Indulge in Delicious Vegan Red Velvet Cake Recipe
As a vegan chef, one of my greatest joys is taking traditional recipes and transforming them into plant-based masterpieces that everyone can enjoy. And few recipes bring me more pleasure to veganize than classic cakes – especially the decadent and indulgent red velvet cake.
This recipe for the Best Ever Vegan Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is a prime example of how a humble and unassuming cake can be elevated to new heights with just a few simple swaps and tweaks. But don’t let the lack of dairy or eggs fool you – this vegan red velvet cake is rich, moist, vibrantly red, and topped with a deliciously tangy vegan cream cheese frosting that rivals any traditional version.
Whether you’re vegan or not, this is a cake that will impress at any occasion – birthdays, weddings, or just because it’s Tuesday (we won’t judge). So turn up the music, preheat your oven, and let’s get baking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
My fellow foodies, I present to you the most decadent and delicious vegan Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting recipe you will ever taste! This cake is not only plant-based, but it’s also gluten-free and dairy-free, making it a perfect dessert option for those of us with dietary restrictions.
But what really sets this recipe apart is its rich, moist texture and vibrant red hue. The secret ingredient? Unsweetened applesauce! This alternative use makes the cake rich, moist, and vibrantly red. Topped with a deliciously tangy lemon buttercream frosting, this cake is a showstopper at any special occasion.
Not convinced yet? Well, let me tell you how easy this recipe is to make. With just a few simple ingredients like raw sugar, unbleached flour, soymilk, and vegan cream cheese, you can create a masterpiece that will have your friends and family begging for the recipe.
As an added bonus, this recipe also includes substitutions and variations to make it your own. Whether you want to try adding some chocolate to the mix or experiment with different food colorings to enhance its already bright red color, there are endless possibilities.
So give this Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting recipe a try and taste for yourself why it’s the best ever vegan red velvet cake recipe out there. Trust me; you won’t regret it.
Ingredient List
Let’s talk about the ingredients that will be required to make this vegan red velvet cake with cream cheese frosting recipe. Here are the ingredients you’ll need to gather:
For the Vegan Red Velvet Cake:
- 1 ½ cups of all-purpose flour
- ¾ cups of raw sugar
- 1 teaspoon of baking soda
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 2 tablespoons of unsweetened applesauce
- 1 cup of soymilk
- 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar
- Red food coloring
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- ½ cup of vegan butter
- 8 oz. vegan cream cheese
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- Juice from half a lemon
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
All of these ingredients are plant-based and dairy-free, which makes this cake recipe completely vegan. If you follow a gluten-free diet, you can substitute the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free alternative.
The Recipe How-To
Now comes the exciting part of creating this Vegan Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting. You’ll need a large mixing bowl to begin with.
Step 1: Preheat Oven and Prepare Pans
Firstly, preheat your oven to 350°F. Then, prepare two 9-inch cake pans or three 6-inch cake pans by greasing them with a non-stick cooking spray.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, mix together 2½ cups of unbleached all-purpose flour, 1½ cups of raw sugar, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1 teaspoon of salt until they are well combined.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In another mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of soymilk mixed with 2 teaspoons of vinegar as a vegan buttermilk substitute. Leave it aside for a minute before adding in the wet ingredients: 1 cup unsweetened applesauce and 1 cup melted vegan margarine. After that, add 4 teaspoons of vanilla extract and blend them well.
Step 4: Add Food Coloring
To achieve that iconic red velvet color, add in 2 tablespoons of red food coloring to the wet ingredients mixture and blend it thoroughly.
Step 5: Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures
Next, pour the wet ingredients mixture into the dry ingredients mixture and mix it well using an electric mixer but do not overmix as it can make the cake dense.
Step 6: Pour Batter Into Prepared Pans
Divide the prepared batter evenly among the greased cake pans. Tap each pan gently on the counter to level out any air bubbles trapped inside.
Step7: Bake!
Bake for about 25-35 minutes, or until an inserted toothpick comes out clean from the center of the cakes. Cool down completely before frosting.
After you’ve followed these steps closely, you’ll end up with a rich moist vibrantly red Vegan Red Velvet Cake that is perfect for any occasion.
Substitutions and Variations
Like any recipe, you have the freedom to make a few tweaks or substitutions to make it your own. With this vegan red velvet cake recipe, there are several alternatives that can help tailor the cake to suit your preferences.
