The Best Vegan Vanilla Cake (or Cupcakes) recipe (2024)

4.96 from 194 votes

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So here it is: this is my recipe for the most perfect, bestest in the westest, (and eastest) vegan vanilla cake. Strike that, this is my recipe forthe most perfect vanilla cake. Period. Vegan or not, this is a damn good cake. Sweet, buttery, vanilla-infused, fluffy and moist all at the same time.

When I served this vegan vanilla cake recipe as cupcakes to a group of strangers, one girl declared that it was the best cupcake she had ever eaten... and then I told her it was vegan. Winning!

The Best Vegan Vanilla Cake (or Cupcakes) recipe (1)

I originally posted this recipe way back in 2014, so I decided it needed a little face-lift. Not the recipe, the recipe for the vegan vanilla cake is perfect, just the photos.

You can see below↓ my original photo for the best vegan vanilla cupcakes, but when I shared a picture of the cake above ↑ on my Instagram, everyone was asking for this vegan vanilla cake recipe. Some people didn't realize that most cake and cupcake recipes are exactly the same, the only difference is the pan you use and the baking time.So I wanted to make it clear that this vegan vanilla cake recipe works wonderfully both ways.

The Best Vegan Vanilla Cake (or Cupcakes) recipe (2)

I designed this recipe after hosting a "vegan vanilla cupcake-off" party. A cooking competition style party where I compared 3 top vegan vanilla cupcake recipes to determine which one was the winner. My friends voted, and the result was that there was no clear winner. So I had to do the only logical thing I could think of: make my own winner.

The Best Vegan Vanilla Cake (or Cupcakes) recipe (3)

It took a lot of experimenting, but oooeee was all that effort worth it as 4 years later, this is still the best vegan vanilla cake recipe I've ever made. Whether you make these into adorable cupcakes or you opt for a full-sized two-layer cake, everyone will love it. Perfect for birthday parties, holidays, celebrations, or anytime you need a glorious sweet fluffy cake.

To make The Best Vegan Vanilla Cupcakes: In a big bowl, whisk the dry ingredients together. In a medium bowl, mix the wet ingredients together. Then pour the wet ingredients into the dry and mix lightly. Whisk until the batter just comes together, don't over mix it.

Evenly divide batter among the cupcake pan or the cake pans and bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

To make the frosting:mix all the ingredients together with a hand mixer or stand mixer. Make sure the cakes are cooled completely before frosting, so the frosting won't melt. Frost your cakes as desired.

The Best Vegan Vanilla Cake (or Cupcakes) recipe (7)

The Best Vegan Vanilla Cake (or Cupcakes) recipe (8)

4.96 from 194 votes

(click stars to vote)

The Best Vegan Vanilla Cake (or Cupcakes)

Sweet, buttery, vanilla-infused, fluffy and moist all at the same time. Easy to make and even easier to eat. No one will even notice it's vegan! Perfect for birthday parties, celebrations, or holidays.

Prep: 15 minutes mins

Cook: 20 minutes mins

Total: 35 minutes mins

Servings: 24 cupcakes (or a two layer 9" round cake)

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Ingredients

Dry Ingredients:

Wet Ingredients:

Frosting:

Instructions

  • Preheat your oven to 350F (180C). For cupcakes: lightly greaseor line a cupcake pan with 24 paper liners. For a cake: lightly grease two 9-inch round cake pans.

  • In a large bowl, whisk the dry ingredients together.

  • In a medium bowl, mix the wet ingredients together. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and mix until the batter just comes together, don’t over mix.Evenly divide batter among the cupcake or cake pans. For cupcakes:Bake 18-20 minutes until the tops are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. For 9-inch cake: bake for 22 - 28minutes until the tops are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

  • To make the frosting: mix together the vegan butter, vegetableshortening, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Add 1 - 4 tablespoons of non-dairy milk as needed to reach desired frosting consistency. Let cakes cool completely before frosting.

Nutrition

Serving: 1(24 servings in the recipe) | Calories: 275kcal | Carbohydrates: 38g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Sodium: 220mg | Potassium: 17mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 27g | Vitamin A: 180IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 2mg | Iron: 0.6mg

Did You Make This Recipe?Tag @itdoesnttastelikechicken on Insta and let the world see just how amazing plant-based creations can be!

