affordable vegan cake recipes

Why Choose Vegan Cakes?

Vegan cakes have risen in popularity due to their cruelty-free ingredients and health benefits. They are usually lower in cholesterol and saturated fat, making them a heart-friendly option. Moreover, with the increasing availability of affordable ingredients, preparing delectable vegan cakes has never been easier or more budget-friendly.

Ingredients Overview

When preparing vegan cakes, several key ingredients can be sourced affordably:

Flours: All-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, or gluten-free alternatives.
Sweeteners: Sugar, maple syrup, agave nectar, or coconut sugar.
Fats: Vegetable oil, coconut oil, or nut butters.
Leavening Agents: Baking soda or baking powder.
Liquids: Non-dairy milk (like almond or soy), water, or fruit purees.
Fruits and Vegetables: Bananas, applesauce, carrots, and zucchini can add both moisture and flavor.

Classic Vegan Vanilla Cake

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup non-dairy milk
1/3 cup vegetable oil
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
In another bowl, whisk together the non-dairy milk, oil, and vanilla.
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Mix until combined but do not overmix.
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and bake for 25-30 minutes.
Allow cooling before frosting.

Chocolate Vegan Cake

Ingredients

1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup cocoa powder
1 cup granulated sugar
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup non-dairy milk
1/3 cup vegetable oil
1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
In a bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
Mix the non-dairy milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla in another bowl.
Combine the wet and dry ingredients until just mixed.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes.
Let it cool before serving.

Lemon Vegan Cake with Coconut Frosting

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup non-dairy milk
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1/4 cup lemon juice
Zest of 1 lemon
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt

Coconut Frosting:

1 cup coconut cream
1 cup powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two round cake pans.
Whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
In another bowl, combine non-dairy milk, oil, lemon juice, and lemon zest.
Combine the wet and dry ingredients until smooth.
Divide the batter and bake for 25 minutes.
For frosting, beat coconut cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until fluffy.
Level the cakes and frost between layers and on top.

Carrot Cake with Cashew Cream

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups grated carrots
1 cup granulated sugar
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 cup non-dairy milk

Cashew Cream:

1 cup soaked cashews
1/4 cup maple syrup
1/2 cup non-dairy milk

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a cake pan.
Mix flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and cinnamon in a bowl.
Stir in grated carrots, oil, and non-dairy milk.
Pour into the pan and bake for 30-35 minutes.
For cashew cream, blend soaked cashews, maple syrup, and non-dairy milk until creamy.
Let the cake cool, then frost with cashew cream.

Chocolate Banana Cake

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2)
1/2 cup cocoa powder
1 cup granulated sugar
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 cup non-dairy milk

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8-inch square pan.
In a bowl, mix flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and sugar.
In another bowl, mix oil, non-dairy milk, and mashed bananas.
Combine the wet and dry ingredients. Pour into the pan and bake for 25 minutes.
Cool before serving.

Pumpkin Spice Cake

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup pumpkin puree
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp nutmeg
1/4 tsp salt

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a round cake pan.
In a bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
Mix in the pumpkin puree and oil until smooth.
Pour into the pan and bake for 30 minutes.
Allow cooling before serving.

Red Velvet Vegan Cake

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp cocoa powder
1 cup non-dairy milk
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 tbsp red food coloring
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 tsp salt

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9-inch round pans.
Whisk flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
In another bowl, mix non-dairy milk, oil, food coloring, and vanilla.
Combine wet and dry ingredients. Pour into prepared pans.
Bake for 25 minutes. Cool and frost as desired.

Easy Vegan Chocolate Mint Cake

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup cocoa powder
1 cup granulated sugar
2 tsp baking soda
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 cup non-dairy milk
1/2 tsp peppermint extract

Mint Chocolate Frosting:

1/2 cup coconut oil
1/4 cup cocoa powder
1 cup powdered sugar
1/2 tsp peppermint extract

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a square baking dish.
Combine flour, cocoa, sugar, and baking soda in a bowl.
In another bowl, mix oil, non-dairy milk, and peppermint extract.
Combine wet and dry ingredients, then pour into the baking dish.
Bake for 30 minutes. Cool.
For frosting, whip coconut oil, cocoa, powdered sugar, and peppermint. Frost the cake.

Vanilla Almond Cake

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup sugar
1 cup almond milk
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 tsp almond extract
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan.
In a bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Add almond milk, oil, and almond extract. Mix well.
Pour into the loaf pan and bake for 45 minutes.
Cool before slicing.

