Vegan baking has become a popular trend in recent years, as more people turn to plant-based diets for health, ethical, and environmental reasons. Among the many delicious vegan treats, cakes stand out as a favorite dessert, but a common question arises: What do vegans use in cakes?
In this article, we’ll explore the essential ingredients that make a cake vegan-friendly, the science behind vegan baking, and how to make cakes that are just as delicious as their traditional counterparts. Whether you’re a seasoned vegan baker or someone curious about vegan baking, this guide will provide valuable insights into the ingredients and techniques that make vegan cakes both tasty and cruelty-free. Let’s dive in!
Understanding Vegan Baking 🌱
Before we jump into the specific ingredients, it’s important to understand what vegan baking is all about and why it’s different from traditional baking. Vegan baking eliminates all animal products, such as eggs, dairy, and honey, replacing them with plant-based alternatives that maintain the flavor, texture, and structure of a cake.
What Is Vegan Baking?
Vegan baking involves creating cakes and other desserts without using animal-derived ingredients. This includes replacing ingredients like eggs, milk, butter, and gelatin with plant-based alternatives. Vegan cakes are not only enjoyed by vegans but are also popular among people who are lactose-intolerant, have egg allergies, or want to make more ethical food choices.
The concept of veganism has grown significantly in recent years, influenced by the rising awareness of animal welfare, sustainability, and health. As a result, vegan cakes are no longer limited to specialty shops or niche recipes; they’re becoming a standard option in many bakeries and kitchens around the world. In fact, many bakers have found that vegan cakes are just as versatile and delicious as traditional ones.
Why Vegan Cakes?
There are several reasons why people choose vegan cakes over traditional ones:
- Ethical Choices: Vegan baking is aligned with ethical choices that aim to avoid animal exploitation.
- Healthier Options: Vegan cakes are often lower in saturated fats and cholesterol, making them a healthier alternative.
- Environmental Impact: Plant-based diets are associated with lower environmental footprints, as they require fewer resources than animal farming.
- Allergies and Dietary Restrictions: Vegan cakes are a great option for those who are lactose intolerant or have egg allergies.
For all these reasons, vegan baking has not only become a food trend but a lifestyle choice for many people.
The Challenges of Vegan Baking 🍪
While vegan baking can be incredibly rewarding, it also presents its own set of challenges. One of the biggest misconceptions about vegan cakes is that they are dry, flavorless, or lack the texture that traditional cakes have. However, with the right knowledge and ingredient substitutions, vegan cakes can be just as moist, flavorful, and fluffy as those made with animal products.
Texture and Binding
One of the most significant challenges in vegan baking is finding a suitable replacement for eggs, which serve several functions in traditional cakes, such as binding the ingredients together, providing moisture, and helping the cake rise. Without eggs, vegan bakers need to find other ways to achieve these results.
Moisture and Flavor
Vegan cakes also need to be sufficiently moist and flavorful, as dairy and eggs often contribute to the richness and tenderness of cakes. Replacing dairy products, such as milk and butter, with plant-based alternatives requires a little creativity to maintain the right texture and taste.
Leavening and Rise
The rising agent in cakes (typically eggs) is also essential for making a cake light and fluffy. Without eggs, vegan bakers need to use other ingredients to achieve the same effect. This is why understanding the science of vegan leavening agents is key to mastering the art of vegan cake baking.
Key Ingredients in Vegan Cakes 🥕
Now that we understand the challenges, let’s look at the key ingredients that make vegan cakes possible. These plant-based substitutes mimic the properties of eggs, dairy, and other animal-derived ingredients while still yielding delicious results.
A. Vegan Egg Substitutes 🍳
Eggs play several important roles in traditional cake recipes, including binding ingredients, providing structure, and aiding in rising. In vegan cakes, various plant-based substitutes can replace eggs. Here are some of the most popular vegan egg replacements:
1. Applesauce 🍏
Applesauce is a great egg substitute in vegan cakes due to its natural moisture and mild sweetness. Typically, ¼ cup of applesauce can replace one egg in a recipe. It works best in cakes where the flavor of apples will complement the other ingredients, such as in spice cakes, carrot cakes, or even chocolate cakes.
