Lyndsay Sung’s “Plantcakes”: A Vegan Baking Revolution

Lyndsay Sung, a 47-year-old fourth-generation Chinese-Canadian and cancer survivor, is revolutionizing the world of baking with her second cookbook, “Plantcakes.” This innovative cookbook introduces readers to a delightful range of vegan baked goods, from simple cupcakes to elaborate three-layered cakes adorned with vibrant, creamy decorations. Sung’s journey in this book is not just about creating desserts without animal products; it’s about making vegan baking accessible, delicious, and visually appealing.

Sung, in her casual and engaging tone, shares in “Plantcakes” that a positive mindset has been a crucial aspect of her life, especially during her cancer treatment. She emphasizes the joy and appreciation of life’s gifts, advocating that happiness can be as simple as enjoying a delicious cake. This philosophy underpins her approach to vegan baking, where she endeavors to make it a pleasurable and fulfilling experience.

The book is a treasure trove of information for those new to vegan baking. Sung provides detailed guidance on using vegan ingredients effectively. She explores egg-white alternatives like soy-based Versawhip and aquafaba, the protein-rich liquid from canned chickpeas, perfect for meringues and Swiss meringue buttercream. Additionally, she introduces readers to various plant-based butters and even touches on how some popular products, like Oreo biscuits, are ‘accidentally vegan.’

“Plantcakes” is thoughtfully organized into sections catering to different baking preferences. There are recipes for casual snacking cakes, like the almond butter banana snacking cake, as well as more elaborate creations suited for special occasions, such as the party time chocolate raspberry ruffle cake and the black sesame brittle cake with coconut Swiss meringue buttercream. The cupcake section includes healthier options, like the “They Don’t Know They’re Healthy” banana chocolate chip cupcakes, proving that indulgence and health can coexist.

Sung’s journey to vegan baking began in 1994 while studying at the University of Victoria in British Columbia. Initially experimenting with vegetarianism, her culinary perspective expanded significantly when she met her now-husband Rich, a vegan. Their shared meals initially consisted of simple fare like toast and ‘ants on a log’ – celery sticks topped with peanut butter and raisins. This relationship sparked Sung’s curiosity about veganism and led her to explore and innovate in the kitchen.

She began adapting traditional recipes for her vegan friends in 2008, experimenting with alternatives like coconut milk and egg replacers. Surprised and encouraged by the positive outcomes, she continued refining her recipes, focusing on taste and texture. One of her signature techniques includes making chocolate ganache with coconut milk, versatile for frosting and whipping.

Sung also shares practical advice on using leftover ingredients from baking, like chickpeas from aquafaba. She suggests incorporating them into dishes like curries and hummus or simply roasting and freezing them for later use.

Before “Plantcakes,” Sung authored “Coco Cake Land,” published in 2018. This first book focused on creating cute, kawaii-style cakes appealing to children. With “Plantcakes,” she extends her creative approach to a plant-based format, making it a vibrant and fun experience while not shying away from traditional sugar and fats used in celebratory cakes.

Sung’s expertise in vegan baking has earned her a substantial following on Instagram, with nearly 90,000 followers, and a growing YouTube channel. Her final advice for aspiring plant-based bakers is to use fresh fruit and edible flowers for decoration, adding natural color and elegance to the cakes.

In summary, “Plantcakes” by Lyndsay Sung is more than a cookbook; it’s an invitation to explore the rich and diverse world of vegan baking, where health, taste, and aesthetics blend seamlessly. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced baker, this book promises to add a new, exciting dimension to your baking repertoire.

READ MORE:

• Lyndsay Sung’s “Plantcakes”: Revolutionizing Vegan Baking with Creative Flair
• Exploring Vegan Baking with Lyndsay Sung’s “Plantcakes”
• WoonHeng Chia: Charting a Journey in Plant-Based Asian Cuisine