Unbelievably Dreamy Vanilla Bean Cake: The Ultimate Gluten-Free Vegan Recipe!

Who doesn't love a fluffy cake that melts in your mouth? This unbelievably dreamy vanilla bean cake is not only gluten-free but also vegan and incredibly easy to make! Whether you are baking for a special occasion, entertaining friends, or just treating yourself, this cake is sure to impress with its exquisite texture and delightful flavor. Let’s discover how to create this fantastic dessert that everyone can enjoy.

A beautifully decorated vanilla bean cake with strawberries — A fluffy and delicious gluten-free vegan vanilla bean cake topped with edible flowers.

Reasons to Love This Cake

This vanilla bean cake embodies light, fluffy perfection, making it an incredible treat for any sweet tooth. Here are a few reasons why it’s a must-try:

Gluten-Free & Vegan: Perfect for anyone with dietary restrictions, this cake uses gluten-free flour and simple plant-based ingredients. In fact, many gluten-free flour blends now mimic the texture of wheat flour remarkably well.
Effortless Preparation: With just a handful of ingredients and easy steps, you’ll be amazed at how quickly you can whip up this delicious dessert.
Ultimate Customization: Feel free to mix it up with your favorite toppings, like fresh berries, chopped nuts, or a drizzle of chocolate sauce. This cake is a blank canvas that you can transform according to your taste.
Rich Flavor: Using real vanilla bean paste adds an aromatic depth to the cake. Studies have shown that vanilla naturally enhances sweetness, making this cake satisfying even without excessive sugar.

This is a foolproof recipe for a fluffy vanilla cake that doesn't taste gluten-free or vegan but absolutely is! It's an easy cake to adjust to your own taste, too--feel free to add (or swap in) almond extract and 3 TBSP poppyseeds for an almond poppyseed flavor or 2 tsp lemon extract and lemon zest for a lemon cake.

Ingredients:

1 + 1/4 cup vegan “buttermilk”*

1 cup unsweetened applesauce

1 cup vegan butter

1 + 1/2 cup cane sugar or coconut sugar

1 TBSP pure vanilla extract

2 tsp vanilla bean paste**

3 + 2/3 cup flour (I used this one, so can't vouch for other brands)

1 TBSP arrowroot starch

3 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp baking soda

1/4 tsp sea salt

easy fluffy vanilla bean cakke gluten-free gf vegan

Directions:

1. Line three 6" cake pans with parchment circles and oil the sides. Preheat the oven at 350 F.

2. Stir together nondairy milk and ACV or lemon juice; set aside.

3. Sift dry ingredients together; set aside.

4. In a mixer or by hand, cream butter & sugar and vanilla for 3 min, add applesauce.

5. Stir in buttermilk mixture into wet ingredients alternating with dry.

6. If there are any lumps, you can put the batter in a blender!

7. Divide amongst three 6" cake pans and bake 30-35 minutes (or until an inserted toothpick comes out clean).

8. Let cool on a wire rack for a few minutes, then carefully remove and cool FULLY before frosting with your favorite frosting.

9. Easiest Vegan Buttercream Frosting is beating 1 cup of vegan butter until creamy and slowly adding 2 cups sifted powdered sugar and 2 tsp pure vanilla extract, whipping until light and fluffy.

Find my suggested ingredient brands & kitchen tools HERE

Like what you see? Get the new gluten-free healthier dessert cookbook for similar healthier recipes that everyone including picky kids will LOVE!

Creating the Perfect Frosting

While the cake cools, why not make a simple yet delightful frosting? A creamy vegan vanilla frosting pairs flawlessly with the vanilla cake, and it’s quick to prepare.

Easy Vegan Vanilla Frosting Ingredients

1 cup non-dairy butter, softened
4 cups powdered sugar
2 tablespoons non-dairy milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Frosting Instructions

In a mixing bowl, beat the softened vegan butter until creamy.
Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing on low speed to avoid a cloud of sugar.
Pour in the non-dairy milk and vanilla extract. Beat until the mixture is fluffy.
Adjust the consistency with more powdered sugar or non-dairy milk as needed to achieve your desired thickness.

Assembling Your Cake

After ensuring your cake has cooled completely and your frosting is ready, it’s time to assemble this delightful creation.

Step 1: Frost the First Layer

If you prefer a layered cake, carefully slice the cake in half. Spread a generous layer of frosting on the top of the first half.

Step 2: Add the Second Layer

Position the second half on top and spread frosting generously over the top and sides. You can smooth it out or create a textured look based on your preference.