2. Flaxseed Meal or Chia Seeds 🌾
Flaxseed meal and chia seeds are two of the most common egg replacements for vegans. When combined with water, they form a gel-like consistency that mimics the binding property of eggs. To make a flaxseed or chia “egg,” mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed (or chia seeds) with 2-3 tablespoons of water and let it sit for 5 minutes. This mixture can replace one egg in most cake recipes.
3. Silken Tofu 🍲
Silken tofu is a versatile vegan substitute that adds creaminess and structure to cakes. It is especially useful in vegan cakes that require a dense, moist texture, such as chocolate or cheesecake-style cakes. To replace one egg, blend ¼ cup of silken tofu until smooth and incorporate it into your cake batter.
4. Aquafaba 💧
Aquafaba is the liquid found in canned chickpeas or other legumes. When whipped, it can mimic the texture of egg whites, making it an excellent substitute for meringues, frostings, or any cake that requires a light, airy texture. Typically, 3 tablespoons of aquafaba replace one egg in a recipe.
5. Bananas 🍌
Bananas are another popular egg substitute, especially in moist cakes like banana bread or chocolate cake. They act as a binder and add sweetness and flavor. One mashed banana typically replaces one egg. Keep in mind that bananas will add a distinct flavor to your cake, so they are best suited to recipes where banana flavor is a good match.
6. Commercial Egg Replacers 🥄
There are several commercial egg replacers available in stores, such as Ener-G or Bob’s Red Mill. These products are often made from starches, leavening agents, and sometimes soy flour. They’re a convenient option for vegan baking and can replace eggs in a 1:1 ratio.
B. Dairy-Free Milk Alternatives 🥛
Dairy milk is a key ingredient in traditional cake recipes, but for vegan cakes, there are plenty of plant-based milk alternatives to choose from. Each type of plant milk has its own unique flavor and texture, so it’s important to choose the one that best complements your cake.
1. Almond Milk 🌰
Almond milk is one of the most popular dairy-free alternatives and works well in most vegan cakes. It has a mild, slightly nutty flavor that pairs well with cakes like vanilla, chocolate, or spice cakes. Almond milk is also low in calories and can add a slightly richer texture to cakes.
2. Soy Milk 🫘
Soy milk is another widely-used plant milk that works especially well in vegan baking. It has a neutral flavor and a creamy texture that closely resembles dairy milk. Soy milk is great for cakes that need a little extra moisture and works well with a wide variety of cake flavors, from chocolate to fruit-based cakes.
3. Oat Milk 🌾
Oat milk has become increasingly popular in vegan baking due to its creamy texture and naturally sweet flavor. It’s a fantastic choice for cakes that require a rich, moist texture. Oat milk pairs particularly well with cakes that feature spices, like cinnamon or nutmeg, or cakes that have chocolate.
4. Coconut Milk 🥥
Coconut milk adds a rich and creamy texture to cakes, making it perfect for indulgent desserts like chocolate or coconut cakes. The subtle coconut flavor enhances tropical and spiced cakes. However, be mindful of the strong coconut flavor—it may not work in all types of cakes.
5. Rice Milk 🍚
Rice milk has a much lighter texture compared to other plant milks, but it can still be used in cakes that don’t require a rich, creamy consistency. It has a mild flavor and is a good option for those with nut or soy allergies.
Vegan Butter Substitutes 🧈
Butter is a key ingredient in many cake recipes, providing richness, moisture, and flavor. In vegan cakes, butter can be replaced with various plant-based options that offer similar textures and flavors.
