Vegan Wedding Cake: Delicious, Sustainable, And Cruelty-Free

A vegan wedding cake is a type of cake that is made without using any animal-based ingredients. No meat, dairy, or eggs are used to prepare the cake. Instead, vegan cakes are made with plant-based ingredients such as flaxseeds, fruit extracts, and coconut oil. Vegan cakes come in various flavours and types, ranging from classic vanilla to decadent dark chocolate.

Vegan wedding cakes are made up of a combination of plant-based ingredients that work together to create a delicious and healthy dessert. The base of a vegan wedding cake is usually a cake flour mixture, which can vary depending on the cake recipe. The most common types of cake flour used in traditional baking are whole wheat, spelt, or all-purpose flour.

Dairy products like milk and buttercream are replaced with alternatives like almond milk, rice milk, or coconut milk and oil to bind the ingredients together and create a moist, fluffy texture. These ingredients also create creaminess in frosting and toppings in vegan recipes.

Vegan wedding cakes are also commonly enriched with natural sweeteners like agave, maple syrup, or coconut sugar. These sweeteners are lower in calories than traditional sugar and provide a healthier alternative.

Vegan cake ingredients

Vegan cakes are made from plant-based ingredients, and they are free from animal products such as meat, dairy, and eggs. The base of a vegan cake is usually a cake flour mixture, such as whole wheat, spelt, or all-purpose flour. Vegan bakers replace dairy products like milk and buttercream with alternatives like almond milk, rice milk, coconut milk, or oil. These ingredients also add creaminess to the frosting and toppings.

Vegan cakes are also sweetened with natural sweeteners like agave, maple syrup, or coconut sugar, which are lower in calories than traditional sugar.

• White rice flour: This gives the cake lightness and better binding than brown rice flour. It helps create a soft and tender gluten-free cake.
• Cornstarch: It helps make the cake fluffy and acts as an egg replacement. It is crucial for achieving a light and fluffy texture in gluten-free baked goods.
• Full-fat coconut milk: It provides moisture and lightness to the cake.
• Coconut butter: It adds richness and a buttery taste to the cake, making it moist and delicious.
• Cane sugar: White cane sugar is used for a special occasion like a wedding cake to achieve a whiter colour and a traditional taste.
• Vegan butter: It is an essential ingredient in vegan buttercream frosting, giving it a traditional taste and structure.
• Applesauce: It is used to make the cake moist and tender.
• Vegan buttermilk: It is made by combining dairy-free milk with apple cider vinegar and is used in place of regular buttermilk.
• Baking powder and baking soda: These leavening agents help the cake rise and give it a light and fluffy texture.
• Salt: It enhances the flavour of the cake and balances the sweetness.
• Vanilla extract: It adds a subtle, sweet flavour to the cake.
• Cocoa powder: It is used to make chocolate vegan cakes, adding a rich and indulgent flavour.

These ingredients come together to create delicious and cruelty-free vegan cakes that can be just as moist, fluffy, and flavourful as traditional cakes.

Vegan cake flavours

Vegan cakes are made without animal-derived ingredients such as eggs, dairy, or other animal by-products. They are made using plant-based ingredients such as flaxseeds, fruit extracts, and coconut oil.

There are many flavours of vegan cakes, some of which are listed below:

Vanilla Cake

A vegan vanilla cake typically features a light and fluffy texture with a subtle flavour. This cake can be made with plant-based milk, oil, flour, and sugar and decorated with fresh fruits or frosting for a more indulgent treat.

Chocolate Cake

A vegan chocolate cake uses cocoa powder and plant-based ingredients such as almond milk and coconut oil. This rich and indulgent vegan butter cake has a moist texture that will satisfy any chocolate lover’s cravings.

Banana Cake

For those who prefer a lighter and fruitier option, a vegan banana cake made with bananas can be perfect. These cakes are often fluffy and moist, with a natural sweetness from ripe bananas. They are also easy to make, with just a few ingredients, including flour, baking soda, powder, and mashed bananas.

Red Velvet Cake

Red velvet cake is a classic flavour that can be easily adapted for a vegan diet. To nail the frosting, make sure you choose a good vegan cream cheese alternative. Also, steer clear of regular red food colouring, as many contain carmine (E120), which is not vegetarian or vegan. Instead, opt for natural alternatives such as beetroot or paprika.

Lemon Cake

Lemon is a great natural flavour for a vegan wedding cake. It can also make the sponge more fluffy, as the lemon juice reacts with plant-based milk to create a vegan buttermilk.

Coconut Cake

Coconut cake is a tasty option for a summer wedding. Coconut cake will bring a fluffy freshness to your big day while also holding up well in warmer temperatures.

