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Vegan Chocolate Cake

March 1, 2010 By Jelli 4 Comments

Although most of my readers are probably not of the vegan persuasion, I just have to share with you this fabulous recipe for a moist, rich chocolate cake that has won my heart and just so happens to be vegan. I stumbled upon the recipe in Midwest Living Magazine, which advertised the cake as a family favorite of a couple who own a cozy bed and breakfast. The original recipe features a decadent topping of chocolate chips and walnuts scattered and baked atop the batter along with a (non-vegan) chocolate sauce to drizzle upon serving. I will provide the chocolate sauce recipe at the bottom of the post for those curious, though I have not yet tried it.

This cake is very similar to Hershey’s “Perfectly Chocolate” Cake in one-bowl preparation, texture, and flavor. It is the perfect chocolate cake for the last minute get-togethers when you realize you have to whip up a sweet treat and haven’t milk or eggs at hand. As with Hershey’s Perfectly Chocolate Cake, I find that this cake tastes much better when hot coffee is used instead of boiling water. It adds a depth of flavor that water just can’t match. If you’re hesitant, try using half water and half coffee. I promise, the cake will not even hint at coffee flavor. The cake always bakes very evenly, for which purpose I use this recipe for cut-out cake rounds I sell to a local gelateria. Hope you enjoy!

Check out other inspiring chocolate-based recipes at February’s Flavor of the Month post at Bake at 350.

Chocolate Picnic Cake 

From Midwest Living Magazine
2-1/4  cups all-purpose flour
1-1/2  cups sugar
1/3  cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1-1/2  tsp. baking soda
1/2  tsp. salt
1-1/2  cups water or strong brewed coffee, cooled
1/2  cup canola oil or cooking oil
4-1/2  tsp. vinegar
1-1/2  tsp. vanilla
Picnic Topping 
In a bowl combine:
1 cup chopped walnuts
1 c. semisweet chocolate chips
1/2 c. sugar
Grandma Betty’s Chocolate Sauce (recipe below), optional
Vanilla ice cream, optional

1. Grease and flour a 13x9x2-inch baking pan; set aside. In a large mixing bowl stir together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda and salt. Stir in water, oil, vinegar and vanilla. Beat mixture with a fork until smooth. Pour into prepared pan. Sprinkle with Picnic Topping.
2. Bake in a 350 degree F oven for 30 to 40 minutes or until a wooden toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool cake slightly in pan on a wire rack. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and drizzle with Grandma Betty’s Chocolate Sauce. Makes 12 servings.

Grandma Betty’s Chocolate Sauce
In heavy small saucepan, combine 1-1/2 cups sugar, 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder and a dash of salt. Stir in 1/2 cup whipping cream and 1/4 cup milk. Bring to a gentle boil, stirring constantly, then reduce heat. Cook and stir for 2 minutes. Remover from heat. Stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla. Transfer to bowl; cover surface with plastic wrap. Cool to room temperature before using.

Filed Under: Recipes Tagged With: Cake, chocolate, desserts, Vegan

About Jelli

Jelli is a blogging veteran and avid baker who’s been selling sweets to feed her chocolate addiction for 8+ years. When the polka dotted apron’s hanging up, she’s a full-time mama to three kidlets enjoying the crazy days of motherhood and pumping out brownie recipes from her sunny Costa Rican kitchen.

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Comments

  1. Tracy @ Sugarcrafter says

    March 1, 2010 at 1:47 pm

    This looks great! I love the Hershey’s chocolate cake, so I will have to give this a try! 🙂

    Reply
  2. Eliana says

    March 1, 2010 at 2:12 pm

    There is nothing like a good, moist chocolate cake. This one looks like it won’t disappoint.

    Reply
  3. Bridget says

    March 1, 2010 at 3:54 pm

    So agree with Eliana above! 🙂 Thanks for linking!

    Reply
  4. Amanda says

    March 2, 2010 at 8:42 am

    Sounds great, looks delish! Thanks for the coconut tip you left on my blog, good one!

    Reply

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Hi, I'm Jelli! I snagged the best guy around, birthed four tiny kidlets, scribble down too many dessert recipes, love Jesus, and grow veggies in my front yard. Read More…

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