Vegan chocolate cake

Chocolate cake is everyone’s favourite: where did it originate? 

Julia Child once said, “A party without a cake is just a meeting.” Cakes make an appearance at almost every celebration – from birthdays and weddings to baby showers and graduations. 

The first cakes were believed to have been made in ancient Egypt, however, the tale of the chocolate cake didn’t begin until the 18th century in America when chocolate was transformed from a drink to an ingredient that can be used in both pastries and cakes. As cocoa powder became more accessible and advancements in technology began in the 19th century, more cake recipes for different variations began to be made, like devil’s food cake and German chocolate cake. By the mid-20th century, the popularity of chocolate cake soared across America and eventually the rest of the world. Today, this decadent and indulgent delight can even be enjoyed as an amazing vegan chocolate cake.

How is this easy vegan chocolate cake recipe different from a regular cake?

No one will ever believe you when you say this is a vegan chocolate cake – after all, it doesn’t contain any of the ingredients typically found in vegan baking (chia seeds, avocado or beans). Instead, it follows the traditional chocolate cake with alternative ingredients that are naturally vegan to create a super moist and rich, yet oh-so-simple cake.

The main difference for the batter is that we have not used any dairy milk or eggs. Instead, we’ve opted for white vinegar and bicarbonate of soda. Why? There’s a little chemistry at play here. The vinegar reacts to bicarb in a way that creates bubbles, which in turn helps the cake to rise and create that iconic moist and fluffy interior the world has come to know and love.

As for the frosting that’s full of chocolate, be sure to use plant-based, vegan-friendly ingredients. 

What makes the best vegan chocolate cake?

The key to success with a stand-out chocolate vegan cake recipe is much like creating a regular choccie cake. Measure your ingredients correctly and combine the dry ingredients well to ensure each component is mixed through for an even batter. For this recipe, we sift the dry ingredients after combining them to guarantee a thorough mix. Once you’ve combined the wet and dry ingredients, make sure you don’t overmix the batter. This could result in a dense, flat cake. 

Of course, how you decorate it packs a punch. A super-simple yet impressive way to serve this cake is with fresh, seasonal fruits and grated or shredded vegan chocolate pieces. You could try adding vegan-friendly sprinkles and cake shimmer, or for a classic addition, go for plant-based whipped cream or ice cream for a stunning treat.