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Chocolate Vegan Birthday Cake

May 23, 2016 by Erin 44 Comments

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Celebrate your big day with this moist and rich Chocolate Vegan Birthday Cake. Made with easy to find ingredients, this sprinkle-filled cake will satisfy your sweet tooth in no time!

Vegan Birthday Cake | Rich, moist and chocolate-y, this cake is perfect for any birthday! #vegan

Twenty three. Do you remember being 23? Are you even 23? My brother turns 23 TOMORROW, so this vegan birthday cake is obviously dedicated to him. 

I actually made him this cake this past Saturday, only he got the “messed up” version. THIS is the perfect recipe, the recipe I wish he could have tried, the recipe that took me three tries to get right, and the recipe I wish I could airplane feed you all with a fork. 

Too much? Sorry, I’m getting carried away, especially for a Monday. 

But I’m EXCITED. Birthdays are exciting, right? You get gifts and dinner and dessert and to spend quality time with the ones you love. Yeah, birthdays rule, especially birthdays with vegan birthday cake. 

Vegan Birthday Cake | A delicious, vegan-friendly chocolate cake

I remember being 23 like it was yesterday, even though it was actually 730 days ago, or something like that (I can’t decide if that sounds like forever ago or not long at all…). I was one year out of college working a desk job and hating every second of it. But I had this blog and I had Miguel and I still lived in Pittsburgh, so I suppose 23 wasn’t so bad. The one thing I remember about turning 23 was that Miguel threw me a surprise party and bought me a delicious cake. Yes, I have a horrible memory, but I can still remember that delicious cake. 

Justin, I hope you remember this cake, even if it means you have to make it yourself to truly experience the deliciousness. You’re welcome. 

Vegan Birthday Cake | Rich and moist, this chocolate cake is perfect for your vegan best friend | thealmondeater.com

Vegan Birthday Cake | A rich, moist and chocolate-y cake that's vegan-friendly too! | thealmondeater.com

So, this cake. Truthfully, the recipe is pretty similar to this one, minus the eggs and maple syrup. Oh, and it’s a two layer cake and covered in sprinkles because it’s not just any cake, it’s a birthday cake, and birthday cakes must be covered in sprinkles. 

Tip: Leave the cake in until it’s done. I know this may seem like common sense, but don’t just assume it’s done after 45 minutes because mine was. Every oven is different, so be sure to do the toothpick test to check when yours is done. This cake is super moist and gooey (in a good way!), so it takes a bit longer to bake. 

Tip: Don’t put the icing in the refrigerator. The icing is super thick, so it actually doesn’t need refrigerated at all. My suggestion is to wait until your cakes are completely cooled and THEN make the icing and ice the cakes right away, rather than prepping the icing ahead of time. If you DO refrigerate the icing, it will harden a bit you’ll have to add a splash of milk in order for it to be spreadable. 

Vegan Birthday Cake | Your new go-to vegan birthday cake recipe--it's rich, chocolate-y and covered in sprinkles-YUM

Enough with the tips already, let’s eat this vegan birthday cake, because MONDAY. 

Print

Chocolate Vegan Birthday Cake

Vegan Birthday Cake | Rich, moist and chocolate-y, this cake is perfect for any birthday! #vegan

★★★★★

4.3 from 4 reviews

Satisfy your sweet tooth and celebrate your big day with this moist and rich Chocolate Vegan Birthday Cake–it’s a winner!

