Who doesn't love a moist and decadent chocolate cake? But what if I told you that you can make one without any eggs, butter, or milk? Yes, you read that right. You can make a delicious vegan chocolate cake that will satisfy your sweet tooth and impress your guests.
Vegan chocolate cake is not only delicious, but also healthier, cruelty-free, and eco-friendly. It's also easy to make with simple ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. No need to buy expensive or hard-to-find substitutes. Just a few tweaks and you can transform a classic chocolate cake into a vegan masterpiece.
In this article, I will show you how to make the best vegan chocolate cake ever, with tips and tricks for making it moist, fluffy, and rich. I will also share some variations and toppings that you can try to customize your cake according to your preferences. Whether you are vegan or not, this cake will make you fall in love with chocolate all over again.
How to make vegan chocolate cake
The first step to making a vegan chocolate cake is to gather all the ingredients. You will need:
- 150g dairy-free spread, plus extra for the tins
- 300ml dairy-free milk, we used oat milk
- 1 tbsp cider vinegar
- 300g self-raising flour
- 200g golden caster sugar
- 4 tbsp cocoa powder
- 1 tsp bicarbonate of soda
- ½ tsp vanilla extract1
These ingredients are easy to find in most supermarkets or online stores. You can also use any dairy-free milk of your choice, such as soy, almond, or coconut. The vinegar helps to curdle the milk and create a buttermilk-like texture, which adds moisture and tanginess to the cake.
Once you have everything ready, follow these simple steps:
- Heat oven to 190C/170C fan/gas 5. Grease the base and sides of 2 x 20cm sandwich tins with dairy-free spread, then line the bases with baking parchment.
- Put the dairy-free milk in a jug and add the vinegar – it will split but don’t worry.
- Put all of the other cake ingredients into a large bowl, pour over the milk mixture and beat well until smooth.
- Divide the mixture between the prepared tins and bake for 25-30 mins or until a skewer inserted into the middle of the cakes comes out cleanly.
- Leave to cool in the tins for 10mins then turn out onto wire racks to cool completely1.
The batter should be thick and glossy, and smell like chocolate heaven. You can use an electric mixer or a wooden spoon to mix everything together. Make sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl and incorporate all the dry ingredients. The baking time may vary depending on your oven, so check the cakes after 20 minutes and adjust accordingly.
This vegan chocolate cake recipe is perfect for anyone who loves chocolate and wants to make a simple and delicious cake without any animal products. It's also great for people with allergies or intolerances to dairy or eggs.
How to make vegan chocolate buttercream
The next step to making a vegan chocolate cake is to make the vegan chocolate buttercream. This is the creamy and luscious frosting that will cover and fill your cake. You will need:
- 100g dairy-free dark chocolate
- 200g dairy-free spread
- 400g icing sugar
- 5 tbsp cocoa powder
- 1 tbsp dairy-free milk1
These ingredients are also easy to find in most supermarkets or online stores. You can use any dairy-free dark chocolate that you like, as long as it has at least 70% cocoa solids. You can also use any dairy-free spread that is suitable for baking, such as margarine or coconut oil. The dairy-free milk can be the same as the one you used for the cake, or any other plant-based milk.
Once you have everything ready, follow these simple steps:
- To make the buttercream, put the chocolate into a heatproof bowl and melt in the microwave, stirring every 30 seconds. Leave the melted chocolate to cool for 5 minutes.
- Beat the dairy-free spread and icing sugar together with a wooden spoon then sift in the cocoa powder with a pinch of salt.
- Pour in the melted chocolate and dairy-free milk and keep mixing until smooth1.
The buttercream should be thick and glossy, and taste like chocolate heaven. You can use an electric mixer or a wooden spoon to mix everything together. Make sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl and incorporate all the ingredients. The buttercream will thicken as it cools, so you can adjust the consistency by adding more icing sugar or dairy-free milk if needed.
Also Read: Delicious and Easy Vegan Cheesecakes for Every Occasion
This vegan chocolate buttercream recipe is perfect for anyone who loves chocolate and wants to make a creamy and decadent frosting without any dairy products. It's also great for people with allergies or intolerances to dairy or eggs.
How to assemble and decorate vegan chocolate cake
The final step to making a vegan chocolate cake is to assemble and decorate it. This is the fun and creative part where you can show off your skills and personality. You can make your cake as simple or as fancy as you like.
To assemble and frost the cake, follow these simple steps:
- Sandwich the two cooled sponges together with half of the buttercream then pile the rest on top and down the sides1.
- Use a spatula or a knife to smooth out the buttercream and create an even layer.
- Refrigerate the cake for at least 30 minutes to let the buttercream set.
To decorate the cake, you can use any toppings or decorations that you like. Here are some suggestions:
- Decorate with fresh fruits such as cherries, blackberries or figs1. They add a pop of color and a burst of flavor to the cake.
- Sprinkle some shredded coconut or chopped nuts on top. They add some crunch and texture to the cake.
- Drizzle some melted chocolate or caramel sauce over the cake. They add some extra sweetness and richness to the cake.
- Write a message or a name on the cake with vegan writing icing or melted chocolate. They add a personal touch and make the cake more special.
This vegan chocolate cake decoration section is perfect for anyone who loves chocolate and wants to make a beautiful and delicious cake without any animal products. It's also great for people who want to express their creativity and style.
Conclusion
Making a vegan chocolate cake is easier than you think. You just need some basic ingredients, a few simple steps, and a lot of love. You can also customize your cake with different flavors and toppings to suit your taste buds. Whether you are vegan or not, this cake will make you fall in love with chocolate all over again.
So what are you waiting for? Try this vegan chocolate cake recipe today and let me know how it turns out. Or if you have any questions or suggestions, feel free to leave a comment below. I would love to hear from you. And don't forget to share this recipe with your friends and family who love chocolate as much as you do.
