I used a combination of coconut oil and non-hydrogenated vegetable shortening in the frosting recipe. You can find both at health food stores. Look for Nutiva and Spectrum brands which are clearly marked ‘vegan’. If you prefer, you can substitute margarine or another non-dairy ‘butter’ spread for the shortening in equal amounts.
2cups18 oz. full fat coconut milk (canned, well shaken)
1cup198g vegetable oil
2teaspoonsvanilla extract
2tablespoonswhite vinegar
Frosting
1/2cup100g solid coconut oil, at room temperature
1/2cup95g non-hydrogenated vegetable shortening
6cups680g confectioners’ sugar
Coconut milkto thin
1teaspooncoconut extract
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350°F.
Grease two 8-inch round cake pans with vegetable shortening and then dust with flour.
Whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda and salt in a large bowl.
In a separate bowl mix together the coconut milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until well incorporated. Whisk in the vinegar.
Immediately divide the batter between the two 8-inch pans, filling the pans no more than 3/4 full.
Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick tester comes out clean. Let the cake cool for 5 minutes in the pan before turning it out onto a wire cooling rack. Use a serrated knife to level the tops of the cakes.
For the frosting, cream together the coconut oil and shortening. Add the confectioners’ sugar and beat on low speed until incorporated. Mixture may be crumbly. Add coconut milk a little at a time until the mixture comes to spreading consistency. Beat in coconut extract. Scrape down the bowl and beat again until the frosting is light and fluffy.
Fill the cake with 2/3 cup of the frosting. Cover the exterior of the cake with swirls of frosting using an off-set spatula.
If making the ‘Love Ewe’ cake, you’ll need 24 ounces of white candy melts (2 packages). Non-dairy candy melts can be ordered online. See blog post for resources.
You’ll also need 1/2 cup grey ready-made fondant (or a mixture of black and white). Satin Ice brand fondant is clearly labeled as ‘vegan’ on their website. See blog post for complete decorating instructions.