Vegan Flourless Chocolate Cake

Vegan Flourless Chocolate Cake

Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 cups dairy-free dark chocolate chips (or chopped dark chocolate)
  • 1/4 cup coconut oil (or other plant-based oil)
  • 3/4 cup maple syrup or agave syrup
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened almond butter (or peanut butter)
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (preferably sifted)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder (optional, for slightly fluffier texture)
  • Pinch of salt
  • 1/4 cup plant-based milk (such as almond, soy, or oat milk)
  • Powdered sugar (for dusting, optional)
  • Fresh berries or mint (for garnish, optional)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the Oven:
    Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9-inch round cake pan with parchment paper or lightly coat it with cooking spray.
  2. Melt the Chocolate:
    In a heatproof bowl, combine the dairy-free chocolate chips and coconut oil. Melt them together over a double boiler (a bowl placed over simmering water) or in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until smooth.
  3. Mix the Wet Ingredients:
    In a separate bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, almond butter, vanilla extract, and plant-based milk until well combined. Once the chocolate mixture has melted, add it to this bowl and stir to combine.
  4. Add Dry Ingredients:
    Sift in the cocoa powder, baking powder (if using), and salt. Stir everything together until the mixture is smooth and fully combined. The batter will be thick but pourable.
  5. Pour and Bake:
    Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. The cake should look set on top but may still be slightly soft in the center. You can test doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out mostly clean but with a few moist crumbs attached.
  6. Cool the Cake:
    Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. The cake will firm up as it cools, so don’t worry if it seems soft when it first comes out of the oven.
  7. Serve:
    Once cooled, dust the top with powdered sugar for a decorative touch, if desired. You can also garnish with fresh berries or mint leaves for added flavor and a pop of color.
  8. Enjoy:
    Slice and enjoy your rich, fudgy, and delicious vegan flourless chocolate cake! It’s perfect on its own or paired with a scoop of dairy-free ice cream or whipped coconut cream.

Tips:

  • For a richer flavor, use a high-quality dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa.
  • If you prefer a more decadent cake, you can add a tablespoon of coffee or espresso powder to enhance the chocolate flavor.
  • This cake can be stored at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. It can also be frozen for longer storage.

This Vegan Flourless Chocolate Cake is an absolute treat for chocolate lovers and makes for a stunning dessert that’s both simple and sophisticated!