Creating a vegan wedding cake is a wonderful way to accommodate dietary preferences and ensure that everyone at your celebration can indulge in a sweet treat. Vegan cakes are not only just as delicious as traditional ones, but they can also be creative, elegant, and unique in flavor. Whether you or your guests follow a plant-based diet, a vegan wedding cake can be made to suit all tastes. This guide will take you through a simple and flavorful recipe to create the perfect vegan wedding cake.

Basic Vegan Wedding Cake Recipe

This vegan wedding cake recipe consists of a soft, moist cake base, complemented by a rich and creamy vegan frosting. It is customizable with your favorite flavors, fillings, and decorations.

Ingredients

For the Cake:

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (you can substitute gluten-free flour if needed)

1 1/2 cups granulated sugar (or coconut sugar for a healthier option)

1 tbsp baking powder

1/2 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp salt

1 cup unsweetened almond milk (or any other plant-based milk)

1/2 cup vegetable oil (or coconut oil)

1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (this helps activate the baking soda)

1 tbsp vanilla extract

Optional: 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce or mashed banana for extra moisture

For the Vegan Buttercream Frosting:

1 cup vegan butter (softened)

4 cups powdered sugar

2-3 tbsp almond milk (or any other plant-based milk)

1 tsp vanilla extract

A pinch of salt

Optional Fillings and Flavors:

Fresh berries (like raspberries, blueberries, or strawberries)

Vegan jam or fruit preserves

Vegan chocolate ganache

Flavored extracts (e.g., almond, lemon, or coconut) for variety

Instructions:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line your cake pans with parchment paper. For a standard three-tier wedding cake, you can use three 8-inch round cake pans. If you’re aiming for a larger cake, simply adjust the number of pans accordingly.

Step 2: Prepare the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk the ingredients together to ensure they are evenly distributed.

Step 3: Prepare the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the almond milk, vegetable oil, apple cider vinegar, and vanilla extract. If you are using applesauce or mashed banana, add it to this mixture as well.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently. Use a spatula or a whisk to mix until just combined. Avoid overmixing, as this can make the cake dense. If the batter is too thick, add a little more almond milk until you reach a smooth, pourable consistency.

Step 5: Bake the Cake Layers

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake the cakes for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. The cakes should be golden brown and firm to the touch. Allow them to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 6: Prepare the Vegan Buttercream Frosting

While the cakes are cooling, prepare the frosting. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened vegan butter with an electric mixer until it is smooth and creamy. Gradually add in the powdered sugar, 1/2 cup at a time, and continue beating until the frosting is light and fluffy.

Add the vanilla extract, almond milk, and a pinch of salt. Mix until smooth. If the frosting is too thick, add a bit more plant-based milk until you achieve the desired consistency. If it’s too thin, add more powdered sugar.

Step 7: Assemble the Cake

Once the cakes are completely cooled, you can begin assembling your wedding cake. Place the first cake layer on a cake board or serving platter. Spread a generous amount of vegan buttercream frosting over the top of the layer. If you’re adding a filling, spread it on top of the frosting (fruit preserves, jam, or vegan ganache work well).

Place the second cake layer on top and repeat the process. Once all the layers are stacked, spread a thin layer of frosting over the entire cake to create a crumb coat. This helps seal in any loose crumbs. Chill the cake in the fridge for about 30 minutes to allow the crumb coat to set.

After the crumb coat has hardened, apply a thick layer of frosting to the entire cake. Smooth it out using an offset spatula or a bench scraper for a clean finish.

Step 8: Decorate the Cake

Now comes the fun part—decorating your wedding cake! Here are a few ideas for vegan cake decoration:

Fresh Flowers: Decorate the top of the cake with beautiful fresh flowers such as roses, peonies, or lilies. Make sure the flowers are pesticide-free and safe for consumption.

Fresh Fruit: Berries, figs, or citrus slices can be a colorful and delicious way to enhance the cake.

Edible Flowers: Consider using edible flowers for a unique, elegant touch. Lavender, pansies, or violets can add a refined appearance.

Fondant Decorations: If you want a smooth, polished finish, you can cover your cake in vegan fondant and add decorative elements like bows, lace designs, or monograms.

Gold or Silver Leaf: For a touch of luxury, apply edible gold or silver leaf to the cake.

Serving and Storing Tips

Serving: Vegan cakes can be just as delicate as traditional cakes, so use a serrated knife to slice through them. Make sure to serve the cake at room temperature for the best flavor and texture.

Storing: Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you need to keep the cake longer, refrigerate it and bring it to room temperature before serving.

FAQs

Can I use a gluten-free flour blend for this vegan wedding cake?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure that the blend is designed for baking, and you may need to adjust the liquid content slightly for the best texture.

How can I make the cake richer in flavor?

You can enhance the flavor by adding ingredients like lemon zest, almond extract, or even a bit of vegan coffee. For a deeper flavor, try using dark brown sugar instead of granulated sugar.

Can I make the cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake the cake layers a day or two in advance. Just store them in an airtight container at room temperature and frost them on the day of the wedding for the freshest taste.

Final Thought

This vegan wedding cake recipe provides a perfect foundation for creating a stunning and delicious plant-based dessert for your big day. Whether you’re vegan or simply want to accommodate vegan guests, this cake can be customized to fit any wedding style or theme. With the right decoration and flavor options, you can create a show-stopping centerpiece that everyone will love. Enjoy baking, and happy wedding planning!