When I crave rich, bold flavors, I demand nothing short of decadent, intense chocolate – no wimpy alternatives allowed. Could I crave a dense, indulgent, and profoundly satisfying dark chocolate experience that meets my every culinary desire? Occasionally, one’s cravings require attention; I opted instead for wholesome components that would allow me to indulge without remorse. The delectable Chocolate Lovers Cake has officially arrived on the scene! As I savored each bite of the rich, velvety flourless chocolate cake, I knew that this culinary experience was truly the stuff that sweet dreams are made of.
Chocolate Lovers Cake [Vegan, Gluten-Free]
What’s Your Guilty Pleasure?
- Six ounces or one cup of rich and decadent vegan chocolate chips or cacao chips await your sweet tooth.
- 1/2 cup (or 8 tablespoons) vegan butter
- 1/2 cup coconut nectar
- 1/4 cup raw agave syrup
- Three “eggs” – I utilized a combination of potato starch and water as a substitute, with flax meal being a viable alternative option.
- 1/2 cup raw cacao powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup vegan chocolate chips
- 1 1/2 cups oat flour, made from ground gluten-free oats.
- 1/2 cup raw cacao powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 tsp baking soda
- 3-4 teaspoons of xanthan or guar gum
- Use 5 tablespoons of high-quality oil, such as olive or coconut.
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup raw agave syrup
- 1 “Egg”, a substitute made from 1 tablespoon of potato starch mixed with 2 tablespoons of cool water.
- 1 cup unsweetened cashew milk or other non-dairy milk substitute.
- Coconut cream: Whip the contents of two chilled cans of full-fat coconut milk to separate the thick cream from the liquid. Refrigerate the mixture for at least eight hours or overnight to allow the cream to solidify.
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup coconut nectar
- Dash of stevia
- 1 teaspoon brown rice syrup (optional)
- Three eggs’ worth of moisture (a mixture of potato starch and flax meal will suffice).
- 1 tbsp sifted cacao powder
- 1/4 to 1/2 cup sifted oat flour
- Two cups of finely ground shredded coconut.
- 1 tub vegan cream cheese
- 1 banana
Can you imagine a moist and decadent chocolate cake that’s also vegan and gluten-free?
- Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees. Coat a 9-inch cake pan liberally with cooking spray to ensure effortless food release and easy cleanup. Ensure the base of the pan is lined with parchment paper, then lightly mist or apply a thin layer of cooking oil to prevent food from sticking.
- Melt 6 ounces or 1 cup of vegan chocolate chips and 1/2 cup or 1 standard stick of dairy-free “butter” in a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring until the mixture is smooth and well combined. (Melt by placing the pot over a larger one containing boiling water, stirring constantly.)
- Adding three-quarters cup of sugar, I used a slight excess of one-half cup of coconut nectar combined with one-quarter cup of agave syrup, along with a quarter-teaspoon of sea salt. Reduce heat to low.
- Stir the mixture continuously for approximately 60 seconds to ensure a smooth consistency. Remove pan from heat. Combine whisked eggs and the essence of vanilla extract. The mixture will appear sleek and luminous.
- Utilize a fine-mesh sieve to carefully sift the cacao powder into the mixture, thereby ensuring the smooth and lump-free incorporation of this crucial ingredient. Beat the cake batter until it is silky and uniform in consistency.
- With the addition of chocolate chips, carefully fold them into the well-combined batter to ensure an even distribution of these indulgent treats. Bake the mixture in a prepared pan in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the centre of the cake feels firm when pressed gently with your finger.
- Take care not to overbake, as the cake will continue to set and become firmer as it cools entirely. Let cool in a pan on a wire rack for 15 minutes before inverting onto a plate. Cocoa powder sifted delicately over the top, once the dessert has cooled to perfection, allows a smooth transition into the final touches: a generous dollop of frosting, carefully piped onto the tier, followed by the gentle placement of the second cake layer.
- Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees. Coat a 9-inch cake pan liberally with cooking spray to ensure effortless release of the finished dessert. Ensure a non-stick surface by lining the base of the pan with parchment paper, followed by a light misting or greasing to prevent sticking.
- Combine the dry ingredients in a spacious mixing vessel.
- Combine the wet ingredients and blend using a stand mixer or whisk until the mixture is silky smooth and free of lumps.
- Bake in the prepared pan for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the centre comes out clean. Let the cake cool on a wire rack or pan, then invert it onto a plate. Delicately position the second tier of the iced cake above the initial layer, ensuring a seamless fusion of flavors and presentation. Conceal the cake with a smooth layer of frosting and then delicately sprinkle cacao powder across the surface to create a visually appealing garnish.
- With deliberate caution, carefully extract the unshaken can of coconut milk from the refrigerator’s chilled interior.
- Scoop the rich cream gently into a waiting bowl. Combine the ingredients gently, incorporating the vanilla, eggs, stevia, and syrup until a smooth batter forms. Combine ingredients until they start to coalesce into a thicker consistency.
- Combining the sifted oat flour, rich cacao powder, and toasted shredded coconut adds depth and complexity to the mixture. As the mixture thickens, continue to stir occasionally.
- Combine all ingredients in a blender until smooth and creamy, including the vegan cream cheese and ripe banana. Pulse until thick and creamy.
- Refrigerate the mixture until it reaches a thick and spreadable consistency.