Red velvet cake, with its vibrant crimson hue and delicate chocolate flavor, holds a special place in the dessert hall of fame. But did you know you can enjoy this beloved classic while staying true to your vegan lifestyle? This recipe guides you through creating a moist, flavorful, and unbelievably delicious vegan red velvet cake that will impress even the most discerning palate.
vegan red velvet cake ingredients
Unveiling the Secrets of Vegan Red Velvet
Traditional red velvet recipes often rely on buttermilk and red food coloring to achieve their signature tang and color. In this vegan version, we swap buttermilk with a simple yet effective combination of plant-based milk and vinegar. This creates the same tangy flavor profile that activates the baking soda, resulting in a light and airy cake.
As for the color, while a touch of natural red food coloring can be used, there’s a growing trend towards using beet juice or red pitaya powder for a natural, vibrant hue. These options not only add a subtle earthiness to the flavor but also offer additional nutritional benefits.
Gather Your Ingredients
Before we embark on this culinary journey, let’s gather our ingredients:
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 (almond, soy, or oat work well)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1-2 tablespoons red food coloring (or natural alternatives like beet juice or red pitaya powder)
For the Vegan Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 1 cup vegan butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 8 ounces vegan cream cheese, softened
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
mixing wet ingredients for vegan red velvet cake
Baking the Perfect Vegan Red Velvet Cake
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Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans. This will prevent your cake from sticking and ensure easy removal after baking.
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Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. This ensures all the dry ingredients are evenly distributed.
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Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the plant-based milk and apple cider vinegar. Let it sit for a few minutes to allow the mixture to curdle slightly. Then, whisk in the oil, vanilla extract, and red food coloring until well combined.
Pro Tip: If using beet juice or red pitaya powder, start with a smaller amount and gradually add more until you achieve the desired shade.
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Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a dense cake.
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Pour and 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.
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Cool Completely: Once baked, let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before inverting them onto a wire rack to cool completely.
layering vegan red velvet cake with frosting
Crafting the Dreamy Vegan Cream Cheese Frosting
While the cakes are cooling, it’s time to prepare our creamy and decadent vegan cream cheese frosting:
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Cream Together: In a large bowl, beat together the vegan butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Make sure to use vegan butter that is specifically designed for baking, as it has a higher fat content that will result in a creamier texture.
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Incorporate Cream Cheese: Add the softened vegan cream cheese and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture. Beat on medium speed until smooth and well combined.
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Frost and Decorate: Once the cakes have completely cooled, frost the bottom layer with a generous amount of frosting. Top with the second cake layer and frost the entire cake. Feel free to get creative with decorating – sprinkles, chopped nuts, or fresh berries are all beautiful and delicious additions.
Savoring the Vegan Red Velvet Masterpiece
Your vegan red velvet cake is now ready to be enjoyed! Serve it as is or pair it with a scoop of vegan vanilla ice cream for the ultimate indulgence. This cake also keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making it a perfect make-ahead dessert.
And there you have it – a classic reinvented! This Vegan Red Velvet Recipe proves that you can indulge in your favorite treats without compromising your values. With its moist crumb, tangy flavor, and vibrant color, this cake is sure to become a staple in your vegan baking repertoire.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of vinegar?
Yes, white vinegar or lemon juice can be used as substitutes for apple cider vinegar.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Absolutely! Simply replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free 1:1 baking blend.
What can I use if I don’t have red food coloring?
Beet juice or red pitaya powder are great natural alternatives. You can also find natural red food coloring online or at specialty grocery stores.
Can I freeze the cake?
Yes, you can freeze the unfrosted cake layers for up to 2 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then again in aluminum foil for best results.
What are some other frosting options?
While vegan cream cheese frosting is classic, feel free to experiment! Vegan chocolate frosting, vanilla buttercream, or even a simple dusting of powdered sugar would be delicious.
This recipe is just the beginning of your vegan baking adventure. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavors and ingredients to create your own signature twists on classic desserts. For more delicious and easy vegan recipes, be sure to check out our vegan creamy mushroom soup, vegan cake charlotte nc, or vegan creamy mushroom pasta recipes! Happy baking!
