Vegan Chocolate Cake is a delightful and moist dessert that caters to plant-based diets. This rich and chocolatey cake uses simple ingredients like cocoa powder and coconut oil, offering heart-healthy fats and antioxidants. It also relies on egg substitutes such as chia seeds, which are high in omega-3s and fiber, or apple cider vinegar, which supports digestion. It’s perfect for any celebration or as a special treat for yourself.
The concept of vegan baking has evolved significantly over the years, with traditional cakes being adapted to meet plant-based dietary needs. Vegan Chocolate Cake, in particular, reflects the growing trend of using plant-based ingredients to create indulgent desserts without compromising on taste or texture. This cake often serves as a testament to the versatility of vegan ingredients in achieving rich and satisfying flavors.
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 cup plant-based milk (such as almond or soy)
- ½ cup coconut oil, melted
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar or 1 tbsp chia seeds mixed with 3 tbsp water (let sit for 10 minutes to form a gel-like consistency)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix the plant-based milk, melted coconut oil, apple cider vinegar (or chia gel), and vanilla extract.
4. Combine and Mix: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
5. Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
6. Cool and Frost: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Frost with your favorite vegan chocolate glaze or frosting.
Enjoy your moist and delicious Vegan Chocolate Cake, a perfect blend of indulgence and plant-based goodness!
Nutrition Value:
1. 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- Calories: 684
- Carbohydrates: 144 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Fat: 1.5 g
- Sodium: 2.5 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Vitamins: Contains small amounts of B vitamins (thiamin, riboflavin, niacin)
- Minerals: Iron, calcium, magnesium
- Nutritional Benefit: Provides energy through carbohydrates and some essential minerals, though low in fat and protein.
2. 1 cup granulated sugar
- Calories: 773
- Carbohydrates: 200 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Fat: 0 g
- Sodium: 0 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Vitamins: None
- Minerals: None
- Nutritional Benefit: Provides a quick source of energy through simple sugars, but lacks vitamins and minerals.
3. ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- Calories: 98
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Protein: 4.6 g
- Fat: 1.5 g
- Sodium: 3 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Vitamins: Contains small amounts of vitamin B6
- Minerals: Iron, magnesium, potassium
- Nutritional Benefit: Rich in antioxidants and minerals, cocoa powder adds a deep chocolate flavor while providing some nutritional value.
4. 1 tsp baking soda
- Calories: 0
- Carbohydrates: 0 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Fat: 0 g
- Sodium: 1260 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Vitamins: None
- Minerals: None
- Nutritional Benefit: Functions as a leavening agent to help the cake rise; does not contribute significant nutrients.
5. ½ tsp baking powder
- Calories: 1
- Carbohydrates: 0.5 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Fat: 0 g
- Sodium: 116 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Vitamins: None
- Minerals: None
- Nutritional Benefit: Leavening agent that helps the cake rise; minimal nutritional impact.
6. ¼ tsp salt
- Calories: 0
- Carbohydrates: 0 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Fat: 0 g
- Sodium: 575 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Vitamins: None
- Minerals: None
- Nutritional Benefit: Enhances flavor; high sodium content can contribute to dietary sodium intake but has no other nutritional benefits.
7. 1 cup plant-based milk (such as almond or soy)
- Calories: 30-60 (varies by type)
- Carbohydrates: 1-6 g (varies by type)
- Protein: 1-8 g (varies by type)
- Fat: 1-4 g (varies by type)
- Sodium: 120-180 mg (varies by type)
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Vitamins: Often fortified with vitamins A, D, and B12
- Minerals: Calcium, magnesium
- Nutritional Benefit: Provides essential vitamins and minerals, especially in fortified versions, and is a dairy-free alternative with varying protein content depending on the type.
8. ½ cup coconut oil, melted
- Calories: 962
- Carbohydrates: 0 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Fat: 108 g
- Sodium: 0 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Vitamins: None
- Minerals: None
- Nutritional Benefit: Provides healthy fats, which can be beneficial for energy and satiety; however, it is high in calories and saturated fat.
9. 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- Calories: 3
- Carbohydrates: 0.1 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Fat: 0 g
- Sodium: 1 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Vitamins: None
- Minerals: None
- Nutritional Benefit: Primarily used as a leavening agent when combined with baking soda; minimal nutritional value.
OR
1 tbsp chia seeds mixed with 3 tbsp water
- Calories: 60
- Carbohydrates: 5 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Fat: 4 g
- Sodium: 0 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Vitamins: Contains small amounts of B vitamins
- Minerals: Calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus
- Nutritional Benefit: Chia seeds are a source of omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and various minerals, adding nutritional value to the recipe.
10. 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Calories: 12
- Carbohydrates: 0.5 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Fat: 0 g
- Sodium: 0 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Vitamins: None
- Minerals: None
- Nutritional Benefit: Primarily used for flavor enhancement; minimal nutritional contribution.
Chef Culinary Creationss
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