Vegan bakes have taken the culinary world by storm, offering more compassionate and welcoming alternatives to traditional recipes and creations. In Singapore, the demand for plant-based treats has similarly grown over the years thanks to more people embracing a vegan, vegetarian, or plant-based lifestyle. Whether you’re motivated by ethical concerns, health reasons, or simply a desire to explore new flavors, vegan bakes offer a world of possibilities for your tastebuds.

This beginner’s guide will equip you with the basic knowledge and tools to embark on the first steps of your plant-based baking journey. From essential ingredients to egg and dairy replacements, we'll unravel the secrets to creating delectable vegan treats that will impress even the most discerning palate.

Essentials and Egg Replacements for Plant-Based Baking

Before diving into specific recipes, it's essential to familiarise yourself with the key ingredients that form the foundation of vegan bakes. These plant-based alternatives provide the structure, texture, and flavour that make vegan treats so delightful – proving that going plant-based doesn’t mean giving up on the treats you love.

Most flours, leaveners (e.g. baking soda, baking powder), and flavour enhancers (e.g. vanilla extract, spices, citrus zest) can still be used in vegan baking. Some ingredients like honey can be swapped out for common alternatives relatively easily (e.g. maple syrup or agave nectar). However, the biggest ingredient swap you might have to make is probably going to be eggs.

Eggs play a crucial role in traditional baking with their binding, leavening, and emulsifying properties. As eggs aren’t vegan, however, several ingenious substitutes can be used to achieve similar results:

  • Flaxseed Meal: Combine ground flaxseed meal with water to create a gel that mimics the binding properties of eggs.
  • Applesauce: Applesauce adds moisture and sweetness while acting as a binder in cakes and muffins.
  • Mashed Banana: Ripe bananas provide sweetness and moisture, making them a suitable egg replacement in certain recipes.
  • Vinegar and Baking Soda: The reaction between vinegar and baking soda creates a leavening effect similar to that of eggs.
  • Aquafaba: The liquid from canned chickpeas can be whipped into a meringue-like consistency, making it a versatile egg replacement in cakes and cookies.

As no one single ingredient (so far) has been able to replicate all of the properties of eggs, you might need to experiment with different egg replacements to figure out how to bake a vegan cake, cookies, or other sweet treat with the same texture as a non-vegan recipe.

Baking Dairy-Free Delights

Similar to eggs, dairy products like milk, butter, and cream are often used in traditional baking to add richness, flavour, and texture. Instead, vegan bakes rely on a plethora of plant-based alternatives that can achieve similar results.

  • Plant-Based Milk: Almond milk, soy milk, oat milk, and coconut milk are readily available and can be used as a direct substitute for cow's milk in most recipes.
  • Vegan Butter: Vegan butter, made from plant-based oils and other ingredients, provides a similar flavor and texture to dairy butter.
  • Coconut Cream: Full-fat coconut cream can be whipped into a fluffy topping or used as a rich and creamy ingredient in desserts.
  • Cashew Cream: Soaked cashews blended with water create a versatile cream that can be used in both sweet and savory dishes.

And just like experimenting with egg replacements, you might have to play around with dairy-free alternatives too until you find the right ingredient. But isn’t that half the fun of trying out a new recipe?

Exploring Vegan Bakes and Desserts in Singapore


Vegan baking is a rewarding and delicious way to explore plant-based cuisine. By embracing the versatility of whole foods and mastering the art of egg and dairy replacements, you can create compassionate treats that are kind to animals, the planet, and your taste buds.

If you're eager to experience the delights of vegan bakes without the hassle of making it yourself, Edith Patisserie offers a delectable selection of vegan cake delivery islandwide in Singapore!

Our bakery has mastered the art of creating plant-based treats that are both delicious and visually stunning, just like our Vegan Chocolate Mudcake (Egg- & Dairy-Free). We also offer healthy cake options that cater to various dietary needs, ensuring that everyone can enjoy a slice of happiness.

Contact us today to order a vegan cake or to find out more about our catalogue of cakes and sweet treats! Or check out our blog for even more useful baking and lifestyle guides like how to setup a dessert table and tips for planning a kid’s birthday party.