  • Author: The Almond Eater
  • Prep Time: 15 mins
  • Cook Time: 45 mins
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Category: dessert
  • Method: oven
  • Cuisine: cake

Ingredients

  • Cake:
  • 2 1/2 cups all purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 cups raw cane sugar (or sub white sugar)
  • 3/4 cup cocoa powder
  • 3 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 2 cups almond milk
  • 1/2 cup coconut oil, melted
  • 1 1/2 cups applesauce
  • 2 tsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • Icing:
  • 3/4 cups dairy free butter
  • 1/4 cup dairy free chocolate chips
  • 1/2 cup cocoa powder
  • 2 1/2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1/4 cup almond milk
  • 2 tbsp almond butter
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°.
  2. Combine flour, sugar, cocoa, baking soda, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl; stir and set aside.
  3. Heat coconut oil in a small saucepan OR in a microwave-safe dish until melted; set aside.
  4. In a separate bowl, combine milk, applesauce, vinegar, and vanilla; stir in oil.
  5. Combine wet and dry ingredients with an electric mixer; stir really well so the batter is runny and not chunky.
  6. Grease two 8 inch baking pans with coconut oil and then pour batter evenly into each pan.
  7. Bake cakes for approximately 40-45 minutes, or until batter is cooked all the way through.
  8. Once cakes are done, remove from oven and wait 10 minutes or so before carefully transferring them to a cooling rack.
  9. Once cakes have completely cooled, make the icing.
  10. Do so by heating butter and chocolate chips together over low-medium heat, stirring occasionally until combined; transfer to a bowl and then add the cocoa, powdered sugar, milk, almond butter, and vanilla; stir with an electric mixer until everything is smooth. The icing should be pretty thick but still spreadable.
  11. To assemble the cakes: Remove the top “dome” from one of the cakes with a knife so that the cake is flat on top and, using a spatula, ice the top of that cake before placing the second cake on top, using the icing as glue to hold the cakes together.
  12. Use the spatula to ice the rest of the cake
  13. Add sprinkles, cut and enjoy!

Keywords: cake, vegan cake, vegan birthday cake, dessert

Did you make this recipe?

Tag @thealmondeater on Instagram and hashtag it #thealmondeater

 

Q: Do you remember your 23rd birthday? Where were you in life at 23? 

Vegan Birthday Cake | Super rich and chocolate-y, this sprinkle-covered cake will please ALL of your friends, vegan or not! | thealmondeater.com

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Filed Under: Dessert Tagged With: cake, chocolate, dairy free, dessert, more than 30 minutes, vegan

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Comments

  1. Natalie says

    February 17, 2019 at 12:48 am

    This was so good! I’m on weight watchers and trying to calculate points. Any idea on nutrition info? Specifically carbs, fat, fiber, protein?

    Reply
  2. Kiara says

    December 25, 2018 at 12:19 am

    Do I have to use apple cider vinegar?

    Reply
    • ErinErin says

      December 27, 2018 at 8:50 am

      Yes! You need something acidic. You could probably sub for lemon juice if that’s easier.

      Reply
  3. Debbie says

    November 4, 2018 at 11:07 pm

    I made the cake today and everyone loved it! Tasted as good as any cake! After reading the comments I decreased the applesauce and coconut oil and beat on high and cake was not too dense! Go ahead and make this cake and you won’t be disappointed!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
  4. prongs770 says

    July 25, 2018 at 11:23 am

    How many people does this cake serve?

    Reply
  5. Leila says

    December 10, 2017 at 9:11 pm

    Made this cake yesterday. It turned out good. I was surprised at how dense it was. Is it supposed to be that way? Is there any to make it less dense? Other than that, it tasted fine. It just wasn’t fluffy like cakes we are used to. Any suggestions?

    Reply
  6. Leila says

    December 8, 2017 at 12:46 am

    When I was 23 I had been married a year and also had my first child, who was 6 months old. This cake looks amazing. I recently became vegan, and am planning to make it for my youngest daughter’s birthday party on Saturday. She’s turning 27. My how time flies! I can’t wait to try this cake!

    Reply
  7. Chandler says

    October 10, 2017 at 5:40 pm

    The cakes are currently in the oven, this is the second birthday my family has used this cake for. I’m the only vegan in my family but my whole fam LOVES it.

