There’s something truly magical about a moist, decadent slice of chocolate cake – and when it’s made entirely with wholesome vegetarian ingredients, it’s even more delightful! Whether you’re a lifelong vegetarian or just exploring more plant-based desserts, this veg chocolate cake recipe is sure to become a cherished favorite in your kitchen.
This cake is everything you want in a chocolate dessert: rich, fudgy, and deeply chocolaty, without any eggs or dairy. It’s perfect for celebrations, afternoon tea, or even as a midnight snack when those chocolate cravings hit.
Baking a delicious cake without eggs or dairy might seem daunting, but with the right ingredients and a few simple techniques, you’ll be amazed at just how easy and rewarding it can be. This recipe uses pantry staples and comes together with minimal fuss, yet delivers maximum flavor and a tender crumb.
If you’ve been searching for a vegetarian chocolate cake that impresses both vegans and non-vegans alike, you’ve come to the right place. Let’s dive in!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super moist and fudgy: The combination of oil and non-dairy milk creates a cake with a soft, tender crumb and melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- No eggs or dairy: 100% vegetarian and suitable for vegan diets, so everyone at your table can indulge worry-free.
- Simple, everyday ingredients: No need for fancy egg replacers – just pantry staples you probably already have.
- Quick and easy to prepare: You’ll have this cake ready for the oven in under 15 minutes.
- Versatile and customizable: Dress it up with your favorite frosting, add nuts or berries, or enjoy it plain – it’s delicious any way you slice it!
Whether you’re baking for a celebration, a weeknight treat, or just because you love chocolate, this cake is guaranteed to satisfy.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need for the perfect veg chocolate cake. For easy reference, quantities are listed in both metric and US customary units:
Ingredient | Quantity (Metric) | Quantity (US) |
---|---|---|
All-purpose flour | 200g | 1 2/3 cups |
Cocoa powder (unsweetened) | 50g | 1/2 cup |
Granulated sugar | 200g | 1 cup |
Baking soda | 1 tsp | 1 tsp |
Baking powder | 1/2 tsp | 1/2 tsp |
Salt | 1/4 tsp | 1/4 tsp |
Vegetable oil (or any neutral oil) | 80ml | 1/3 cup |
Non-dairy milk (soy, almond, oat, etc.) | 240ml | 1 cup |
Apple cider vinegar (or white vinegar) | 1 tbsp | 1 tbsp |
Vanilla extract | 2 tsp | 2 tsp |
Boiling water | 120ml | 1/2 cup |
Dark chocolate chips (optional) | 75g | 1/2 cup |
Note: You can also use whole wheat flour for a healthier twist, but the cake will be a bit denser.
Equipment
- Mixing bowls – One large and one medium size
- Whisk or electric mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- 9-inch round cake pan (or 8-inch square pan)
- Parchment paper (optional, for lining the cake pan)
- Oven
- Rubber spatula
- Cooling rack
Instructions
-
Preheat the oven:
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease the bottom and sides of your cake pan with a little oil.
For extra protection against sticking, line the bottom with parchment paper.
-
Mix the dry ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Make sure there are no lumps – this helps create a smooth, even crumb.
-
Combine the wet ingredients:
In a separate bowl, mix the non-dairy milk, vegetable oil, apple cider vinegar, and vanilla extract. Stir well to combine.
-
Bring it all together:
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Use a whisk or spatula to gently mix until just combined.
Do not over-mix – a few small lumps are okay. This keeps your cake tender.
-
Add boiling water:
Slowly pour in the boiling water (it will make the batter thin – this is normal and creates a moist cake). Stir until the batter is smooth.
-
Optional: Add chocolate chips
Fold in the dark chocolate chips for extra chocolaty goodness. You can also sprinkle them on top for a pretty finish.
-
Bake:
Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean (a few moist crumbs are fine).
-
Cool:
Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then run a knife along the edges and carefully turn it out onto a cooling rack. Allow to cool completely before slicing or frosting.
-
Frost and serve:
If desired, top with your favorite frosting, dust with powdered sugar, or enjoy plain. Slice and serve!
