Directions for Vegan Lemon Cake
- 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.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, mix the almond milk, vegetable oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, vanilla extract, and apple cider vinegar.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool the Cake: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Kitchen Equipment Needed
To make this Vegan Lemon Cake, you’ll need the following kitchen equipment:
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Large mixing bowls
- Whisk
- 8-inch round cake pan
- Parchment paper (optional)
- Wire cooling rack
- Toothpick or cake tester
Tips and Tricks
- Don’t Overmix: Overmixing can result in a dense cake. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
- Fresh Lemon Juice: Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best flavor. Bottled lemon juice can have a more muted taste.
- Check for Doneness: Ovens can vary, so start checking your cake a few minutes before the suggested bake time.
- Lemon Zest: When zesting your lemons, be sure to only get the yellow part and avoid the white pith, which can be bitter.
Variations and Swaps
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
- Oil Alternatives: You can use melted coconut oil or avocado oil instead of vegetable oil for a different flavor profile.
- Frosting: For a more indulgent treat, top the cake with a vegan lemon glaze or a creamy vegan frosting. Simply mix powdered sugar with lemon juice for a quick glaze.
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate the cake for up to a week or freeze it for up to 3 months. If freezing, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe container. Thaw the cake at room temperature before serving.
Food and Drink Pairings
This Vegan Lemon Cake pairs beautifully with a variety of beverages and side dishes. Here are some suggestions:
- Beverages: Enjoy a slice with a cup of hot tea, iced tea, or a refreshing glass of lemonade.
- Side Dishes: Fresh berries, a fruit salad, or a scoop of vegan vanilla ice cream make excellent accompaniments.
