Best Vegan Chocolate Orange Cake Recipe for Every Occasion

If you’re craving a dessert that’s indulgent yet completely plant-based, this best vegan chocolate orange cake recipe is exactly what you need. The luscious combination of rich cocoa and zesty orange creates a harmonious flavor that feels both comforting and refreshing.

Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply want to treat yourself, this cake delivers a moist, tender crumb with a vibrant citrus twist that makes every bite unforgettable.

Crafted without any animal products, this cake uses wholesome ingredients that come together effortlessly. From the natural sweetness of maple syrup to the deep chocolate notes enhanced by orange zest and juice, every element is designed to create a balanced and satisfying dessert.

Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make, even if you’re new to vegan baking!

Ready to impress your friends and family? Let’s dive into why this recipe might just become your new favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This vegan chocolate orange cake is a feast for the senses and perfect for all occasions. Here’s why it stands out:

• Moist and tender texture: Thanks to plant-based ingredients like almond milk and applesauce, the cake stays soft and luscious.
• Vibrant flavor pairing: The bright citrus zest and juice complement the deep cocoa perfectly.
• Simple and accessible ingredients: No hard-to-find vegan substitutes here, just pantry staples.
• Allergy-friendly: Free from eggs and dairy, making it suitable for many dietary needs.
• Versatile for any occasion: Serve it as a birthday cake, holiday treat, or afternoon pick-me-up.

Ingredients

• 1 ¾ cups (220g) all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup (75g) unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 ½ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp baking powder
• ¼ tsp salt
• 1 cup (240ml) almond milk (or any plant milk)
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 cup (200g) maple syrup
• ½ cup (120ml) vegetable oil (or melted coconut oil)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Zest of 2 medium oranges
• ¼ cup (60ml) fresh orange juice
• ½ cup (90g) dairy-free dark chocolate chips (optional)

Equipment

• 9-inch round cake pan
• Mixing bowls (medium and large)
• Whisk or electric mixer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Spatula
• Zester or grater
• Cooling rack
• Toothpick or cake tester

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your 9-inch cake pan lightly with oil and line the bottom with parchment paper for easy release.
2. Prepare the vegan buttermilk: In a small bowl, combine the almond milk and apple cider vinegar. Stir and set aside for 5 minutes until it curdles slightly.
3. Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Whisk to combine evenly.
4. Blend wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the maple syrup, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, orange zest, and fresh orange juice. Add the vegan buttermilk mixture and stir well.
5. Combine wet and dry: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Gently fold together using a spatula until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cake tender.
6. Add chocolate chips: If using, fold the dairy-free chocolate chips into the batter for delightful pockets of melted chocolate.
7. Pour batter into the pan: Transfer the mixture into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
8. Bake: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
9. Cool completely: Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for 15 minutes. Then transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely before frosting or serving.
10. Optional frosting: You can top the cake with vegan orange glaze, chocolate ganache, or simply dust with powdered sugar.

Tips & Variations

“For an extra burst of citrus, try adding a tablespoon of orange liqueur to the batter or frosting.”

• Use fresh orange zest and juice: Avoid bottled juice for the best vibrant flavor.
• Applesauce substitute: Swap out vegetable oil for applesauce if you want a lower-fat version, but expect a slightly denser texture.
• Add nuts: Chopped walnuts or almonds work beautifully for added crunch.
• Gluten-free option: Replace flour with a gluten-free blend, but check that your baking powder is gluten-free as well.
• Frosting ideas: Try a vegan cream cheese frosting or a simple orange-infused vegan buttercream.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This cake shines when paired with a few complementary treats. For a classic approach, serve with a scoop of vegan vanilla ice cream or a dollop of coconut whipped cream.

Fresh orange segments on the side will amplify the citrus notes beautifully.

For a more decadent experience, drizzle vegan chocolate ganache over the cake slices and sprinkle with toasted orange zest. If you want a simpler option, a sprinkling of powdered sugar and a cup of your favorite tea or coffee work wonders.

Looking for more vegan dessert inspiration? Check out our Leche De Pantera Recipe and Julie Marie Eats Recipes for delicious plant-based treats.

Conclusion

This vegan chocolate orange cake is a delightful way to enjoy a classic flavor combination without any animal products. Moist, rich, and bursting with fresh citrus, it’s a cake that pleases vegans and non-vegans alike.

Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply want to enjoy a wholesome slice of cake at home, this recipe promises satisfaction with every bite.

The best part? It’s easy to prepare using everyday ingredients, making it a perfect go-to recipe for any baker.

Don’t hesitate to experiment with frosting or add-ins to make it your own. For more fantastic baking ideas, explore our Magic Dough Recipe or try the uniquely festive Marzipan Challah Recipe.

Happy baking and enjoy the delicious harmony of chocolate and orange in every slice!

{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Best Vegan Chocolate Orange Cake”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “A rich and moist vegan chocolate cake infused with fresh orange zest and juice. Perfectly balanced with a hint of citrus and deep chocolate flavor.”, “prepTime”: “PT20M”, “cookTime”: “PT35M”, “totalTime”: “PT55M”, “recipeYield”: “8 servings”, “recipeIngredient”: [“1 \u00bd cups all-purpose flour”, “1 cup granulated sugar”, “\u00bc cup cocoa powder”, “1 tsp baking soda”, “\u00bd tsp salt”, “1 cup unsweetened almond milk”, “\u2153 cup vegetable oil”, “1 tbsp apple cider vinegar”, “1 tsp vanilla extract”, “Zest of 1 large orange”, “\u00bc cup fresh orange juice”, “\u00bd cup dairy-free dark chocolate chips (optional)”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Preheat oven to 350\u00b0F (175\u00b0C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “In another bowl, combine almond milk, oil, vinegar, vanilla, orange zest, and orange juice.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Pour wet ingredients into dry and mix until just combined.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Fold in chocolate chips if using.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Let cake cool in pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Serve as is or frost with vegan chocolate ganache.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “280 kcal”, “proteinContent”: “3 g”, “fatContent”: “12 g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “40 g”}}