Vegan Lemon Blueberry Cake Recipe

Welcome to our detailed guide on creating a delightful Vegan Lemon Blueberry Cake! This scrumptious cake combines the zesty brightness of lemon with the sweet burst of blueberries, making it a perfect treat for any occasion. Whether you’re celebrating a special event or simply want to enjoy a slice of cake with your afternoon tea, this recipe is designed to be both vegan and vegetarian-friendly, ensuring everyone can enjoy a piece. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through every step, including tips, nutritional information, and serving suggestions.

Ingredients

For the Cake:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation of the cake. You can use a gluten-free flour blend if needed.
  • 1 cup granulated sugar: Provides sweetness; consider using coconut sugar for a healthier alternative.
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda: A leavening agent that helps the cake rise.
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder: Enhances the rising effect.
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness.
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce: Acts as an egg substitute to add moisture.
  • 1 cup almond milk: Use unsweetened for fewer calories; can substitute with any plant-based milk.
  • 1/3 cup vegetable oil: Keeps the cake moist; can be replaced with melted coconut oil.
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar: Reacts with baking soda for a fluffier texture.
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest: Adds a bright, fresh lemon flavor.
  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice: Provides tanginess and depth.
  • 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries: Sweet and juicy, they add natural flavor.

For the Lemon Glaze (Optional):

  • 1 cup powdered sugar: Sweetens the glaze; adjust based on preference.
  • 2-3 tablespoons lemon juice: Thins the glaze and adds lemon flavor.
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest: Enhances the lemony taste of the glaze.

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the cake bakes evenly and achieves a lovely golden brown color.

Step 2: Prepare the Baking Pan

  1. Grease and Line the Cake Pan: Lightly grease a 9-inch round cake pan with vegetable oil or cooking spray. For easy removal, line the bottom with parchment paper, cutting it to fit the pan.

Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients

  1. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. This step is crucial to ensure the leavening agents are evenly distributed throughout the flour.

Step 4: Mix the Wet Ingredients

  1. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix the unsweetened applesauce, almond milk, vegetable oil, apple cider vinegar, lemon zest, and fresh lemon juice. Whisk until well combined. The mixture should be smooth, and the lemon zest should be evenly distributed.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

  1. Combine the Mixtures: Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring gently with a spatula or wooden spoon. Mix until just combined; be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a dense cake. A few lumps are okay.

Step 6: Fold in the Blueberries

  1. Add the Blueberries: Gently fold in the blueberries, taking care not to crush them. If using frozen blueberries, do not thaw them before adding; this helps prevent the batter from turning purple.

Step 7: Pour into the Cake Pan

  1. Transfer to Cake Pan: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Tap the pan gently on the countertop to release any air bubbles trapped in the batter.

Step 8: Bake the Cake

  1. Bake: Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The cake should be lightly golden on top and spring back when gently pressed.

Step 9: Cool the Cake

  1. Cool in the Pan: Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully run a knife around the edges to loosen it and invert it onto a wire rack to cool completely. Allow the cake to cool completely before glazing.

Step 10: Prepare the Lemon Glaze (Optional)

  1. Make the Glaze: In a small bowl, combine the powdered sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Whisk until smooth and adjust the consistency by adding more lemon juice or powdered sugar as needed. The glaze should be thick but pourable.

Step 11: Glaze the Cake

  1. Drizzle the Glaze: Once the cake has cooled completely, drizzle the lemon glaze over the top. Use a spatula or the back of a spoon to spread it evenly if desired. Allow the glaze to set for about 15 minutes before serving.

Step 12: Serve and Enjoy

  1. Slice and Serve: Cut the cake into wedges and serve on a platter. This cake pairs beautifully with tea or coffee and is perfect for gatherings or a delightful afternoon treat.

Nutritional Information (per slice, serves 12)

  • Calories: 180
  • Total Fat: 6g
  • Saturated Fat: 0.5g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg
  • Sodium: 150mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 29g
  • Dietary Fiber: 1g
  • Net Carbohydrates: 28g
  • Protein: 2g
  • SmartPoints (WW): 6

Tips for Success

  • Choosing Blueberries: Fresh blueberries provide the best flavor, but frozen ones can be used when fresh are not available. Ensure they are unsweetened.
  • Storage: Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. The cake can also be frozen for up to a month; just wrap it well in plastic wrap and foil.
  • Lemon Flavor Adjustment: Adjust the amount of lemon juice and zest based on your taste preferences. For a more intense lemon flavor, add an extra tablespoon of each.

Serving Suggestions

This Vegan Lemon Blueberry Cake is versatile and can be served in various ways:

  • With Fresh Berries: Serve slices with additional fresh blueberries or a berry compote for a beautiful presentation.
  • Ala Mode: Pair with dairy-free vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
  • Breakfast Treat: Enjoy a slice with your morning coffee for a delightful breakfast option.

Conclusion

This Vegan Lemon Blueberry Cake is a deliciously bright and moist treat that perfectly balances tart and sweet flavors. It’s easy to make and serves as an excellent dessert for any occasion, from birthdays to casual get-togethers. With its vibrant color and delightful taste, this cake is sure to impress both vegans and non-vegans alike. Enjoy baking and sharing this delightful dessert, and savor the wonderful combination of lemon and blueberries!