Name: One Bowl Vegan Almond Raspberry Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 42 min
Total time: 1 h 2 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups vegan buttermilk; 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar; 1 cup unsalted vegan butter, melted; 1 cup dairy-free yogurt; 2 tbsp vanilla extract; 2 tsp almond extract; 1 1/3 cups ground almonds; 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free substitute); 3 tsp baking powder; 3/4 tsp baking soda; Sea salt to taste; 1 cup raspberry jam; Vegan cream cheese frosting, for assembling and decorating

If you’re searching for a show-stopping dessert that’s both simple and bursting with vibrant flavors, this One Bowl Vegan Almond Raspberry Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is definitely the answer. It combines the nutty warmth of ground almonds with the sweet tartness of raspberry jam, all wrapped in a tender, moist cake made with love and minimal fuss. The creamy, dreamy vegan cream cheese frosting adds that perfect finishing touch, making this cake a delightful centerpiece for any occasion or just a comforting treat to brighten your day.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are straightforward yet essential, each chosen to create the perfect balance of flavors, textures, and colors. From the rich almond undertones to the luscious raspberry notes, every component plays a key role in making this cake truly special.

Vegan buttermilk (1 1/2 cups): Adds moisture and a slight tang to keep the cake tender and fluffy.
Granulated sugar (1 1/2 cups): Sweetens the cake just right without overpowering the natural flavors.
Unsalted vegan butter (1 cup): Provides richness and helps bind the ingredients together smoothly.
Dairy-free yogurt (1 cup): Contributes creaminess and a subtle tang, enhancing the cake’s moistness.
Vanilla extract (2 tbsp): Infuses warm and familiar sweetness that complements the almond and raspberry.
Almond extract (2 tsp): Packs a punch of nutty flavor that makes this cake truly distinctive.
Ground almonds (1 1/3 cups): Give the cake a beautiful texture and a wholesome almond flavor.
All-purpose flour (2 1/2 cups): The base that gives the cake structure; use a gluten-free substitute for dietary needs.
Baking powder (3 tsp): Ensures the cake rises beautifully with a light crumb.
Baking soda (3/4 tsp): Balances acidity and promotes fluffiness.
Sea salt (to taste): Enhances all the flavors, making everything pop.
Raspberry jam (1 cup): Bursts of sweet and slightly tart fruity goodness between cake layers.
Vegan cream cheese frosting: The luscious finish that ties every bite together harmoniously.

TIP

You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.

How to Make One Bowl Vegan Almond Raspberry Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pans

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare two 8-inch round cake pans by lining them with parchment paper. This step ensures your cake layers come out cleanly and evenly without sticking, making your baking experience smoother.

Step 2: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, melted vegan butter, dairy-free yogurt, vanilla extract, and almond extract until you have a smooth, luscious mixture. This blend sets the rich and flavorful base of your cake, so take your time to get it nice and silky.

Step 3: Add the Dry Ingredients and Buttermilk

Gently fold in the ground almonds, all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and sea salt into the wet mixture. Slowly pour in the vegan buttermilk, stirring just until everything is combined. Be careful not to overmix — you want that tender crumb!

Step 4: Bake the Cake Layers

Divide the batter evenly between your prepared pans and place them in the oven. Bake for about 40 to 42 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The almond and vanilla aromas will begin to fill your kitchen, signaling deliciousness is on the way.

Step 5: Cool the Cake

Allow the cakes to cool in their pans for about 10 minutes before gently transferring them to a wire rack. Letting them cool completely is important for a perfect frosting application, so be patient—it’s worth the wait.

Step 6: Assemble with Raspberry Jam and Frosting

Once cool, it’s time for the fun part! Prepare your vegan cream cheese frosting and spread a generous layer between the two cake layers along with a dollop of raspberry jam. This combination adds moistness, tangy sweetness, and a beautiful contrast of textures.

Step 7: Finish with Frosting and Chill

Apply a crumb coat of frosting around the entire cake to lock in the crumbs. Chill it briefly until this layer sets. Then, go ahead with a final decorative frosting layer and add any toppings you like, such as fresh raspberries or slivered almonds for an elegant finish.

How to Serve One Bowl Vegan Almond Raspberry Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

The image shows a three-layer cake with light beige sponge layers. Between each sponge layer, there is a thick dark red berry jam filling, topped with white creamy frosting. The outside of the cake is covered in the same white frosting. On top, the cake is decorated with fresh red raspberries and scattered light brown almond slices. Some raspberries and almond slices are also placed on the white plate around the cake. The cake sits on a white plate, placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Sprinkle toasted almond slices or fresh raspberries on top to echo the flavors inside. A light dusting of powdered sugar adds a charming snow-kissed look, making this cake as pretty as it is delicious.

Side Dishes

Serve slices alongside a scoop of dairy-free vanilla ice cream or a fresh berry compote for an elevated dessert experience. A warm cup of herbal tea or coffee completes the cozy vibe perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

Try individual mini cakes or cake jars layered with frosting and jam for parties. You can also use edible flowers or a drizzle of melted dark chocolate for an eye-catching twist that’s sure to impress your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This One Bowl Vegan Almond Raspberry Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Keeping it chilled maintains the frosting’s texture and keeps the cake moist.

Freezing

You can freeze unfrosted cake layers tightly wrapped in plastic wrap and foil for up to 3 months. Thaw them overnight in the fridge before frosting and assembling. If the cake is already frosted, freezing may slightly change the frosting texture but it’s still delicious.

Reheating

If you prefer your cake slightly warmed, slice and microwave single portions for about 10 seconds. This brings out the almond aroma and softens the frosting just right, but be careful not to overheat or it may melt.

FAQs

Can I use fresh raspberries instead of raspberry jam?

Fresh raspberries are lovely but can add moisture that may affect the cake’s structure. If you want to use fresh berries, consider cooking them down into a compote first or add a layer of jam underneath for stability.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

The original recipe calls for all-purpose flour, but you can substitute a high-quality gluten-free flour blend to make this cake gluten-free. Just be sure it’s a 1:1 substitute designed for baking to maintain the texture.

What brand of vegan cream cheese frosting do you recommend?

There are fantastic store-bought vegan cream cheese frostings available, but homemade versions yield the freshest taste. Use vegan cream cheese, powdered sugar, a splash of vanilla, and dairy-free butter for the best results.

Can I make this cake nut-free?

The almond flavor is central to this recipe’s charm, but you could try swapping ground almonds with oat flour or finely ground sunflower seeds. The taste will differ, but you’ll still get a lovely moist cake.

How long does the assembled cake stay fresh?

Once frosted and assembled, this cake is best enjoyed within 3 to 4 days when stored in the fridge. Beyond that, the texture and flavor may slowly start to decline, so enjoy it fresh for the best experience.

Final Thoughts

This One Bowl Vegan Almond Raspberry Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is a heartfelt celebration of simple ingredients coming together to create something truly magical. With its wonderful balance of nutty, fruity, and creamy flavors, it’s perfect for impressing friends or indulging in a cozy moment all for yourself. Don’t wait to try this recipe—baking this cake might just become one of your favorite joyful kitchen rituals!