Easy Vegan Cake Recipe

Easy Vegan Cake Recipe is a easy American recipe that serves 12. 250 calories per serving. Recipe by Chelsweets on YouTube.

Prep: 45 min | Cook: 30 min | Total: 1 hr 35 min

Cost: $14.90 total, $1.24 per serving

Ingredients

  • 2 cups All-Purpose Flour (sifted)
  • 1 cup Granulated Sugar
  • 1 teaspoon Baking Soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon Salt
  • 1 cup Unsweetened Vanilla Almond Milk
  • 1/3 cup Neutral Oil (e.g., canola or vegetable oil)
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
  • 1 teaspoon Almond Extract
  • 1 tablespoon Apple Cider Vinegar (added last to react with baking soda)
  • 1 cup Vegetable Shortening (softened, for frosting)
  • 3 cups Powdered Sugar (sifted)
  • 1 teaspoon Almond Extract (for frosting)
  • 1/2 cup Vegan Sprinkles (any brand)

Instructions

  1. Combine Dry Ingredients

    In a large mixing bowl whisk together the all‑purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking soda, and salt until evenly combined.

    Time: PT5M

  2. Add Wet Ingredients

    Add the unsweetened vanilla almond milk, neutral oil, vanilla extract, and almond extract to the dry mixture. Stir gently until just incorporated.

    Time: PT5M

  3. Whisk to a Smooth Batter

    Using the whisk, beat the batter until it is smooth and free of lumps.

    Time: PT3M

  4. Add Vinegar – The Reaction Step

    Stir in the apple cider vinegar last. It will react with the baking soda, creating a light fizz that helps the cake rise.

    Time: PT1M

  5. Divide Batter into Pans

    Spray the three 6‑inch cake pans with nonstick cooking spray, line each with a parchment round, then pour the batter evenly into the pans.

    Time: PT2M

  6. Bake the Cakes

    Place the pans on the middle rack of a pre‑heated 350°F (177°C) oven and bake for about 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

    Time: PT30M

    Temperature: 350°F

  7. Cool and Level Layers

    Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then turn them out onto a cooling rack. Once completely cool, level the tops with a serrated knife.

    Time: PT10M

  8. Prepare Vegan Buttercream Frosting

    In a clean bowl, beat the softened vegetable shortening until fluffy. Gradually add sifted powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and almond extract, mixing until smooth and spreadable.

    Time: PT5M

  9. Assemble the Cake

    Place one cake layer on an 8‑inch grease‑proof cake board. Spread a generous layer of frosting on top, then stack the second layer and repeat. Finish with the third layer on top.

    Time: PT5M

  10. Crumb Coat and Chill

    Apply a thin “crumb coat” of frosting over the entire cake using a small offset spatula. Smooth it with a bench scraper, then place the cake in the freezer for about 5 minutes to set the coat.

    Time: PT7M

  11. Final Frosting and Decoration

    Using the Ateco 869 tip (or a large round tip), pipe decorative dollops of frosting around the top. Sprinkle vegan sprinkles over the dollops and around the base with an offset spatula.

    Time: PT10M

  12. Serve

    Slice with a sharp serrated knife and enjoy! Store leftovers as directed below.

    Time: PT0M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
250
Protein
3 g
Carbohydrates
38 g
Fat
11 g
Fiber
1 g

Dietary info: Vegan, Dairy‑Free, Egg‑Free

Allergens: Almond, Soy (in some shortenings)

Last updated: April 15, 2026

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Easy Vegan Cake Recipe

Recipe by Chelsweets

A simple, one‑bowl vegan almond‑flavored cake topped with a smooth vegan buttercream frosting. Made with pantry staples like all‑purpose flour, almond milk, and vegetable shortening, this cake is perfect for celebrations or everyday treats.

EasyAmericanServes 12

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
51m
Prep
32m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
1h 33m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$14.90
Total cost
$1.24
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Add the vinegar as the final ingredient to activate the leavening
  • Evenly divide batter using a kitchen scale for uniform layers
  • Apply a crumb coat and chill before the final frosting to prevent crumbs
  • Level each cake layer before stacking

Safety Warnings

  • Handle the hot oven and pans with oven mitts
  • The vinegar will fizz; add it away from your face
  • Use a sharp serrated knife when leveling and slicing the cake

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of vegan almond cake in American vegan baking?

A

Vegan almond cake reflects the growing plant‑based movement in the United States, offering a dairy‑free alternative to classic almond‑flavored cakes that were traditionally made with butter and eggs. It’s popular for birthdays and celebrations among vegans and those with dairy allergies.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of almond cake in American cuisine?

A

In the U.S., almond cake often appears as a simple loaf or layered cake, sometimes flavored with almond extract or ground almonds. Some regions add a rum glaze or pair it with fruit compotes, while vegan versions replace dairy with plant milks and shortenings.

cultural
Q

How is vegan almond cake traditionally served in American celebrations?

A

It is typically served as a dessert at birthday parties, brunches, or holiday gatherings, sliced and sometimes topped with fresh berries or a dusting of powdered sugar. The vegan version is enjoyed the same way, just without animal‑derived ingredients.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is vegan almond cake traditionally associated with in vegan culture?

A

Vegan almond cake is a go‑to for birthdays, anniversaries, and holiday desserts within the vegan community because it looks festive, tastes rich, and meets dietary restrictions.

cultural
Q

What makes vegan almond cake special or unique in vegan cuisine?

A

Its simplicity—using only pantry staples and a one‑bowl method—makes it accessible, while the almond extract provides a sophisticated flavor without nuts in the crumb. The vegan buttercream mimics classic buttercream texture using vegetable shortening.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making vegan almond cake?

A

Common errors include over‑mixing the batter, forgetting to add the vinegar last, not leveling the layers, and using frosting that’s too warm, which can cause it to slide off the cake.

technical
Q

Why does this vegan almond cake recipe use vinegar instead of lemon juice?

A

Apple cider vinegar reacts more strongly with baking soda, creating a quick leavening action that gives the cake a light, airy crumb without adding extra liquid that could thin the batter.

technical
Q

Can I make vegan almond cake ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes. Bake the layers up to two days ahead, wrap them tightly, and store in the refrigerator. Frosted cake can be kept refrigerated for four days or frozen for up to two months; let it thaw in the fridge before serving.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when the vegan almond cake is done?

A

The top should be lightly golden and spring back when touched. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. The crumb should be tender and slightly moist.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Chelsweets specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Chelsweets specializes in easy, approachable vegan baking and dessert recipes, often focusing on one‑bowl methods and simple ingredient swaps for classic treats.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Chelsweets' approach to vegan baking differ from other vegan cooking channels?

A

Chelsweets emphasizes minimal equipment, pantry‑friendly ingredients, and step‑by‑step visual guides, making vegan baking feel less intimidating compared to channels that use specialty tools or exotic ingredients.

channel

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