1. Vegan Butter 🧈
Store-bought vegan butter is one of the simplest substitutes for regular butter. Many brands, like Earth Balance or Miyoko’s, offer vegan butters that are made from oils like coconut or palm oil. These butters can be used in place of dairy butter in a 1:1 ratio and are perfect for cakes that require a rich texture.
2. Coconut Oil 🥥
Coconut oil is another popular butter substitute, especially in cakes that benefit from a subtle coconut flavor. It can be used in a 1:1 ratio as a replacement for butter and works well in moist cakes. Coconut oil can also add a little extra richness to your cake, though it can solidify at room temperature, so it should be softened before use.
3. Vegetable Oils 🌻
Vegetable oils like sunflower oil, canola oil, or grapeseed oil are common substitutes for butter in vegan cakes. These oils are neutral in flavor and provide moisture without changing the taste of the cake. Vegetable oils also tend to make cakes a little lighter in texture compared to solid fats like butter.
Vegan Sweeteners and Flavorings 🍯
Sweeteners and flavorings are the heart of any cake recipe, vegan or not. Since vegan cakes do not use honey, refined sugar, or other animal-based sweeteners, it’s important to explore the alternatives that not only make your cakes sweet but also enhance their flavor.
A. Vegan Sweetener Options 🍬
Sweeteners in cakes serve the essential function of adding sweetness, but they can also contribute to the texture, color, and moisture of the final product. Here are some popular vegan sweeteners to use in cakes:
1. Maple Syrup 🍁
Maple syrup is one of the most widely-used vegan sweeteners, known for its rich, natural flavor. It works well in cakes that have a deep, complex flavor, like spice cakes or carrot cakes. Maple syrup also adds moisture, which is great for cakes that need to stay soft and tender. Typically, you can replace refined sugar with maple syrup, but it’s important to reduce the amount of liquid in your recipe since syrup is a liquid sweetener.
2. Agave Nectar 🌵
Agave nectar is another popular liquid sweetener. It’s sweeter than sugar and has a mild taste, making it a great all-purpose sweetener in cakes. Agave nectar is also a great option for cakes where you don’t want the sweetness to overpower the flavor, such as in lemon or vanilla cakes. It’s important to note that agave syrup is more concentrated than sugar, so you’ll want to adjust the quantities when substituting.
3. Coconut Sugar 🥥
Coconut sugar is a more natural, unrefined sweetener made from the sap of the coconut palm. It has a lower glycemic index compared to refined sugar, making it a healthier option. The flavor of coconut sugar is rich and caramel-like, which makes it a great substitute in cakes that benefit from a deeper sweetness. Coconut sugar is ideal for chocolate cakes or cakes with spices.
4. Brown Sugar 🍂
Brown sugar is essentially refined white sugar with molasses added, giving it a unique flavor and moisture. While brown sugar is usually not vegan due to the possibility of being processed with bone char, many brands offer vegan-friendly brown sugar. It works wonderfully in cakes that require a moist texture, such as gingerbread or spice cakes.
5. Date Syrup and Date Paste 🍇
Dates, in their syrup or paste form, are a wonderful natural sweetener for vegan cakes. They are full of fiber and antioxidants, which makes them a healthier alternative to refined sugars. Date syrup or paste can be used in cakes that benefit from a rich, molasses-like flavor, such as in date cakes or carrot cakes. Using dates as a sweetener adds a natural richness and helps with binding.
6. Stevia 🌿
Stevia is a natural, plant-based sweetener derived from the leaves of the Stevia plant. It’s much sweeter than sugar, so a little goes a long way. Stevia is great for cakes where you want to cut down on sugar, but keep in mind that it can sometimes leave a bitter aftertaste if overused. Stevia works best in light cakes, like lemon cakes or sugar-free versions.
