Vegan Babycakes: 3 Assorted Cake Recipes

Who says you can’t have your (baby)cake and eat it too? These vegan babycakes are the perfect small-sized treats for any occasion. With three unique flavors – Chocolate Bliss, Zesty Lemon Poppyseed, and Spiced Carrot – these recipes are not only plant-based but also packed with flavor and charm.

Whether you’re celebrating a special day or just want a sweet pick-me-up, these little delights are sure to impress. Let’s dive into the joy of baking and savoring!

1. Chocolate Bliss Babycakes

Indulge in the rich, fudgy goodness of chocolate without any guilt. These mini chocolate cakes are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth while keeping things simple and wholesome.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup cocoa powder
• ¾ cup sugar (or coconut sugar)
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ¼ tsp salt
• 1 cup plant-based milk (almond or oat)
• ¼ cup vegetable oil
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
2. In a bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk the plant-based milk, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and apple cider vinegar. The vinegar helps create a light and fluffy texture by reacting with the baking soda.
4. Combine the wet and dry ingredients, mixing until smooth and free of lumps. Avoid overmixing to keep the texture tender.
5. Divide the batter evenly among the liners, filling each about two-thirds full. Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
6. Let cool completely before frosting to ensure the topping stays in place.
7. Optional: Top with vegan chocolate frosting and a swirling cream design for a luxurious finish! Add a sprinkle of shaved dark chocolate or cocoa nibs for extra decadence.

2. Zesty Lemon Poppyseed Babycakes

Bright and tangy, these babycakes are a ray of sunshine in every bite. With their citrusy aroma and poppyseed crunch, they make a delightful treat for any occasion.

Ingredients:

• 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup sugar
• 1 tbsp poppy seeds
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ¼ tsp baking soda
• ¼ tsp salt
• 1⁄2 cup plant-based yogurt
• ½ cup plant-based milk
• ¼ cup vegetable oil
• 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• Zest of 1 lemon

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a muffin tin with liners.
2. In a large bowl, mix the flour, sugar, poppy seeds, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. The poppy seeds add a delightful texture and a subtle nutty flavor.
3. In another bowl, whisk the plant-based yogurt, milk, vegetable oil, lemon juice, and lemon zest. This combination ensures a moist and flavorful cake with a refreshing tang.
4. Slowly combine the wet and dry ingredients, stirring until just mixed. Be careful not to overwork the batter.
5. Spoon the batter into the liners and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the tops spring back when gently touched.
6. Cool completely and top with a light lemon glaze and a decorative swirl of cream for extra elegance. A few lemon zest curls make the presentation pop!

3. Spiced Carrot Babycakes

Warm spices and sweet carrots make these babycakes irresistible. Packed with comforting flavors and a hint of nostalgia, they’re perfect for cozy afternoons or festive gatherings.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup brown sugar
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ½ tsp ground nutmeg
• ¼ tsp ground ginger
• ¼ tsp salt
• 1 cup grated carrots
• ½ cup plant-based milk
• ¼ cup vegetable oil
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with liners.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt. The aromatic spices create a comforting and flavorful base.
3. Add the grated carrots to the dry ingredients, ensuring they are evenly distributed. The carrots add natural sweetness and moisture.
4. In another bowl, mix the plant-based milk, oil, and vanilla extract. Combine this mixture with the dry ingredients until just incorporated.
5. Fill the liners and bake for 20-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
6. Once cooled, frost with vegan cream cheese frosting and finish with a swirl of cream for added flair. Top with a sprinkle of ground cinnamon or crushed walnuts for a festive touch.

Cake Cream Recipe

This vegan cream is the perfect finishing touch for your babycakes, adding elegance and extra flavor.

Base Cream Ingredients:

• ½ cup chilled coconut cream (from a can of full-fat coconut milk)
• 2 tbsp powdered sugar (or to taste)
• ½ tsp vanilla extract

Base Cream Instructions:

1. Scoop the thick coconut cream from the top of the chilled can, leaving the liquid behind.
2. In a mixing bowl, beat the coconut cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until light and fluffy. The result should be a smooth and airy cream.
3. Transfer the cream to a piping bag with a small tip for precise swirling designs.

Variations:

• Chocolate Swirl Cream: Add 1 tbsp cocoa powder to the base cream for a rich chocolatey touch. Perfect for pairing with the Chocolate Bliss Babycakes.
• Lemon Swirl Cream: Add 1 tsp fresh lemon juice and 1 tsp lemon zest for a tangy accent that complements the Zesty Lemon Poppyseed Babycakes.
• Spiced Swirl Cream: Mix in 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg for a warm, spiced flavor that pairs beautifully with the Spiced Carrot Babycakes.

Tips for Perfect Vegan Babycakes

• Don’t overmix: Stir until just combined to keep the cakes tender and light.
• Use high-quality vanilla: It makes a world of difference in flavor, bringing out the natural sweetness of the ingredients.
• Cool completely before frosting: This prevents the frosting from melting off and ensures a polished look.
• Experiment with decorations: Add sprinkles, edible flowers, or extra zest for a personalized touch.

These vegan babycakes are proof that plant-based baking can be fun, delicious, and oh-so-satisfying. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, these recipes are easy to follow and guaranteed to delight. Try them out and let us know which flavor is your favorite!