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Easy Vegan Lemon Cake Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 147 reviews

This Easy Vegan Lemon Cake is a light, moist, and refreshing dessert perfect for any occasion. With simple pantry staples and naturally vegan ingredients, it delivers a delightful citrus flavor highlighted by lemon zest and juice. Topped with a smooth vegan lemon frosting and garnished with candied lemon slices or fresh berries, this cake is as beautiful as it is delicious.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Cake

  • 2 cups (240g) King Arthur Unbleached All-Purpose Flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 3/4 teaspoon table salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 3/4 cup (170g) water
  • 3/4 cup (149g) granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup (99g) vegetable oil
  • 1/4 cup (57g) lemon juice
  • Zest of 1 lemon or 1/2 teaspoon King Arthur Pure Lemon Extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon King Arthur Pure Vanilla Extract

For the Frosting

  • 1/4 cup (46g) vegetable shortening or 3 tablespoons (43g) vegan butter, at room temperature
  • 2 cups (227g) confectioners’ sugar, sifted if lumpy
  • 4 teaspoons (12g) King Arthur Lemon Juice Powder*
  • 1/2 teaspoon King Arthur Pure Vanilla Extract
  • 2 to 3 tablespoons (28g to 43g) water
  • 1/8 teaspoon table salt

For Garnish

  • Candied lemon slices* (optional)
  • Berries, washed and trimmed of their leaves (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease an 8″ or 9″ round or square baking pan that’s at least 2″ deep. Line it with parchment paper or use a reusable pan liner for easy cake removal.
  2. Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and baking soda until evenly combined. Set this mixture aside.
  3. Combine wet ingredients: In a separate bowl or large measuring cup, whisk the water, granulated sugar, vegetable oil, lemon juice, lemon zest or lemon extract, and vanilla extract, stirring until the sugar is fully dissolved.
  4. Combine wet and dry: Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined. It’s okay if the batter has a few small lumps. Avoid overmixing to keep the cake tender.
  5. Pour batter into pan: Transfer the batter evenly into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
  6. Bake the cake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. The cake is done when the top feels set, the edges start to pull away from the sides of the pan, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  7. Cool the cake: Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan until cool enough to handle. Then turn the cake out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
  8. Make the frosting: In a medium bowl, use a mixer or whisk to beat together the vegetable shortening or vegan butter, confectioners’ sugar, lemon juice powder, vanilla extract, salt, and start with 2 tablespoons of water. Mix until smooth and silky, adding the remaining water as needed to achieve the desired spreading consistency.
  9. Frost the cake: Once the cake has fully cooled, evenly spread the lemon frosting over the top with a spatula or knife.
  10. Garnish and serve: Decorate the frosted cake with candied lemon slices or fresh berries if desired. Serve and enjoy!
  11. Storage: Store the leftover cake covered at room temperature for several days, or freeze for longer preservation.

Notes

  • If you don’t have lemon juice powder, fresh lemon juice can be used in the frosting but it may affect consistency slightly.
  • Candied lemon slices can be made by simmering thin lemon slices in sugar syrup and then drying them or purchased premade.
  • Ensure all ingredients, especially the shortening or vegan butter, are at room temperature for a smooth frosting.
  • This cake makes a great dairy-free, egg-free dessert option for vegans and those with allergies.
  • Make sure to sift the confectioners’ sugar to avoid lumps in the frosting.

Keywords: vegan lemon cake, easy vegan cake, dairy-free lemon cake, eggless lemon cake, vegan dessert, lemon frosting, plant-based cake

Find it online: https://cheflenacooks.com/easy-vegan-lemon-cake-recipe/