One Bowl Vegan Almond Raspberry Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
This One Bowl Vegan Almond Raspberry Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is a delightful treat that suits any occasion. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, hosting a brunch, or just craving something sweet, this cake stands out with its fluffy layers and creamy frosting. The combination of almond and raspberry flavors creates a unique taste that’s both refreshing and indulgent. Plus, it’s completely vegan, making it a perfect dessert for everyone at the table!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: With simple steps and just one bowl needed for mixing, you can whip up this cake quickly.
- Deliciously Unique Flavor: The blend of almond and raspberry offers a distinctive taste that will impress your guests.
- Versatile Presentation: You can choose to keep it as a two-layer cake or go all out with four layers for an impressive display.
- Dairy-Free Delight: This cake is perfect for those following a vegan diet, without sacrificing flavor or texture.
- Showstopper Dessert: Its beautiful appearance and rich taste make it a highlight at any gathering.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the baking process, gather the necessary tools to ensure everything runs smoothly.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- 8-inch cake pans
- Parchment paper
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk or electric mixer
- Cooling rack
- Cake turntable (optional)
Importance of Each Tool
- Cake Pans: These help provide the shape for your cake layers, ensuring even baking.
- Cooling Rack: Allows air to circulate around the cakes while cooling, preventing sogginess.
- Mixing Bowls: Essential for combining ingredients smoothly, especially when preparing the batter.
Ingredients
This soft and buttery 4 layer vegan almond cake is layered with creamy dairy free vegan cream cheese frosting and raspberry jam. Light, fluffy, and a complete showstopper!
- 1 1/2 cups (300 mL) vegan buttermilk, room temperature
- 1 1/2 cup (300 g) granulated sugar
- 1 cup (225 g) unsalted vegan butter, melted and cooled to room temperature
- 1 cup (240 g) dairy free yogurt, room temperature
- 2 tbsp vanilla extract
- 2 tsp almond extract
- 1 1/3 cups (170 g) almonds, ground into a flour
- 2 1/2 cups (325 g) all-purpose flour (or gluten free 1:1 baking flour + 1 tbsp arrowroot or cornstarch) (see notes for GF)
- 3 tsp baking powder
- 3/4 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp sea salt
- 1 cup raspberry jam
- 2 batches vegan cream cheese frosting
- 1 cup raspberries, for decoration
- 1 cup crushed almonds, for decoration
How to Make One Bowl Vegan Almond Raspberry Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line two 8-inch cake pans with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Prepare the Batter
In a large bowl:
Whisk together the granulated sugar, melted vegan butter, dairy-free yogurt, vanilla extract, and almond extract until smooth.
Add in the ground almonds and all-purpose flour along with baking powder, baking soda, and sea salt.
Slowly pour in the vegan buttermilk while whisking until just combined.
Step 3: Bake the Cakes
Divide the batter between the two prepared pans. Bake for 40–42 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Remove from oven and let cool in pans for about 10 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.
Step 4: Slice the Layers
Once cooled:
Carefully slice each layer in half horizontally using a large kitchen knife. This will give you four layers in total.
Step 5: Make the Frosting
Prepare your vegan cream cheese frosting as per your recipe.
Step 6: Assemble the Cake
On a cake turntable:
Place one sliced layer down and spread about half a cup of frosting on top.
Create a well in the center for raspberry jam; add about one-third cup of jam into this well.
Repeat layering with remaining cake layers.
Step 7: Final Frosting Touches
After stacking all layers:
Apply a crumb coat by smoothing frosting around the edges before refrigerating for about 20 minutes.
Step 8: Decorate and Serve
Frost the entire cake once chilled. Top with fresh raspberries and crushed almonds before serving. Enjoy your beautiful One Bowl Vegan Almond Raspberry Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting!
How to Serve One Bowl Vegan Almond Raspberry Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
Serving your One Bowl Vegan Almond Raspberry Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is an experience that delights both the eyes and taste buds. This cake pairs beautifully with a variety of accompaniments that enhance its flavors.
With Fresh Berries
- Raspberries: Garnish each slice with fresh raspberries for a burst of flavor and color.
- Blueberries: Adding blueberries brings a sweet contrast to the tartness of the raspberries.
With Ice Cream
- Dairy-Free Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream complements the cake’s flavors perfectly.
- Coconut Ice Cream: The tropical notes of coconut add an interesting twist to your dessert.
For a Festive Touch
- Edible Flowers: Decorate the plate with edible flowers for a beautiful presentation.
- Mint Leaves: Fresh mint leaves provide a refreshing finish to each serving.
As Part of a Dessert Table
- Mini Desserts: Serve alongside mini tarts or cookies for guests to enjoy a variety of sweets.
- Coffee or Tea Station: Pairing the cake with coffee or tea creates an inviting dessert experience.
How to Perfect One Bowl Vegan Almond Raspberry Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
Creating the perfect One Bowl Vegan Almond Raspberry Cake takes practice and attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure success:
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensuring that dairy-free yogurt and vegan butter are at room temperature helps achieve a smooth batter.
