Are you looking for a delicious and colorful dessert option for your next celebration that’s also vegan-friendly? Look no further than the beloved funfetti cake! In this article, we’ll dive into the history of this classic cake, provide an easy-to-follow recipe with vegan substitutes, and share tips and tricks for ensuring your cake is fluffy and moist. We’ll also explore frosting and decorating options, storage and transportation tips, and even creative ways to use leftover cake batter or baked cake scraps. Let’s get baking!
The history of funfetti cake and why it’s a popular choice for celebrations
Funfetti cake has been a beloved dessert option for decades, popular for its colorful and festive appearance. The cake became famous in the 1980s when Pillsbury introduced a boxed cake mix, which quickly became a staple at birthday parties and other celebrations. Since then, the cake has evolved to be customized for different dietary needs, including vegan.
Funfetti cake is not only popular in the United States, but it has also gained popularity in other countries around the world. In Canada, it is known as confetti cake, and in the United Kingdom, it is called hundreds and thousands cake. The cake’s popularity has also led to the creation of other funfetti-flavored products, such as ice cream, cookies, and even coffee. Despite its many variations, funfetti cake remains a classic and beloved dessert option for any celebration.
Necessary ingredients for a vegan funfetti cake recipe
To make a vegan funfetti cake, you’ll need flour, baking powder, salt, sugar, oil, vanilla extract, non-dairy milk, sprinkles, and an egg substitute. For the egg substitute, you can use flaxseed meal, applesauce, or mashed bananas. You can also use a vegan butter substitute for the frosting. These ingredients are easy to find at your local grocery store or health food store.
It’s important to note that not all sprinkles are vegan. Some contain confectioner’s glaze, which is made from insect secretions. Be sure to check the ingredients list before purchasing sprinkles for your vegan funfetti cake. You can find vegan-friendly sprinkles at specialty stores or online retailers.
Vegan substitutes for traditional cake ingredients
To create a vegan-friendly cake, there are a few substitutions that you’ll need to make. For example, instead of using eggs, you can use flaxseed meal, applesauce, or mashed bananas to help bind the ingredients together. Non-dairy milk can be used instead of regular milk, and vegan butter can be substituted for traditional butter. You’ll also want to make sure the sprinkles you use are vegan-friendly, as some contain animal-derived ingredients.
Another great substitute for eggs in vegan baking is aquafaba, which is the liquid from a can of chickpeas. It can be whipped into a foam and used as a replacement for egg whites in recipes such as meringues and macarons. Additionally, for a healthier option, you can use pureed silken tofu instead of oil or butter in your cake recipe.
It’s important to note that not all sugar is vegan-friendly. Some sugar is processed using bone char, which is made from animal bones. Look for sugar that is labeled as “vegan” or “unrefined” to ensure that it is free from animal products. You can also use alternative sweeteners such as maple syrup, agave nectar, or coconut sugar in your vegan cake recipe.
Step-by-step instructions on how to make a vegan funfetti cake
First, preheat your oven to 350 degrees and line your cake pan(s) with parchment paper. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar. In another bowl, mix together your egg substitute, oil, vanilla extract, and non-dairy milk. Combine both mixtures and stir in your sprinkles. Pour the batter into your prepared cake pan(s) and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely before frosting and decorating.
For the frosting, you can use a vegan buttercream or cream cheese frosting. To make a vegan buttercream, beat vegan butter and powdered sugar together until light and fluffy. Add in vanilla extract and non-dairy milk as needed to achieve desired consistency. For a cream cheese frosting, beat vegan cream cheese and vegan butter together until smooth. Gradually add in powdered sugar and vanilla extract until desired sweetness is achieved. Spread the frosting over the cooled cake and decorate with additional sprinkles, if desired.
Tips on how to ensure your cake turns out fluffy and moist
The key to ensuring a fluffy and moist cake is to not overmix your batter. Mix the dry and wet ingredients just until they’re combined, and then fold in the sprinkles. It’s also essential to let the cake cool entirely before frosting, so the frosting doesn’t melt and become too gooey. Finally, make sure to store your cake in an airtight container to maintain its moisture.
Another tip to ensure your cake turns out fluffy and moist is to use room temperature ingredients. When your ingredients are at room temperature, they mix together more easily and create a smoother batter. This results in a cake that is lighter and fluffier. So, make sure to take your eggs, butter, and milk out of the fridge at least an hour before you start baking.