Vanilla Chai Cake

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup sugar
1 cup chai tea (brewed and cooled)
1/2 cup oil
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp nutmeg
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp salt

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a round cake pan.
Mix flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, nutmeg, and cinnamon in a bowl.
Add chai tea and oil. Mix until well combined.
Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes.
Let cool before serving.

Funfetti Vegan Cake

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup non-dairy milk
1/3 cup vegetable oil
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup vegan sprinkles

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a round cake pan.
In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Combine non-dairy milk and oil in another bowl, then mix with dry ingredients.
Fold in sprinkles gently.
Bake for 25-30 minutes, then cool and frost if desired.

Peanut Butter Swirl Cake

Ingredients

1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup natural peanut butter
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1 cup non-dairy milk

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a round cake pan.
Mix flour, sugar, baking powder, and baking soda in a bowl.
In another bowl, whisk peanut butter, non-dairy milk together.
Combine wet and dry ingredients. Swirl extra peanut butter into the batter.
Bake for about 30 minutes and cool before enjoying.

Strawberry Vegan Cake

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup sugar
1 cup chopped strawberries
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1 cup non-dairy milk

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a round cake pan.
Mix flour, sugar, baking powder, and baking soda in a bowl.
In a separate bowl, blend oil and non-dairy milk.
Fold in strawberries and mix well. Pour into a prepared pan.
Bake for 25-30 minutes. Cool before serving.

Coconut Vegan Cake

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup sugar
1 cup coconut milk
1/4 cup coconut oil
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
Shredded coconut for topping

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a cake pan.
Mix together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Combine coconut oil and coconut milk in a bowl, then mix with dry ingredients.
Pour into the cake pan and bake for 30-35 minutes.
Cool and top with shredded coconut before serving.

Spiced Apple Cake

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup sugar
1 cup chopped apples
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp nutmeg
1/4 tsp salt

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a round cake pan.
Combine flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt in a bowl.
Mix in chopped apples, oil, and enough water to create a batter.
Pour into the cake pan and bake for 35-40 minutes.
Cool before serving.

Moringa Vegan Cake

Ingredients

1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup sugar
1/4 cup moringa powder
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1 cup non-dairy milk
1/4 cup vegetable oil

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a round cake pan.
Mix flour, sugar, moringa powder, baking powder, and baking soda.
In another bowl, combine non-dairy milk and vegetable oil.
Mix wet and dry ingredients before pouring into the prepared pan.
Bake for about 30 minutes. Cool and serve.

Berry Vegan Cake

Ingredients

2 cups mixed berries (fresh or frozen)
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup sugar
1 cup non-dairy milk
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a round cake pan.
In a bowl, mix together flour, sugar, baking powder, and baking soda.
Add non-dairy milk and oil, then fold in berries.
Pour the batter into the pan and bake for 30-35 minutes.
Allow to cool and enjoy.

Confetti Vegan Cake

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 cup non-dairy milk
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup vegan sprinkles

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a round cake pan.
Combine flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a bowl.
Mix in oil, non-dairy milk, and vanilla extract.
Fold in sprinkles, pour batter into the pan, and bake for 25-30 minutes.
Cool before serving.

Chocolate Chip Vegan Cake

Ingredients

1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 cup non-dairy milk
1 tsp baking soda
1 cup vegan chocolate chips

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a round cake pan.
In a bowl, combine flour, sugar, and baking soda.
Stir in oil, non-dairy milk, and chocolate chips.
Pour the batter into the cake pan and bake for 30 minutes.
Cool before cutting and serving.

Almond Joy Vegan Cake

Ingredients

1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup sugar
1 cup coconut milk
1/2 cup almond butter
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 cup chopped almonds
1/2 cup vegan chocolate chips

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a round cake pan.
In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, and baking powder.
Combine almond butter and coconut milk in another bowl, then mix wet and dry ingredients.
Fold in chopped almonds and chocolate chips, pour into the pan, and bake for 30-35 minutes.
Let cool before slicing.

Simple Peanut Butter Cake

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup peanut butter
1 cup non-dairy milk
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a cake pan.
Mix all dry ingredients in a bowl, combining flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
In another bowl, mix peanut butter and non-dairy milk until smooth.
Combine all ingredients, pour into the pan, and bake for 25-30 minutes.
Allow cooling and enjoy.

Lime Vegan Cake

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 cup lime juice (fresh)
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
Zest of 1 lime

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a cake pan.
Mix flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and lime zest in a bowl.
Add oil and lime juice, mixing until smooth.
Pour into the cake pan and bake for 30-35 minutes.
Allow cooling and serve.