Step 3: Decorate

Top your cake with fresh fruits, shredded coconut, or edible flowers for that stunning finishing touch. Simple decorations can elevate your cake and make it truly eye-catching.

Celebrating Your Baking Success

Congratulations! You’ve made an irresistibly dreamy vanilla bean cake that is both gluten-free and vegan. Its charming appearance and rich taste are bound to impress your guests.

This cake is ideal for birthdays, anniversaries, or just a cozy weekend treat. Savor every slice—you’ve earned it!

Now that you have the recipe, why not put your baking skills to the test? Let the delicious adventure begin, and don’t forget to share your stunning results with friends and family. Happy baking!

Reasons to Love This Cake

This vanilla bean cake embodies light, fluffy perfection, making it an incredible treat for any sweet tooth. Here are a few reasons why it’s a must-try:

Gluten-Free & Vegan: Perfect for anyone with dietary restrictions, this cake uses gluten-free flour and simple plant-based ingredients. In fact, many gluten-free flour blends now mimic the texture of wheat flour remarkably well.

Effortless Preparation: With just a handful of ingredients and easy steps, you’ll be amazed at how quickly you can whip up this delicious dessert.

Ultimate Customization: Feel free to mix it up with your favorite toppings, like fresh berries, chopped nuts, or a drizzle of chocolate sauce. This cake is a blank canvas that you can transform according to your taste.

Rich Flavor: Using real vanilla bean paste adds an aromatic depth to the cake. Studies have shown that vanilla naturally enhances sweetness, making this cake satisfying even without excessive sugar.

Ingredients:

1 + 1/4 cup vegan “buttermilk”*

1 cup unsweetened applesauce

1 cup vegan butter

1 + 1/2 cup cane sugar or coconut sugar

1 TBSP pure vanilla extract

2 tsp vanilla bean paste**

3 + 2/3 cup flour (I used this one, so can't vouch for other brands)

1 TBSP arrowroot starch

3 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp baking soda

1/4 tsp sea salt

Directions:

1. Line three 6" cake pans with parchment circles and oil the sides. Preheat the oven at 350 F.

2. Stir together nondairy milk and ACV or lemon juice; set aside.

3. Sift dry ingredients together; set aside.

4. In a mixer or by hand, cream butter & sugar and vanilla for 3 min, add applesauce.

5. Stir in buttermilk mixture into wet ingredients alternating with dry.

6. If there are any lumps, you can put the batter in a blender!

7. Divide amongst three 6" cake pans and bake 30-35 minutes (or until an inserted toothpick comes out clean).

8. Let cool on a wire rack for a few minutes, then carefully remove and cool FULLY before frosting with your favorite frosting.

9. Easiest Vegan Buttercream Frosting is beating 1 cup of vegan butter until creamy and slowly adding 2 cups sifted powdered sugar and 2 tsp pure vanilla extract, whipping until light and fluffy.

Find my suggested ingredient brands & kitchen tools HERE

Creating the Perfect Frosting

While the cake cools, why not make a simple yet delightful frosting? A creamy vegan vanilla frosting pairs flawlessly with the vanilla cake, and it’s quick to prepare.

Easy Vegan Vanilla Frosting Ingredients

1 cup non-dairy butter, softened

4 cups powdered sugar

2 tablespoons non-dairy milk

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Frosting Instructions

In a mixing bowl, beat the softened vegan butter until creamy.

Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing on low speed to avoid a cloud of sugar.

Pour in the non-dairy milk and vanilla extract. Beat until the mixture is fluffy.

Adjust the consistency with more powdered sugar or non-dairy milk as needed to achieve your desired thickness.

Assembling Your Cake

After ensuring your cake has cooled completely and your frosting is ready, it’s time to assemble this delightful creation.

Step 1: Frost the First Layer

If you prefer a layered cake, carefully slice the cake in half. Spread a generous layer of frosting on the top of the first half.

Step 2: Add the Second Layer

Position the second half on top and spread frosting generously over the top and sides. You can smooth it out or create a textured look based on your preference.

Step 3: Decorate

Top your cake with fresh fruits, shredded coconut, or edible flowers for that stunning finishing touch. Simple decorations can elevate your cake and make it truly eye-catching.

Celebrating Your Baking Success

Congratulations! You’ve made an irresistibly dreamy vanilla bean cake that is both gluten-free and vegan. Its charming appearance and rich taste are bound to impress your guests.

This cake is ideal for birthdays, anniversaries, or just a cozy weekend treat. Savor every slice—you’ve earned it!

Now that you have the recipe, why not put your baking skills to the test? Let the delicious adventure begin, and don’t forget to share your stunning results with friends and family. Happy baking!

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