This Vegan Walnut Cake is a deliciously moist and nutty dessert that combines the rich flavor of walnuts with a light, fluffy texture. Perfect for any occasion, this cake is easy to make and can be enjoyed on its own or with a delightful frosting.

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
• 1 cup (100g) ground walnuts
• 1 cup (240ml) unsweetened almond milk (or any non-dairy milk)
• ½ cup (120ml) vegetable oil or melted coconut oil
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Frosting (Optional):

• ½ cup (113g) vegan butter, softened
• 2 cups (240g) powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons almond milk (or as needed for consistency)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Optional: Chopped walnuts for decoration

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8-inch round cake pan with parchment paper.
2. Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, ground walnuts, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, mix the almond milk, vegetable oil, apple cider vinegar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
4. Combine Mixtures: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay.
5. Pour into Pan: Transfer the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
6. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Cool: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
8. Prepare Frosting (Optional):
   • In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened vegan butter and powdered sugar until creamy.
   • Add almond milk and vanilla extract; mix until smooth and fluffy. Adjust consistency by adding more almond milk if needed.
9. Frost the Cake: Once cooled, spread the frosting on top of the cake if desired. Decorate with chopped walnuts for an added crunch.
10. Serve and Enjoy: Your Vegan Walnut Cake is now ready to be enjoyed! Slice and serve at room temperature.

Tips for Success

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
• Customization: Feel free to add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for extra flavor or incorporate chocolate chips for a sweeter twist.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that contains xanthan gum for best results.

This Vegan Walnut Cake is not only delicious but also versatile! Enjoy it plain or dress it up with frosting for special occasions!