Vegan Lemonade Cake

Vegan Lemonade Cake

A vegan lemonade cake sounds like a refreshing and zesty treat! Here’s a simple recipe to make this light, citrusy dessert that’s perfect for a warm day or any celebration.

Ingredients:

For the cake:

  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (or a gluten-free flour blend if preferred)
  • 1 cup granulated sugar (or coconut sugar for a healthier option)
  • 1 tbsp baking powder
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/2 cup coconut oil or vegetable oil (melted)
  • 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
  • 1/4 cup plant-based milk (almond, oat, or soy milk work well)
  • 2 tbsp lemon zest (from about 2 lemons)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup applesauce (this acts as the egg substitute)

For the glaze (optional, but highly recommended):

  • 1 cup powdered sugar (or coconut powdered sugar)
  • 2-3 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • A pinch of lemon zest (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper.
  2. Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
  3. Mix wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted coconut oil, lemon juice, plant-based milk, lemon zest, vanilla extract, and applesauce.
  4. Combine the wet and dry ingredients: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Do not overmix — the batter should be thick and slightly lumpy.
  5. Bake the cake: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
  6. Make the glaze: While the cake is cooling, whisk together the powdered sugar and lemon juice to make the glaze. Adjust the consistency by adding more sugar for thickness or more lemon juice for a thinner glaze.
  7. Glaze the cake: Once the cake has completely cooled, drizzle the glaze over the top. You can spread it with a spatula for a more even coating. Garnish with extra lemon zest if desired.
  8. Serve: Slice and serve! The cake is light, fluffy, and has a bright, refreshing flavor thanks to the lemon.

This cake is perfect for spring or summer gatherings, and the glaze adds that extra burst of citrus. It’s delicious on its own, but you can also serve it with some fresh berries or a dollop of coconut whipped cream.

How does this sound to you? Are you planning to make it for a special occasion?