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Celebrate your big day with the BEST Chocolate Vegan Birthday Cake! This rich and moist cake is made with easy-to-find ingredients, and is a recipe the whole family will love.
Can we all agree that the one non-negotiable item on birthdays is a birthday cake? Every year for my birthday, my mom asks me what kind of cake I want, and without fail I either choose an almond cake or a carrot cake. But, this vegan birthday cake was for my brother's birthday per his request, so that's what I made him!
Why you'll love this vegan birthday cake
- It's vegan-friendly and super rich
- The applesauce makes it moist
- The icing is made with the BEST ingredients
- Oh, and it's covered in sprinkles!!
Ingredient notes:
Flour - I only tested this recipe with all purpose flour, so that's what I recommend using.
Sugar - Cane or granulated
Milk - Any kind of dairy-free milk, though I tend to recommend almond or oat
Coconut oil - Unrefined
Applesauce - Unsweetened
Chocolate chips - Make sure to use vegan-friendly chips (Enjoy Life brand are my favorite) if you want to keep this cake vegan
Step-by-step instructions
Step 1: Combine the dry ingredients. In a large bowl, stir the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt together, then set it aside.
Step 2: Whisk the wet ingredients. First, melt the coconut oil (either over the stove or in the microwave) and set it aside. In a separate bowl, whisk the milk, applesauce, apple cider vinegar, and vanilla together. Once the melted coconut oil comes to room temperature, add it into the bowl and stir to combine.
Step 3: Pour batter into cake pans. Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients, then stir. You can do this with an electric mixer or a spatula. Line your cake pans with parchment paper, then pour the batter evenly into the pans and bake the cakes for 45 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Step 4: Make the icing. Be sure to wait until the cakes have completely cooled before icing them. To make the icing, melt the chocolate chips and butter together, stirring constantly to make sure the chocolate doesn't burn. Transfer melted chocolate to a bowl, then add the cocoa, powdered sugar, milk, almond butter, and vanilla and stir until the icing is smooth (I like to use an electric mixer for this).
Step 5: Assemble the cake. To assemble, slice the "dome" off of the cakes, then place a large dollop of icing on top, using an offset knife to ice the cakes. Place the second cake on top and repeat this process, and end by covering the whole cake with sprinkles (optional).
Tips and FAQs
- 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, so it might take a bit longer to bake.
- 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 and you’ll have to add a splash of milk in order for it to be spreadable.
- Use vegan-friendly sprinkles. Some stores sell them, but if you want to be totally sure, you can check out this guide, or simply order some online.
Can I make this in advance?
Yes and no. You can make the cakes the a day or two beforehand. To do this, bake the cakes then wait for them to cool before wrapping them in plastic wrap and placing them in the refrigerator. With that said, I would wait to make the icing until the day you plan on serving the cake.
How long will this stay fresh?
Most cakes stay fresh for up to 3 days, and I'd say this cake is about the same.
Enough with the tips already, let’s eat this vegan birthday cake!
More cake recipes
If you made this recipe, be sure to leave a comment and star rating below. Thanks!
Chocolate Vegan Birthday 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 cup applesauce
- 2 tsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Icing:
- 3/4 cup dairy free butter
- 1/4 cup dairy free chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 2 1/2 cups powdered sugar or more if needed
- 1/4 cup almond milk
- 2 tbsp almond butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°.
- Combine flour, sugar, cocoa, baking soda, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl; stir and set aside.
- Heat coconut oil in a small saucepan OR in a microwave-safe dish until melted; set aside.
- In a separate bowl, combine milk, applesauce, vinegar, and vanilla; stir in oil.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients with an electric mixer; stir really well so the batter is runny and not chunky.
- Grease two 8 inch baking pans with coconut oil and then pour batter evenly into each pan.
- Bake cakes for approximately 40-45 minutes, or until batter is cooked all the way through.
- Once cakes are done, remove from oven and wait 10 minutes or so before carefully transferring them to a cooling rack. Wait until cakes have cooled before icing them.
make the icing:
- 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.
to assemble:
- 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.
- Use the spatula to ice the rest of the cake
- Add sprinkles, cut and enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
UPDATE: This post was originally published in May 2016. It was updated with new photos and text in July 2020.
Theresa says
I have followed MANY chocolate cake recipes in my life... This is the best one I've ever tried. If you're reading this, make this cake!!
Erin says
Thank you Theresa--so kind of you to say!
Daniel Z says
Its soooooo good! And vegan too!
Sarah says
Maybe the best chocolate cake I've had EVER, vegan or not. If you need a vegan cake recipe, look no further, seriously. So moist and rich and chocolatey and YUMMM
Tia says
The best vegan chocolate cake recipe out there! I made this cake for the first time 3 years ago for my fiancé’s birthday and he asked me to make it EVERY year for his birthday! So here’s to birthday #3 coming up this weekend using this recipe for his birthday cake. Thanks so much for creating a recipe that everyone loves (omni friends too!) 🙂
Erin says
This makes me so happy!! Happy birthday to your fiancé and I'm glad you guys both love the cake so much 🙂
Varun sharma says
Thanks for posting this recipe Erin
Danielle says
I have made this cake several times and it is perfect every single time. Last time I halved the icing and put coconut whipped cream and strawberries in the center and it may be the best thing I’ve ever eaten. The icing is a bit too sweet for me, so I add powdered sugar to taste and it turns out like a ganache instead of a traditional birthday cake frosting, very rich!
