Description
This rich and decadent vegan chocolate cake is surprisingly easy to make using simple pantry staples and a one-bowl method. The addition of boiling coffee creates a moist, tender crumb and an intense chocolate flavor that makes it a perfect centerpiece for any celebration.
Ingredients
- 240mL soy milk
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 400g granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/2 cup neutral oil (vegetable or canola)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup boiling water mixed with 2 teaspoons instant coffee
- 1/2 cup vegan butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder (for frosting)
- 2-3 tablespoons vegan milk
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C), grease and flour two 9-inch cake pans, and line the bottoms with parchment paper.
- In a small bowl, stir together the soy milk and apple cider vinegar; let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes until it curdles into vegan buttermilk.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the sugar, all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and sea salt until no large clumps remain.
- Add the curdled milk mixture, oil, vanilla extract, and the boiling coffee water to the dry ingredients.
- Beat the batter on medium speed for about 2 minutes using an electric hand mixer or whisk until well combined, noting that the batter will be thin.
- Divide the batter equally between the prepared pans and bake for 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool the cakes in their pans on a wire rack for 30 to 60 minutes before removing them.
- Prepare the frosting by creaming softened vegan butter and cocoa powder, then gradually adding powdered sugar and vegan milk until smooth and spreadable.
- Assemble the cake by frosting between the layers and covering the top and sides with the remaining frosting.
Notes
To ensure the most intense chocolate flavor, make sure your coffee water is boiling hot when added, as this helps the cocoa powder bloom. If you need to store the cake, keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days to maintain its moisture. For the best frosting texture, sift your powdered sugar and cocoa powder before mixing to avoid any small lumps.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 35 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American