Vegan coconut cake recipe

Here’s a recipe for vegan coconut cake:

Ingredients for Vegan coconut cake recipe:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup coconut milk (canned)
• 1/2 cup coconut oil, melted
• 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon coconut extract (optional)
• 1 cup shredded coconut (plus extra for topping)

For the frosting:

• 1/2 cup vegan butter, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 2-3 tablespoons coconut milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, mix together the coconut milk, melted coconut oil, applesauce, vanilla extract, and coconut extract (if using).
4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. Fold in the shredded coconut.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and spread it out evenly.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
8. While the cake is cooling, prepare the frosting. In a mixing bowl, beat the vegan butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, coconut milk, and vanilla extract, beating until smooth and fluffy.
9. Once the cake has cooled completely, frost the top and sides with the frosting. Sprinkle additional shredded coconut on top for decoration if desired.
10. Slice and serve your delicious vegan coconut cake! Enjoy!

FAQs

• Why is my vegan cake not fluffy?

Vegan cakes may not turn out as fluffy as traditional cakes because they lack the structure provided by eggs. Eggs act as a binding and leavening agent in conventional baking, helping the cake rise and achieve a light, airy texture. In vegan baking, substitutes like flaxseed meal, applesauce, or mashed banana are often used to replace eggs, but they may not provide the same level of lift and structure. To improve the fluffiness of your vegan cake, consider experimenting with different egg substitutes or incorporating ingredients like baking powder and baking soda to enhance leavening.

• Why are vegan cakes so crumbly?

Vegan cakes can be more prone to crumbling compared to traditional cakes due to the absence of eggs and dairy. Eggs help bind the ingredients together and create a cohesive structure, while dairy products like milk and butter add moisture and richness, contributing to a smoother texture. In vegan baking, ingredients like flax eggs or aquafaba (the liquid from canned chickpeas) are commonly used as substitutes for eggs, but they may not provide the same binding properties. Additionally, vegan cakes may contain alternative flours or starches, which can affect the texture. To reduce crumbliness, consider adjusting the ratio of wet to dry ingredients, adding a bit more moisture such as plant-based milk or oil, or incorporating ingredients like ground chia seeds or agar agar to improve binding.

• Why is my vegan cake chewy?

A vegan cake may turn out chewy if it’s overmixed or if certain ingredients, such as gluten-free flours or starches, are used in excess. Overmixing can develop gluten in the batter, resulting in a dense and chewy texture. Additionally, some alternative flours or starches used in vegan baking, such as almond flour or tapioca starch, may contribute to chewiness if not balanced properly with other ingredients. To avoid chewiness, mix the batter until just combined, and consider experimenting with different flour blends or adding ingredients like baking powder to promote a lighter texture.

• What is vegan cake made of?

Vegan cakes are made without any animal-derived ingredients, such as eggs, dairy, or honey. Instead, they rely on plant-based substitutes to achieve similar flavors and textures. Common ingredients in vegan cake recipes include flour (such as all-purpose flour or alternative flours like almond flour or coconut flour), sugar, plant-based milk (such as almond milk, coconut milk, or soy milk), oil or vegan butter, leavening agents (such as baking powder and baking soda), and various flavorings like vanilla extract or spices. Additionally, vegan cakes may incorporate ingredients like applesauce, mashed banana, flax eggs, or aquafaba to replace eggs and provide moisture and binding.