Rich Vegan Chocolate Cake

This vegan chocolate cake is rich, moist, and perfect for any occasion, topped with creamy chocolate frosting for an indulgent treat.

Yield: 12 Servings

Ingredients

For the Chocolate Cake:

  • 2 cups gluten free flour (or all-purpose flour)
  • 1 1/4 cup vegan granulated sugar
  • 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 1 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 cup unsweetened almond milk (or other plant-based milk)
  • 1/2 cup melted coconut oil (or any neutral oil)
  • 1/2 cup applesauce
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (or white vinegar)
  • 1 cup brewed coffee (or boiling water)

For the Chocolate Frosting:

  • 1/2 cup vegan butter (softened)
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1/4 cup unsweetened almond milk (add more as needed)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
  3. In another bowl, mix the almond milk, coconut oil, applesauce, vanilla extract, and apple cider vinegar. Stir to combine.
  4. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
  5. Stir in hot coffee or boiling water. The batter will be thin—this is normal.

Step 2: Bake the Cake

  1. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans.
  2. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  3. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 3: Make the Chocolate Frosting

  1. In a large bowl, beat the softened vegan butter until creamy.
  2. Add the powdered sugar and cocoa powder gradually, mixing until smooth.
  3. Add the almond milk, vanilla extract, and salt, and beat until the frosting is fluffy. Adjust the consistency with more almond milk if needed.

Step 4: Assemble the Cake

  1. Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous layer of frosting on top.
  2. Place the second cake layer on top and spread frosting over the top and sides of the cake.
  3. Decorate with chocolate shavings, sprinkles, or fresh berries if desired.

Tips:

  • Storage: Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.

Enjoy your decadent vegan chocolate cake with chocolate frosting!