Embark on a culinary delight with this Vegan Red Velvet Cake, a moist and tender treat that is sure to impress. This cake brings the classic elegance of red velvet to the vegan table without sacrificing any of the richness or flavor. Layered with a luxurious vegan cream cheese frosting, each bite offers a perfect balance of cocoa and vanilla notes, enhanced by the unique tang of vegan cream cheese. This cake is not just a dessert; it's an experience.
Why You'll Love This: This Vegan Red Velvet Cake is lovingly crafted with thoughtful ingredients to ensure it is accessible to everyone, including those who follow a vegan or dairy-free diet. The use of almond milk and vegan yogurt in the cake creates a texture so soft and moist that it rivals traditional red velvet cakes. The frosting, whipped to perfection, is smooth and creamy, providing a delightful contrast to the light cocoa flavor of the cake. Whether you are vegan or not, this cake is designed to please all palates and preferences.
Perfect Occasion: This cake is a fabulous choice for a variety of occasions. Serve it at a birthday celebration, a wedding reception, or a festive holiday gathering—it is sure to be a showstopper. It's also a thoughtful addition to any vegan or allergen-friendly menu, providing a decadent option that everyone can enjoy. Whether shared among friends or enjoyed as a special treat for yourself, this red velvet cake will make any moment memorable.
Decoration Tips: For an elegant presentation, frost the cake smoothly and garnish with a sprinkle of red velvet crumbs along the sides. Top with fresh berries or edible flowers for a pop of color and a touch of natural beauty. A light dusting of powdered sugar over the berries can add an extra layer of sophistication.
Recipe:
Ingredients:
For the Sponge Cake:
- 330ml almond milk or any unsweetened plant-based milk
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
- 60g unsweetened plant-based yogurt
- 90ml neutral oil, such as vegetable or canola
- 300g sugar, preferably cane or castor for a fine texture
- 1/2 teaspoon red food coloring gel, adjusted to desired color intensity
- 360g all-purpose flour
- 22g cocoa powder
- 7g cornstarch, to help achieve a tender crumb
- 1 and 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 220g vegan butter, at room temperature
- 220g vegan cream cheese, softened
- 200g powdered sugar, sifted for smoothness
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Cake Preparation:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 8-inch round cake pans and line with parchment paper.
- Combine the plant milk, vegan yogurt, and vinegar in a bowl and set aside for a few minutes to curdle.
- In a separate large bowl, whisk together the oil, sugar, and vanilla. Add the curdled milk mixture and stir until the sugar is dissolved. Mix in the red food coloring.
- Sift together the flour, cocoa powder, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans, smoothing the tops with a spatula.
- Bake for 30-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto wire racks to cool completely.
- Frosting Preparation:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the vegan butter and sifted powdered sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the vegan cream cheese and vanilla extract, and beat until creamy and well incorporated.
- Assemble the Cake:
- If the cakes have domed on top, level them with a knife. Place one cake layer on your serving plate and spread a generous layer of frosting on top.
- Top with the second cake layer and apply a crumb coat to the entire cake. Chill for about 30 minutes to set the frosting.
- Apply a final thick layer of frosting, smoothing it over the top and sides of the cake.
- Finishing Touches:
- Garnish as desired with red velvet crumbs, fresh berries, or edible flowers before serving.
Enjoy this stunning Vegan Red Velvet Cake as a highlight of your culinary creations, perfect for making any occasion extra special with its delightful flavors and exquisite presentation.