Author: Sam Turnbull

Cuisine: American, Canadian

Course: Dessert

Bon appetgan

Sam.

« Vegan Cashew Caesar Salad Dressing

Smoked Apple Veggie Burger »

The Best Vegan Vanilla Cake (or Cupcakes) recipe (15)

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Tamara says

    This cake looks so good. I want my son, who is vegan, to be able to have some of my birthday cake! Could I use vegan raspberry jam as a filling?

    Reply

  2. Gwennith Angasan says

    Have you ever baked it in a 13x9 pan?

    Reply

    • Jess @ IDTLC Support says

      It should work just fine in a 9x13 pan. You would just need to adjust your baking time, which may be more like 30-35 minutes.

      Reply

  3. Tara Raynak says

    I LOVE all your cake recipes and I just made 4 of your pumpkin pies for Thanksgiving! They are delicious! Do you think this could be made into an almond cake by either substituting the vanilla extract or adding almond extract?

    Reply

    • Sam Turnbull says

      So happy you love my cake recipes! Yes! I would add 1/2 - 1 teaspoon of almond extract. I would keep the vanilla extract the same. When adding the almond extract, you can taste the batter and add more to taste. Enjoy!

      Reply

  4. Marilyn says

    Hi! I have 2 questions.
    1. Could I use olive oil?
    2. Would this only use one 9inch cake pan? Or 2?
    Excited to try this for my daughter’s 2nd birthday!

    Reply

    • Sam Turnbull says

      Hi Marilyn, I wouldn't recommend olive oil as you would be able to taste it. This uses 2 9" cake pans. Enjoy!

      Reply

  5. coco says

    hi Sam,
    How would i make this a triple layer 6" cake?
    thanks!

    Reply

  6. Sam Esme says

    The Best Vegan Vanilla Cake (or Cupcakes) recipe (16)
    I basically use this recipe any time I want to bake anything for a birthday etc but don’t want to make it too complicated. It’s easy, not a lot of ingredients but so super delicious.
    I again brought some vanilla cupcakes to work for my birthday and everyone kept saying how everything I bring is always so so so good. I keep telling people: it doesn’t taste like chicken!
    Your blog is my go to for anything baking and everyone is always super obsessed!
    Thank you!

    Reply

  7. Moneva says

    The Best Vegan Vanilla Cake (or Cupcakes) recipe (17)
    I made it yesterday, and it came out wonderful! Just as you said: yummy and fluffy! I took only 1 cup of sugar, and I used unrefined brown sugar. It makes the cake darker, but it is better, I find. I also used whole ancient grains flower, gluten free. I think it can be found at places like WF.
    The great thing about this recipe is that it can also be used for lots of other cake constructions, like fruit cakes with fresh fruit on top of it, and a fruit juice glaze. Or mixed with cocoa, to make it marbled. The options are endless!
    It's easy to make and simply great! Thanks!

    Reply

    • Jess @ IDTLC Support says

      Wonderful! We agree that the options are endless. Other readers have served it with Sam's Lemon Curd as a filling!

      Reply

  8. Daryl says

    The Best Vegan Vanilla Cake (or Cupcakes) recipe (18)
    Fantastic recipe, easy to make and cake was moist and delicious. Served at a family event and nobody was the wiser that it was vegan!

    Reply

    • Jess @ IDTLC Support says

      That's wonderful!

      Reply

  9. Stefanie says

    The Best Vegan Vanilla Cake (or Cupcakes) recipe (19)
    The best and easiest vegan sponge cake recipe!
    Every time I make this non vegans don't believe this can be a vegan cake.

    Reply

  10. Beth Reed says

    Can i swap a GF blend for the wheat flour?

    Reply

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The Best Vegan Vanilla Cake (or Cupcakes) recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is the difference between a vegan cupcake and a regular cupcake? ›

Vegan cakes are made without dairy products like milk, eggs, or butter.

What is the secret to good cupcakes? ›

Top Tips for Baking Better Cupcakes
  • Read the Recipe. Read the recipe all the way through first. ...
  • Check Oven Temperature. ...
  • Check the Dates. ...
  • Substitute with Caution. ...
  • Use the Right Temperature. ...
  • Take Time to Sift. ...
  • Measure with Care. ...
  • Cream the Ingredients.

