Easy Vegan Chocolate Cake

Easy Vegan Chocolate Cake

Prep: 30 mins

Cook: 40 mins

Total Time: 1 hr 10 mins 

Ingredients: 

Chocolate Cake

• 1 cup unsweetened soy milk or almond

• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

• 2 cups all purpose flour or stoneground white flour

• 1 3/4 cups cane sugar

• 3/4 cup cocoa powder

• 2 teaspoons baking powder

• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 cup canola oil or melted coconut oil

• 2/3 cup unsweetened applesauce

• 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract

• 1 cup boiling water

Chocolate Buttercream Frosting

• 1 cup cocoa powder

• 1 1/2 cups vegan butter, softened baking sticks, not the tub

• 4-5 cups powdered sugar

• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

• 1/4-1/2 cup unsweetened soy milk or almond

Method: 

Chocolate Cake

1. Prep the tins

Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease two 8- or 9-inch cake tins (8-inch tins will give taller layers) and line the bases with parchment paper.

2. Make the buttermilk

Stir 1 tablespoon of vinegar into 1 cup unsweetened milk. Set aside for a few minutes to curdle.

3. Mix dry ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

4. Add wet ingredients

Add the oil, applesauce, vanilla, and milk mixture. Mix on medium speed until smooth.

5. Add hot water

Reduce the mixer speed and slowly pour in the boiling water, mixing until fully combined. The batter will be very thin—this is normal.

6. Bake

Divide the batter evenly between the tins. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a skewer inserted in the centre comes out clean. Cool in the tins for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack and cool completely before frosting.

Chocolate Buttercream Frosting

1. Prepare the cocoa

Sift or whisk the cocoa powder in a large bowl to remove any lumps.

2. Cream the butter

Add the softened vegan butter and beat until smooth.

3. Add Sugar & Milk 

Mix in half the icing sugar and half the milk until combined. Add the remaining icing sugar and vanilla, mixing from low to high speed until light and fluffy.

4. Adjust consistency

If too thick, add milk a tablespoon at a time. If too soft, add a little more icing sugar.

5. Frost the cake

Spread the frosting over the cooled cake using a spatula or knife.