    Reply
    • ErinErin says

      October 11, 2017 at 7:36 am

      SAME! I’ve made this cake twice for my brother’s birthday and everyone eats it up, even though he’s the only vegan in the family. I’m glad everyone has been loving it 🙂

      Reply
  8. Lili says

    September 29, 2017 at 7:29 pm

    My 14 year old daughter and I followed this cake recipe for my husband’s birthday but it came out tasting very baking soda-y. So bummed because it looks super moist but it’s not eatable 🙁 I’m wondering if anyone else had the same experience… Thanks anyways! I like your pics and the sprinkles are very festive 🙂

    ★★

    Reply
    • ErinErin says

      October 11, 2017 at 7:42 am

      Hi! That’s so strange and I’m not sure why that happened. So far no one’s said anything about it tasting off, but if someone does I’ll have to remake this myself and see.

      Reply
  9. Heather says

    July 5, 2017 at 2:00 pm

    Wow, that looks amazing! And thanks for the tips on using room temp icing, it definitely helps with thicker recipes. Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
  10. Olivia says

    February 12, 2017 at 5:53 pm

    I have made this cake 3 times in the last 4 weeks and I don’t even like cake! I have made all my friends try it just so I can show them how great it is to be vegan ❤❤❤❤❤ amazing job, this cake is perfection!

    Reply
    • ErinErin says

      February 12, 2017 at 6:08 pm

      That makes me SO happy–thanks for the feedback Olivia!

      Reply
  11. Ari says

    December 22, 2016 at 12:08 am

    Can I replace the coconut oil with another oil?…allergies

    ★★★★★

    Reply
  12. Suzanne says

    June 16, 2016 at 6:50 am

    Thanks for posting this recipe Erin, I made it for my daughter Erin’s birthday today and it was a huge hit, we all loved it 🙂
    I made a crumb from crushed peanuts and dark chocolate (dairy free) to mix with the sprinkles to cover the top and sides which was quite tasty too. So happy to have such a yummy vegan alternative for her 🙂

    Reply
    • ErinErin says

      June 16, 2016 at 8:49 am

      I’m so glad you liked it and that topping sounds TO DIE FOR. I’m trying that next time!

      Reply
  13. Shannon says

    May 23, 2016 at 10:44 pm

    Happy birthday to your brother! This cake is perfect!

    Reply
  14. Katie @ 24 Carrot Life says

    May 23, 2016 at 10:14 pm

    Can it be my birthday and can you make this for me?!

    Reply
    • ErinErin says

      May 23, 2016 at 10:26 pm

      That works for me!

      Reply
  15. Bethany @ athletic avocado says

    May 23, 2016 at 8:31 pm

    A chocolate vegan b-day for me? Why yes, I would LOVE this right now! A perfect monday afternoon snack 🙂

    Reply
    • ErinErin says

      May 23, 2016 at 10:26 pm

      Or any time any day snack for that matter!

      Reply
  16. Lisa says

    May 23, 2016 at 7:51 pm

    THIS. CAKE. LOOKS. AWESOME!!! Happy birthday to your brother, and I SO want a slice of this!

    Reply
    • ErinErin says

      May 23, 2016 at 10:25 pm

      Thank you Lisa!! I’ll mail you a piece.

      Reply
  17. Arman @ thebigmansworld says

    May 23, 2016 at 7:13 pm

    Happy Birthday, Justin! You are so evil giving him the failure.

    Jk, I do that with Niki all the time.
    Arman @ thebigmansworld recently posted…Coffee Talk #16My Profile

    Reply
    • ErinErin says

      May 23, 2016 at 10:25 pm

      I’m glad you took note of that. I’M SO NICE. I mean, who else is going to eat the mess-ups? That’s what sibs are for.

      Reply
  18. Medha says

    May 23, 2016 at 4:18 pm

    This cake looks amazing! Love how moist it is and all that chocolatey flavor. I wish you could airplane feed me some for sure 🙂

    Reply
    • ErinErin says

      May 23, 2016 at 10:23 pm

      hahaha thank you for not being weirded out by that suggestion. CAKE FOR EVERYONE.

