Who doesn’t love a rich, moist, decadent chocolate cake? Indulging in a rich, moist, decadent chocolate cake is a universal pleasure. However, traditional recipes often come laden with sugar, preservatives, dairy, eggs, and unhealthy fats. Fortunately, this chocolate cake offers a delightful solution, allowing you to relish every bite guilt-free. Whether you’re seeking a quick and easy dessert to impress your friends, something for kids parties (to reduce those sugar highs), or a healthier option for your own enjoyment, this recipe fits the bill perfectly.
What sets this chocolate cake apart is its sustainability factor. By omitting eggs and dairy, it emerges as a sustainability hero. Eggs and dairy production can have significant environmental impacts, from greenhouse gas emissions to water usage and land degradation. By opting for a plant-based alternative, you’re making a conscious choice towards a more sustainable lifestyle.
Tips for the best Chocolate Cake:
- Ensure ripe bananas: Ripe bananas not only provide sweetness but also contribute to the moistness of the cake. Look for bananas with brown spots for optimal flavor.
- Don’t overmix: Overmixing the batter can result in a dense and tough cake. Mix until the ingredients are just combined for a light and fluffy texture.
- Adjust sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter cake, you can add a few tablespoons of maple syrup, agave nectar, or coconut sugar to the batter.
- Get creative with toppings: Elevate your cake by adding toppings like fresh berries, sliced almonds, shredded coconut, or a drizzle of dairy-free chocolate ganache.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use a different type of flour? Absolutely! You can swap whole wheat flour with almond flour for a gluten-free option or experiment with other alternatives like oat flour or coconut flour. Your cake may be a little different but still just as delicious!
- Can I replace bananas with another fruit? While bananas provide natural sweetness and moisture to the cake, you can try using mashed avocado, pumpkin puree, or even more unsweetened applesauce as substitute.
- Is there a substitute for coconut oil? Yes, you can use any other neutral oil such as olive oil, avocado oil, or melted vegan butter as a replacement for coconut oil.
- Can I make this cake ahead of time? Yes, this cake stores well. You can bake it in advance and store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or freeze it for longer storage.
With its simplicity, healthfulness, and sustainability, this Simple Healthy Vegan Chocolate Cake is bound to become a staple in your recipe repertoire. Enjoy the guilt-free indulgence!
Simple Healthy Vegan Chocolate Cake
Ingredients
- 1 and 1/2 cups whole wheat flour or almond flour
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 ripe bananas (mashed)
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1/4 cup melted coconut oil or any other neutral oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup water or non-dairy milk
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8-inch round cake pan or line with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, combine mashed bananas, applesauce, melted coconut oil, vanilla extract, and water or non-dairy milk.
- Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Pour batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center of the cake comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool completely in the pan, then remove and serve as desired. Enjoy!
