If you’re searching for a show-stopping dessert that’s as vibrant in flavor as it is in appearance, look no further than this delightful Vegan Passion Fruit Cake Recipe. Bursting with tropical passion fruit pulp and enriched with creamy vegan Greek-style yogurt, this cake offers a perfect balance of tangy sweetness and tender crumb. It’s an absolute treasure for anyone craving a luscious, plant-based treat that feels special but is surprisingly simple to make. Every bite promises that sunny, exotic flavor that passion fruit lovers rave about, making it a guaranteed favorite to share with friends and family.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients may appear straightforward, but they each play a crucial role in crafting the perfect texture, moistness, and unforgettable flavor of your Vegan Passion Fruit Cake Recipe. From the tart punch of passion fruit to the richness of vegan butter and olive oil, every component works in harmony to create an irresistible loaf.
- 120 g passion fruit pulp: Provides the exotic, tangy tropical flavor that defines the cake’s unique taste.
- 140 g vegan Greek-style yogurt: Adds creaminess and moisture that keeps the crumb tender and soft.
- 180 g granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake while balancing out the tartness of the passion fruit.
- 75 g vegan butter, melted and cooled: Contributes richness and a tender crumb texture.
- 60 ml olive oil: Keeps the cake moist and enhances the overall depth of flavor.
- 2 tablespoons non-dairy milk: Helps achieve the perfect batter consistency.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Adds warm, aromatic notes that complement the fruitiness.
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice: Brightens the flavors and supports the cake’s rise.
- 250 g all-purpose flour: Forms the cake’s structure for a soft yet sturdy crumb.
- 2 teaspoons baking powder: Ensures the cake rises beautifully and stays light.
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda: Works alongside baking powder for optimal lift and texture.
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt: Balances sweetness and enhances the cake’s overall flavor.
- 120 g powdered sugar: Used to create the silky glaze topping.
- 2 teaspoons vegan Greek-style yogurt: Adds tanginess and creaminess to the glaze.
- 2 tablespoons passion fruit pulp: Gives the glaze a fresh, fruity punch with vibrant color.
How to Make Vegan Passion Fruit Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to fan-forced 160°C/320°F or conventional 180°C/356°F to ensure perfect baking conditions. Lightly grease an 8-inch loaf tin and line it with a parchment paper sling. This step is key because it prevents sticking and makes lifting your finished cake out a breeze without any damage.
Step 2: Scoop Out the Passion Fruit Pulp
Cut the tops off your passion fruits and scoop out all the juicy pulp and seeds—you want to get every bit of that flavor! For this recipe, you’ll need about 120 grams, which usually equals around 4 large passion fruits. This fresh pulp is the heart of the cake’s irresistible tropical zing.
Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the passion fruit pulp, vegan yogurt, sugar, melted vegan butter, olive oil, non-dairy milk, vanilla, and lemon juice. Keep whisking until the mixture is smooth and fully combined. This mixture forms the flavorful, moist base of your cake batter that will keep every slice tender and luscious.
Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients
Next, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and sea salt to ensure even distribution. Add these dry ingredients to your wet mixture in two parts: whisk the first half in to loosen the batter, then gently fold in the rest with a rubber spatula just until combined—over-mixing can make the cake tough, so be gentle!
Step 5: Pour and Prep for Baking
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf tin, spreading it out evenly. For a special touch, dip a butter knife in olive oil and run it through the center of the batter—this encourages a beautiful crack down the middle, giving your loaf that charming homemade look.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake for 45 to 50 minutes, but start checking for doneness at 45 minutes by poking a toothpick or knife into the center. It should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached. Once baked, let the cake cool in the tin for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling step helps set the crumb and prevents it from falling apart.
Step 7: Glaze and Finish
While the cake cools, whisk together powdered sugar, vegan yogurt, and passion fruit pulp to make a luscious glaze. Place a sheet of parchment under the cooling rack to catch drips, then pour the glaze over the cake, allowing it to cascade gently down the sides. Smooth out the top for full coverage—let it set for around an hour or serve immediately if you’re eager for that fresh, fruity coating.
How to Serve Vegan Passion Fruit Cake Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance the tropical vibe by sprinkling toasted coconut flakes or edible flowers on top of the glaze. Fresh passion fruit seeds scattered around add an appealing crunch and visual pop. A light dusting of powdered sugar can also create an elegant finishing touch.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs beautifully with a refreshing cup of herbal tea or a cold glass of almond milk to balance out its sweetness. For something extra indulgent, serve alongside vegan vanilla ice cream or a dollop of coconut whipped cream for a luscious dessert experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving slices on natural wooden boards for a rustic look or on colorful plates that contrast with the cake’s golden hue. For entertaining, you can cut the loaf into small finger-sized pieces, making them perfect for casual party nibbles or afternoon tea gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover vegan passion fruit cake, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This will preserve the delicate moisture and keep the flavors fresh.