Different types of frosting options for your vegan funfetti cake
There are plenty of vegan frosting options to choose from, including vegan buttercream, cream cheese frosting, or a whipped coconut cream frosting. Depending on your preference, you can use traditional frosting flavors like vanilla or chocolate, or experiment with other flavors like strawberry or peanut butter.
If you’re looking for a healthier frosting option, you can try making a frosting using avocado or sweet potato as a base. These options are not only vegan but also provide additional nutrients to your cake.
Another option is to use fruit purees like raspberry or mango to add a fruity twist to your frosting. You can also add natural food coloring like beet juice or turmeric to give your frosting a vibrant color without using artificial dyes.
Decorating ideas to make your funfetti cake stand out
When it comes to decorating your funfetti cake, the possibilities are endless. You can use extra sprinkles or edible glitter to add sparkle to the frosting, pipe frosting into intricate designs or shapes, or add fresh fruit or flowers on top of your cake. Let your creativity run wild!
Another great way to make your funfetti cake stand out is by using different colored frosting. You can use a variety of colors to create a rainbow effect or stick to a specific color scheme to match the theme of your party. You can also experiment with different types of frosting, such as cream cheese or whipped cream, to add a unique flavor to your cake.
If you want to take your funfetti cake to the next level, consider adding a surprise filling. You can add a layer of fruit jam, chocolate ganache, or even cookie dough in the middle of your cake. This will add an extra element of surprise and excitement when your guests cut into the cake.
How to store and transport your vegan funfetti cake
To store your cake, place it in an airtight container and keep it in the fridge for up to five days. If you need to transport your cake, make sure it’s entirely cooled and then wrap it in plastic wrap and secure it with a lid or in a cake carrier. Keep the cake flat while transporting it to avoid bumps or damage.
It’s important to note that if you’re transporting your cake in warm weather, you may want to consider using a cooler or insulated bag to keep it from melting or becoming too soft. Additionally, if you’re transporting your cake a long distance, it’s a good idea to bring along some extra frosting or decorations in case any damage occurs during transit.
When it comes to storing your cake, avoid placing it in direct sunlight or near any heat sources, as this can cause the frosting to melt or the cake to dry out. If you need to store your cake for longer than five days, consider freezing it instead. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil before placing it in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight before serving.
Creative ways to use leftover cake batter or baked cake scraps
If you have leftover cake batter or scraps, don’t let them go to waste! You can use them to make funfetti cake pops, cake truffles, or even pancakes. Simply mix the batter or scraps with a little non-dairy milk and flour to create a pancake batter consistency, and then cook as you would regular pancakes.
Another great way to use leftover cake batter or scraps is to make a layered trifle. Simply layer the cake with whipped cream, fresh fruit, and any other desired toppings in a clear glass bowl or jar. This makes for a beautiful and delicious dessert that is perfect for entertaining.
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also use leftover cake batter to make a unique and flavorful ice cream. Simply churn the batter in an ice cream maker according to the manufacturer’s instructions, and then freeze until firm. You can add in mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts for added texture and flavor.
Frequently asked questions about making a vegan funfetti cake
Q: Can I use regular milk instead of non-dairy milk?
A: While non-dairy milk is preferred for vegan cakes, you can use regular milk if you don’t have non-dairy milk available. Just keep in mind that it won’t be entirely vegan-friendly.
Q: Can I make this cake gluten-free?
A: Yes! You can use gluten-free flour instead of regular flour.
Q: What vegan butter substitute works best for frosting?
A: A vegan butter substitute like Earth Balance or Miyoko’s works great for frosting. Just make sure it’s softened to room temperature before using.
Q: Can I add other flavors to the funfetti cake?
A: Absolutely! You can add different extracts like almond or lemon to give the cake a unique flavor. You can also add fruit purees like strawberry or raspberry to the batter for a fruity twist.
Q: Can I make this cake ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make the cake ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. You can also freeze the cake for up to a month. Just make sure to thaw it before frosting and serving.
Vegan baking resources and cookbooks to explore beyond this recipe
For more vegan baking inspiration, check out some of these resources:
- The Joy of Vegan Baking by Colleen Patrick-Goudreau
- Babycakes by Erin McKenna
- Thug Kitchen: Eat Like You Give a F*ck by Thug Kitchen
With this recipe and helpful tips, you’re sure to bake a delicious and show-stopping vegan funfetti cake for your next celebration. Happy baking!
Additionally, if you’re looking for more vegan baking ideas, consider checking out some vegan baking blogs such as Minimalist Baker, Oh She Glows, and Vegan Richa. These blogs offer a wide range of vegan dessert recipes and helpful tips for baking without animal products.