The Vegan Birthday Cake from Milk Bar features moist layers of tender vegan cake infused with vanilla and powdered sugar, topped with colorful rainbow sprinkles and a smooth, dairy-free frosting, delivering a festive and indulgent plant-based dessert experience.
Equipments
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer (or hand whisk)
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Rubber spatula
- Sifter or fine mesh sieve
- Cake pans
- Parchment paper
- Cooling rack
- Offset spatula
- Serrated knife
- Turntable (optional)
- Spoon (for sprinkles)
- Wire rack
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups (315g) all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- ½ cup (60g) powdered sugar
- 1 cup (240ml) unsweetened non-dairy milk
- ⅓ cup (80ml) vegetable oil
- ¼ cup (60ml) unsweetened applesauce
- 2 tablespoons white or apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup (80g) rainbow sprinkles (vegan)
- For the frosting:
- ½ cup (115g) vegan butter
- ¼ cup (55g) vegetable shortening
- 2 ½ cups (300g) powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons non-dairy milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup (40g) rainbow sprinkles (vegan, for decorating)
When preparing the Vegan Birthday Cake, ensure you use vegan-certified rainbow sprinkles to maintain the dessert's plant-based integrity and avoid any animal-derived ingredients. The combination of baking powder and baking soda is crucial for achieving the cake's tender and moist texture, so measure these leavening agents precisely. Unsweetened non-dairy milk and applesauce both contribute to the cake's moisture and bind the ingredients while keeping it free from dairy. For the frosting, using both vegan butter and vegetable shortening provides the ideal creamy consistency and stability for spreading and decorating. Your Vegan Birthday Cake from Milk Bar copycat menu will closely replicate the vibrant and indulgent experience of the original with these ingredient details.
Instructions
- Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line cake pans with parchment paper; lightly grease.
- In a mixing bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, whisk granulated sugar, powdered sugar, non-dairy milk, vegetable oil, applesauce, vinegar, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Gradually add wet ingredients to dry ingredients; mix until just combined.
- Fold in rainbow sprinkles gently with a rubber spatula.
- Divide batter evenly between prepared cake pans.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack.
- For the frosting: Beat vegan butter and shortening until fluffy.
- Gradually add powdered sugar, non-dairy milk, vanilla, and salt; beat until smooth and creamy.
- Once cakes are completely cool, use a serrated knife to level layers if needed.
- Place one cake layer on a cake turntable or plate.
- Spread frosting evenly over the top with an offset spatula.
- Place the second layer on top; frost the top and sides of the cake.
- Decorate with additional rainbow sprinkles.
- Slice and serve.
Substitution
The Vegan Birthday Cake from Milk Bar copycat menu can be adapted easily if you need ingredient substitutions in your kitchen. If you don't have vegetable oil, melted coconut oil or avocado oil work well without altering the flavor. Non-dairy milk varieties like almond, soy, or oat milk can replace the recommended unsweetened non-dairy milk based on availability or preference. When you're out of vegan butter, a combination of margarine and vegetable shortening can provide a similar creamy texture for the frosting. Using vegan sprinkles ensures the cake stays plant-based, but any allergen-friendly, dairy-free sprinkles can be swapped to suit your dietary needs.
Tips
Ensure your cakes have fully cooled before frosting to prevent melting the vegan butter and shortening, which can cause a runny frosting. When mixing dry and wet ingredients, avoid overmixing to keep the cake layers tender and moist. Use parchment paper to line cake pans to create easy release and protect your cakes from sticking. If you don't have a cake turntable, a steady plate will work for frosting, just take your time to spread evenly with the offset spatula.
Nutritions
The Vegan Birthday Cake from Milk Bar offers a plant-based treat rich in carbohydrates from all-purpose flour and sugars, fueling your energy levels. It contains healthy fats sourced from vegetable oil, vegan butter, and shortening, contributing to satiety and smooth frosting texture. Non-dairy milk and applesauce provide moisture without added cholesterol, making the cake suitable for heart-conscious diets. Your indulgence in this dessert also includes antioxidants from vanilla extract and a modest amount of vegan sprinkles adding playful colors without animal derivatives.
Storage
Store your Vegan Birthday Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to maintain moisture and freshness. For longer storage, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to one week; allow it to come to room temperature before serving for the best texture and flavor. Avoid freezing the cake with frosting as it may affect the frosting's consistency and appearance.
Variation or Alternatives
You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to accommodate dietary preferences without compromising texture. For a fruitier twist, replace the vegetable oil with melted coconut oil or add a tablespoon of mashed banana to the batter. Consider swapping rainbow sprinkles for finely chopped nuts or shredded coconut for a nutty or tropical flavor profile. To vary the frosting, incorporate a tablespoon of lemon juice or zest for a citrusy note that balances the sweetness.
Allergies
The Vegan Birthday Cake contains all-purpose flour, which may pose a risk for individuals with gluten allergies or celiac disease. The rainbow sprinkles and frosting include vegan butter and vegetable shortening, ingredients that might have traces of soy or palm oil, common allergens for some people. Be sure to verify all ingredient sources if you or Your guests have food allergies or sensitivities to ensure a safe celebration.
Why this recipe?
Milk Bar's Vegan Birthday Cake menu is celebrated for its moist texture, vibrant flavors, and use of plant-based ingredients without compromising on taste. Customers appreciate the creamy frosting made from coconut and cashew blends, delivering a rich experience that rivals traditional cakes. You will find recreating this cake at home rewarding due to its unique combination of accessibility and indulgence, making it perfect for special occasions or everyday treats. The innovative fusion of health-conscious baking and iconic dessert flavors makes the copycat recipe highly sought after among plant-based dessert enthusiasts.