Rich Vegan Chocolate Indulgence Cake
Experience the ultimate chocolate delight with this Rich Vegan Chocolate Indulgence Cake, where deep cocoa flavors meld perfectly with a luscious peanut butter frosting. Even better, it's completely plant-based, ensuring it's a treat for both your taste buds and the planet. This dessert is perfect for any occasion, guaranteed to impress both vegans and non-vegans alike.
8
Servings
N/A
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
white flour
1 1/2 cups (sifted)
unsweetened cocoa powder
1/3 cup (sifted)
baking soda
1/2 teaspoon (none)
salt
1/2 teaspoon (none)
sugar
1 cup (none)
vegetable oil
1/2 cup (none)
cold water or chilled brewed coffee
1 cup (none)
vanilla extract
2 teaspoons (none)
cider vinegar
2 tablespoons (none)
unsweetened chocolate
2 ounces (melted)
peanut butter
1/4 cup (none)
water
3-4 tablespoons (none)
vanilla
1 teaspoon (none)
confectioners' sugar
1 cup (none)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare an 8-inch square or round baking pan by oiling it lightly and dusting with sifted cocoa powder to prevent sticking.
2
In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa, baking soda, salt, and sugar. This helps to evenly combine the dry ingredients and aerate the flour for a lighter cake.
3
In a separate bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil, cold water or chilled brewed coffee, and vanilla extract until combined.
4
Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the bowl of dry ingredients, stirring gently until you achieve a smooth batter, making sure not to overmix.
5
Once the batter is smooth, add the cider vinegar and stir quickly just to incorporate. This will help to start the chemical reaction necessary for the cake to rise properly.
6
Immediately pour the batter into your prepared baking pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
7
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then remove it from the pan and let it cool completely on a wire rack before frosting.
8
To make the frosting: In a heavy saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsweetened chocolate until smooth.
9
In a medium bowl, beat together the peanut butter, water, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until smooth and well blended.
10
Gradually beat in the confectioners' sugar until combined, then pour in the melted chocolate, mixing until the frosting is smooth and creamy.
11
Once the cake is completely cooled, spread the frosting evenly over the top using a spatula, ensuring it covers the surface beautifully.
12
Slice and serve your Rich Vegan Chocolate Indulgence Cake, and enjoy the decadent, animal-friendly delight!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Rich Vegan Chocolate Indulgence Cake?
It is a deep cocoa-flavored, plant-based cake topped with a luscious peanut butter frosting.
Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
Yes, the recipe is completely plant-based and animal-friendly.
What oven temperature is required?
The oven should be preheated to 375°F (190°C).
What size baking pan should I use?
You should use an 8-inch square or round baking pan.
How do I prevent the cake from sticking to the pan?
Lightly oil the pan and dust it with sifted cocoa powder.
Why should I sift the dry ingredients?
Sifting helps evenly combine the ingredients and aerates the flour for a lighter cake texture.
Can I use coffee in this recipe?
Yes, you can use chilled brewed coffee instead of cold water to enhance the chocolate flavor.
When should I add the cider vinegar?
Add the cider vinegar after the batter is smooth and stir quickly just to incorporate it before baking.
What is the purpose of cider vinegar in this vegan cake?
The vinegar reacts with the baking soda to help the cake rise properly without eggs.
How long does the cake take to bake?
It takes approximately 25 to 30 minutes in the oven.
How can I tell if the cake is finished baking?
The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
How long should the cake cool before removing it from the pan?
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack.
What ingredients are needed for the frosting?
You will need unsweetened chocolate, peanut butter, water, vanilla, and confectioners' sugar.
How do I prepare the chocolate for the frosting?
Melt the unsweetened chocolate in a heavy saucepan over medium heat until smooth.
What type of flour is recommended?
The recipe calls for 1 1/2 cups of sifted white flour.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe yields 8 servings.
Is the frosting dairy-free?
Yes, it uses peanut butter and melted chocolate instead of butter or milk.
What type of cocoa powder should be used?
Use 1/3 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder.
What kind of oil is best for this cake?
You can use any standard vegetable oil.
Should I overmix the batter?
No, stir gently until smooth to avoid making the cake too dense.
How much sugar is in the cake batter?
The cake batter requires 1 cup of granulated sugar.
What type of sugar is used for the frosting?
Confectioners' sugar (powdered sugar) is used to ensure a creamy frosting texture.
Is this recipe considered difficult?
No, it is categorized as an easy recipe for bakers of all levels.
How much vanilla extract is used in total?
The recipe uses 2 teaspoons in the cake and 1 teaspoon in the frosting.
What does the salt do in this recipe?
Salt helps balance the sweetness and enhances the deep cocoa flavors.
Can I substitute the peanut butter in the frosting?
While peanut butter is standard, you could try another nut butter, though the flavor profile will change.
How much water is needed for the frosting?
The frosting requires 3 to 4 tablespoons of water.
How should I apply the frosting?
Once the cake is completely cool, spread it evenly over the top using a spatula.
Is this cake high in chocolate flavor?
Yes, it features both cocoa powder in the cake and melted unsweetened chocolate in the frosting.
What is the first step of the instructions?
The first step is to preheat the oven to 375°F and prepare the baking pan.