There’s something undeniably comforting about the aroma of freshly baked chocolate coffee cake wafting through your kitchen. Now, imagine that indulgence made entirely vegan—rich, moist, and utterly delicious without any animal products.
Whether you’re vegan, lactose intolerant, or simply looking to try a healthier twist on a classic dessert, this chocolate coffee cake recipe is your new go-to. It combines the deep, robust flavors of coffee and cocoa with a tender crumb that will melt in your mouth.
Perfect for brunch, an afternoon pick-me-up, or a cozy evening treat, this cake is easy to make and uses pantry staples you probably already have!
In this post, I’ll guide you through every step to create a luscious, dairy-free, and egg-free chocolate coffee cake that will impress vegans and non-vegans alike. Plus, I’ll share tips on how to customize it to your taste and some serving ideas to elevate your experience.
Ready to bake? Let’s dive in!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This vegan chocolate coffee cake is a delightful fusion of two beloved flavors that complement each other perfectly. Here’s why it stands out:
- Rich and Moist Texture: Thanks to plant-based milk and oil, the cake stays moist and tender without any dairy or eggs.
- Deep Coffee and Chocolate Flavor: Instant coffee powder enhances the cocoa, creating a bold, layered taste.
- Simple and Accessible Ingredients: No fancy items—just everyday pantry staples that make it easy to whip up anytime.
- Versatile: Enjoy it plain, with vegan frosting, or even as a base for your favorite fruit toppings.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a casual family dessert or a special event, this cake fits right in.
Plus, it’s a wonderful way to introduce vegan baking to friends and family who might be hesitant. The taste and texture speak for themselves!
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour (can substitute with whole wheat pastry flour for a nuttier flavor)
- ¾ cup granulated sugar (or coconut sugar for a caramel note)
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder (preferably Dutch-processed)
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 tbsp instant coffee powder (adjust for stronger coffee flavor)
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk (or any plant-based milk)
- ⅓ cup neutral oil (such as canola or vegetable oil)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (helps with leavening and tenderness)
Equipment
- Mixing bowls (at least two: one for dry, one for wet ingredients)
- Whisk or electric mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- 8-inch square or round baking pan
- Parchment paper or vegan non-stick spray
- Cooling rack
- Spatula
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare your baking pan by lining it with parchment paper or lightly greasing it with vegan non-stick spray.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and instant coffee powder. Whisk until well blended.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the almond milk, oil, vanilla extract, and apple cider vinegar until fully combined.
- Pour the wet into the dry: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients. Stir gently with a spatula or whisk until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; some lumps are fine.
- Transfer the batter: Pour the batter evenly into your prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes: Insert a toothpick in the center to check doneness. It should come out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool completely: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a cooling rack to cool fully before slicing.
- Serve and enjoy! This cake is delicious on its own, or you can frost it with your favorite vegan frosting or a dusting of powdered sugar.
Tips & Variations
“For an extra layer of texture, sprinkle chopped walnuts or vegan chocolate chips on top before baking.”
- Adjust Coffee Strength: If you prefer a more subtle coffee flavor, reduce the instant coffee powder to 1 tsp or omit entirely for a pure chocolate cake.
- Make It Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend, but be sure it contains xanthan gum for structure.
- Frosting Ideas: Try a vegan cream cheese frosting or a simple chocolate ganache made with coconut cream.
- Add Fresh Fruit: Serve with raspberries or strawberries for a fresh contrast.
- Storage: Keep leftovers covered at room temperature for 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days. It also freezes well—wrap tightly and thaw before serving.
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Per Serving (1 slice, 1/8 of cake) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 220 |
| Fat | 9g |
| Saturated Fat | 1g |
| Carbohydrates | 32g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sugar | 18g |
| Protein | 3g |
| Sodium | 180mg |
Serving Suggestions
This chocolate coffee cake is incredibly versatile and pairs wonderfully with various accompaniments:
- Serve warm with a scoop of vegan vanilla ice cream or a dollop of coconut whipped cream.
- Enjoy alongside a steaming cup of black coffee or your favorite plant-based latte for an indulgent breakfast or afternoon snack.
- Top with fresh berries and a drizzle of maple syrup for a brunch-worthy treat.
- For a festive touch, dust with powdered sugar and add edible flowers or mint leaves as garnish.
For more vegan and delicious recipes, check out our Pecan Crackers Recipe or try a refreshing Peach Balsamic Vinaigrette Recipe to pair with your next meal. You might also love the comforting flavors in the Thelma Sanders Squash Recipe.
Conclusion
This vegan chocolate coffee cake recipe proves that embracing plant-based baking doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor or texture. It’s a perfect balance of rich chocolate and bold coffee, wrapped up in a moist and tender crumb that will delight all your guests.
Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or simply craving a cozy treat, this cake is easy to make and packed with wholesome ingredients. The best part?
It’s adaptable to your preferences, from gluten-free options to creative toppings.
So next time you want to impress with a dessert that’s both indulgent and vegan-friendly, give this chocolate coffee cake a try. Don’t forget to share your baking adventures and check out other delicious recipes on the blog for more inspiration.
Happy baking!
📖 Recipe Card: Chocolate Coffee Cake Recipe Vegan
Description: A rich and moist vegan chocolate coffee cake perfect for any occasion. Made with plant-based ingredients and infused with a hint of coffee for extra depth.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT35M
Total Time: PT50M
Servings: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup almond milk
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 2 tsp instant coffee granules
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup vegan chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8-inch cake pan.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Dissolve instant coffee granules in almond milk.
- Add coffee-almond milk mixture, vegetable oil, apple cider vinegar, and vanilla extract to dry ingredients and mix until smooth.
- Fold in vegan chocolate chips.
- Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let cool before slicing and serving.
Nutrition: Calories: 280 kcal | Protein: 3 g | Fat: 12 g | Carbs: 38 g
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