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A close up of a moist vegan chocolate cake slice with a tender crumb and rich frosting.

Vegan Cake

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5 from 12 reviews

Description

This decadent vegan chocolate cake features a remarkably tender crumb and a deep, cocoa-rich flavor. Perfect for any celebration, it uses simple pantry staples and a touch of hot coffee to create a professional-quality dessert that is completely plant-based.

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups soy milk
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 cup boiling water
  • 1 teaspoon instant coffee powder
  • 1/2 cup vegan butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (for frosting)
  • 3 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
  • 2-3 tablespoons soy milk (for frosting)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper for a clean release.
  2. In a small bowl or measuring cup, whisk together the soy milk and apple cider vinegar; let the mixture sit for 5 to 10 minutes until it curdles into buttermilk.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the sugar, flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and sea salt until no large clumps remain.
  4. Add the curdled milk mixture, oil, and vanilla extract to the bowl of dry ingredients.
  5. Dissolve the instant coffee in the boiling water and pour the hot liquid directly into the batter to bloom the cocoa.
  6. Using an electric mixer, beat the batter on medium speed for approximately two minutes until well combined and smooth.
  7. Divide the batter equally between the prepared pans and bake for 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  8. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 30 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
  9. Prepare the frosting by creaming the vegan butter and cocoa, then gradually adding powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk until smooth and spreadable.
  10. Assemble the cake by frosting between the layers and across the top and sides once the layers are entirely cool.

Notes

For the most consistent results, weigh your flour with a kitchen scale to ensure the cake remains light and fluffy rather than dense. If you prefer a more subtle chocolate flavor, you can omit the instant coffee, though it is highly recommended for intensifying the natural notes of the cocoa powder without adding a distinct coffee taste.

  • Prep Time: 20 mins
  • Cook Time: 35 mins
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

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Find it online: https://cakepeak.com/vegan-cake/