The Best Vegan Chocolate Cake

This vegan chocolate cake is rich, moist, and incredibly decadent—without any dairy or eggs! Made with simple pantry ingredients, this cake has a deep chocolate flavor and a soft, tender crumb. Whether you’re vegan or just looking for a delicious chocolate cake recipe, this one is sure to impress!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Super Moist & Fudgy – No one will believe it’s vegan!
• Easy & Simple – Made with everyday pantry staples.
• Dairy-Free & Egg-Free – Perfect for plant-based eaters.
• One-Bowl Recipe – Minimal cleanup required.
• Great for Any Occasion – Perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or a chocolate craving.

this Recipe

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Cake:

• All-purpose flour
• Granulated sugar
• Unsweetened cocoa powder
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Unsweetened almond milk (or any plant-based milk)
• Apple cider vinegar
• Vegetable oil (or melted coconut oil)
• Vanilla extract
• Hot coffee (or hot water)

For the Vegan Chocolate Frosting:

• Vegan butter (softened)
• Cocoa powder
• Powdered sugar
• Almond milk
• Vanilla extract

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven: Set to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line with parchment paper.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix almond milk and vinegar. Let sit for 5 minutes to create a buttermilk substitute. Then add oil and vanilla.
4. Make the Batter: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture, stirring until just combined. Slowly add hot coffee and mix until smooth.
5. Bake: Divide batter between the prepared cake pans and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
6. Cool Completely: Let cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
7. Prepare the Frosting: Beat vegan butter, cocoa powder, powdered sugar, almond milk, and vanilla until smooth and creamy.
8. Assemble & Frost: Spread frosting between the cake layers and over the top and sides.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 12 slices
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Bake Time: 30-35 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes

Variations

• Gluten-Free Option – Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
• Extra Moist Cake – Add ¼ cup of unsweetened applesauce.
• Espresso Kick – Add 1 teaspoon of espresso powder for a deep chocolate flavor.
• Nutty Addition – Mix in chopped walnuts or pecans.
• Fruit Topping – Serve with fresh berries or a drizzle of raspberry sauce.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days or in the fridge for up to a week.
• Freezing: Freeze unfrosted cake layers for up to 3 months. Thaw before frosting.
• Reheating: Enjoy at room temperature or microwave a slice for 10 seconds.

FAQs

Can I use coconut milk instead of almond milk?

Yes! Any plant-based milk works well in this recipe.

What does the vinegar do?

It reacts with the baking soda to help the cake rise, making it light and fluffy.

Can I use melted chocolate instead of cocoa powder?

Cocoa powder works best for texture, but you can add melted dark chocolate for extra richness.

Do I have to use coffee?

No, but coffee enhances the chocolate flavor. You can use hot water instead.

How do I prevent the cake from sticking to the pan?

Grease and flour the pans or use parchment paper for easy removal.

Can I make cupcakes instead?

Yes! Bake in a muffin tin at 350°F for 18-20 minutes.

What’s the best way to make this cake extra fudgy?

Increase the cocoa powder slightly and add melted dark chocolate to the batter.

Can I use maple syrup instead of sugar?

Yes, but the texture may be slightly different. Reduce other liquids slightly.

How do I make the frosting even richer?

Add a tablespoon of melted dairy-free chocolate for an extra smooth texture.

Can I make this oil-free?

Try substituting applesauce for the oil, but the texture may be slightly different.

Conclusion

The Best Vegan Chocolate Cake is rich, moist, and full of deep chocolate flavor—without any dairy or eggs! Whether for a birthday, holiday, or just a chocolate craving, this cake is an easy and delicious choice. Try it today and enjoy a decadent, plant-based dessert!

Print