Vanilla Cake Recipe Dairy-Free || Healthy

One of my best older experiences was baking a delicious, vanilla cake recipe dairy-free for my best friend’s birthday. I wanted to make something special, so I found a simple yet perfect dairy-free vanilla cake recipe.

The ingredients included flour, sugar, almond milk, applesauce, and dairy-free butter. I carefully mixed them together and baked the cake at just the right temperature.

The moment it came out of the oven, the smell filled the house, and I knew it was going to be perfect. I topped the cake with a smooth dairy-free vanilla buttercream, and my friend loved it!

The joy of baking something from scratch and seeing her face light up made it a memory I cherish.

Why We Love This Recipe

We love this vanilla cake recipe dairy-free because it’s not only incredibly delicious but also light and fluffy, making it a perfect treat for everyone, regardless of dietary needs.

The combination of simple, wholesome ingredients like almond milk, applesauce, and dairy-free butter creates a moist cake with a rich flavor.

The smooth, creamy buttercream frosting adds the perfect finishing touch, making every bite a delight. It’s easy to make, adaptable for different occasions, and satisfies those with dietary restrictions without compromising on taste or texture.

This vanilla cake recipe dairy-free brings joy to both bakers and eaters alike, making it a favorite for celebrations or just a sweet indulgence.

How To Prepare Vanilla Cake Recipe Dairy-Free?

Recipe Details

Preparation Time: 15 minutes

Cooking Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Calories: 380 (Per Serving)

Yield: 12 servings

Kitchen Utensils Required

• 9-inch round cake pan or angel food cake pan
• Electric mixer or hand whisk
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Spatula
• Cooling rack
• Piping bag (optional, for buttercream)

Ingredients

For Cake:

• 2 1/2 cups cake flour
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/8 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup almond milk (or any dairy-free milk)
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 2 large eggs (room temperature)
• 2/3 cup (151g) dairy-free salted butter (room temperature)

For Dairy-Free Vanilla Buttercream:

• 2 cups (454g) dairy-free salted butter (room temperature)
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup almond milk (or any dairy-free milk)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon fine sea salt

How To Make Step-by-Step Instructions

1. For the Cake:

1. Preheat the Oven:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line the cake pan with parchment paper, ensuring the sides are greased as well.

2. Mix Dry Ingredients:

In a large mixing bowl, sift together the cake flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

3. Combine Wet Ingredients:

In another bowl, whisk together the almond milk, vegetable oil, applesauce, vanilla extract, and apple cider vinegar.

4. Beat Eggs & Butter:

In a separate bowl, cream the dairy-free butter with an electric mixer until light and fluffy. Add in the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.

5. Combine the Mixtures:

Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing until well combined.

6. Bake the Cake:

Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top. Bake for about 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.

7. Cool the Cake:

Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a cooling rack to cool completely.

2. For the Dairy-Free Vanilla Buttercream:

1. Cream Butter:

In a mixing bowl, beat the dairy-free butter using an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.

2. Add Sugar & Liquid:

Gradually add in the powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, alternating with almond milk, until the buttercream reaches a smooth consistency. Add in the vanilla extract and fine sea salt, and mix until combined.

3. Frost the Cake:

Once the cake has cooled completely, frost the cake with the dairy-free vanilla buttercream. You can either spread the frosting with a spatula or pipe it for a decorative look.

4. Serve & Enjoy:

Slice the cake, serve, and enjoy your delicious strawberry angel food cake!!

Special Notes

Note 1: This Vanilla Cake Recipe Dairy-Free can easily be made gluten-free by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just ensure that the blend is a 1:1 substitution for regular flour.

Note 2: Feel free to experiment with different dairy-free milks, such as coconut milk or oat milk, to find the flavor and texture you prefer. Each type of milk can subtly change the taste and consistency of the cake.

Is Vanilla Cake Recipe Dairy-Free Healthy?

When it comes to enjoying desserts, balance is key. A Vanilla Cake Recipe Dairy-Free can be a healthier option compared to traditional cakes, especially for those with dietary restrictions or preferences. Let’s break down some of the health aspects of this Vanilla Cake Recipe Dairy-Free.

Health Benefits

1. Dairy-Free: This cake is free from dairy, making it suitable for those who are lactose intolerant, have dairy allergies, or follow a vegan diet.

2. Lower in Saturated Fats: Using vegetable oil and dairy-free margarine or vegan butter reduces the amount of saturated fats compared to butter and whole milk used in traditional recipes.

3. Applesauce: Replacing some of the oil with unsweetened applesauce helps cut down on calories and adds natural sweetness, fiber, and vitamins.

4. Almond Milk: Almond milk is lower in calories and fat compared to cow’s milk and provides some vitamins and minerals like Vitamin E and calcium.

Here Are Five Ideas On How To Serve

1. With Fresh Berries

Top your Dairy-Free Vanilla Cake with a variety of fresh berries such as strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries. The vibrant colors and natural sweetness of the berries complement the vanilla flavor and add a refreshing touch.

2. With Coconut Whipped Cream

Make some dairy-free whipped cream using chilled coconut milk. Scoop the solidified cream from the top of the can, whip it until fluffy, and lightly sweeten with powdered sugar or vanilla extract. Serve a dollop alongside each slice of cake.

3. Drizzled with a Fruit Coulis

Prepare a simple fruit coulis by blending fresh or frozen fruits (such as strawberries, raspberries, or mango) with a bit of lemon juice and sweetener. Drizzle this sauce over each slice of cake for an elegant and fruity finish.

4. Layered with Dairy-Free Frosting and Jam

Slice the cake horizontally to create layers. Spread a layer of dairy-free frosting and your favorite jam (like raspberry or apricot) between each layer. This adds extra flavor and visual appeal to the cake.

5. Topped with Toasted Nuts and Shredded Coconut

For a bit of crunch, sprinkle toasted nuts (such as almonds or pecans) and shredded coconut over the frosted cake. This adds a nice texture contrast and a nutty flavor that pairs well with vanilla.

How to Store Vanilla Cake Dairy-Free

To store your Vanilla Cake Recipe Dairy-Free, first ensure it has cooled completely. Cover the cake with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container to keep it moist and prevent it from drying out.

You can store it at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate the cake for up to 5 days.

If you need to keep it even longer, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap, followed by aluminum foil, and freeze it for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

More Vanilla Cake Recipes You’ll Love

Vanilla Smash Cake Recipe || Baby Treat

Vanilla Small Cake Recipe || Easy and Delicious

Sugar Free Vanilla Cake Recipe || Healthy

Boxed Vanilla Cake Recipes – Decorating Ideas

Keto Vanilla Mug Cake Recipe (low-carb)

Conclusion

Baking that Vanilla Cake Recipe Dairy-Free was a true success, not only because it turned out perfectly, but because it brought so much joy to my friend.

It was a rewarding experience that reminded me of the satisfaction that comes from creating something with love and care.

The Vanilla Cake Recipe Dairy-Free wasn’t just about the ingredients; it was about the effort and thoughtfulness that made it special.

That day, I realized how powerful the act of baking can be in creating lasting memories and sharing happiness.

It was a simple, yet meaningful accomplishment that continues to remind me of the joy in small, thoughtful gestures.