Vegan Red Velvet Cake

This Vegan Red Velvet Cake recipe boasts sweet, moist cake and the creamiest, tangiest vegan cream cheese frosting. If you're a red velvet lover, this is absolutely a recipe you need to add to your repertoire. Easy, delicious and comes together using only one bowl. Let's learn how to make it!

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Vegan Red Velvet Cake Ingredients

• All-Purpose Flour (3 cups): Provides the structure and foundation for the cake, ensuring it has the right texture and consistency.
• Sugar (2 cups): Adds sweetness to the cake, contributing to its overall flavor. Sugar also plays a role in the cake's moisture retention.
• Cocoa Powder (2 tablespoons): Imparts a rich chocolate flavor and deepens the red color of the cake. It's a key ingredient in red velvet cake recipes.
• Baking Powder (2 teaspoons): Acts as a leavening agent, helping the cake rise and become light and fluffy.
• Baking Soda (1 teaspoon): Works with the vinegar to create carbon dioxide, which further helps the cake rise. It also reacts with the cocoa powder to enhance the cake's color.
• Salt (1 teaspoon): Enhances the overall flavor of the cake by balancing sweetness and adding depth.
• Nondairy Yogurt (1 cup): Serves as an egg substitute, adding moisture and helping to bind the ingredients together. It also contributes to the cake's tenderness.
• Nondairy Milk (1 cup): Adds liquid to the batter, ensuring the cake is moist and has the right consistency.
• Canola Oil (1 cup): Provides moisture and richness to the cake, and helps keep it tender.
• Vanilla Extract (1 tablespoon): Enhances the overall flavor of the cake and complements the chocolate notes.
• White Vinegar (1 teaspoon): Reacts with the baking soda to create carbon dioxide, contributing to the cake's leavening. It also enhances the red color of the cake.
• Vegan Red Food Coloring: Adds the signature red color to the cake. Since traditional red velvet cake recipes often use buttermilk, the food coloring helps achieve the vibrant color without dairy.

Vegan Cream Cheese Frosting Ingredients

• Vegan Cream Cheese (4 oz): Adds a tangy flavor to the frosting, reminiscent of traditional cream cheese frosting. It also contributes to the creamy texture.
• Non-Hydrogenated Shortening (½ cup): Adds richness and stability to the frosting, helping it hold its shape. It's a plant-based alternative to traditional shortening.
• Vegan Butter (½ cup): Adds a buttery flavor to the frosting and contributes to its smooth and creamy texture.
• Powdered Sugar (3 cups): Sweetens the frosting and provides structure. It also helps achieve the desired thickness.
• Vanilla Extract (½ teaspoon): Enhances the overall flavor of the frosting, adding a hint of sweetness and warmth.

Steps for Making Vegan Red Velvet Cake (with pictures!)

1. Prep: Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 C) and grease and line 3 6-inch or 2 9-inch round cake pans with parchment paper. Set aside.
2. Make the Batter: In a large bowl whisk together the dry ingredients. In a separate bowl, vigorously whisk together the wet ingredients. Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and whisk until just combined. Do not over-mix!
3. Bake: Divide cake batter evenly between the prepared pans. Set pans on center rack of preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes or until toothpick inserted into the center of a cake layer comes out clean with only a few crumbs clinging to it. Allow cake layers to cool in the pan for 20 minutes before turning out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
4. Make the Frosting: Add vegan cream cheese, shortening and vegan butter to a large bowl and beat together with an electric hand mixer until the mixture is completely smooth. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla to the bowl and beat until a smooth frosting comes together. 
5. Assemble: Once the cake layers have cooled completely, begin assembling. If you’d like to level your cake layers, now is the time to do so. You may find this video helpful. Set a cake layer on your serving plate of choice. Top with a generous amount of frosting. Place second cake layer on top of the frosting and frost top and sides of cake.
6. Chill: Chill cake in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This will firm up the frosting slightly, making the cake easier to cut. Your slices will also have more defined layers. Store cake in the refrigerator, allowing it to sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving.

Tips for Making a Perfect Vegan Red Velvet Cake

1. Choose Quality Ingredients: Opt for high-quality, fresh ingredients, including nondairy milk, nondairy yogurt, and vegan butter. Fresh ingredients can significantly impact the taste and texture of your cake.
2. Use High Quality Red Food Coloring: If possible, choose a high quality vegan red food coloring option to avoid artificial additives. You want to use a brand that can achieve a vibrant red color.
3. Ensure Proper Mixing: Mix the dry and wet ingredients thoroughly but avoid over-mixing once they are combined. Over-mixing can lead to a dense cake. Mix until the ingredients are just combined.
4. Follow the Recipe: Stick to the specified measurements and instructions in the recipe. Vegan baking can be sensitive, and accurate measurements are crucial for success.
5. Vinegar and Baking Soda Activation: The combination of white vinegar and baking soda contributes to the cake's leavening and color. Mix these ingredients just before adding them to the batter to maximize their effectiveness.
6. Preheat the Oven: Ensure that your oven is preheated to the correct temperature before placing the cake in. Consistent temperature is crucial for even baking.
7. Check for Doneness: Use a toothpick or cake tester to check for doneness. To illustrate, insert it into the center of the cake; if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the cake is ready.
8. Level Cake Layers: Once cake layers are completely cool, slice off the dome shape that forms on top of the cake after baking. This will make your cake more stable and visually appealing. You may find this video helpful.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use any type of nondairy milk in a vegan red velvet cake?

