Vegan Cake Recipe Chocolate Lovers Will Adore

There’s something magical about a slice of moist, rich chocolate cake—especially when it’s entirely plant-based. Whether you follow a vegan lifestyle or simply want to bake a dessert that everyone can enjoy, this vegan chocolate cake is sure to impress.

It’s decadently chocolatey, fluffy, and unbelievably easy to make with everyday pantry staples. No eggs, no dairy, no fuss—just pure chocolate bliss.

Perfect for birthdays, parties, or a weeknight treat, this cake comes together in about an hour and tastes like a classic, indulgent dessert. Even non-vegans will be coming back for seconds!

With a deep cocoa flavor and a tender crumb, you’ll never guess it’s dairy- and egg-free. This recipe is also customizable, so you can add your own twist for any occasion.

Let’s dive into the ultimate vegan chocolate cake recipe that’s guaranteed to become a staple in your kitchen!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Super Moist and Rich: Thanks to a combination of plant-based milk, oil, and applesauce, this cake is soft and luscious with every bite.
• Easy One-Bowl Method: Minimal cleanup and straightforward steps make this recipe perfect for novice and seasoned bakers alike.
• No Specialty Ingredients: All the ingredients are pantry-friendly—no need to hunt down rare vegan items.
• Allergy-Friendly: Free from dairy, eggs, and can be made nut- and soy-free with a few simple swaps.
• Customizable: Add coffee for depth of flavor, orange zest for brightness, or your favorite frostings and fillings.
• Perfect for Every Occasion: Dress it up for birthdays or serve it as a snack cake—this recipe fits every celebration.

Ingredients

Equipment

• 2 x 8-inch (20cm) round cake pans (or 1 x 9×13-inch pan for sheet cake)
• Large mixing bowl
• Medium mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Rubber spatula or spoon
• Parchment paper (for lining pans)
• Cooling rack
• Offset spatula or knife (for frosting)

Instructions

1. Prep the pans:

   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 8-inch round cake pans with oil and line the bottoms with parchment paper for easy removal.

2. Mix the dry ingredients:

   In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, cane sugar, baking soda, baking powder, and salt until well combined.

3. Combine the wet ingredients:

   In a separate medium bowl, mix plant-based milk, neutral oil, applesauce, vanilla extract, and apple cider vinegar until smooth.

4. Incorporate wet and dry ingredients:

   Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture. Stir gently with a spatula or whisk just until combined—do not overmix, as this can result in a dense cake.

5. Add hot coffee:

   Slowly pour in the hot coffee (or hot water) and whisk until the batter is smooth. The batter will be thin—this is normal and helps create a moist cake.

6. Optional: Fold in chocolate chips:

   Gently fold in the vegan chocolate chips if using, for extra melty chocolate goodness.

7. Divide and bake:

   Evenly divide the batter between the prepared pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.

8. Cool:

   Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes. Carefully run a knife around the edges and invert onto a wire rack to cool completely.

9. Frost and serve:

   Once completely cool, frost with your favorite vegan chocolate frosting or ganache. Decorate as desired and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• Tip: Don’t skip the apple cider vinegar! It reacts with baking soda to give the cake its signature light, fluffy texture.

• Make it gluten-free: Substitute a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour. Double-check all other ingredients for gluten if serving someone with celiac disease.
• Oil-free option: Replace oil with additional applesauce for a lower-fat cake, though the crumb will be slightly denser.
• Add-ins: Mix in a teaspoon of orange zest, a pinch of cinnamon, or a swirl of peanut butter for a unique flavor twist.
• Sheet cake version: Bake the batter in a 9×13-inch pan for 35-40 minutes for an easy-to-slice party cake.
• For special occasions, try decorating with fresh berries, edible flowers, or a sprinkle of sea salt.
• Storage: Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. Unfrosted cakes can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Note: Nutritional values are approximate and vary depending on ingredients and frosting used.

Serving Suggestions

• Top slices with vegan chocolate ganache or classic vegan buttercream for a crowd-pleasing dessert.
• Serve with a scoop of dairy-free vanilla ice cream for ultimate indulgence.
• Add fresh berries or a drizzle of raspberry sauce for a fruity contrast.
• Pair with a cup of coffee or a glass of almond milk for a cozy afternoon treat.
• For a fun twist, crumble leftover cake over vegan yogurt for a breakfast parfait.

Looking for more plant-based dessert inspiration? Try this Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious for a naturally sweet and satisfying option.

Or, if you’re planning a savory meal, start with our Peruvian Vegetable Recipes for Flavorful Healthy Meals and finish with a slice of this chocolate cake for the perfect ending!

And if you’re interested in homemade breads to accompany your next brunch or cake moment, don’t miss our Vegan Bread Machine Recipe for Soft, Delicious Loaves.

Conclusion

Baking a vegan chocolate cake doesn’t have to be complicated or require hard-to-find ingredients. With this easy, reliable recipe, you’ll create a cake that’s so moist, rich, and flavorful, nobody will believe it’s entirely plant-based.

Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just satisfying a chocolate craving, this cake is a guaranteed hit.

The combination of pantry staples, simple steps, and deep chocolate flavor makes this recipe a true favorite in any kitchen. Plus, its versatility means you can make it your own—add your favorite fillings, toppings, or frostings to suit your taste.

Happy baking, and may every bite bring you joy!

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