Description

A rich, moist chocolate cake layered with fluffy vanilla buttercream. Easy to make, dairy-free if needed, and perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or indulgent weekends.

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

1 cup granulated sugar

1/2 cup brown sugar

1 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp salt

1 cup non-dairy milk (almond, soy, or oat)

1/3 cup vegetable oil

1 tbsp apple cider vinegar

1 tbsp pure vanilla extract

1/2 cup brewed coffee or hot water

1/2 cup vegan butter or regular unsalted butter, softened

2–2 1/2 cups powdered sugar

1 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract

1–2 tbsp non-dairy milk or regular milk

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and line two 8-inch round cake pans.
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
Add the non-dairy milk, vegetable oil, apple cider vinegar, and vanilla extract. Mix until combined.
Slowly pour in the hot coffee or water and mix until the batter is smooth.
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans.
Bake for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
For the buttercream, beat the softened butter until creamy.
Gradually mix in the powdered sugar, then add vanilla extract and milk. Beat until light and fluffy.
Frost the top of one cake layer, place the second layer on top, and frost the entire cake.
Chill the cake for 30 minutes before serving for cleaner slices.

Notes

To make it fully vegan, use non-dairy milk, vegan butter, and vegan-certified sugar.

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerated for up to 5 days.

Chill the cake before slicing for cleaner cuts.

Cake layers can be made a day in advance and frosted the next day.

Wrap and freeze unfrosted layers or frosted slices for up to 2 months.

Add mini chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or a layer of fruit preserves for variations.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 320
Sugar: 30g
Sodium: 180mg
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 9g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 3g
Cholesterol: 0mg