Yes, you can use any nondairy milk of your choice, such as almond milk, soy milk, coconut milk, or oat milk. Choose one that complements the flavor profile you desire for your cake.

Is it necessary to use vegan red food coloring, or can I skip it?

While you can skip the red food coloring, it won't result in the classic vibrant red velvet color. To maintain the traditional appearance, consider using natural red food coloring options like beet juice powder.

Can I replace canola oil with another oil in the cake recipe?

Yes, you can use other neutral oils like vegetable or grapeseed oil as a substitute for canola oil. Ensure the oil you choose is suitable for baking.

What is the purpose of white vinegar in the cake recipe?

White vinegar, when combined with baking soda, creates a reaction that helps the cake rise and contributes to its light and fluffy texture. It also enhances the red color of the cake.

FAQ's Continued

Can I make the vegan red velvet cake in advance and freeze it?

Yes, you can freeze the unfrosted cake layers. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. Thaw the layers in the refrigerator before frosting and serving.

What can I substitute for non-hydrogenated shortening in the frosting?

You can replace non-hydrogenated shortening with additional vegan butter in the frosting. This may slightly alter the texture, but it will still result in a delicious frosting.

How can I prevent the cake from sticking to the pan?

Grease and flour the cake pans or use parchment paper to line the bottoms. Additionally, allow the cake to cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring it to a cooling rack.

How to Serve Vegan Red Velvet Cake

Serving vegan red velvet cake can be a fun and even festive experience, and there are various ways to present and enjoy it. Here are some suggestions on how to serve vegan red velvet cake:

1. Classic Cake Slices: Cut the cake into even slices and serve them on dessert plates. This traditional approach allows individuals to enjoy a generous portion of the cake.
2. Layered Cake Presentation: If you've made a layered cake, consider displaying it on a cake stand. This showcases the layers and makes for an impressive centerpiece for special occasions.
3. Garnish with Fresh Berries: Add a touch of freshness by garnishing each serving with fresh berries like raspberries or strawberries. The vibrant colors complement the red velvet cake and provide a burst of flavor.
4. Dusting of Cocoa Powder: Dust the top of the cake slices or cupcakes with a light sprinkle of cocoa powder for an elegant finishing touch. To explain, this adds a subtle chocolatey flavor.
5. Serve with Vegan Ice Cream: Accompany slices of red velvet cake with a scoop of your favorite vegan ice cream. The combination of warm cake and cold ice cream is a delightful contrast.
6. Drizzle with Vegan Chocolate Sauce: Elevate the presentation by drizzling vegan chocolate sauce over individual cake slices. This adds richness and an extra layer of indulgence.
7. Include Edible Flowers: For a decorative touch, consider placing edible flowers on top of the cake or around the serving platter. Make sure the flowers are safe for consumption.
8. Pair with Coffee or Tea: Serve the cake with a side of coffee or tea. The slightly bitter notes of coffee or the varied flavors of tea can complement the sweetness of the red velvet cake.

How to Store Vegan Red Velvet Cake

Proper storage is essential to maintain the freshness and quality of your vegan red velvet cake. Here's how to store it effectively:

1. Refrigeration for Cream Cheese Frosting: If your vegan red velvet cake is frosted with cream cheese frosting, store it in the refrigerator. Cream cheese is perishable, and refrigeration helps prevent spoilage. Cover the cake with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container to avoid drying out.
2. Freezing for Long-Term Storage: For longer storage, consider freezing the cake. To illustrate, wrap individual, unfrosted cake layers tightly in plastic wrap, followed by aluminum foil. Label and date the packaging. Frozen vegan red velvet cake can typically be stored for up to a month.
3. Thawing Frozen Cake: When ready to enjoy the frozen cake, transfer it from the freezer to the refrigerator and let it thaw overnight. This gradual thawing helps maintain the cake's texture. Once thawed, bring the cake to room temperature before frosting and serving.
4. Avoid Refrigeration for Unfrosted Cakes: If your vegan red velvet cake is unfrosted and you plan to consume it within a day, you can store it at room temperature. Just ensure it's also covered to prevent it from drying out.
5. Keep Away from Odors: Whether stored in the refrigerator or at room temperature, be cautious about placing the cake near strong-smelling foods. Cakes can absorb odors, affecting their flavor.
6. Use Airtight Containers: If you have individual slices or cupcakes, placing them in airtight containers can help preserve freshness.
7. Protect Frosting with Plastic Wrap: When storing a frosted cake in the refrigerator, press a piece of plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the frosting before covering the entire cake. This helps prevent the frosting from absorbing any refrigerator odors.

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