Best Vegan Chocolate Cake Recipe UK For Delicious Treats

If you’re on the hunt for the best vegan chocolate cake recipe in the UK, look no further! This moist, rich, and utterly decadent chocolate cake is 100% plant-based, making it perfect for vegans and anyone looking to enjoy a guilt-free dessert.

Using simple, readily available ingredients, this cake delivers all the chocolatey goodness you crave without compromising on flavour or texture.

Whether it’s a birthday, celebration, or just a treat-yourself moment, this cake promises to be a crowd-pleaser. Plus, it’s easy to bake, requires no fancy equipment, and comes together in under an hour.

With a luscious vegan chocolate frosting to top it off, this recipe will quickly become your go-to for every chocolate craving.

Ready to impress your friends and family with a vegan dessert that rivals any traditional chocolate cake? Let’s dive into the recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This vegan chocolate cake is a triumph of texture and taste. Unlike some vegan cakes that can be dry or crumbly, this one is incredibly moist thanks to the use of plant-based milk and oil.

The cocoa powder and melted dark chocolate create a deep, rich chocolate flavour that even non-vegans will adore.

The recipe uses common, affordable ingredients found in most UK supermarkets, so there’s no need to hunt for specialty items. It’s also very forgiving, making it perfect for both beginner and experienced bakers.

Lastly, it’s versatile! You can easily customise it with different frostings or add-ins, making it suitable for any occasion.

Ingredients

• 225g plain flour (all-purpose flour works too)
• 200g caster sugar
• 50g cocoa powder (unsweetened)
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 240ml unsweetened almond milk (or any other plant milk)
• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 120ml vegetable oil (sunflower or rapeseed oil)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 100g vegan dark chocolate, melted
• 100ml boiling water

Equipment

• Two 8-inch (20cm) round cake tins
• Mixing bowls
• Electric whisk or hand whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Spatula
• Cooling rack
• Small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl (for melting chocolate)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and grease your cake tins with a little oil or line them with baking parchment.
2. Combine the wet ingredients: In a small bowl, mix the almond milk and apple cider vinegar. Set aside for 5 minutes to curdle slightly – this works as your vegan buttermilk.
3. Mix the dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, sift together the plain flour, caster sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
4. Add wet ingredients to dry: Pour the curdled almond milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract into the dry mix. Whisk until smooth and fully combined.
5. Melt the chocolate: Gently melt the vegan dark chocolate either in a microwave or over a bain-marie. Stir in the melted chocolate and boiling water to the batter, mixing well. The batter will be quite thin – this is normal and helps keep the cake moist.
6. Divide the batter: Pour the batter evenly between the two prepared cake tins and gently tap them on the counter to remove any air bubbles.
7. Bake: Place the tins in your preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. Test with a skewer inserted into the centre; it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
8. Cool: Let the cakes cool in their tins for 10 minutes before turning them out onto a cooling rack. Allow to cool completely before frosting.
9. Frosting suggestion: Try a simple vegan chocolate buttercream made with vegan margarine, icing sugar, cocoa powder, and a splash of plant milk for a creamy topping.

Tips & Variations

For an extra fudgy cake, add a tablespoon of vegan melted butter or coconut oil to the batter.

You can easily swap out the almond milk for oat, soy, or rice milk depending on your preference or allergy needs. If you want a lighter flavour, use light brown sugar instead of caster sugar.

For a twist, stir in some chopped nuts or vegan chocolate chips to the batter before baking. Alternatively, try layering with raspberry jam or a vegan cream cheese frosting for added flavour complexity.

If you prefer cupcakes, this batter works perfectly for 12 standard-sized cupcakes; reduce baking time to 18-22 minutes.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This vegan chocolate cake is delicious on its own, but you can elevate it with some simple accompaniments. Serve with a scoop of your favourite vegan vanilla ice cream or a dollop of coconut whipped cream for a creamy contrast.

Fresh berries like raspberries or strawberries add a nice tartness that pairs beautifully with the rich chocolate flavour. For a cozy British touch, serve alongside a warm cup of English breakfast tea or a rich, plant-based hot chocolate.

If you love experimenting, try drizzling with vegan caramel sauce or dusting with edible gold dust for a special occasion.

Conclusion

This vegan chocolate cake recipe is a delightful blend of rich flavour, moist texture, and simple ingredients, making it a must-try for anyone living in the UK or beyond. Whether you’re vegan or simply looking to enjoy a healthier, plant-based dessert, this cake will satisfy your chocolate cravings without compromise.

With its easy-to-follow instructions and versatile nature, it’s perfect for birthdays, gatherings, or just a weekend treat. Don’t forget to pair it with a cup of tea or your favourite vegan frosting to make it truly unforgettable.

For more fantastic vegan recipes, check out our Jamaican Minced Beef Recipes or try the delicious Leche De Pantera Recipe. And if you love baking, you might enjoy the Magic Dough Recipe for your next kitchen adventure!

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