      Reply
  19. Amanda @ .running with spoons. says

    May 23, 2016 at 2:21 pm

    Omg I want to faceplant right into this baby with my mouth wide open! I don’t really remember where I was at 23 (uhm… 8 years ago 😯 ), but I do know that I would have loved to have this baby on the table for my birthday. Holy.yum. Please come and be my vegan baking sister. Please? Ok 🙂
    Amanda @ .running with spoons. recently posted…link love 5/22My Profile

    Reply
    • ErinErin says

      May 23, 2016 at 10:22 pm

      Ha thanks giiiiirl I’ll gladly make this for ya.

      Reply
  20. Sarah @ Making Thyme for Health says

    May 23, 2016 at 1:42 pm

    Can I be your brother? Seriously, I want someone to make me this cake! It looks SO moist and chocolately…mmm.

    Happy Birthday to your bro! He’s lucky to have such a sweet and thoughtful sister. 😉
    Sarah @ Making Thyme for Health recently posted…Healthy Chocolate Peanut Butter Candy BarsMy Profile

    Reply
    • ErinErin says

      May 23, 2016 at 10:19 pm

      I tell him that all the time 😉 Thanks Sarah!

      Reply
  21. Ellen @ My Uncommon Everyday says

    May 23, 2016 at 11:04 am

    This looks so gooey and deliciously chocolatey! Happy birthday to your brother!

    Reply
    • ErinErin says

      May 23, 2016 at 10:18 pm

      Thanks Ellen!

      Reply
  22. Shashi @ RunninSrilankan says

    May 23, 2016 at 10:46 am

    I’m blown away – that cake looks so moist and delicious and it has no eggs or butter! Fantastic Job Erin – your brother is one lucky bro – happy 23rd birthday to him!
    Shashi @ RunninSrilankan recently posted…Chipotle Turkey Stuffed Habanero PeppersMy Profile

    Reply
    • ErinErin says

      May 23, 2016 at 10:17 pm

      Thank you Shashi!

      Reply
  23. Leah M | love me, feed me says

    May 23, 2016 at 9:10 am

    Best sister ever award goes to you!! Omg this cake. I didn’t have a cake for my birthday, so I think that’s a good excuse to make this one right??
    I’m not 23 yet, but where I hope to be at 23: in a job I love (fingers crossed it’s blogging full time :P), possibly in NYC, and just in an environment I can thrive in.

    Reply
    • ErinErin says

      May 23, 2016 at 10:17 pm

      You NEED this cake right now to make up for your lack of bday cake. And I think those are wonderful goals!–much better than my former goals, which were “make money so I can pay my bills” <--always dreaming big

      Reply
  24. lindsay Cotter says

    May 23, 2016 at 8:33 am

    youre such a good sis! you should rename your blog to the cake eater…. or maker… cause you make ALL THE DELISH that is cake and so pretty

    Reply
    • ErinErin says

      May 23, 2016 at 10:15 pm

      There are many, many things I could have called this blog lol and I had no idea I liked making cakes so much! But apparently I do. Thanks girlfrannnn

      Reply
  25. Christina @ The Blissful Balance says

    May 23, 2016 at 8:19 am

    Oh my God.

    Reply
    • ErinErin says

      May 23, 2016 at 10:14 pm

      Best comment ever.

      Reply
  26. Marina @ A Dancer's Live-It says

    May 23, 2016 at 7:50 am

    I’m only 21, but WOW this cake looks amazing!! You’re the best sister EVER. 🙂 I’m sure your brother will love it, happy birthday to him!!!
    Marina @ A Dancer’s Live-It recently posted…Friday: Top 3’sMy Profile

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • ErinErin says

      May 23, 2016 at 10:13 pm

      Haha thank you Marina! And 21?! Now I feel old

      Reply

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