Vegan Red Velvet Cake: The BEST Easy, Moist Recipe

Vegan Red Velvet Cake, oh how we love thee! This gorgeous creation is a testament to how delicious plant based desserts can truly be. When we first started experimenting with vegan baking, we were a bit skeptical. Could we really achieve that iconic red velvet flavor and moist crumb without dairy or eggs? The answer, our dear friends, is a resounding yes! So, let’s get started and bake a beautiful Vegan Red Velvet Cake. 

Vegan Red Velvet Cake - Process or ingredients
Preparation process

Why You Will Love This Vegan Red Velvet Cake Recipe

This vegan red velvet cake recipe is more than just a dessert; it’s a hug in cake form. It’s the kind of cake you bake when you need a little comfort, or when you want to show someone you care. It’s an easy Valentine’s Day cake that is not only beautiful to look at, but it tastes amazing with it’s rich and decadent flavors in every bite..

It’s also surprisingly quick and simple to make. Say goodbye to complicated vegan baking processes! We’ve streamlined everything so you can have a show stopping dairy free red velvet cake on your table in no time. Remember Lucia’s grandson Marco who swore up and down that vegan cake could never be good, well this vegan red velvet cake recipe now has him asking for seconds every time!

This moist vegan cake has the perfect balance of tangy, chocolatey, and sweet. It’s unbelievably moist and tender perfect for a special occasion or just because. The best part is, it is completely dairy free and egg free, so everyone can enjoy a slice. We’ve perfected this recipe to deliver an authentic red velvet experience without any animal products.

Follow us on Pinterest for more delicious vegan and Italian recipes! And if you love the classic flavor, you might also enjoy our recipe for the Best Red Velvet Cake!

Ingredients Needed for This Vegan Red Velvet Cake Recipe

For the Cake:

  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
  • 1 cup plant based milk (we love almond or soy)
  • 1 cup vegetable oil
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons red food coloring (vegan-friendly)

For the Vegan Cream Cheese Frosting:

  • 2 (8 ounce) packages vegan cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup vegan butter, softened
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

How to Make This Vegan Red Velvet Cake Recipe

  1. 1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9 inch round cake pans.
  2. 2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cocoa powder.
  3. 3. In a separate bowl, combine the unsweetened applesauce, plant based milk, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, apple cider vinegar, and red food coloring.
  4. 4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Do not overmix!
  5. 5. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.
  6. 6. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  7. 7. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before inverting them onto a wire rack to cool completely.
  8. 8. While the cakes are cooling, prepare the frosting. In a large bowl, beat together the vegan cream cheese and vegan butter until smooth and creamy.
  9. 9. Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until smooth. Stir in the vanilla extract.
  10. 10. Once the cakes are completely cool, frost the top of one layer with half of the frosting. Place the second layer on top and frost the entire cake with the remaining frosting.
  11. 11. If you are in the mood for a simpler cake consider this Easy Red Velvet Cake recipe.
  12. 12. Slice, serve, and enjoy your amazing plant based red velvet dessert!

How to Serve This Vegan Red Velvet Cake Recipe

This delightful dairy free red velvet cake is perfect on its own, but a few thoughtful additions can take it to the next level. A dusting of cocoa powder or a scattering of fresh berries adds a touch of elegance.

For a truly decadent experience, consider serving it with a scoop of vegan vanilla ice cream or a dollop of coconut whipped cream. This simple addition enhances the flavors and creates a perfect contrast in textures. The possibilities are endless.

How to Store This Vegan Red Velvet Cake Recipe

To keep your moist vegan cake fresh and delicious, proper storage is key. Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This will keep it moist and prevent it from drying out

The cake will stay fresh for up to 3 4 days in the refrigerator. For longer storage, you can freeze individual slices or the whole cake in an airtight container for up to 2 3 months. Allow the cake to thaw completely in the refrigerator before serving.

