This simple vegan chocolate cake recipe is rich and delicious! It’s surprisingly easy to make in one bowl with just 9 ingredients! Pair it with this whipped vegan buttercream frosting for the ultimate dessert.

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I have to admit that I don’t do a lot of baking, and I’m not normally a cake person, but when it comes to cake, there’s no better combination than rich chocolate cake with chocolate buttercream frosting. Even if you’re following a plant-based diet, you can enjoy this tasty, fudgy chocolate cake. It’s surprisingly easy to make with basic ingredients, and it is the best vegan chocolate cake recipe. I know you’re going to love it!

Vegan Chocolate Cake ingredients

The great thing about this cake is you don’t need any fancy ingredients. Everything you need is something you probably already have in your pantry. The vegan butter is the only “special” ingredient you need, and I’ve even enjoyed this cake without the frosting since it’s pretty sweet. So, if you don’t have the frosting ingredients, just add a sprinkle of powdered sugar on top instead!

How to Make Vegan Chocolate Cake

In a large bowl combine the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Add the almond milk, oil, and vanilla extract.
Stir until combined.
Pour into prepared baking pan and shake to level.
Bake for 35-40 minutes.
Combine all the frosting ingredients in a large mixing bowl. Beat with a mixer on low speed, incorporating all the powdered sugar.
Allow to cool in the cake tin for at least 10 minutes before removing and allow to cool completely.
Top the cake with the frosting.

Tips & Tricks

  • If you don’t want to make your own frosting, you can use storebought. Here’s a list of vegan brands.
  • This vegan cake recipe is best served the day of, but you can also store it in the fridge wrapped in plastic wrap for up to 3 days. Individual slices can be stored in the freezer (wrapped individually in plastic before being placed in an airtight container) for up to one month. 
  • You can switch up the vegan buttercream frosting flavor by adding a dollop of peanut butter or almond butter to the chocolate frosting. 
  • This is the best chocolate cake for a birthday cake, but it’s also a perfect treat for Valentine’s Day or other holidays! Add chocolate shavings or switch up the sprinkles to add a festive touch.
Vegan Chocolate Cake

Other Vegan Dessert Recipes

If you like this easy vegan chocolate cake recipe, be sure to try my vegan snickerdoodles, vegan avocado pudding, and vegan oatmeal cookies. Looking for a vanilla cake recipe? Try this vegan birthday cake recipe!

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Vegan Chocolate Cake

Simple Vegan Chocolate Cake

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  • Author: Liz Thomson
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 12 pieces 1x
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Oven
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegan
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Description

This simple vegan chocolate cake recipe is rich and delicious! It’s surprisingly easy to make in one bowl with just 9 ingredients! Pair it with this whipped vegan buttercream frosting for the ultimate dessert.

Ingredients

Units Scale

Cake:

  • 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/4 cups light brown sugar
  • 3/4 cup cocoa powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 cup avocado oil or vegetable oil
  • 1 1/4 cups almond milk or oat milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Frosting:

  • 3/4 cup vegan butter or margarine, softened (I like the Earth Balance sticks)
  • 2 1/2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1/3 cup cocoa powder
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

For the cake:

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease or line an 8” x 8” baking pan with parchment.
  2. In a large bowl combine the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  3. Create a well in the center and pour in the almond milk, oil, and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth.
  4. Pour into prepared baking tin and shake to level.
  5. Bake for 35-40 minutes until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
  6. Allow to cool in the tin for at least 10 minutes before removing and allow to cool completely.

Make the frosting:

  1. Combine all the frosting ingredients in a bowl.
  2. Beat with a hand mixer or stand mixer on low speed, slowly incorporating all the powdered sugar.
  3. Increase the speed and beat until very fluffy, 3-5 minutes.

Assemble the cake:

  1. Dollop frosting on top and spread evenly with a spatula.
  2. Sprinkle with any desired toppings (sprinkles, chocolate flakes, candied citrus zest, mini marshmallows).