Carrot Cake

Carrot cake is another smart choice for a plant-based alternative. The rich creaminess of almond milk, the texture and flavour of chia seeds, smooth pineapple and zesty oranges can be added to create a flavoursome carrot cake. The slightly unconventional flavour and texture of carrot cake will also make guests less likely to notice that they're eating a vegan dessert.

Vegan cake health benefits

Vegan wedding cakes are becoming increasingly popular, and it's not hard to see why. They are a great way to cater to those with dietary restrictions, such as vegans and those with allergies, without sacrificing taste. But are vegan cakes healthy? Well, they are certainly healthier than non-vegan cakes. Here are some of the health benefits of vegan cakes:

Lower Cholesterol

Vegan cakes lack animal-based ingredients like eggs and dairy, which are rich in cholesterol. High cholesterol levels are associated with an increased risk of heart disease. So, by choosing a vegan cake, you can indulge in a sweet treat without worrying about negatively impacting your cholesterol levels.

Reduced Saturated Fats

Traditional cakes often rely on butter, a source of saturated fats. Excessive saturated fat consumption can lead to health issues like obesity and cardiovascular disease. Vegan cakes usually use healthier fats like coconut oil or cocoa butter, reducing saturated fat intake and promoting better heart health.

Better Blood Sugar Control

Vegan cake recipes often use natural sweeteners with a lower glycemic index than refined sugar, such as agave nectar, coconut sugar, or maple syrup. These alternatives have a milder effect on blood sugar levels, which can be beneficial for individuals who need to manage their blood sugar, such as those with diabetes.

More Fibre

Vegan cakes often include ingredients like whole wheat flour or fruits, which are rich in dietary fibre. Fibre aids digestion, promotes a feeling of fullness, and helps stabilise blood sugar levels. This contributes to a healthier diet and can help with weight management.

Nutrient-Rich

Vegan cakes can be packed with essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants from ingredients like coconut, carrots, bananas, and dried fruits. These nutrients support overall health and well-being, and can help boost your immune system.

Reduced Allergen Risk

Traditional cakes often contain common allergens like dairy and eggs, which can cause issues for individuals with allergies or sensitivities. Vegan cakes eliminate these allergens, making them a safer dessert option for those with dietary restrictions.

Vegan cakes are not only delicious but also offer several health benefits. They are a great choice for those looking for a sweet treat that is healthier and more inclusive.

Vegan cake baking tips

Vegan cakes are made without any animal-based products, including meat, eggs, and dairy. Instead, they use plant-based alternatives to create a delicious, cruelty-free dessert. Here are some tips to help you bake the perfect vegan cake:

• Use the right ingredients: Vegan cakes typically use plant-based milk (such as almond, rice, or coconut milk), oil or vegan butter, and natural sweeteners like agave, maple syrup, or coconut sugar.
• Binding agents: One of the challenges in vegan baking is replacing eggs as a binding agent. Be sure to use enough egg replacement; otherwise, your cake may turn out crumbly.
• Moisture: To ensure your vegan cake is moist and fluffy, use ingredients like applesauce, vegan buttermilk, and oil. These ingredients work together to create a soft and tender cake.
• Flavour: Vegan cakes can be just as flavourful as traditional cakes. Chocolate cake is a popular option and can be made with cocoa powder and plant-based milk. You can also add in flavour enhancers like rose or lavender for a unique twist.
• Frosting: When it comes to frosting, vegan buttercreams are a great option. They can be made with vegan butter and powdered sugar, creating a rich and creamy texture.
• Decorations: Decorating a vegan cake might be a bit tricky as ready-to-use vegan cake decorations can be hard to find. Fresh flowers, dried fruits, or vegan-friendly sprinkles can be great options to add some colour and creativity to your cake.

By following these tips and choosing the right ingredients, you can bake a delicious and stunning vegan cake that everyone will enjoy, regardless of their dietary preferences!

Vegan cake alternatives

Vegan wedding cakes are a great way to cater to all your guests' dietary requirements. But if you're looking for something a little different, there are plenty of alternatives to a traditional tiered cake.

Pies

Pies are a popular wedding dessert, often contributed by family and friends, so no one has to overspend. You can find traditional and allergy-friendly options, such as:

• Sourdough Pie Crust
• Ultimate Lard Pie Crust
• Best Gluten-Free Crust
• Best Paleo Pie Crust
• Strawberry Rhubarb Pie
• Blackberry Pie

Non-cake cakes

Non-cake wedding cakes are becoming increasingly popular. Some fun and creative ideas include:

• Towers of brie wheels with fruit and herbs
• Tiered donuts
• Individual strawberry shortcakes
• Cheese wheel wedding cakes
• Macaron towers

Ice cream

If you're looking for something a little more unconventional, why not try a peppermint ice cream cake? It's sure to be a refreshing treat for your guests!

Frequently asked questions