B. Flavor Enhancers for Vegan Cakes 🍋
Flavor enhancers are key to making your cake not only sweet but deliciously complex. In vegan cakes, you’ll rely on a variety of extracts, spices, and natural ingredients to bring out the best in your batter. Here are some of the most popular flavor enhancers used in vegan cakes:
1. Vanilla Extract 🍦
Vanilla extract is one of the most common flavorings used in vegan cakes. It adds a warm, aromatic sweetness that enhances other flavors in the cake. Vanilla extract is incredibly versatile and can be used in almost any cake recipe. It’s essential in many classic vegan cakes, such as vanilla sponge or cupcake recipes.
2. Citrus Zest 🍊
Citrus zest, like lemon, lime, or orange zest, brings brightness and freshness to cakes. It works wonderfully in cakes with a light and airy texture, such as lemon pound cakes or citrus-infused cupcakes. The oils in the zest provide an intense burst of flavor that can elevate any recipe.
3. Spices 🍂
Spices are often used to enhance the flavor of vegan cakes, particularly in the cooler months. Common spices include:
- Cinnamon: A warming spice, perfect in apple cakes, spice cakes, or carrot cakes.
- Nutmeg: Often paired with cinnamon for rich, aromatic flavor in cakes like gingerbread.
- Ginger: Adds a hint of heat and freshness, perfect for molasses cakes or carrot cakes.
- Cloves: Pairs well with cinnamon and nutmeg in rich, spiced cakes.
4. Coffee ☕
It can intensify the flavor of chocolate cakes, giving them a deep, bold taste. Coffee is often used in vegan chocolate cakes to bring out the cocoa flavor, and it adds an extra layer of complexity to the cake’s flavor profile. Whether brewed coffee or instant coffee powder, it can provide an excellent contrast to the sweetness.
5. Extracts Beyond Vanilla 🍒
Beyond vanilla extract, other flavor extracts can be used to create unique, flavorful cakes. These include almond extract, coconut extract, hazelnut extract, or even maple extract. These extracts are often used in smaller quantities since they are concentrated, but they can add a signature flavor to your vegan cakes.
Vegan Frosting and Filling Ideas 🎂
Frosting and fillings are the final touch to any cake. Vegan frosting is just as rich, fluffy, and decadent as traditional frosting, and there are many different types to experiment with. Here are some popular vegan frostings and fillings that can make your vegan cakes stand out.
A. Vegan Buttercream Frosting 🧁
Vegan buttercream is perhaps the most popular type of frosting for cakes. It’s made by combining vegan butter, powdered sugar, and a liquid like plant-based milk or non-dairy cream. Here’s a basic recipe for vegan buttercream:
- 1 cup vegan butter (softened)
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons plant-based milk (or as needed)
This frosting is creamy, smooth, and can be tinted with food coloring. It works beautifully on cakes like vegan chocolate cakes, vanilla cakes, or cupcakes.
B. Coconut Cream Frosting 🥥
Coconut cream frosting is another rich and velvety option. It’s made from the thickened cream that rises to the top of canned coconut milk. Simply whip it with powdered sugar and vanilla extract for a smooth, fluffy frosting. It has a naturally sweet flavor, which pairs well with cakes like carrot cake, spice cakes, or coconut cakes.
C. Vegan Cream Cheese Frosting 🧀
Vegan cream cheese frosting is a tangy and creamy alternative to traditional cream cheese frosting. You can use store-bought vegan cream cheese (such as Tofutti or Miyoko’s) and mix it with powdered sugar and a little lemon juice or vanilla extract. This frosting is fantastic for cakes like carrot cakes, red velvet cakes, and spice cakes.
D. Chocolate Ganache 🍫
Chocolate ganache is a rich, glossy frosting made from dairy-free chocolate and a plant-based cream (often coconut cream). It’s perfect for chocolate cakes or even as a drizzle for other vegan cakes. To make chocolate ganache, heat 1 cup of coconut cream and pour it over 8 ounces of dairy-free chocolate chips. Stir until smooth, then let it cool and thicken before spreading over your cake.