Tips to Make This Vegan Red Velvet Cake Recipe

  • For the best flavor, use high quality vegan cream cheese and butter.
  • Don’t overmix the batter. Overmixing can result in a tough cake.
  • Make sure your ingredients are at room temperature for the Vegan Cream Cheese Frosting to ensure a smooth and creamy consistency.
  • If you want a more intense red color, use a gel based vegan food coloring.
  • For a deeper chocolate flavor, you can add 1/4 cup of melted vegan chocolate to the batter. This will enhance the richness of the cake.

Helpful Notes for This Vegan Red Velvet Cake Recipe

The key to a great vegan red velvet cake is the balance of ingredients. The apple cider vinegar reacts with the baking soda to create a light and fluffy texture. Be sure to use unsweetened applesauce for the best results.

Vegan cream cheese can vary in consistency, so adjust the amount of powdered sugar in the frosting accordingly. You want a smooth, spreadable frosting that holds its shape. Feel free to adjust the sweetness to your liking! You could use the methods in this Red Velvet Cake Recipe 2 for a little variation.

Variation of This Vegan Red Velvet Cake Recipe

For a festive twist, try adding a hint of peppermint extract to the frosting during the holiday season. This creates a delicious and refreshing flavor combination. You can also add vegan chocolate chips to the batter for a richer, more decadent cake.

Another fun variation is to make cupcakes instead of a full sized cake. Simply fill cupcake liners about two thirds full and bake for 18 20 minutes. Frost them with the vegan cream cheese frosting and decorate with vegan sprinkles.

What makes red velvet cake red?

The characteristic red hue of red velvet cake traditionally comes from a reaction between cocoa powder and acidic ingredients like buttermilk or vinegar. In this vegan version, we use vegan red food coloring to achieve the vibrant color.

How do I keep my vegan red velvet cake moist?

Using oil instead of butter and incorporating ingredients like applesauce or plant-based yogurt can help maintain moisture in vegan baking. Avoid overbaking as well; use a toothpick to check for doneness.

Can I make this vegan red velvet cake gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend. Be sure to look for a blend that contains xanthan gum, as this will help bind the ingredients and create a good crumb structure.

What kind of frosting goes best with vegan red velvet cake?

A classic vegan cream cheese frosting is the perfect complement to red velvet cake. You can easily make a vegan version using a plant-based cream cheese alternative, powdered sugar, and a touch of vanilla extract.

Conclusion

There you have it our dears, a delicious Vegan Red Velvet Cake that is sure to impress. It’s moist, flavorful, and completely plant based. We hope this recipe brings as much joy to your kitchen as it has to ours. Go ahead and give it a try! We know you’ll love every single bite of this Vegan Red Velvet Cake.

Print

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Vegan Red Velvet Cake: The BEST Easy, Moist Recipe


  • Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings 1x

Description

A moist and delicious Vegan Red Velvet Cake recipe with a creamy vegan cream cheese frosting. A perfect plant based dessert for any occasion.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
  • 1 cup plant based milk (almond or soy)
  • 1 cup vegetable oil
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons red food coloring (vegan friendly)
  • —-
  • 2 (8 ounce) packages vegan cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup vegan butter, softened
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9 inch round cake pans.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cocoa powder.
  3. In a separate bowl, combine the applesauce, plant based milk, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, apple cider vinegar, and red food coloring.
  4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Do not overmix!
  5. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.
  6. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  7. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before inverting them onto a wire rack to cool completely.
  8. While the cakes are cooling, prepare the frosting. In a large bowl, beat together the vegan cream cheese and vegan butter until smooth and creamy.
  9. Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until smooth. Stir in the vanilla extract.
  10. Once the cakes are completely cool, frost the top of one layer with half of the frosting. Place the second layer on top and frost the entire cake with the remaining frosting.
  11. Slice, serve, and enjoy!
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 35g
  • Sodium: 250mg
  • Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 12g
  • Carbohydrates: 65g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: vegan red velvet cake, dairy free, plant based, cake, dessert

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