Fluffy Vanilla Cake Dairy Free

Highlighted under: Sweet Treats

Discover the light and airy texture of this Fluffy Vanilla Cake, perfectly crafted without dairy. Ideal for those with dietary restrictions or anyone looking to enjoy a delicious treat.

Emma Johnson

Created by

Emma Johnson

Last updated on 2025-12-10T16:35:20.528Z

This Fluffy Vanilla Cake is not only dairy-free but also incredibly delicious. The secret to its lightness lies in the whipped aquafaba, which mimics the texture of egg whites. Perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or a sweet treat any time!

Why You Will Love This Recipe

  • Light and airy texture that melts in your mouth
  • Rich vanilla flavor that satisfies your sweet cravings
  • Dairy-free alternative that everyone can enjoy

The Magic of Aquafaba

Aquafaba, the liquid from canned chickpeas, may sound unusual, but it plays a crucial role in making this Fluffy Vanilla Cake rise and maintain its light texture. Acting as an egg substitute, aquafaba provides the necessary moisture and binding properties to the cake without any dairy. When whipped, it can create a fluffy consistency that closely resembles egg whites, making it a fantastic ingredient for vegan baking.

Not only does aquafaba enhance the cake's texture, but it also adds a subtle flavor that complements the rich vanilla essence. This ingredient is a game-changer for those looking to create delicious treats without dairy or eggs. Plus, using aquafaba is an excellent way to reduce food waste, as it utilizes a byproduct that would otherwise be discarded.

Choosing the Right Flour

The choice of flour is essential in baking, as it directly affects the cake's texture and structure. For this Fluffy Vanilla Cake, all-purpose flour is the star ingredient. It provides the perfect balance of protein and starch, ensuring the cake rises beautifully while remaining tender and fluffy.

If you're looking for a gluten-free option, consider using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. These blends are often formulated to mimic the properties of traditional flour, allowing you to achieve a similar light and airy result. Just make sure to check that your blend includes xanthan gum or another binding agent to ensure the cake holds together well.

Serving Suggestions

This Fluffy Vanilla Cake serves as a delightful base for various toppings and fillings. Consider layering it with fresh fruit, dairy-free whipped cream, or a rich dairy-free frosting to elevate the flavors. Berries, in particular, add a refreshing tartness that pairs beautifully with the sweet vanilla.

For a more indulgent treat, drizzle a vegan chocolate ganache over the top. Simply melt dairy-free chocolate with a splash of almond milk for a luxurious finish. This cake is versatile enough to be enjoyed at birthdays, celebrations, or even as an everyday dessert, making it a must-try recipe for any sweet tooth.

Ingredients

Cake Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 cup almond milk
  • 1/4 cup aquafaba (chickpea water)
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Make sure to measure your ingredients carefully for the best results!

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

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

Mix Dry Ingredients

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

Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, mix the almond milk, vegetable oil, aquafaba, apple cider vinegar, and vanilla extract.

Combine Mixtures

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.

Bake the Cake

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans and bake for 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Cool and Serve

Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Once cooled, you can frost or serve the cake plain!

Storage Tips

To keep your Fluffy Vanilla Cake fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you need to keep it longer, consider refrigerating it, which can extend its shelf life by a few days. Just make sure to allow the cake to come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.

If you wish to freeze your cake, wrap each layer tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. This method will help prevent freezer burn and keep the cake moist. When you're ready to enjoy it, simply let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight before unwrapping and serving.

Variations to Try

Get creative with this Fluffy Vanilla Cake by experimenting with different flavors. Add a teaspoon of almond extract for a nutty twist or fold in citrus zest for a refreshing zing. You can also incorporate spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, aromatic touch.

For a chocolate version, simply replace a portion of the flour with cocoa powder. This will give you a rich chocolate cake that still retains the light and fluffy texture. Feel free to play with fillings and frostings to make it your own!

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I substitute the all-purpose flour?

Yes, you can use gluten-free flour or almond flour, but the texture may differ.

→ How can I store the cake?

Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for longer freshness.

→ Can I freeze this cake?

Yes, you can freeze the cake layers. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container.

→ What can I use instead of aquafaba?

You can use flax eggs or chia eggs as a substitute, but the texture may be different.

Fluffy Vanilla Cake Dairy Free

Discover the light and airy texture of this Fluffy Vanilla Cake, perfectly crafted without dairy. Ideal for those with dietary restrictions or anyone looking to enjoy a delicious treat.

Prep Time15 minutes
Cooking Duration30 minutes
Overall Time45 minutes

Created by: Emma Johnson

Recipe Type: Sweet Treats

Skill Level: Intermediate

Final Quantity: 8 servings

What You'll Need

Cake Ingredients

  1. 2 cups all-purpose flour
  2. 1 cup granulated sugar
  3. 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  4. 1 cup almond milk
  5. 1/4 cup aquafaba (chickpea water)
  6. 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  7. 2 teaspoons baking powder
  8. 1 teaspoon baking soda
  9. 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  10. 1/2 teaspoon salt

How-To Steps

Step 01

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

Step 02

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

Step 03

In another bowl, mix the almond milk, vegetable oil, aquafaba, apple cider vinegar, and vanilla extract.

Step 04

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.

Step 05

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans and bake for 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Step 06

Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 250 kcal
  • Total Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 1g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg
  • Sodium: 200mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 34g
  • Dietary Fiber: 1g
  • Sugars: 18g
  • Protein: 3g