Pro Tip: For an ultra-moist cake, wrap the cooled cake in plastic wrap and let it rest at room temperature for a few hours before serving. The flavors will deepen, and the texture will be even better.
Tips & Variations
This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Here are some ideas to make it your own:
- Make it vegan: This cake is already eggless and dairy-free, but double-check your chocolate chips and cocoa powder to ensure they’re vegan.
- Try different oils: Any neutral oil like sunflower, canola, or melted coconut oil works well. Olive oil also adds a unique flavor.
- Healthier twist: Swap half the all-purpose flour for whole wheat for extra fiber and nutrients.
- Add-ins: Stir in chopped nuts, dried fruit, or even a handful of shredded zucchini or carrots for extra moisture and nutrition.
- Gluten-free option: Replace the flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend. Check baking time, as it may vary slightly.
- Frosting ideas: Top with vegan chocolate ganache, whipped coconut cream, or a simple dusting of cocoa powder or powdered sugar.
- Cupcakes: Divide the batter among 12 muffin cups and bake for 18-22 minutes for adorable individual treats.
“For an extra-special treat, serve this cake warm with a scoop of dairy-free vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of melted chocolate. Dessert heaven!”
Nutrition Facts
Here’s an approximate nutrition breakdown for one slice (1/12th of the cake, without frosting):
Nutrient | Amount |
---|---|
Calories | 215 kcal |
Protein | 3g |
Fat | 8g |
Carbohydrates | 34g |
Sugar | 17g |
Fiber | 3g |
Sodium | 160mg |
Note: Actual nutrition will vary based on brands and any add-ins or frosting used.
Serving Suggestions
This veg chocolate cake is incredibly versatile and pairs beautifully with a variety of accompaniments. Here are a few serving ideas to inspire you:
- Classic style: Serve plain with a light dusting of powdered sugar for understated elegance.
- Layered celebration: Double the recipe and stack two cakes with your favorite vegan chocolate frosting in between for a show-stopping centerpiece.
- A la mode: Warm a slice and top with a scoop of vegan vanilla ice cream and fresh berries.
- With coffee: Enjoy a slice with your morning or afternoon coffee for a sweet pick-me-up.
- Picnic treat: Slice into squares and pack for a picnic or lunchbox – it travels well and stays moist for days.
- Drizzle it: Pour a little vegan chocolate ganache or raspberry sauce over each slice for a restaurant-style dessert.
Looking for more delicious vegetarian and vegan bakes? Check out this Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious for another crowd-pleasing sweet treat!
Conclusion
Baking a veg chocolate cake at home is one of the simplest joys in life – especially when it’s so easy, reliable, and delicious! This recipe proves that you don’t need eggs or dairy to create a moist, fluffy, and irresistibly chocolaty cake.
With flexible ingredients, simple steps, and endless customization options, it’s perfect for both beginner bakers and seasoned pros.
Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, sharing with friends, or treating yourself, this chocolate cake is sure to impress. Serve it with a scoop of vegan ice cream, a drizzle of ganache, or even a layer of fruit for a beautiful dessert everyone will remember.
For more plant-based inspiration, try my Veg Recipes for Slow Cooker: Easy, Tasty Meal Ideas or enjoy a savory twist with Vegetable Crackers Recipe for Healthy Homemade Snacking.
Thank you for joining me in the kitchen today! I hope this veg chocolate cake becomes a staple in your home, bringing smiles and sweet moments every time you bake it.
Happy baking!
📖 Recipe Card: Veg Chocolate Cake
Description: A moist and delicious eggless chocolate cake perfect for vegetarians. Enjoy this rich dessert with your favorite frosting or a dusting of powdered sugar.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT35M
Total Time: PT50M
Servings: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 0.5 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 1 cup water
- 0.33 cup vegetable oil
- 1 tbsp white vinegar
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and flour an 8-inch round cake pan.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Add water, vegetable oil, vinegar, and vanilla extract.
- Mix until smooth and well combined.
- Pour batter into prepared cake pan.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let cake cool before serving.
Nutrition: Calories: 210 kcal | Protein: 2 g | Fat: 7 g | Carbs: 36 g
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