Are cupcakes easier to make than cakes? ›

In fact, the preparation is the exact same. The only two differences between cake and cupcakes: the type of pan you use to bake and the amount of time they spend in the oven.

What is the benefit of vanilla cupcakes? ›

Vanilla cupcake is a good source of carbohydrate, providing enough energy for your whole body, including muscles, brain and nervous system. The milk and eggs in the ingredients provide a good amount of protein to your entire body.

Is vegan cake healthier than regular cake? ›

So, vegan cakes are generally healthier because they: don't contain cholesterol. are mostly lower in saturated fat (unless they contain a lot of palm or coconut oil) are made without eggs and dairy, so they're generally lower in total fat and calories.

Why are my vegan cupcakes not rising? ›

YOUR CAKE IS SINKING IN THE MIDDLE OR NOT RISING

You may not have used enough raising agents. I do recommend experimenting with double action baking powders. Otherwise try using 25 percent more chemical raising agents (baking soda or baking powder) if you're converting a recipe to gluten free.

Are cupcakes better with milk or water? ›

Baking tip #2: adding milk to your box cake mix in place of water adds a dense texture to your dessert leaving it moist and flavorful like a homemade cake. Or, if you prefer, you can add buttermilk, giving your cake a tangy flavor to balance out the sweetness.

What's the most important ingredient in a cupcake? ›

Flour is the main ingredient of the batter and provides the base for the cupcake. Butter or oil provides flavor, tenderizes the batter and helps provide volume.

How do you keep cupcakes moist and fluffy? ›

"Baking fluffy, moist cupcakes is all about creating air bubbles in your batter that expand in the oven," she says. "If you overmix your batter, you collapse those bubbles and end up with a brick-like cake." Always mix at a low speed to avoid this, stopping just as all ingredients blend.

What not to do when making cupcakes? ›

Mistakes You Need To Avoid When Making Cupcakes
  1. Not letting the oven preheat. ...
  2. Opening the oven during baking. ...
  3. Not properly measuring ingredients. ...
  4. Using low quality or expired ingredients. ...
  5. Using the wrong ingredients. ...
  6. Frosting too soon. ...
  7. Frosting too much or too little. ...
  8. Using ingredients that are too cold.
Jan 31, 2023

Is it better to bake cupcakes without liners? ›

The final takeaway. For cupcake baking, I recommend cupcake papers, foil liners, and nonstick baking cups — all were successful and easy to use. Avoid tulip papers and nonstick spray used alone, if possible.

Which cake making method is the best? ›

Melting Method: Simplicity at its Finest

For dense and moist cakes, the melting method reigns supreme. In this technique, the butter and sugar are melted together as the first step, eliminating the need for creaming or whisking. To aid the rise, a raising agent is added to the batter.

What are the benefits of cupcakes? ›

It is scientifically proven that sweets can lower stress in humans. It reduces the impact of the stress hormone called cortisol. Many folks consume sweets in response to anxiety or mental pressure. Divine cream frosting and sprinkles over cupcakes are indeed the kinds of stuff that sweet dreams are made up of.

Are frozen cupcakes as good as fresh? ›

Yes you can freeze cupcakes successfully, and if you store them properly, they'll taste freshly baked when you defrost them. A fridge can dry cupcakes out, but a freezer will keep them moist.

How are vegan cakes different? ›

To put it simply, a vegan cake is a cake that doesn't contain any animal-derived ingredients, most notably eggs, milk, and other dairy products. In 'regular' cakes, eggs and dairy products are among the key ingredients used to create the sponge and icing, and often decorations, too.

Do vegan cupcakes contain milk? ›

How to make vegan cupcakes in 1 bowl. In a measuring cup, combine soy milk (or another non-dairy milk) and apple cider vinegar. Set aside to curdle (this is vegan buttermilk). In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder and salt.

Are vegan desserts better for you? ›

Pros of Vegan Desserts

Traditional desserts often contain high saturated fats from butter and cream. Many vegan desserts replace these with plant-based fats, which can be lower in saturated fats and benefit heart health and cholesterol levels.

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