Vegan Red Velvet Cake? You bet! This recipe delivers all the vibrant color, delicate crumb, and subtle chocolate flavor of the classic, but with a plant-based twist. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this stunning and delicious dessert.
The Secret to the Perfect Vegan Red Velvet Cake
Traditional red velvet cake gets its signature hue from a reaction between buttermilk, vinegar, and cocoa powder. In our vegan version, we’ll use plant-based milk and vinegar to achieve the same result.
Ingredients for vegan red velvet cake
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to make this show-stopping dessert:
For the Cake:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup plant-based milk (soy or almond milk work well)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- ½ cup vegan butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring
For the Vegan Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 1 cup vegan cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup vegan butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Mixing wet ingredients for vegan red velvet cake
Let’s Bake!
- Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the plant-based milk and apple cider vinegar. Let it sit for 5 minutes to activate the buttermilk substitute. Then, add the softened vegan butter, vanilla extract, and red food coloring. Mix until well combined.
- Combine Wet & Dry: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Don’t overmix!
- Bake: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool Completely: Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before inverting them onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Making vegan cream cheese frosting
Make the Vegan Cream Cheese Frosting:
- Cream Together: In a large bowl, beat together the vegan cream cheese and vegan butter until smooth.
- Add Sugar & Vanilla: Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Frost & Decorate: Once the cakes are completely cool, frost the bottom layer with a generous amount of frosting. Top with the second cake layer and frost the entire cake. Decorate as desired.
Tips for the Best Vegan Red Velvet Cake:
- Don’t overmix the batter: Overmixing can lead to a tough cake. Mix the batter until just combined.
- Use quality cocoa powder: The type of cocoa powder you use can affect the flavor and color of your cake. Use a good quality unsweetened cocoa powder for the best results.
- Adjust the red food coloring: If you prefer a more subtle red hue, you can reduce the amount of red food coloring.
- Let the cakes cool completely: Frosting warm cakes will cause the frosting to melt.
“For an extra touch of decadence, try adding a layer of vegan chocolate ganache between the cake layers,” suggests Chef Anya Greene, founder of PlantPure Kitchen. “The bitterness of the dark chocolate pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the frosting.”
Slices of vegan red velvet cake
FAQs About Vegan Red Velvet Cake
Q: Can I make this cake gluten-free?
A: Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free 1:1 baking flour blend.
Q: What can I use instead of red food coloring?
A: While red food coloring gives the cake its iconic hue, you can achieve a more natural red tint by using beet powder. Keep in mind this may slightly alter the flavor.
Q: How should I store my vegan red velvet cake?
A: Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
This vibrant and delicious vegan red velvet cake is sure to impress. The combination of moist cake layers, tangy cream cheese frosting, and subtle chocolate flavor makes for a truly unforgettable dessert experience. Why not surprise your loved ones with a slice of this crimson delight? And if you’re feeling adventurous, check out our recipe for vegan red velvet cupcakes! For a completely different flavor profile, you can also explore our vegan banana oat pancakes recipe for a delightful breakfast treat.
