Vanilla Cake Recipe Dairy-Free || Healthy

A vanilla cake recipe dairy-free is a delightful alternative for those who need to avoid dairy due to allergies, lactose intolerance, or dietary preferences.

This recipe substitutes traditional dairy ingredients like milk, butter, and cream with plant-based alternatives, such as almond milk, coconut oil, or vegan margarine.

Despite the absence of dairy, the result is a moist, fluffy vanilla cake that retains the classic, rich flavor and tender crumb that fans of vanilla cake love.

Ideal for anyone seeking to enjoy a sweet treat without compromising on taste, this dairy-free vanilla cake proves that delicious desserts can be both inclusive and satisfying.

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

Equipment Needed

• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer or whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• 9-inch round cake pans (2)
• Spatula
• Cooling rack

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup almond milk (or any other dairy-free milk)
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

For the Frosting:

• 1/2 cup dairy-free margarine or vegan butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup almond milk (or any other dairy-free milk)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

How To Make Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.

2. Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

3. Combine Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, mix together the almond milk, vegetable oil, applesauce, vanilla extract, and apple cider vinegar.

4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

5. Bake the Cake

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely.

6. Prepare the Frosting

In a large mixing bowl, beat the dairy-free margarine until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, alternating with the almond milk. Beat until smooth and creamy. Stir in the vanilla extract.

7. Frost the Cake

Once the cakes have cooled completely, spread a layer of frosting on top of one cake. Place the second cake on top and frost the top and sides. Slice and serve!

Special Notes

Note 1: This dairy-free vanilla cake 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 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 cake.

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 Dairy-Free Vanilla Cake, 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.

Conclusion

A vanilla cake recipe dairy free showcases the flexibility and creativity of modern baking, proving that dietary restrictions do not have to mean sacrificing flavor or enjoyment.

A plant-based substitutes, this cake maintains its moist, tender texture and classic vanilla taste, making it a perfect treat for those avoiding dairy.

Its success in delivering a delicious, satisfying dessert demonstrates that with a few thoughtful ingredient swaps, you can cater to diverse dietary needs while still enjoying a sweet, memorable experience.

This cake stands as a testament to the idea that inclusivity in food can be both delicious and delightful.