Don’t believe plant-based desserts can be delectable? Guess again. This fully vegan chocolate and strawberry cake is as rich as it is delicious. You’ll use plant-based butter, milk, and cream cheese to achieve the same creaminess and flavor you’d normally achieve from the dairy versions. You’ll also use a mixture of flax seeds and water to mimic the cohesion usually achieved with eggs to make your cake even healthier!
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Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
Start by greasing two 8 or 9 inch cake pans with the plant-based butter. Dust them with some cocoa powder. (You can also use parchment paper here is you’re used to doing things that way).
Using a cup measure or small bowl, place one tbsp of white wine vinegar, then add 1 cup of almond milk over that. Let rest for at least 5 minutes. (This concoction mimics buttermilk). This would also be a good time to mix your ground flax seeds with the water.
In a large bowl, mix your flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt together. Mix thoroughly. Then add the vegetable oil, milk and vinegar mixture, ground flax seed mixture, and vanilla extract. Mix thoroughly, just until everything is incorporated and looking smooth.
Next take a cups-worth of sliced strawberries and place in a small bowl. Reserve the rest of the strawberries. Using an immersion blender, blend the strawberries until you have a smooth strawberry sauce.
Put half of the juice in your cake batter along with the vegan chocolate chips. Mix into the batter. Reserve the remaining strawberry juice.
Place an equal amount of batter in both prepared cake tins, smoothing the batter over with a spatula or spoon to assure it’s level. Place in the oven and bake for 27 - 32 minutes. When you reach the 25 minute mark, take a toothpick and place in the center of each sponge to make sure it comes out clean. If it comes out gooey, keep in the oven for longer.
Once they’re done, carefully take out of the oven and let the sponges sit in the tins for 10 - 15 minutes before turning out on wire racks to cool completely.
Place your plant-based butter, cream cheese, powdered sugar, and cocoa powder in the bowl of a stand mixer or large bowl. (I highly recommend either a stand mixer or hand-held electric mixer to do this.)
Mix over medium speed until the mixture becomes the consistency of icing.
Place one layer of the cake on the platter you intend to serve it on. Start to spread your icing on top of the sponge, being careful to reserve enough for the top layer and sides of the cake.
Once you’ve covered the top, take out the reserved pureed strawberries and spread over the icing, but leaving some space along the edges so it doesn’t spill over.
Take your reserved strawberries and dice them fine. Put on top of the pureed strawberry.
Then carefully place the second sponge on top and ice the tops and side with the remaining icing.
Decorate the top with any remaining strawberries if so desired.
You might be reading the ingredients recipe below and think… ‘Seriously? Flax seeds?’ Trust me: this works. But if flax seeds aren’t easy to find, there are some other options:
This recipe is doable with any plant-based butter, milk, and cream cheese. What I recommend are plant-based alternatives I’ve used and that have worked well. You can use whatever your heart desires.
If making this vegan isn’t a priority for you, then feel free to use the dairy versions and/or 2 eggs instead of the flax seed and water mixture.
I opted for strawberries in this recipe since they’re fresh and delicious this time of year. But this recipe could easily be used with raspberries or another fruit of your choosing.
How do I make a vegan chocolate strawberry cake without eggs?
To make a vegan chocolate strawberry cake without eggs, you can use a mixture of ground flax seeds and water as a substitute. For this recipe, mix 2 tablespoons of ground flax seeds with 6 tablespoons of water and let it sit for about 5 minutes until it thickens. This will help bind the ingredients together just like eggs would.
What are some good substitutions for almond milk in this vegan cake recipe?
If you're looking for substitutions for almond milk in this vegan chocolate strawberry cake, you can use other plant-based milks such as soy milk, oat milk, or coconut milk. Just ensure that the substitute is unsweetened to maintain the cake's flavor balance.
How should I store leftover vegan chocolate strawberry cake?
To store leftover vegan chocolate strawberry cake, place it in an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator. It should stay fresh for about 3 to 5 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze individual slices wrapped in plastic wrap and then placed in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.
What can I pair with vegan chocolate strawberry cake for a dessert spread?
For a delightful dessert spread, consider pairing your vegan chocolate strawberry cake with fresh fruit, such as additional strawberries or raspberries, and a scoop of vegan vanilla ice cream. A drizzle of vegan chocolate sauce or a side of coconut whipped cream can also enhance the experience.
Can I use gluten-free flour in this chocolate strawberry cake recipe?
Yes, you can use gluten-free flour in this vegan chocolate strawberry cake recipe. Look for a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend, which is designed to substitute all-purpose flour directly. Just be sure to check that all other ingredients are also gluten-free to maintain dietary compatibility.
I'm a plant-based eater and food writer dedicated to making cooking and plant-based eating approachable and fun! I'm the creator of Samosas and Mimosas and regularly write on Medium about all things food.
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