Freezing
You can freeze the whole cake or individual slices by wrapping them securely in plastic wrap and then placing them in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge or for a few hours at room temperature.
Reheating
Gently warm slices in a microwave for 15 to 20 seconds or pop them in a low oven (around 150°C/300°F) for 5 to 8 minutes. Reheating brings back that fresh-baked softness; just be mindful not to overheat, so the cake remains tender and moist.
FAQs
Can I use canned passion fruit pulp instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Canned pulp works well in this Vegan Passion Fruit Cake Recipe if fresh passion fruits aren’t available. Just make sure it’s 100% pulp without added sugars to keep the flavors balanced and natural.
Is it possible to make this cake gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. Keep in mind that texture might vary slightly, so choose a blend that includes xanthan gum for best results.
What if I don’t have vegan Greek-style yogurt on hand?
You can swap it with another thick, plant-based yogurt such as coconut or soy-based varieties. The key is to pick one that’s creamy to maintain the moistness and tanginess in the cake and glaze.
Can I turn this recipe into cupcakes?
Definitely! Just pour the batter into lined muffin tins and bake at the same temperature for about 20 to 25 minutes, checking for doneness. The glaze can be dolloped or drizzled over cooled cupcakes for the same lovely flavor.
Is this cake suitable for kids?
Yes! This Vegan Passion Fruit Cake Recipe is mild and naturally sweet, making it a wonderful option for kids and family gatherings. Its vibrant fruit flavor often wins over even picky eaters!
Final Thoughts
Making this Vegan Passion Fruit Cake Recipe is a true joy — from the tropical aroma filling your kitchen to the first luscious slice melting in your mouth. It’s a fantastic way to celebrate plant-based baking with a unique and refreshing flavor that’s bound to impress anyone you share it with. Give it a go, and I promise this cake will quickly become your new favorite go-to dessert!
Print
Vegan Passion Fruit Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Vegan
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This Vegan Passion Fruit Cake is a moist, flavorful loaf bursting with tropical passion fruit and a tangy vegan Greek-style yogurt base. Enhanced with olive oil and vegan butter for richness, this cake is topped with a luscious passion fruit glaze that provides a perfect balance of sweet and tart. Perfect for a refreshing treat or dessert for those seeking a delicious plant-based option.
Ingredients
Fruit & Dairy Substitutes
- 120 g passion fruit pulp (from about 4 large passion fruits)
- 140 g vegan Greek-style yogurt
- 2 tablespoons passion fruit pulp (for glaze)
- 2 teaspoons vegan Greek-style yogurt (for glaze)
Wet Ingredients
- 180 g granulated sugar
- 75 g vegan butter (melted and cooled)
- 60 ml olive oil
- 2 tablespoons non-dairy milk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
Dry Ingredients
- 250 g all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
Glaze Ingredients
- 120 g powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons vegan Greek-style yogurt
- 2 tablespoons passion fruit pulp
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to fan-forced 160°C (320°F) or conventional 180°C (356°F). Lightly grease an 8-inch loaf tin and line it with a parchment paper sling to easily lift the cake out after baking.
- Prepare passion fruit pulp: Slice the tops off 4 large passion fruits, scrape out all the pulp and seeds. Measure 120 g of this pulp for the cake batter.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk the passion fruit pulp, vegan Greek-style yogurt, granulated sugar, melted vegan butter, olive oil, non-dairy milk, vanilla extract, and lemon juice until the mixture is smooth and fully combined.
- Combine dry ingredients: Sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and sea salt. Add these dry ingredients to the wet mixture in two parts; whisk in the first half then gently fold in the second half with a rubber spatula until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
- Assemble batter in pan: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Optionally, dip a butter knife in olive oil and run it through the center of the batter to encourage a central crack during baking.
- Bake the cake: Bake for 45 to 50 minutes, checking at 45 minutes with a toothpick or knife inserted in the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs. If not done, continue baking in 5-minute increments. Let the cake cool for 10 minutes in the pan before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare and apply glaze: Mix the powdered sugar, vegan Greek-style yogurt, and passion fruit pulp in a bowl, whisking until smooth. Once the cake is fully cooled, place a parchment sheet under the rack to catch drips, then pour the glaze over the cake, letting it gently run down the sides. Smooth for full coverage. Serve immediately or allow glaze to set for about an hour before slicing.
Notes
- Use ripe passion fruits for the best flavor and juiciness.
- Vegan Greek-style yogurt can be substituted with any thick plant-based yogurt for similar texture.
- Allow the glaze to set for better slicing and presentation.
- Do not overmix the batter once dry ingredients are added to keep the cake light and tender.
- Check oven temperatures as they can vary; adjust accordingly for browning or baking time.
