Why You’ll Love This Eggless Vanilla Cake
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No eggs, no problem! Perfect for allergies or dietary preferences.
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One bowl simplicity: Less mess, less fuss, more joy.
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Moist and fluffy texture: Thanks to the perfect blend of oil and lemon juice.
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Customizable flavor base: Add fruit, spices, chocolate chips, or your favorite frosting.
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Pantry-friendly ingredients: No dairy or fancy components needed!
Ingredients for Eggless Vanilla Cake
Dry Ingredients:
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1¾ cups (210g) all-purpose flour
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1 tsp baking soda
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½ tsp salt
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1 cup (200g) sugar
Wet Ingredients:
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1 cup water
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6 tbsp oil (vegetable, canola, or sunflower)
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1 tbsp lemon juice
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1 tsp vanilla extract
Step-by-Step Directions
1. Preheat and Prepare
Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease and flour an 8-inch round or square pan, or line with parchment paper.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients
Whisk flour, baking soda, salt, and sugar in a large bowl.
3. Add Wet Ingredients
Pour in water, oil, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Mix gently until smooth—avoid overmixing.
4. Bake
Pour batter into the pan and smooth the top. Bake 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
5. Cool and Serve
Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing or frosting.
Tips for the Best Eggless Cake
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Use fresh baking soda for proper rising.
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Don’t skip the lemon juice—it activates the baking soda and brightens flavor.
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Cool completely before slicing for the best texture and taste.
Creative Customizations
This cake is a perfect blank canvas:
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Fruity twists: Fold in blueberries, raspberries, or diced apples.
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Warm spices: Add cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom.
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Chocolate lovers: Stir in dairy-free chocolate chips or swirl in cocoa batter.
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Nutty crunch: Mix in walnuts, pecans, or pistachios.
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Frosting ideas: Vegan buttercream, lemon glaze, or coconut whipped cream with toasted flakes.
Perfect for Any Occasion
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Birthday: Layer with buttercream and sprinkles.
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Holiday: Add orange zest and cranberries.
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Fall: Mix in apples and cinnamon, drizzle caramel.
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Easter: Bake in a loaf pan and top with lemon glaze and candied zest.
Perfect Pairings
Pair with:
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Drinks: Herbal tea, almond milk latte, oat cappuccino, or chai.
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Fruits: Berries, poached pears, grilled peaches, or orange slices.
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Sauces: Berry compote, chocolate ganache, maple syrup, or lemon curd.
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Serving idea: Cube it and layer in a trifle with fruit and cream.
Why This Eggless Cake Works
Without eggs, this cake rises beautifully thanks to a smart chemical reaction: lemon juice activates baking soda, creating air bubbles that make the cake rise. Oil keeps it moist, and water hydrates the flour to form a tender crumb. The result? A moist, fluffy, and delicious vanilla cake that rivals traditional versions.
Eggless vs Traditional Vanilla Cake
Feature | Traditional Vanilla Cake | Eggless Vanilla Cake |
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Texture | Light, fluffy, slightly richer | Soft, tender, moist |
Flavor | Buttery and egg-rich | Clean vanilla with bright lemon |
Rise | Eggs + baking powder/soda | Lemon juice + baking soda |
Allergen-friendly | Contains eggs and dairy | Egg-free, can be dairy-free |
Preparation | Multiple steps and bowls | One bowl, simple mix-and-bake |