This recipe is fairly involved to make, but it's well worth it. Two layered marble cake layers separated by a light shortening frosting, presented on a cookie base and covered in chocolate shavings. It's the best cake you'll ever try.

How to make vegan icing sugar

Granulated sugar may not be vegan in all instances, since the process of creating the granulated sugar may involve animal by-products.

Unfortunately, since this is involved only in the manufacturing steps, it is not listed in the product's ingredients or anywhere on the package. You can do some research to know if your brand of sugar is vegan or not (and be careful, sometimes the same brand can be manufactured by different regional plants, some of which use the animal by-products). Based on my research, it seems organic granulated sugar never uses these animal by-products in the manufacturing.

You can use organic granulated sugar to make your own icing sugar. It's very simple, you will only need organic granulated sugar, corn starch and a blender.

Blend 2 cups organic granulated sugar with 2 tablespoons corn starch in a blender until powdery.

How to make vegan egg substitute in baking

A good vegan egg substitute is very useful for any baking project. I've tested many various types, but have consistently had superior results with the milled chia egg. Here is how to prepare it:

For each egg needed, whisk 1 tablespoon milled chia seed with 3 tablespoons cool water. Let rest for several minutes. You can mix all your eggs together, no need to prepare them separately.

How to make vegan food coloring

Common food coloring may not be vegan. For example, the ingredient carmine (derived from the cochineal beetle, crushed into a powder) is used widely as an "edible" red dye.

I used Color Garden pastel food coloring in this recipe. It can be found at specialty food stores but it can be expensive. However, you can make your own vegan food coloring with frozen fruits.

Melt 1/2 cup of frozen fruits in the microwave in a small bowl. Use a mesh metal strainer to press the juice from the fruits into another bowl.

You can use any fruits you wish. In my experience, strawberry works best for pink, mango for yellow and blueberry or blackberry (or mixed berry) for purple.

How to make chocolate shavings

Make your own chocolate shavings using a chocolate bar and a peeler. Slightly soften the chocolate bar before starting (don't use directly from the fridge when the chocolate is too hard). Simply run the peeler across the top of the bar. If the shavings are too brittle, it's possible the chocolate is still too hard.

Tips on making the cake

• Do not use parchment paper for the cake pans. The batter is very sticky and using parchment paper is a headache. Use a greased non-stick pan and you may also wish to flour the batter.
• Save time by putting the cakes in the oven first, then baking the shortening cookie with only 10 minutes left on the timer.
• Applying the chocolate shavings to the side of the cake is tricky. I find the best method is by using two spatulas. Gently press (don't drag) the chocolate shavings into the frosting from top to bottom.

Things you will need

• A stand mixer is a must. The batter mixing is very difficult and not recommended by hand.
• Cake decorating kit for the classic red green and yellow frosting flowers.
• A powerful blender (such as a Vitamix) if you're making your own icing sugar.
• Three 9-inch loaf pans will greatly speed up cook time, since you can bake both cakes and the shortening cookie at the same time.