ½ cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups grated carrots
- 1 cup crushed pineapple (drained)
- ½ cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare two 8-inch round cake pans.
- Mix dry ingredients in one bowl.
- In another bowl, whisk sugars, oil, applesauce, and vanilla.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients, then fold in carrots, pineapple, and walnuts.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes, then cool completely.
- Frost with vegan cream cheese frosting and sprinkle with extra walnuts.
Tip: For a healthier version, use whole wheat pastry flour and reduce sugar slightly.
4. Vegan Red Velvet Cake
A showstopper cake that’s soft, tender, and topped with creamy vegan frosting.
Ingredients:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 ½ cups almond milk + 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- ¾ cup vegetable oil
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp natural red food coloring (beet-based)
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two cake pans.
- Mix almond milk and vinegar, let sit for 5 minutes to curdle (vegan buttermilk).
- In a bowl, whisk flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, combine sugar, oil, vanilla, food coloring, and vegan buttermilk.
- Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and mix until smooth.
- Bake for 30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Frost with vegan cream cheese frosting for a perfect finish.
Tip: If you prefer less food coloring, keep it light for a natural “velvet” tone.
5. Easy Vegan Vanilla Sponge Cake
This is the ultimate all-purpose vegan cake — light, fluffy, and perfect for layering.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- ¾ cup sugar
- 1 cup almond milk
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- ½ cup melted coconut oil or neutral oil
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix almond milk with vinegar and set aside.
- In a large bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, mix sugar, oil, vanilla, and curdled milk.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
- Pour into a greased 9-inch cake pan and bake for 30 minutes.
- Cool, slice, and top with fresh fruit or vegan whipped cream.
Tip: This sponge cake works beautifully as a base for layered birthday cakes.
Tips for Perfect Vegan Cakes Every Time
- Measure accurately: Use a kitchen scale for precision. Baking is science!
- Don’t overmix: Overmixing can make your cake dense. Stir just until combined.
- Room temperature ingredients: Non-dairy milk and yogurt should be at room temperature for best results.
- Cool completely before frosting: Otherwise, the frosting will melt and slide off.
Final Thoughts
Baking vegan cakes doesn’t have to be intimidating — it’s simply about using plant-based swaps while keeping the texture and flavor intact. These 5 vegan cake recipes prove that you can enjoy moist, fluffy, and flavorful cakes without eggs or dairy. Whether you love chocolate, lemon, or a simple vanilla sponge, there’s a recipe here to satisfy every craving.
So, grab your mixing bowl, preheat the oven, and treat yourself to one of these delicious creations. Your taste buds (and your guests) will thank you!