In most cake recipes the egg acts as a leavening agent. This means that the egg causes a foaming action that allows bubbles to form within the batter. Ultimately this will lighten and soften the cake.

1. www.gourmetrecipe.com
Vegan is defined by Merriam-Webster dictionary as "a strict vegetarian who consumes no animal food or dairy product." Specifically
vegans do not consume any animal by products. This includes eggs, cheese, butter or animal fats as well as honey and any other
food item originally derived from an animal product. But being a vegan does not necessarily mean that you do not have a craving for
the occasional sweet. Make your own vegan cake recipe by substituting animal products and using some creative ingenuity.
In most cake recipes the egg acts as a leavening agent. This means that the egg causes a foaming action that allows bubbles to
form within the batter. Ultimately this will lighten and soften the cake. In other dishes which call for eggs the egg may serve another
purpose. Such as cookies use eggs as a binding element. For cakes there are a variety of egg substitutes sold at health food
stores. For a vegan cake recipe check to be sure that the substitute you choose is animal product free.
Commercial substitutes are not the only option. Bananas and applesauce are used in a variety of sweets as an egg substitute. Both
add moisture and will work as a binding agent but since they do not trap air bubbles in a vegan cake batter they will not make the
end product light and fluffy. If using applesauce or bananas as an egg substitute try a recipe that incorporates baking soda. The
soda will act as the leavening agent while the fruit sauce adds moisture and heft.
Other common ingredients that have to be substituted for a vegan cake recipe include milk and butter. Milk is an easy element to
substitute because of the many available options including soy, almond and rice milk. Soy is a great alternative to milk. It is low in
fat and cholesterol free. Almond milk is also a perfect alternative. It has a creamy consistency and a slightly nutty taste that
compliments vanilla and amaretto flavors. Rice milk is not as thick as almond or soy so it is an excellent addition to any recipe that
is already extremely thick and tacky.
Here is a simple vegan cake recipe that can be used with a variety of flavors and icings:
Ingredients
o ½ cup softened vegan margarine
o 1 cup sugar
o egg substitute for four eggs
o 1 3/8 cup flour
o ½ tsp baking powder
o soy or almond milk to moisten batter
Preheat oven to 325 degrees and have a greased eight inch pan ready. Cream vegan margarine and gradually add sugar and egg
substitute. Add dry ingredients and soy milk to moisten. Bake for 30 to 40 minutes.