Vegan red velvet cake
A fluffy, moist, deliciously baked vegan red velvet cake topped with a rich vanilla buttercream.
I grew up with a mother who had a love affair with the oven. Every weekend, like clockwork, she would wake me up bright and early to help with the house chores, all so that we could spend the afternoon together in our cozy kitchen, baking up a storm.
Whether it was scones, cakes, or bread, the kitchen became our playground, and the sweet smell of freshly baked goods filled the air. Those moments with my mother taught me more than just how to measure ingredients and follow a recipe; they ignited within me a passion for food. I discovered the power of flavours, the joy of experimentation, and the simple pleasure of bringing people together through the art of baking.
So, in an attempt to relive those cherished memories, I decided to don my apron once again. This time, I yearned to bake a cake that would not only make my taste buds dance but also capture the essence of pure indulgence. And what better choice than a vegan red velvet cake?
My love affair with red velvet cake began during my time as a university student. The local bakery near campus would tempt us with its immaculate display of cakes. But it was the red velvet that bewitched me most. Its velvety texture, the perfect balance of sweetness, and its signature scarlet hue made it the ultimate indulgence.
A brief history of red velvet cake
Red velvet cake has a fascinating history that dates back to the 19th century. While its exact origins are uncertain, it is believed to have originated in the United States, particularly in the southern states. The classic red color of the cake is achieved through the reaction between cocoa powder and acidic ingredients like buttermilk and vinegar.
The name “red velvet” comes from the distinctive velvety texture of the cake, which is achieved by using a combination of cake flour and a small amount of cocoa powder. This unique texture, combined with the vibrant red color, has made red velvet cake a beloved dessert for many generations.
In the early days, red velvet cake was considered a luxury dessert due to the high cost of ingredients like cocoa powder and food coloring. It was often reserved for special occasions and holidays. However, with the availability of affordable ingredients and the rise in popularity of vegan baking, red velvet cake has become more accessible and can be enjoyed by people from all walks of life.
Traditional to vegan red velvet cupcake
The traditional red velvet cake is made with flour, cocoa powder, buttermilk, a bit of vinegar, eggs, butter, vanilla extract and red food colouring.
My task was to replace a few ingredients to make the cake vegan-friendly. I replaced the butter with extra virgin olive oil. My biggest fear was that the cake would turn out too oily and it would smell like oil – none of that happened.
I replaced the buttermilk with homemade vegan buttermilk (almond milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon), it behaves like the real stuff. I also added a bit of apple cider as it helps to create softer crumbs. I used xanthan gum, to help the cake bind together.
Why choose a vegan red velvet cake?
There are numerous benefits to choosing a vegan red velvet cake for your next celebration or indulgence. Firstly, it’s a great option for parties, as it caters to a wide range of dietary preferences and restrictions. Whether you have guests who are vegan, lactose intolerant, or simply looking for a healthier dessert option, a vegan red velvet cake is sure to please everyone.
Moreover, a vegan red velvet cake makes a thoughtful and delicious gift for friends and loved ones. Instead of buying a generic store-bought cake, why not surprise them with a homemade, cruelty-free treat? It shows that you care about their well-being and allows them to enjoy a delectable dessert without compromising their dietary choices.
Lastly, you can also make a vegan red velvet cake as a special self-treat. Whether it’s for a birthday, anniversary, or simply to satisfy your sweet cravings, baking and enjoying a vegan red velvet cake can be a delightful experience. Plus, you can feel good about indulging in a dessert that is not only scrumptious but also healthier and kinder to the environment.
Now that you have discovered the wonders of a vegan red velvet cake, it’s time to put your newfound knowledge into action. Why not gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and bake. Treat yourself and your loved ones to a delightful vegan red velvet cake.
Remember, baking is not just about the end result; it’s about the joy and satisfaction that comes from creating something delicious from scratch. So, go ahead and try this recipe for the best vegan red velvet cake. Indulge in its velvety texture, marvel at its vibrant red color, and savor every bite. Happy baking!
Tips for achieving the perfect texture and taste
- Don’t Overmix the Batter: When mixing the wet and dry ingredients together, be careful not to overmix. Overmixing can lead to a dense and tough cake. Mix until just combined and no streaks of flour remain.
- Quality Ingredients Matter: Using high-quality ingredients, such as pure vanilla extract and good-quality cocoa powder, can greatly enhance the flavour of your vegan red velvet cake. Opt for high-quality food colouring to achieve a vibrant red hue. I used the Wilton icing brand – highly recommend
- Allow the Cake to Cool Completely: To achieve the perfect texture, it’s crucial to let the cake cool completely before frosting. This allows the cake to set and prevents the frosting from melting or sliding off. Patience is key!
- Experiment with Flavours: While the classic red velvet cake is known for its subtle chocolate flavour, don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavour variations. For example, you can add a hint of espresso powder to enhance the chocolate notes or incorporate a touch of cinnamon for a warm and comforting twist.
Have you ever tried a vegan red velvet cake? What are your favorite variations or twists on this classic dessert? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below! And don't forget to try this recipe for yourself and let us know how it turned out!
More Treats
Made the recipe?
If you make this recipe, please tag it with @itslivhuwani on Instagram. I’d love to see your creations 🙂
Vegan red velvet cake
Equipment
- 3 Mixing bowls
- Whisk or electric mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cake pans (two 8-inch pans recommended)
- Cooling rack
- 1 Spatula
- Piping bag
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder unsweetened
- 1 cup non-dairy milk such as almond or soy milk
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons red food colouring gel or liquid
How to make Vegan red velvet
- ½ cup vegan butter softened
- 2 tsp lime juice
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- ¼ cup strawberries optional
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and grease your cake pans.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder until well combined.
- In another bowl, combine the non-dairy milk and apple cider vinegar. Let it sit for a few minutes until it curdles slightly.
- Add the sugar, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and red food colouring to the milk mixture. Whisk until fully combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a dense cake.
- Divide the batter evenly between the greased cake pans and smooth the tops with a spatula.
- Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the centre comes out clean.
- Remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool in the pans for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer them to a cooling rack to cool completely before frosting.
To make vegan red velvet frosting
- In a mixing bowl, beat the vegan butter until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, and continue to beat until well combined and fluffy.
- Once your vegan red velvet cake has cooled completely, spread the frosting evenly over the top and sides of the cake using a spatula or piping bag.
- For an extra touch, you can garnish the cake with some strawberries.