I would like to make this cake in four inch pans. Aside from halving the recipe can you give me any tips to ensure perfection?
Thank you for such a perfect vegan cake!
Erin says
Thanks for you kind comment Danielle! Yes, I'd say half the recipe, then you won't have to bake the cakes for as long... probably more like 25-30 minutes.
Jenna Travels says
Might just have to try this one. Looks good!
D'Vonne says
This was so yummy! I made it for my friend and coworker who is vegan when we were all bringing food to a potluck. Everyone loved it! They all said they couldn't even tell it was vegan and I agree. It's a really yummy cake that's not too much harder to make than a non-vegan one. I didn't even need to use simple syrup to keep it moist or anything, it did that part all by itself. I also used cherries instead of sprinkles because I don't care too much for sprinkles and it was great! Sort of black foresty??? Anyways, thanks so much for sharing this recipe!
Erin says
Thank you for your comment -- I'm glad you liked it!
Amy says
I am making this for a newly vegan friend.
Can peanut butter be subbed for the almond butter (or omitted)?
Looks amazing. Can’t wait!
Erin says
Yes! Peanut butter will work fine.
Debbie says
I've made this cake 3 times now and it's wonderful! Can it be made into cupcakes?
Erin says
Thank you!! Yes I don't see why not 🙂
Megan says
Yes! I made it as cupcakes my first time through. Reduced cooking time and the cupcakes were perfect in about 30 minutes. Super moist and delicious!
Sarah Smith says
Thank You Erin for posting this. I showed it to my mother and she loved it, will make it for her soon !
Deirdre says
Erin, this cake is a winner! We have made it several times. Everyone loves it, vegan or not. My daughter has even made it with whole wheat flower which gives it a nice flavor too.
I’m going to make it for her birthday. Have you ever made the cake ahead of time and froze it? I would defrost for her party and make the icing fresh as you suggested. Thank you! So glad you shared.
Erin says
Thanks so much for your comment! If you want to make the cake ahead of time, I'd just wait for it to cool completely them wrap each layer individually tightly in plastic wrap before placing them in the freezer.
Deirdre says
Thank you Erin! You are the super best for taking the time to answer. I’m on it!
Ashley Judd says
We are recently vegan and this recipe is amazing! Thank you so much for posting it! My family loves it
Danijela says
This looks like a dream! YUM!
Natalie says
This was so good! I’m on weight watchers and trying to calculate points. Any idea on nutrition info? Specifically carbs, fat, fiber, protein?
Kiara says
Do I have to use apple cider vinegar?
Erin says
Yes! You need something acidic. You could probably sub for lemon juice if that's easier.
Debbie says
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!
prongs770 says
How many people does this cake serve?
Leila says
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?
Leila says
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!
Chandler says
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.
Erin says
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 🙂
Lili says
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 🙂
Erin says
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.
Heather says
Wow, that looks amazing! And thanks for the tips on using room temp icing, it definitely helps with thicker recipes. Thanks for sharing!
Olivia says
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!
Erin says
That makes me SO happy--thanks for the feedback Olivia!
Ari says
Can I replace the coconut oil with another oil?...allergies
Suzanne says
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 🙂
Erin says
I'm so glad you liked it and that topping sounds TO DIE FOR. I'm trying that next time!
Shannon says
Happy birthday to your brother! This cake is perfect!
Katie @ 24 Carrot Life says
Can it be my birthday and can you make this for me?!
Erin says
That works for me!
Bethany @ athletic avocado says
A chocolate vegan b-day for me? Why yes, I would LOVE this right now! A perfect monday afternoon snack 🙂
Erin says
Or any time any day snack for that matter!
Lisa says
THIS. CAKE. LOOKS. AWESOME!!! Happy birthday to your brother, and I SO want a slice of this!
Erin says
Thank you Lisa!! I'll mail you a piece.
Arman @ thebigmansworld says
Happy Birthday, Justin! You are so evil giving him the failure.
Jk, I do that with Niki all the time.
Erin says
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.
Medha says
This cake looks amazing! Love how moist it is and all that chocolatey flavor. I wish you could airplane feed me some for sure 🙂
Erin says
hahaha thank you for not being weirded out by that suggestion. CAKE FOR EVERYONE.
Amanda @ .running with spoons. says
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 🙂
Erin says
Ha thanks giiiiirl I'll gladly make this for ya.
Sarah @ Making Thyme for Health says
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. 😉
Erin says
I tell him that all the time 😉 Thanks Sarah!
Ellen @ My Uncommon Everyday says
This looks so gooey and deliciously chocolatey! Happy birthday to your brother!
Erin says
Thanks Ellen!
Shashi @ RunninSrilankan says
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!
Erin says
Thank you Shashi!
Leah M | love me, feed me says
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.
Erin says
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
lindsay Cotter says
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
Erin says
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
Christina @ The Blissful Balance says
Oh my God.
Erin says
Best comment ever.
Marina @ A Dancer's Live-It says
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!!!
Erin says
Haha thank you Marina! And 21?! Now I feel old