A Vegan Red Velvet Cake? Absolutely!
Red Velvet cake is a showstopper, especially around Valentine’s Day. Its striking red layers paired with the creamy white frosting make it one of the most beautiful cakes you can bake. But let’s be honest—it’s not just about looks. The moist, fluffy texture and delicate balance between the hint of chocolate and the subtle acidity are what make Red Velvet so irresistible. And the frosting? Well, it’s the perfect sweet complement to the cake’s vibrant appearance.
For vegans, however, there’s one small hiccup—traditional red food coloring is often derived from beetles (!!). But don’t worry! With vegan food coloring now readily available at most health food stores and online, your vegan Red Velvet dreams can still come true. So how do you bake the ultimate vegan Red Velvet cake? Stay tuned, because we’ve gathered the most mouth-watering recipes just for you. Ready to make some magic? Let’s dive in!
Vegan Red Velvet Cakes & Desserts – 12 Must-Try Recipes
1. Classic Vegan Red Velvet Cake
Nothing beats a classic. This cake looks just like the original—with a bright red hue and smooth white frosting that’s almost too pretty to eat. It’s a simple, reliable recipe that delivers everything you want from a Red Velvet cake, minus the animal products. If you want to impress, stick with the classics.
Image source and recipe via Rainbow Nourishments
2. Vegan Red Velvet Cheesecake
Straight from a vegan bakery that knows how to nail Red Velvet. This recipe combines a rich, red sponge cake base with a tangy, cream “cheese” frosting. Want to wow your non-vegan friends? This is the cake that will make them forget they’re eating vegan.
Image source and recipe via Pickles & Honey
3. Healthy Vegan Red Velvet Cake with Chocolate Mousse Frosting
Naturally red, low in sugar, packed with protein and fiber—this is your guilt-free version of Red Velvet. Whole grain, gluten-free, dairy-free, and still absolutely delicious, this cake checks all the boxes for a health-conscious dessert without compromising flavor.
Image source and full recipe via Desserts With Benefits
4. Gluten-Free Vegan Red Velvet Cupcakes
Rhian’s done it again! Her moist and fluffy vegan Red Velvet cupcakes are not only gluten-free, but also naturally colored. These little treats are perfect for when you want Red Velvet in a personal, grab-and-go form.
Image source and recipe via Rhian’s Recipes
5. Just Beet It: Vegan Gluten-Free Red Velvet Cake
This one’s a showstopper. A thick, tangy vanilla icing with cream cheese-like richness tops a decadent Red Velvet cake. Bonus: the color comes from—you guessed it—beets! But don’t worry, you won’t taste the beets at all. Just pure, Red Velvet bliss.
Image source and full recipe via Blissful Basil
6. No-Bake Vegan Red Velvet Snowball Cookies
These raw red velvet snowball cookies are festive, beautiful, and a total crowd-pleaser. Made with almonds, coconut, raw cacao butter, and beets, they’re a healthy, no-bake treat that’s as satisfying as it is stunning. And nope, you won’t even notice the beets.
Image source and full recipe via Rawmazing
7. Red Velvet Biscotti
A fun twist on a classic cake! These vegan Red Velvet biscotti are packed with chocolate chips and drizzled with white icing. Perfect for Valentine’s Day or any time you want to pair your coffee with a little slice of heaven.
Image and recipe via Pasta-Based
8. Healthy Red Velvet Chia Seed Pudding
Love Red Velvet but want something lighter? This chia seed pudding is a sweet, creamy alternative with hints of vanilla and cocoa. Topped with coconut whipped cream and a sprinkle of mini chocolate chips, it’s a dessert that satisfies without the guilt.
Image and recipe via Desserts With Benefits
9. Vegan Red Velvet Cake with Macadamia Nut Cookie Crumbs
Inspired by the legendary Momofuku style cakes, this vegan version brings the wow factor with layers of red velvet, cream, and crunchy macadamia cookie crumbs. While it’s not exactly a health food, it’s made with whole wheat flour and coconut oil, so you can feel good about indulging.
Image and recipe via Carrots & Flowers
10. Red Velvet Cookie Dough Bites
Gluten-free, paleo, and vegan? Yes, please! These Red Velvet cookie dough bites are a quick, easy snack or post-workout treat that gives you the taste of Red Velvet without the fuss of baking a whole cake.
Image and recipe via Bakerita
11. Easy Vegan Red Velvet Cake (Gluten-Free)
No baking skills? No problem! This recipe is surprisingly easy and yields perfectly uniform, crumb-free layers that are a dream to frost. Simple, delicious, and stress-free.
Image and recipe via POWERHUNGRY
12. Vegan Red Velvet Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting
Moist, fluffy, and oh-so-easy to make, these vegan Red Velvet cupcakes are perfect for any occasion. Add some festive decorations, and they’ll be a hit at Halloween too!
Image and recipe via My Darling Vegan
History of Red Velvet Cakes
Red Velvet cake is more than just a dessert—it’s a culinary icon. Its story starts back in the early 1900s when cake-making was an art form, and red was a color that caught the eye. This cake, with its vivid red hue and rich, chocolatey flavor, first appeared in the elegant dining rooms of the South, but its journey from novelty to legend is as layered as the cake itself.
The origins of Red Velvet are a bit of a mystery. Some say it was born in the kitchens of the famous Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York, where the cake became a decadent signature dessert. Others believe its roots lie in the American South, where bakers experimented with cocoa to create a unique chocolate cake that wasn’t quite as heavy as a traditional chocolate cake. During the Great Depression, the color became even more pronounced when food dye companies cleverly marketed red food coloring to home bakers, making the striking Red Velvet cake a sensation.
But the cake’s magic isn’t just about color. The “velvet” in Red Velvet refers to its incredibly soft, velvety texture—thanks to the combination of cocoa powder, buttermilk, and vinegar that reacts to create a light, fluffy crumb. Originally, the red tint came from a natural reaction between the cocoa and acidic ingredients, giving the cake a slightly reddish-brown color. But with the rise of modern food coloring, Red Velvet became the crimson confection we know and love today. From high-end hotels to Southern kitchens, Red Velvet cake has become a symbol of celebration. Whether it’s a birthday, a wedding, or Valentine’s Day, this cake makes a statement. It’s bold, it’s beautiful, and it’s a timeless indulgence.
So, the next time you slice into a Red Velvet cake, remember—you’re not just eating dessert. You’re tasting a piece of history.
