Eggless Orange Cake Recipe (Vegan & Whole Wheat)

Kokila Chokkanathan
Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 cups (180g) whole wheat flour (you can use whole wheat pastry flour for a softer texture)
  • 1/2 cup (100g) sugar (use coconut sugar or maple syrup for a healthier alternative)
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) orange juice (freshly squeezed for best flavor)
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) vegetable oil (or melted coconut oil)
  • 1/4 cup (60g) dairy-free yogurt (or any plant-based yogurt like soy or almond yogurt)
  • Zest of 1 large orange
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice (or vinegar, helps the cake rise)
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) water (room temperature)
Instructions:

Preheat the oven:

Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease and line an 8-inch round or square cake pan with parchment paper.

Prepare dry ingredients:

In a large bowl, sift together whole wheat flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Sifting ensures the dry ingredients are well combined and gives your cake a lighter texture.

Prepare wet ingredients:

In another bowl, combine the sugar, orange juice, oil, dairy-free yogurt, vanilla extract, and lemon juice (or vinegar). Stir well to combine.

Add the orange zest and mix it in.

Combine wet and dry ingredients:

Gradually add the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix gently until just combined. Don’t overmix, as that can make the cake dense.

Add water:

Stir in water until the batter is smooth and well combined. The batter will be slightly runny, but that's okay—it helps the cake stay moist.

Bake:

Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and spread it evenly.

Tap the pan gently on the counter to remove any air bubbles.

Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Start checking at around 28 minutes to avoid overbaking.

Cool:

Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips & Tricks:

Fresh orange juice:
For the best flavor, always use freshly squeezed orange juice. Store-bought juice might not have the same depth of flavor.

Oil choice:
You can use any neutral oil like vegetable oil, or for a richer flavor, coconut oil works great in this recipe.

Zest it up:
The orange zest gives a beautiful citrus aroma and flavor to the cake, so don't skip it! It really elevates the overall taste.

Moisture tip:
If the cake seems a little dry after baking, try adding a tablespoon of orange juice or plant-based milk to the batter, or drizzle some orange syrup (mix orange juice with sugar and heat until it thickens) on top once the cake cools.

Fluffier texture:
If you want an even lighter cake, you can sift the whole wheat flour along with the baking powder and soda two times.

Optional Frosting or Glaze:

If you want to add a little extra sweetness and shine, you can make an orange glaze to drizzle over the top:

  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar (or coconut powdered sugar)
  • 2-3 tbsp fresh orange juice
  • Mix until smooth and pour over the cooled cake.
Or for a more indulgent treat, try a vegan buttercream frosting with orange flavor:

  • 1/2 cup vegan butter
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 tbsp orange juice
  • Whip until fluffy and smooth, then frost your cake.
Variations:

  • Add-ins: You can add chopped walnuts, almonds, or even dark chocolate chips to the batter for extra texture and flavor.
  • Orange and cranberry: Add dried cranberries or fresh cranberry pieces for a tangy contrast to the sweetness.
Disclaimer:

The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any agency, organization, employer, or company. All information provided is for general informational purposes only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, reliability, or suitability of the information contained herein. Readers are advised to verify facts and seek professional advice where necessary. Any reliance placed on such information is strictly at the reader’s own risk.

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