5 Healthy Vegan Cake Ideas That Taste Indulgent
Let’s be honest: “Healthy” and “Cake” are two words that often seem like they shouldn’t go together. When we think of cake, we think of butter, eggs, and mountains of white sugar. When we think of vegan baking, there is sometimes a fear that the result will be dry, crumbly, or taste a little too much like… cardboard. Look no further with these healthy vegan cake ideas!
But the world of plant-based baking has evolved. You can absolutely bake cakes that are moist, decadent, and sweet, all while nourishing your body with wholesome ingredients.
Whether you are a committed vegan, trying to cut back on store bought cakes, or just looking to sneak some extra nutrients into your dessert, here are 5 healthy vegan cake ideas that will satisfy your sweet tooth whilst adding a nutrient boost.
Easy Vegan Chocolate Cake
This easy vegan chocolate cake from BBC Good Food is an indulgent tasty treat. It’s rich, fudgey – and you’d never guess it’s gluten-free and with avocado!
1: The “I can’t believe it’s healthy”: Easy Vegan Chocolate Cake
This is the perfect chocolate cake to surprise others with the secret ingredient: avocado. People will be amazed when eating this indulgent, rich fudgey cake when finding out the frosting is made with creamy avocado.
- The Healthy Secret: Avocado in the frosting.
- The Flour: Gluten-free flour.
- Why it works: The avocado provides healthy fats and creates a fudge-like, brownie consistency. Perfect!
You can get the full recipe from BBC Good Food by clicking here.
Get a Vegan Nutrition printable here
Easy Vegan Lemon Blueberry Cake
This vegan lemon blueberry cake is made with only 7 ingredients and comes together in one bowl! It’s soft, moist, has the perfect crumb and isn’t too sweet.
2: The Zesty One: Easy Vegan Lemon Blueberry Cake
This is the perfect cake for afternoon tea or dessert in the evening. It is fluffy, moist, golden, and easy to make.
- The Flavour: Fresh lemon zest and juice, plus a heap of blueberries.
- The Texture: Fluffy, moist, and the perfect crumb.
- Pro Tip: If you want a glaze, mix a little icing (powdered) sugar with lemon juice and drizzle it over the top.
You can get the full recipe from Rainbow Nourishments by clicking here.
Vegan Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
A delicious eggless and dairy-free version of carrot layer cake, which is filled and topped with creamy vegan cream cheese frosting. It is so good you won’t be able to tell the difference!
3: The Classic Upgrade: Vegan Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
Is it healthy? Maybe. If you call a delicious, moist cake layered with vegan frosting and with a heap of carrot inside…then yes, it is healthy.
- The Spice: Cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger are non-negotiable.
- The Veggie: The classic grated carrot.
- The Frosting: A vegan cream cheese frosting that makes a lusciously smooth and creamy frosting.
You can get the full recipe from Domestic Gothess by clicking here.
Get a Vegan Nutrition printable here
Vegan Pineapple Upside Down Cake
This delicious vegan pineapple upside-down cake is moist, rich and topped with pineapple, cherries and caramelised brown sugar.
4: The Fruity One: Vegan Pineapple Upside Down Cake
A simple fruit cake that is easy to make yet looks super fancy and colourful. The brown sugar topping with the fruit will create a sweet deliicous caramelised flavour.
- The Sweetener: Soft brown sugar to make it caramelised on top.
- The Mix-ins: Pineapple juice mixed in adds to the overall fruity cake delight.
- Why it works: Pineapple juice is added to the cake batter and you have brown sugar caramelising on the top with those pineapple slices and cherries and the result is really spectacular.
You can get the full recipe from Loving It Vegan by clicking here.
Vegan Raspberry Cheesecake (No-Bake)
Vegan raspberry cheesecake – this easy, no-bake vegan cheesecake is light, soft, creamy, tangy and utterly addictive!
5: The Raw One: Vegan Raspberry Cheesecake (No-Bake)
If you’re looking for a raw dessert for preserving more of the nutrients from the ingredients, or simply want to avoid baking a dessert, then this raw vegan raspberry cheesecake may hit the sweet spot!
- The Crust: A mix of biscuits and vegan butter.
- The Filling: Soaked cashews blended with vegan cream cheese, vegan butter, fresh raspberries, and lemon juice with other ingredients until silky smooth.
- Why it works: It’s simple, fruity, and looks stunningly beautiful. It’s perfect for hot summer days when you don’t want to turn on the oven.
You can get the full recipe from Domestic Gothess by clicking here.
3 Tips for Vegan Baking Success
- Don’t overmix: When using healthy flours like oat or spelt, overmixing can result in a gummy texture. Mix just until combined.
- Let it cool: Vegan cakes can be more fragile than egg-based cakes when they are hot. Let them cool completely in the pan to allow the structure to set before you try to slice them.
- Taste as you go: Since there are no raw eggs, you can safely taste your batter! Adjust the spices or sweetness to your liking before popping it in the oven.
Get a Vegan Nutrition printable here
Frequently Asked Questions About Healthy Vegan Cake Recipes
Conclusion
To make a healthy vegan cake it can be fun, easy and simple whilst making it delicious with some fresh healthy ingredients alongside the sugary delight.
As mole so famously says from the beloved Charlie Mackesy book:
“If at first you don't succeed, have some cake.'
'I see. Does it work?'
'Every time.”
― Charlie Mackesy, The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse
There is always space for a delicious sweet treat with a healthy mind towards a {slightly} healthy sweet cake!
Which one of these are you trying first? Let me know in the comments below!
