Craving a decadent, fudgy dessert that’s both vegan and flourless? You’ve come to the right place!
Whether you’re gluten-free, plant-based, or simply curious about new ways to indulge, this vegan flourless cake recipe offers an irresistibly rich treat that satisfies every sweet tooth. Imagine a cake so moist and chocolatey, it melts in your mouth, yet contains no eggs, dairy, or wheat.
It’s perfect for special occasions, dinner parties, or just a cozy night in with your favorite book.
In this post, I’ll guide you step-by-step through creating a vegan flourless cake that’s easy to make and guaranteed to impress. We’ll talk about the best plant-based substitutes, offer tips for flawless results, and answer common questions.
Plus, you’ll discover serving suggestions, nutritional details, and links to more delicious vegan recipes. Ready to bake?
Let’s dive in!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich, Fudgy Texture: This cake is dense, moist, and packed with deep chocolate flavor.
- Allergy-Friendly: Free from gluten, animal products, and soy (if you choose the right chocolate), it’s ideal for those with dietary restrictions.
- Minimal Ingredients: You only need whole-food, pantry staples—no weird substitutes required.
- Quick & Easy: The batter mixes up in one bowl and bakes in under 30 minutes.
- Versatile: Add nuts, berries, or spices to customize your cake.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: From birthdays to holidays, it’s a crowd-pleasing dessert everyone can enjoy.
Ingredients
Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
---|---|---|
Dark chocolate (dairy-free) | 200g (about 7 oz) | Choose 70%+ cocoa, check for vegan labeling |
Coconut cream | 180ml (3/4 cup) | Full-fat for best texture |
Coconut sugar | 100g (1/2 cup, packed) | Or organic cane sugar or maple syrup |
Unsweetened cocoa powder | 40g (1/3 cup) | Dutch-processed or natural |
Almond meal | 100g (1 cup, packed) | Or hazelnut meal for a different flavor |
Ground flaxseed | 2 tbsp | Acts as an egg replacer |
Water | 6 tbsp | To mix with flaxseed |
Vanilla extract | 1 tsp | Pure or alcohol-free |
Salt | 1/4 tsp | Enhances chocolate flavor |
Equipment
- 8-inch (20cm) round cake pan or springform pan
- Parchment paper
- Mixing bowls (2 medium to large)
- Small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl
- Whisk or fork
- Rubber spatula
- Cooling rack
- Measuring cups and spoons
Instructions
- Prepare your pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line the bottom of your cake pan with parchment paper and lightly grease the sides with coconut oil or nonstick spray. This ensures easy release.
- Make flax “eggs”: In a small bowl, combine 2 tbsp ground flaxseed and 6 tbsp water. Stir well and set aside for about 10 minutes to thicken.
- Melt the chocolate: Chop the dark chocolate and place in a heatproof bowl. Warm the coconut cream in a saucepan over medium heat until it just begins to simmer. Pour the hot coconut cream over the chocolate and let sit for 2 minutes, then whisk until smooth and glossy.
- Add sugar and vanilla: Stir in the coconut sugar and vanilla extract until dissolved. Allow the mixture to cool slightly.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together almond meal, cocoa powder, and salt until evenly mixed.
- Mix wet and dry: Add the flax “eggs” to the chocolate mixture and stir well. Fold in the dry ingredients until just combined. The batter should be thick and glossy.
- Pour and smooth: Transfer the batter to your prepared pan. Use a spatula to smooth the top evenly.
- Bake: Place in the preheated oven and bake for 24-28 minutes, or until the center is just set and the edges pull slightly from the sides. Do not overbake for a fudgy texture.
- Cool: Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 15 minutes. Then, run a knife around the edge and carefully invert onto a cooling rack. Peel off the parchment paper.
- Chill & serve: For the best texture, chill the cake in the fridge for at least 1 hour before slicing. Dust with extra cocoa powder or decorate as desired.
Tips & Variations
-
Tip: For an extra-silky cake, sift your cocoa powder to avoid lumps in the batter.
- Nut-Free Option: Substitute almond meal with sunflower seed meal for a school-safe treat.
- Add-Ins: Fold in chopped walnuts, pecans, or vegan chocolate chips before baking for extra crunch.
- Spice It Up: Add 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon or a pinch of cayenne for Mexican chocolate flair.
- Fruit Swirl: Swirl in raspberry or cherry preserves before baking for a fruity twist.
- Frosting Ideas: Top with vegan ganache, coconut whipped cream, or a dusting of powdered sugar.
- Storage: Keep leftovers covered in the fridge for up to 5 days. The flavor deepens over time!
“Don’t be afraid to experiment with your favorite flavors. This cake is a blank canvas for chocolate creativity!”
Nutrition Facts
Serving Size | Calories | Fat | Carbs | Fiber | Protein | Sugar |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 slice (1/10 cake) | 245 | 15g | 27g | 4g | 5g | 14g |
Note: Nutrition data is approximate and may vary based on ingredient brands and add-ins.
Serving Suggestions
- Classic: Serve chilled, dusted with cocoa powder, and a few fresh raspberries or strawberries.
- Decadent: Top with coconut whipped cream and vegan chocolate curls for a showstopping dessert.
- Brunch or Tea: Pair with a cup of coffee or your favorite herbal tea for a mid-morning treat.
- Celebration: Garnish with edible flowers, candied orange peel, or a drizzle of vegan caramel.
- Layered: Double the recipe, slice each cake in half horizontally, and fill with vegan ganache or berry compote for a layer cake.
- On-the-Go: Cut into bars and pack for a picnic, potluck, or lunchbox treat.
For more plant-based dessert inspiration, check out our Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious and pair your cake with homemade Vegan Bread Machine Recipe for Soft, Delicious Loaves for the ultimate treat.
Looking for a lighter meal before dessert? Try our Low Calorie Vegetable Soup Recipe for Healthy Eating.
Conclusion
This vegan flourless cake is proof that you don’t need eggs, dairy, or even flour to create a showstopping chocolate dessert. It’s rich, satisfying, and relies on whole-food ingredients that are both accessible and nourishing.
Whether you’re baking for a special celebration or simply treating yourself, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
With endless ways to customize and serve, it’s a dessert that invites creativity and sharing. Don’t hesitate to experiment with flavors, toppings, and mix-ins to make it your own.
I hope you love this cake as much as we do. If you try it, let us know how it turned out!
And don’t forget to explore our other vegan and gluten-free recipes for more delicious inspiration.
📖 Recipe Card: Vegan Flourless Chocolate Cake
Description: This rich, fudgy vegan flourless cake is naturally gluten-free and easy to make. Perfect for celebrations or a decadent dessert any time.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT30M
Total Time: PT45M
Servings: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups dark chocolate chips (dairy-free)
- 1/2 cup coconut cream
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup almond flour
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
- 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 8-inch round cake pan with parchment.
- Melt chocolate chips and coconut cream together until smooth.
- Stir in cocoa powder, almond flour, maple syrup, applesauce, vanilla, and salt.
- Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 28-32 minutes until set but still fudgy in the center.
- Cool completely before removing from pan and slicing.
Nutrition: Calories: 250 | Protein: 4g | Fat: 14g | Carbs: 30g
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