Choco-Orange Vegan Cake

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup cocoa powder
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 cup orange juice
1 tsp baking soda
Zest of 1 orange

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a round cake pan.
Combine flour, sugar, cocoa powder, and baking soda in a bowl.
Gradually mix in oil and orange juice, adding zest last.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30 minutes.
Cool before serving.

Chocolate Coconut Cake

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup sugar
1 cup coconut milk
1/2 cup cocoa powder
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 cup shredded coconut

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a round cake pan.
In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, cocoa powder, and baking powder.
Add coconut milk and oil; mix well.
Stir in shredded coconut and pour into the pan.
Bake for about 30-35 minutes, cool and serve.

Zucchini Chocolate Cake

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup cocoa powder
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1 cup grated zucchini
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 cup non-dairy milk

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a round cake pan.
In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and baking soda.
In another bowl, combine grated zucchini, oil, and non-dairy milk.
Mix wet and dry ingredients and pour into the pan.
Bake for 30 minutes and cool before serving.

Mocha Cake

Ingredients

1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup cocoa powder
1 cup brewed coffee (cooled)
1/3 cup vegetable oil
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a cake pan.
In a bowl, combine flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Add cooled coffee and oil, mix well, and pour into the pan.
Bake for 30-35 minutes and allow cooling before slicing.

Banana-Peanut Butter Cake

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup peanut butter
1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2)
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 cup non-dairy milk

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a cake pan.
Combine flour, sugar, and baking powder in a bowl.
In another bowl, mix peanut butter, bananas, and non-dairy milk until smooth.
Combine mixtures and pour into the pan. Bake for 30 minutes. Cool before serving.

Chai Pumpkin Cake

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup pumpkin puree
1 cup sugar
1 tsp chai spice mix
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 cup non-dairy milk

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a round cake pan.
Mix flour, sugar, chai spice, and baking powder in a bowl.
Add pumpkin puree, oil, and non-dairy milk, mixing until smooth.
Pour the batter into the pan and bake for 30-35 minutes. Cool before serving.

Yummy Vegan Strawberry Cake

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup sliced strawberries
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 cup non-dairy milk
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a round cake pan.
Combine flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a bowl.
Mix in non-dairy milk and oil, then fold in strawberries.
Pour the batter into the pan and bake for 30-35 minutes. Cool before cutting.

Vegan Maple Walnut Cake

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup maple syrup
1 cup non-dairy milk
1/2 cup walnuts (chopped)
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a round cake pan.
In a bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, and baking soda.
Mixing maple syrup and non-dairy milk into dry ingredients until blended.
Fold in walnuts, pour the batter into the pan, and bake for 30 minutes.
Allow cooling before serving.

Chocolate Orange Cake

Ingredients

1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup cocoa powder
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 cup orange juice
Zest of one orange
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a round cake pan.
Mix flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and baking soda in a bowl.
Add orange juice, zest, and oil; blend until smooth.
Pour into the pan and bake for 30-35 minutes. Cool and frost if desired.

Rhubarb Lemon Cake

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup sugar
1 cup rhubarb, chopped
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 cup non-dairy milk
1 tsp baking powder
Zest of one lemon
Juice of one lemon

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a round cake pan.
In a bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, and chopped rhubarb.
Add oil, non-dairy milk, lemon juice, and zest. Mix well.
Pour into the pan and bake for 30-35 minutes. Cool before enjoying.

Cinnamon Sugar Vegan Cake

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup sugar
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1 cup non-dairy milk
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a round cake pan.
Mix flour, sugar, cinnamon, baking powder, and baking soda in a bowl.
Combine water, non-dairy milk, and oil. Blend with dry ingredients.
Pour into the pan and bake for 30-35 minutes. Dust with cinnamon sugar before serving.

Blueberry Oat Cake

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup oats
1 cup sugar
1 cup non-dairy milk
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 tsp baking powder
1 cup blueberries

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan.
Combine flour, oats, sugar, and baking powder.
Mix non-dairy milk and oil in another bowl.
Gradually combine wet and dry ingredients, and fold in blueberries.
Pour into the loaf pan and bake for 40-50 minutes. Cool before slicing.

These affordable vegan cake recipes not only cater to a variety of tastes but also utilize budget-friendly ingredients that are widely available. With both classic and innovative flavors included, there’s something for every vegan sweet tooth!