Name: Vegan Chocolate Cake Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Vegan
Ingredients: 1 ½ cups plant-based milk; 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar; 3 cups all-purpose flour; 2 cups sugar; ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 2 teaspoons baking soda; 1 teaspoon baking powder; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ cup vegetable oil; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; ½ cup hot water; ½ cup vegan butter (softened); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; ⅓ cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 ½ to 2 cups powdered sugar; 2 to 3 tablespoons plant-based milk

Jump to Recipe· 3.8 from 29 reviews

If you have a sweet tooth but want to keep things cruelty-free and delicious, this Vegan Chocolate Cake Recipe is exactly what you need. Dense, moist, and deeply chocolatey, this cake manages to capture all the indulgence of a classic dessert without using any animal products. Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or just curious to try something new, this cake is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s remarkably simple to make, rich in flavor, and perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A close-up top view of a dark brown liquid chocolate batter with small bubbles on the surface, contained in a round black baking pan with a red rim, placed on a white marbled texture. Near the top left corner, there is a partial view of a white bowl holding a block of yellow butter. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this Vegan Chocolate Cake Recipe lies in its straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients that each play a crucial role. From the plant-based milk providing moisture and tang to the cocoa powder delivering that luscious chocolate depth, every component is thoughtfully included to create a cake that’s both tender and flavorful.

1 ½ cups plant-based milk: This creates a creamy base while keeping the cake dairy-free.
2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar: Reacts with baking soda to help the cake rise and add a subtle tangy note.
3 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation of the cake, providing structure and softness.
2 cups sugar: Sweetens the cake perfectly without overpowering the chocolate.
¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder: Delivers rich, intense chocolate flavor.
2 teaspoons baking soda: Helps the cake rise and keeps it light and fluffy.
1 teaspoon baking powder: Adds extra lift for a tender crumb.
½ teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances the chocolate taste.
½ cup vegetable oil: Adds moisture and ensures the cake stays soft.
2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Boosts flavor complexity with a sweet aroma.
½ cup hot water: Melts the cocoa powder and intensifies chocolate richness.
½ cup vegan butter (softened): Key for the frosting’s creamy texture.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting): Brings warmth and sweetness to the icing.
⅓ cup unsweetened cocoa powder (for frosting): Offers the deep chocolate punch in the frosting.
1 ½ to 2 cups powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting.
2 to 3 tablespoons plant-based milk (for frosting): Used to adjust frosting consistency.

How to Make Vegan Chocolate Cake Recipe

Step 1: Preparing Your Vegan Buttermilk

Start your baking journey by combining the plant-based milk with apple cider vinegar in a small bowl. Allow it to sit for a few minutes until it thickens slightly. This vegan buttermilk is what gives your cake tenderness and a subtle tang, acting as a magic potion to activate the leavening agents later on.

Step 2: Mixing the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, sugar, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Sifting not only blends the ingredients uniformly but also aerates the flour, helping create that wonderfully light texture we all want in a cake. This step is crucial for achieving a perfect crumb.

Step 3: Combining Wet and Dry Ingredients

Add the vegetable oil and vanilla extract to your vegan buttermilk. Then, pour these wet ingredients into your bowl of dry ingredients. Stir everything gently until just combined — you want to avoid overmixing so the cake stays soft and tender. Slowly add in the hot water, stirring until the batter is smooth and silky.

Step 4: Baking the Cake

Pour your batter into a greased nine-inch round cake pan lined with parchment paper for easy removal. Spread evenly and pop it into the oven preheated to 350°F (180°C). Bake for 35 to 45 minutes, testing doneness with a toothpick; it should come out clean when the cake is perfectly baked. Let it cool slightly in the pan before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 5: Whipping Up the Vegan Chocolate Frosting

While your cake cools, beat the softened vegan butter with vanilla extract and cocoa powder until smooth and glossy. Gradually add powdered sugar along with plant-based milk, adjusting the quantity until you get a luscious, spreadable frosting. This frosting is rich but light, the perfect contrast to the dense cake.

Step 6: Frosting and Assembling

Once your cake has cooled fully, generously spread the frosting on top. The smooth chocolate layer creates a dreamy finish that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. Now your Vegan Chocolate Cake Recipe is ready to enjoy and impress everyone around your table.

How to Serve Vegan Chocolate Cake Recipe

A single round dark chocolate cake layer sits in the center on a white marbled surface. It is covered with thick, rich, and glossy chocolate frosting spread unevenly on top, creating smooth swirls and waves in a deep brown shade. To the top left, there is a white bowl with leftover chocolate frosting and a spoon resting inside, also smeared with the same chocolate texture. The background is clean with a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Enhance the appeal and flavor of your cake by adding garnishes like fresh berries, shredded coconut, or toasted nuts. Each of these adds a delightful textural contrast and a pop of color that makes your vegan chocolate cake even more inviting.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs beautifully with a scoop of dairy-free vanilla ice cream or a dollop of coconut whipped cream. Light fruit salads or a fresh berry compote also complement the rich chocolate notes without overwhelming the palate.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve slices with edible flowers or dust powdered sugar over the top for a snowy effect. Alternatively, cut the cake into small squares for bite-sized treats, perfect for parties or casual get-togethers. Elevate your presentation by layering cake slices with frosting and fresh fruit in clear glasses for an elegant parfait-style dessert.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers from this Vegan Chocolate Cake Recipe, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. Keeping it covered prevents the cake from drying out, ensuring every bite stays moist and flavorful.

Freezing

You can freeze both the cake and the frosting separately or together. Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing, and place the frosting in a sealed container. Frozen cake will keep for up to three months, making it convenient to enjoy your favorite vegan dessert anytime.

Reheating

To enjoy your cake after freezing, thaw it overnight in the fridge. If you want a freshly baked taste, warm individual slices in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds. This will soften the cake and enhance its chocolate aroma without compromising the texture.

FAQs

Is this Vegan Chocolate Cake Recipe suitable for people with nut allergies?

Yes! This recipe contains no nuts and relies on simple, common baking ingredients, making it safe for those with nut allergies. Just be sure to double-check your plant-based milk and other ingredients for any cross-contamination if allergies are severe.

Can I substitute the vegetable oil in this recipe?

Absolutely! You can replace vegetable oil with melted coconut oil, applesauce, or another neutral oil. Just keep in mind that substitutions might slightly alter the texture or flavor, but the cake will still be delicious.

What plant-based milk works best for this Vegan Chocolate Cake Recipe?

Any unsweetened plant-based milk like almond, soy, oat, or cashew milk works well. Choose one you enjoy drinking since it subtly influences the cake’s flavor, but the recipe is quite forgiving and versatile.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

To make a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking flour blend. Make sure the blend contains xanthan gum for structure. Baking times might need slight adjustments, so check with a toothpick to avoid overbaking.

How can I make the frosting less sweet?

If you prefer a lower-sugar option, reduce the powdered sugar gradually or add a pinch of salt or instant coffee powder to balance the sweetness and boost chocolate depth. You’ll still end up with a creamy and delicious frosting perfect for this cake.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving an irresistible dessert that’s kind to animals and simply wonderful to eat, you have to try this Vegan Chocolate Cake Recipe. It’s not only incredibly satisfying but also easy enough to whip up any time you need a chocolate fix. Trust me, once you bake this cake, it will become a beloved staple in your kitchen. So go ahead, treat yourself and your loved ones to a slice of pure, vegan chocolate bliss.