For example, if you do not have soy milk on hand, you can use almond milk, oat milk, or any other plant-based milk instead. You could also swap out the margarine for coconut oil or a different type of vegan butter.
If you want to switch up the cream cheese frosting, try using vegan mascarpone cheese instead of cream cheese. Another alternative is to make a lemon buttercream frosting by replacing the cream cheese with vegan butter and adding some fresh lemon juice.
For those with gluten allergies or intolerances, you can use a gluten-free flour blend instead of unbleached flour. You could also turn this cake into cupcakes and decorate them with vegan chocolate buttercream frosting for a birthday party or a special occasion.
Lastly, if you want to add some extra richness to the cake, consider incorporating chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter or topping it off with fresh berries.
There are endless possibilities to tweak this decadent red velvet cake recipe, so get creative and have fun in the kitchen!
Serving and Pairing
Now that you’ve made your mouth-watering vegan red velvet cake with cream cheese frosting, it’s time to serve and indulge in every bite of this decadent dessert.
This vibrant red velvet cake is perfect for any occasion like birthdays, holidays, Valentine’s Day, or even as an everyday treat. Imagine displaying this beautiful cake on a cake stand or plate and watching how people’s eyes light up when they see it.
To pair perfectly with this delicious cake, I recommend a warm cup of dairy-free latte or tea. These beverages help balance out the richness of the cream cheese frosting and make the experience of devouring this cake even more comforting.
For a fun twist on serving this vegan red velvet cake, you can cut it into small squares and arrange them on a platter to create mini red velvet bites. You can sprinkle some confectioners’ sugar on top for an elegant touch or drizzle with chocolate sauce for an extra wow factor.
If you’re feeling adventurous, try making some vegan whipped cream with coconut cream on top of the cake or in individual servings to take this dessert to the next level.
Overall, serving vegan red velvet cake with cream cheese frosting is a great way to impress your guests while staying true to your plant-based lifestyle. Enjoy!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
I know that life can get busy, and time is often not on our side. That’s why I’m excited to share some tips on how to prepare make-ahead, store, and reheat this decadent red velvet cake so you can enjoy it anytime you need a sweet pick-me-up.
If making ahead of time, the best method is to bake the cake a day or two before you plan on serving it. Once the cake has cooled completely, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator for up to three days. The frosting can also be made in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days.
When it’s time to serve, remove your pre-made cake from the fridge and let it warm up to room temperature for about an hour. To give it a fresh-from-the-oven taste, pop the unwrapped cake into an oven that has been preheated to 350°F for about 10-15 minutes.
If you find yourself with leftover cake don’t worry! Leftovers can be stored at room temperature or in the refrigerator tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or foil for up to three days.
To reheat leftover pieces of cake, place them on a microwave-safe plate and microwave for 20 seconds at a time until they are warmed through.
Another great idea is to transform your extra slices into a fun dessert by heating them up and serving them alongside some vegan ice cream or adorning them with sliced fruit.
With these ideas, you don’t need to stress about not having that freshly baked taste of red velvet cake. Now all that’s left is enjoying this moist vibrantly red topped delicious tangy lemon buttercream frosting masterpiece at your own convenience!
Tips for Perfect Results
Making a cake can be intimidating, especially when you’re trying to make a vegan one. However, with the right tips and techniques, you can create a red velvet cake that’s so delicious and satisfying no one will even know it’s vegan. Here are some tips for perfect results:
1. Use unsweetened applesauce: This ingredient is an excellent alternative to eggs as it helps bind the ingredients together while keeping the cake moist.
2. Use plant-based milk: Soymilk or almond milk are great, healthier choices compared to regular dairy milk that gives an added flavor to the cake.
3. Be mindful of food coloring: While food coloring brightens the cake, try minimizing them as they can cause indigestion and have been associated with hyperactivity.
4. Room temperature ingredients: Ensuring all of your ingredients are at room temperature will help them combine properly, which results in a smoother batter and a better textured cake.
5. Don’t overmix your batter: Overmixing leads to the production of gluten which causes the cake to become tough and chewy. Mix until everything is combined but don’t overdo it.
6. Use vegan butter in your frosting: For the classic cream cheese frosting, use vegan cream cheese and butter instead of dairy-based products for a light fluffy taste.
7. Bake in a preheated oven: Preheat your oven before placing the cake inside so it can bake evenly from top-bottom ensuring perfection.
