Indulge in Decadence with Vegan Chocolate Cake

Satisfying your sweet tooth while staying true to your vegan lifestyle has never been easier! This Vegan Chocolate Cake recipe is a delightful treat that boasts all the richness and flavor of a classic chocolate cake, without any animal products. Moist, tender, and utterly irresistible, this cake is perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or simply as a well-deserved indulgence. With a few simple substitutions, you can enjoy a delectable chocolate cake that’s cruelty-free and absolutely scrumptious.

How Long Can You Store Vegan Chocolate Cake in the Fridge? Can You Make It in Advance?

Vegan Chocolate Cake can be a delightful treat for days to come! When stored properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator, it can maintain its freshness for up to 4-5 days. This makes it an excellent make-ahead dessert option for special occasions. In fact, making it in advance can be advantageous as it allows the flavors to meld, resulting in an even richer and more indulgent cake. Just be sure to keep it well-covered to prevent any moisture loss or absorption of other odors in the fridge. Whether for a planned celebration or an anytime indulgence, having a slice of this decadent vegan cake ready in advance is always a good idea.

Special Equipment for Making Vegan Chocolate Cake

Creating a delectable Vegan Chocolate Cake doesn’t require an extensive array of specialized equipment. However, there are a few kitchen tools that can make the baking process smoother. First and foremost, having two 8-inch round cake pans is essential for achieving evenly baked layers. Parchment paper rounds or non-stick baking spray can ensure easy cake release. A hand or stand mixer is beneficial for efficiently mixing the batter and achieving a smooth ganache and frosting consistency. While not absolutely necessary, a cake turntable and offset spatula can assist in frosting the cake for a professional finish. Overall, these tools can enhance your baking experience, but with some creativity and basic kitchen equipment, you can still craft a mouthwatering vegan chocolate cake.

Serving Size of Vegan Chocolate Cake: How Much Per Portion?

The serving size for this Vegan Chocolate Cake recipe is approximately one twelfth of the cake, making each serving a generous portion. When sliced into 12 equal parts, you can expect a satisfying slice of cake, making it perfect for sharing on various occasions. Each serving is approximately 280 calories and provides a delightful balance of flavors and textures. Remember, you can always adjust the serving size based on your preference or occasion, but this measurement allows you to enjoy the cake while keeping an eye on your indulgence.

Vegan Chocolate Cake

Recipe by Connor GoodaleCourse: DessertCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Medium

Servings

12

servings

Prep time

20

minutes

Cooking time

25

minutes

Calories

280

kcal

Ingredients

• 1 and ½ cups all-purpose flour

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder

• 1 tsp baking soda

• ½ tsp salt

• 1 cup unsweetened almond milk (or any non-dairy milk)

• ½ cup vegetable oil

• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• For The Vegan Chocolate Ganache

• ½ cup dairy-free chocolate chips

• ¼ cup coconut milk (full fat)

• 1 tbsp maple syrup

• For the Frosting (optional)

• 1 cup dairy-free butter, softened

• 3 cups powdered sugar

• ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder

• 2-3 tbsp non-dairy milk

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Directions

• Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
• Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
• Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix the almond milk, vegetable oil, apple cider vinegar, and vanilla extract. Create a well in the dry ingredients and pour in the wet mixture. Stir until just combined; do not overmix.
• Bake: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove from the oven and let the cakes cool in the pans for about 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
• Prepare Ganache: For the ganache, heat the coconut milk until just about to boil. Pour it over the chocolate chips and let it sit for a minute. Stir until smooth, then add the maple syrup and mix well. Allow the ganache to cool and thicken slightly.
• Assemble: Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of ganache evenly over the top. Place the second cake layer on top.
• Frost (Optional): If using frosting, beat the softened dairy-free butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and cocoa powder, alternating with non-dairy milk, until you achieve a smooth and spreadable consistency. Mix in vanilla extract. Frost the cake generously.
• Serve: Slice and serve your delectable Vegan Chocolate Cake. Enjoy the rich flavors guilt-free!

Notes

• Quality Cocoa, Exceptional Flavor: When crafting your vegan chocolate cake masterpiece, opt for high-quality unsweetened cocoa powder. The better the cocoa, the richer and more intense the chocolate flavor. Dutch-processed cocoa can provide a smoother taste, but natural cocoa works well too. Don’t skimp on cocoa quality, as it’s the heart of your cake’s flavor profile.
• Perfect Your Texture with Milk Choice: Selecting the right non-dairy milk can significantly impact your cake’s texture. Almond milk is a popular choice due to its mild flavor and versatility, but feel free to experiment with oat, soy, or cashew milk. Go for unsweetened versions to maintain control over sweetness levels. Ensure the milk is at room temperature before mixing to prevent curdling.
• Elevate with Additional Flavors: While the chocolate is the star, consider adding subtle complementary flavors. A dash of espresso powder or a splash of almond extract can enhance the chocolate’s depth. For a zesty twist, incorporate a pinch of orange zest. These small additions can take your cake from delightful to extraordinary.
• Masterful Ganache and Frosting: While the ganache is a decadent filling, you can get creative with it. Stir in a tablespoon of your favorite liqueur or a pinch of sea salt to elevate the flavors. As for the frosting, allow the cakes to cool completely before spreading it to prevent melting. If you’re pressed for time, refrigerate the layers briefly before frosting to make the process easier.
• Garnish for Visual Appeal: Enhance the visual appeal of your vegan chocolate cake with artful garnishes. Fresh berries, sliced almonds, or a light dusting of powdered sugar can add a touch of elegance. For a more elaborate presentation, consider creating chocolate shavings using a vegetable peeler and a block of dairy-free chocolate. These finishing touches make your cake even more enticing.