If you’re looking for a delightfully moist, naturally sweet, and wonderfully spiced treat, this Vegan Courgette Cake Recipe is an absolute must-try. Packed with fresh courgettes and a comforting blend of cinnamon and vanilla, it’s the kind of cake that sneaks in some veggies while feeling like a true indulgence. Whether you’re a vegan veteran or just curious, this recipe strikes that perfect balance of simplicity and flavor that makes baking feel like a joyful adventure.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t be fooled by the simple list of ingredients in this Vegan Courgette Cake Recipe—each one plays a vital role in ensuring the cake’s rich texture, moist crumb, and balanced sweetness. From the fresh courgettes bringing moisture and subtle earthiness to the cinnamon adding a warm spice, every element is essential for making this cake sing.
- Courgettes: 2 cups grated, the star ingredient adding moisture and a tender texture.
- Plain Flour: 2 cups, creating the perfect base for the cake’s structure.
- Baking Powder: 2 teaspoons to provide the light rise.
- Baking Soda: 1 teaspoon, helping with leavening and a tender crumb.
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon to enhance all the flavors.
- Sugar: 3/4 cup, giving just the right amount of natural sweetness.
- Vegetable Oil: 1/3 cup, ensuring the cake stays moist and soft.
- Almond Milk: 1 cup, adding creaminess while keeping it vegan-friendly.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: 1 tablespoon, reacting with baking soda to lighten the cake.
- Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon, adding aromatic depth.
- Ground Cinnamon: 1 teaspoon, for that warm, comforting spice note.
- Walnuts: 1/2 cup chopped, introducing a lovely crunch and nutty flavor.
How to Make Vegan Courgette Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it warms up, grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper. This prep ensures your cake comes out cleanly without sticking, which makes the whole baking experience even more enjoyable.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the plain flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, sugar, and ground cinnamon. Combining these dry ingredients well not only helps with even rising but also distributes the warmth of cinnamon beautifully throughout your cake.
Step 3: Prepare the Courgettes
Grate your courgettes finely, then gently squeeze out extra moisture if they feel very watery. This step is key because too much water can affect the cake’s texture, but you want to keep enough moisture for tenderness.
Step 4: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together almond milk, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and apple cider vinegar. The vinegar reacts with baking soda to give your cake that lovely rise and lightness despite being dairy-free and egg-free.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixes and Add Courgettes and Walnuts
Pour your wet mixture into the dry ingredients and fold them together gently until just combined. Then, fold in the grated courgettes and chopped walnuts. Overmixing here can make the cake dense, so keep things light and easy.
Step 6: Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into your prepared pan, smoothing the top lightly. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The smell that fills your kitchen while it bakes is utterly comforting and inviting.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Let your Vegan Courgette Cake Recipe cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. This little resting period helps the cake set perfectly, making slicing a breeze without crumbling.
How to Serve Vegan Courgette Cake Recipe
Garnishes
A dusting of powdered sugar or a spread of vegan cream cheese frosting takes this cake to the next level. You might also sprinkle some extra chopped walnuts on top for an irresistible finish that adds texture and visual appeal.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs wonderfully with a cup of strong coffee, herbal tea, or even a fresh fruit salad. The light sweetness and spice in the cake balance nicely against more refreshing or robust accompaniments.
Creative Ways to Present
Try slicing your Vegan Courgette Cake Recipe into muffins for a portable snack or bake it in a bundt pan for a stunning centerpiece. You can even turn it into layered cake slices by halving it horizontally and adding a vegan frosting or jam between layers.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once fully cooled, store your cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps the texture moist and the flavors fresh. If your kitchen is warm, refrigerate the cake and bring it to room temperature before serving.
Freezing
The Vegan Courgette Cake Recipe freezes beautifully. Wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil or place it in a freezer-safe container. It can last up to three months frozen without losing quality.
Reheating
For a fresh-baked feel, warm slices gently in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes. This brings back the moisture and enhances the aroma, making for a perfect treat any time.
FAQs
Can I substitute the courgettes?
Absolutely! Zucchini is the classic choice, but you could try finely grated carrots or grated apples for a twist, though the texture and flavor will vary slightly.
Is this cake gluten-free?
This recipe calls for plain flour which usually contains gluten. To keep it gluten-free, substitute with a gluten-free all-purpose blend, ensuring it includes xanthan gum if needed for texture.
Can I use other nuts instead of walnuts?
Yes! Pecans, hazelnuts, or even chopped almonds would add lovely flavor and crunch. Toast them lightly for extra depth.
How long does the cake keep?
Stored properly, this Vegan Courgette Cake Recipe stays fresh for about 2-3 days at room temperature, and up to a week in the fridge.
Can I make this cake sweeter?
Feel free to adjust the sugar amount to your preference. Adding a drizzle of maple syrup or vegan icing can also boost the sweetness without changing the baking process.
Final Thoughts
This Vegan Courgette Cake Recipe is one of those wonderfully comforting, sneak-in-some-veggies treats that everyone will love. It’s easy to make, irresistibly moist, and perfectly spiced, making it the kind of cake you’ll want to bake again and again. Give it a go and enjoy the happy smiles it brings to your table.