- Sift Your Flour: Sifting all-purpose flour can help create a lighter texture in your cake.
- Measure Accurately: Use kitchen scales for precise measurements, especially when dealing with flour and sugar.
- Don’t Overmix: Mix just until combined; overmixing can lead to dense cakes.
- Chill Before Serving: Refrigerating the frosted cake allows flavors to meld together beautifully.
Best Side Dishes for One Bowl Vegan Almond Raspberry Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
Pairing side dishes with your One Bowl Vegan Almond Raspberry Cake can elevate the dessert experience. Here are some delightful options:
- Coconut Whipped Cream: Light and fluffy, this topping adds creaminess without dairy.
- Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits balances the sweetness of the cake.
- Chocolate Ganache: A rich chocolate sauce drizzled over each slice enhances chocolate lovers’ delight.
- Nutty Granola: Crunchy granola sprinkled on top offers texture contrast and extra flavor.
- Lemon Sorbet: The tartness of lemon sorbet serves as a palate cleanser between bites.
- Almond Brittle: Crispy almond brittle adds crunch that complements the cake’s soft layers.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making a delicious One Bowl Vegan Almond Raspberry Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting can be simple, but some common mistakes can lead to less-than-perfect results.
- Skipping the room temperature ingredients: Using cold ingredients can result in a dense cake. Always allow your vegan butter, yogurt, and buttermilk to reach room temperature before mixing.
- Overmixing the batter: Mixing too much can make the cake tough. Combine wet and dry ingredients until just blended for a fluffy texture.
- Not measuring accurately: Baking is a science, so using improper measurements can ruin your cake. Use a kitchen scale for precise amounts, especially for flour.
- Ignoring cooling times: Cutting into the cake while it’s still warm can lead to crumbling. Allow the cakes to cool completely before slicing or frosting.
- Using stale baking powder or soda: Expired leavening agents can prevent your cake from rising properly. Always check the date to ensure freshness before baking.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the fridge.
- It will stay fresh for up to 5 days.
Freezing One Bowl Vegan Almond Raspberry Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
- Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and then foil before freezing.
- The cake can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating One Bowl Vegan Almond Raspberry Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F and place the slice on a baking sheet. Heat for about 10 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Place a slice on a microwave-safe plate; heat for 15-20 seconds or until warm.
- Stovetop: Use a non-stick skillet over low heat, cover, and warm for about 5 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes this One Bowl Vegan Almond Raspberry Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting special?
This vegan cake is not only easy to make in one bowl but also boasts rich almond flavors combined with refreshing raspberry jam, topped with creamy frosting.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Yes! You can easily substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free 1:1 baking flour plus arrowroot or cornstarch as indicated in the recipe notes.
How do I customize the frosting?
Feel free to mix in different flavors such as lemon or coconut extract, or add cocoa powder for a chocolate variation of the cream cheese frosting.
How long does it take to bake this cake?
The total time from prep to finish is approximately 1 hour and 5 minutes, including baking and cooling time.
Can I use fresh raspberries instead of jam?
Yes, you can use fresh raspberries between layers if you prefer a fresher taste. Just note that they might not spread as easily as jam.
Final Thoughts
The One Bowl Vegan Almond Raspberry Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is an appealing dessert that combines indulgent flavors with a light texture. Its versatility allows you to customize it based on seasonal fruits or your favorite flavors. Try this delightful recipe for your next gathering or simply as a treat at home!
One Bowl Vegan Almond Raspberry Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
- Total Time: 1 hour 2 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in the delightful flavors of the One Bowl Vegan Almond Raspberry Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting! This scrumptious dessert is perfect for any occasion, featuring fluffy layers of almond cake complemented by a luscious vegan cream cheese frosting and a sweet raspberry jam filling. Not only is this cake easy to make using just one bowl, but it’s also entirely plant-based, ensuring that everyone at your table can enjoy it. With its beautiful presentation and unique flavor combination, this cake is sure to impress family and friends alike. Serve it at birthdays, brunches, or simply as a treat for yourself – you won’t be disappointed!
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups vegan buttermilk
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup melted unsalted vegan butter
- 1 cup dairy-free yogurt
- 2 tbsp vanilla extract
- 2 tsp almond extract
- 1 1/3 cups ground almonds
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3 tsp baking powder
- 3/4 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp sea salt
- 1 cup raspberry jam
- 2 batches vegan cream cheese frosting
- 1 cup raspberries, for decoration
- 1 cup crushed almonds, for decoration
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and line two 8-inch cake pans with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together sugar, melted vegan butter, dairy-free yogurt, vanilla extract, and almond extract until smooth.
- Add ground almonds and flour along with baking powder and baking soda; mix well.
- Gradually pour in the vegan buttermilk and mix until just combined.
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and bake for 40–42 minutes.
- Once cooled, slice each layer in half horizontally to create four layers total.
- Prepare your vegan cream cheese frosting according to your recipe.
- Assemble by layering cake with frosting and raspberry jam; frost the entire cake when assembled.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 42 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Vegan
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (100g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