E. Whipped Aquafaba Frosting 💧
Aquafaba, the liquid from canned chickpeas, can be whipped into stiff peaks, just like egg whites. This creates a light, airy frosting that’s perfect for meringues, macarons, or a fluffy frosting for your vegan cakes. You can sweeten whipped aquafaba with sugar or agave nectar and flavor it with vanilla or fruit extracts.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Vegan Cakes 🎉
Making the perfect vegan cake takes practice, but with a few helpful tips, you can ensure your cakes come out light, fluffy, and delicious every time. Here are some useful tips for vegan bakers:
A. Achieving the Right Texture 🔄
- Don’t Overmix the Batter: Overmixing vegan cake batter can lead to a dense, heavy cake. Mix just until the ingredients are combined for a light, airy texture.
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Just like traditional cakes, it’s important to use ingredients that are at room temperature (such as vegan butter and milk). Cold ingredients can cause the batter to seize up or become lumpy.
- Ensure Your Baking Powder/Baking Soda Is Fresh: Old leavening agents can result in a flat, dense cake. Always check the expiration dates on your baking powder or baking soda before use.
B. Adjusting for Altitude or Humidity 🌧️
Baking at higher altitudes or in humid conditions can affect your vegan cakes. At higher altitudes, you may need to increase the amount of flour or reduce the amount of leavening agents to achieve a balanced cake. Conversely, in more humid environments, you may need to use less liquid in your batter.
Troubleshooting Common Vegan Cake Problems ⚠️
Even experienced bakers encounter problems from time to time, and vegan baking is no exception. There are several common issues that can arise while baking vegan cakes, and understanding the causes behind them can help you achieve the best results. Here are some common problems and how to troubleshoot them:
A. My Vegan Cake is Too Dense or Heavy 🏋️
Dense or heavy cakes can occur for a variety of reasons, but here are some common causes:
- Under-mixing the Batter: While over-mixing the batter can cause problems, under-mixing can also lead to dense cakes because the ingredients aren’t evenly distributed. Be sure to mix until just combined.
- Too Much Flour: If you’ve accidentally added too much flour, your cake will be heavy and dense. To prevent this, be sure to measure flour by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling it off with a knife.
- Not Enough Leavening: Vegan cakes often rely more heavily on baking powder or baking soda than traditional cakes, especially since eggs play a key role in leavening. Ensure you’re using the right amount of leavening agents, and check their freshness.
- Overmixing the Dry Ingredients: Mixing the dry ingredients too much, particularly flour, can result in a dense, chewy texture due to the development of gluten. Mix the flour only until combined with the other dry ingredients.
B. My Cake Won’t Rise or is Flat 🧑🍳
Flat cakes are another common issue. Here are a few reasons why your vegan cake might not rise properly:
- Expired Leavening Agents: Baking powder and baking soda lose their potency over time. Always check the expiration date to ensure they are still effective.
- Too Much Wet Ingredient: If there’s too much liquid in your batter, it can weigh the cake down, preventing it from rising properly. Follow your recipe carefully and measure liquid ingredients accurately.
- Not Enough Mixing: Properly mixing the batter ensures that all the ingredients are evenly distributed, helping to create the ideal rise. However, as mentioned earlier, be sure not to overmix, as this can also lead to a dense cake.
C. My Cake is Too Dry or Crumbly 🍞
Dry or crumbly vegan cakes can be disappointing, but they are easy to fix once you know the causes:
- Not Enough Moisture: Make sure your recipe has enough moisture. Vegan cakes often require more wet ingredients than traditional ones to make up for the lack of eggs. Consider adding extra applesauce, non-dairy milk, or even fruit puree to maintain moisture.
- Overbaking: If a cake is left in the oven too long, it can dry out. Always follow the recommended baking time and check the cake with a toothpick to avoid overbaking. Vegan cakes, like traditional cakes, should be moist but fully set in the center.
