Your Guide to Baking Vegan Cakes: Tips and Tricks
As more and more people shift to veganism, it’s only natural that they would want to have vegan versions of their favorite desserts – and who doesn’t love a good cake? Fortunately, baking vegan cakes is easier than you might think, and with just a few adaptations, you can make a delicious cake that is both cruelty-free and tasty.
The Basics of Vegan Cake Baking
Before we dive into the tips and tricks, it’s important to understand the basics of vegan cake baking. Unlike traditional cakes, which rely on eggs for structure, vegan cakes use a mixture of baking powder and other leaveners like vinegar to rise. Additionally, plant-based fats like coconut oil and nut butters are used in place of butter.
Tips for Vegan Cake Baking Success
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Use the Right Flour: It’s important to use the right type of flour when baking vegan cakes. Whole-wheat flour can be substituted for all-purpose flour, or a combination of both can be used. If you want a lighter cake, use cake flour.
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Mix the Batter Carefully: Since vegan cakes lack gluten, it’s important to mix the batter carefully to prevent overmixing. Overmixing can cause the cake to be dense and tough.
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Don’t Overdo It with the Leavener: As mentioned earlier, vegan cakes rely on baking powder and other leaveners to rise. However, adding too much can cause the cake to rise too quickly and then fall. Follow the recipe and measure carefully.
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Replace Eggs with Appropriate Substitutes: There are plenty of egg substitutes available for vegan baking such as flax eggs, applesauce, and mashed banana. Choose the right substitute for your recipe.
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Experiment with Plant-Based Milk: Milk is commonly used in cake recipes, but there are plenty of plant-based milk options available such as soy milk, almond milk, and oat milk. Experiment with different types until you find what you like.
Tricks for Making a Tasty Vegan Cake
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Use Flavored Extracts: Add extra flavor to your vegan cake by using flavored extracts such as vanilla or almond. Since vegan cakes lack the richness of butter and cream, extracts can help to enhance the taste.
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Add a Filling: Adding a filling to your cake adds an extra layer of flavor and texture. Some vegan-friendly fillings include fruit preserves or vegan cream cheese.
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Top it Off with a Delicious Frosting: A cake isn’t complete without frosting! You can make a vegan frosting using vegan butter and powdered sugar, or try using whipped coconut cream for a dairy-free option.
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Garnish with Fresh Fruit: Fresh fruit is a great way to add color and texture to your vegan cake. Try using sliced strawberries, raspberries, or even kiwi to make your cake stand out.
Final Thoughts
Baking a vegan cake doesn’t have to be difficult, and with the right tips and tricks, you can make a delicious cake that is both vegan and tasty. Remember to experiment with different ingredients until you find what works best for you, and have fun in the kitchen!