8. Let it cool before frosting: Completely cool down your cake before decorating with cream cheese frosting otherwise it will melt off and slip away making a mess on your plate
By following these tips, you’ll get your red velvet vegan cake ideal texture, rich savory taste with perfect color for your dessert table or special occasion within no time that delights everyone’s taste buds like no other cake could imagine doing!
FAQ
Before we conclude this recipe article, it’s time to address some frequently asked questions about this Vegan Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting. I have compiled a list of the most commonly asked questions regarding the ingredients, preparation and storage of this delightful cake. Whether you are a seasoned vegan or just starting out, you’ll find valuable information in these answers to ensure your baking experience goes smoothly. So let’s get started with our FAQ section!
Why do people put cream cheese on red velvet?
One of the secrets to achieving the delicate and airy consistency of red velvet cake lies in the combination of buttermilk and vinegar. Additionally, this cake is often served with a creamy white frosting made with cream cheese. The contrast of the white frosting against the deep red hue of the cake creates a visually stunning presentation. Moreover, the tangy taste of the cream cheese acts as a perfect complement to the buttermilk in the cake.
What is vegan red velvet?
Indulge in a luscious vegan red velvet cake, adorned with a tangy lemon buttercream frosting. This cake is much more than just a dye job – it boasts a harmonious blend of vanilla, chocolate, and buttermilk flavors, delicately intertwined to create a truly exquisite dessert.
What can I use instead of cream cheese frosting for red velvet cake?
When it comes to frosting, there are a couple of options you might want to consider. One possibility is to go for a mascarpone cheese frosting, which involves mixing mascarpone cheese, heavy cream, and confectioners’ sugar. This type of frosting is known for its light and airy texture, as well as its unique flavor that differs slightly from that of cream cheese frosting. Alternatively, you could opt for a Swiss meringue buttercream.
What is the difference between red forest cake and red velvet cake?
Compared to Black Forest cake, Red Velvet cake may not have the same intense flavor despite having added ingredients. Red Velvet cake can come in either chocolate or vanilla flavors, with its distinct red color coming from the use of food coloring or even beets.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this vegan red velvet cake with cream cheese frosting recipe is one of the best ever vegan options out there. Not only is it dairy-free and gluten-free, but it is also easy to make using plant-based ingredients that are healthy for your body. With its light fluffy texture and decadent red color, this cake will make you drool before you even take the first bite.
The cream cheese frosting takes this cake to the next level with its delicious tangy lemon taste that perfectly balances with the sweetness of the cake. You can even experiment with other alternative uses of the frosting by trying mascarpone cheese or apple cider vinegar in place of vegan cream cheese.
Whether you are looking to impress your guests, celebrate a special occasion, or indulge in a sweet treat, this recipe has something for everyone. I encourage you to give it a try and let me know how it turned out in the comments below. Trust me; it will be a hit!
Vegan Red Velvet Cake With Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups unbleached flour
- 1 1/2 cups turbinado or other raw sugar
- 8 tablespoons margarine
- 1 cup soymilk
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vinegar
- 2 ounces vegan red food coloring (or beet juice)
- 1 cup confectioners' sugar
- 8 ounces vegan cream cheese
- 8 tablespoons margarine
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1/2-1 cup vanilla soymilk
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a cup pour the milk and add the lemon juice. Let sit while preparing the next dew ingredients. This makes buttermilk. Cream together the margarine, vegan sugar and then add the applesauce and flour.
- In a small bowl mix together cocoa and food coloring to form a slight paste. Add it to the creamed mixture. Mix the salt and flour together and add it to the batter alternating with the buttermilk in three batches, mixing after each addition. Add vanilla extract. Mix in baking soda and vinegar. Pour batter into 2 greased cake pans (I used round) and bake for 40 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean.
- Frosting:.
- Mix softened cream cheese and margarine together. Add vegan sugar vanilla and soymilk. Mixture will be very soft (almost a glue-like texture). After cake cools slightly put one layer on a plate and pour some frosting over so that it runs down the sides. Let cool a little more and add the next layer and repeat process.
Add Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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Jolo is a talented chef and food blogger with a passion for vegan and Caribbean flavors. From savory vegetarian dishes to tropical smoothies, Jolo’s Kitchen has something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for meat-free meals or creative Caribbean recipes, Jolo’s Kitchen is the perfect place for you.