- Not Enough Fat: Fats such as vegan butter or oil help keep cakes tender and moist. If the recipe is lacking enough fat, your cake might dry out. Ensure you’re using the proper amount of fat and don’t skip on these ingredients.
D. My Cake is Too Sweet or Not Sweet Enough 🍬
Finding the right level of sweetness can be tricky, especially when switching from traditional sugars to plant-based sweeteners:
- Too Sweet: If your cake is overly sweet, you can reduce the amount of sugar or sweetener in your recipe. Some sweeteners, such as maple syrup or agave nectar, are sweeter than refined sugar, so they may require less.
- Not Sweet Enough: If your cake is too bland or lacking in sweetness, try adding more sweetener or incorporating a bit of fruit, such as mashed bananas or dates, which can naturally increase sweetness while adding moisture.
E. My Frosting is Too Runny or Too Thick 🧁
Frosting consistency is important for both spreading and decorating. If your vegan frosting is too runny or too thick, here’s how to fix it:
- Too Runny: If your frosting is too runny, it may be due to excess liquid or a lack of powdered sugar. To thicken it, simply add more powdered sugar or chill the frosting in the fridge for a few minutes to firm it up.
- Too Thick: On the other hand, if your frosting is too thick to spread, add a tablespoon of non-dairy milk at a time and mix until you reach your desired consistency. You can also use a bit of vegan butter or coconut oil to soften the texture.
Easy Vegan Cake Recipes 🍓
Now that you’re well-equipped with vegan baking knowledge and troubleshooting tips, let’s look at a few simple and delicious vegan cake recipes that you can try in your kitchen. Each of these recipes highlights key vegan ingredients and techniques that will allow you to create a mouthwatering dessert.
A. Vegan Chocolate Cake 🍫
This classic vegan chocolate cake is rich, moist, and indulgent, perfect for any occasion. It’s a simple recipe with easy-to-find ingredients that create a decadent dessert.
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar (or coconut sugar)
- ½ cup cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil or coconut oil
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- Add the wet ingredients: water, oil, vanilla extract, and apple cider vinegar. Mix until well combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool completely before frosting with vegan chocolate ganache or buttercream.
B. Vegan Vanilla Cake 🍰
This light and fluffy vegan vanilla cake is perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or whenever you’re craving a classic, simple dessert.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar (or maple syrup)
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup non-dairy milk (soy, almond, or oat milk)
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a medium bowl, mix together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, combine the non-dairy milk, oil, vanilla extract, and apple cider vinegar.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Divide the batter evenly between the two cake pans and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let the cakes cool before frosting with vegan buttercream or your favorite vegan frosting.
C. Vegan Carrot Cake 🥕
Carrot cake is a beloved dessert that works wonderfully in a vegan version, packed with spice, sweetness, and moistness.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar (or coconut sugar)
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
- ½ tsp ground ginger
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup grated carrots
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup non-dairy milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- ½ cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8-inch round cake pan.
- In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt.
- Add the grated carrots, oil, non-dairy milk, vanilla extract, and apple cider vinegar. Stir until everything is well mixed.
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool completely before frosting with vegan cream cheese frosting or whipped coconut cream.
Conclusion: Embracing the World of Vegan Cakes 🌍
Vegan cakes are a delightful and versatile option for anyone looking to enjoy a sweet treat while making plant-based choices. With the right knowledge of ingredients, techniques, and substitutions, you can create delicious, moist, and flavorful cakes that everyone will enjoy—whether they’re vegan or not!
By using plant-based alternatives for eggs, dairy, and other animal-derived ingredients, you can create cakes that are just as rich and satisfying as traditional versions. Whether you’re making a classic chocolate cake, a light vanilla sponge, or a spiced carrot cake, the possibilities are endless.
With a little experimentation and practice, you’ll be able to create stunning vegan cakes that are not only kind to animals but also kind to your taste buds. Happy baking!