Ingredients:
**For the Cake:**
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup almond milk (or any plant-based milk)
– 1/3 cup vegetable oil (or melted coconut oil)
– 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
**For the Chocolate Ganache Frosting:**
– 1 cup dairy-free chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate
– 1/2 cup full-fat coconut milk (from a can)
#### Instructions:
1. **Preheat the Oven:**
– Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper.
2. **Make the Cake Batter:**
– In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
– In a separate bowl, whisk together the almond milk, vegetable oil, apple cider vinegar, and vanilla extract.
3. **Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:**
– Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined and no large lumps remain. Be careful not to overmix.
4. **Bake the Cake:**
– Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
– Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
– Remove from the oven and let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
5. **Make the Chocolate Ganache Frosting:**
– In a small saucepan, heat the coconut milk until it just begins to simmer. Remove from heat.
– Place the chocolate chips or chopped chocolate in a heatproof bowl. Pour the hot coconut milk over the chocolate and let it sit for 1-2 minutes.
– Stir the mixture gently until smooth and glossy. Let it cool for a few minutes to thicken slightly.
6. **Frost the Cake:**
– Once the cake has cooled completely, pour the chocolate ganache over the top of the cake, allowing it to drip down the sides.
– Use an offset spatula to spread the ganache evenly over the top and sides of the cake.
7. **Serve:**
– Let the ganache set for about 15-20 minutes before slicing and serving.
Enjoy your decadent Vegan Chocolate Cake! It’s perfect for any occasion and will satisfy your chocolate cravings without any dairy or eggs.
