Indulge in the rich, moist decadence of this Vegan Chocolate Applesauce Cake, a delightful dessert that's as wholesome as it is delicious. Made with unsweetened applesauce as a natural sweetener and plant-based milk, this cake is entirely dairy-free and perfect for vegans or anyone looking for a lighter, eggless treat. The combination of cocoa powder and vanilla extract delivers deep chocolate flavor, while the addition of a neutral vegetable oil keeps the texture irresistibly tender. Ready in just 45 minutes, this one-bowl wonder simplifies cleanup and guarantees consistent results. Whether dusted with powdered sugar or slathered in a creamy vegan frosting, it's a crowd-pleaser at birthdays, gatherings, or simply as an afternoon indulgence. Perfect for chocolate lovers seeking a plant-based twist, this easy recipe is sure to become a go-to favorite!
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease an 8-inch round or square cake pan. Optionally, line the bottom with parchment paper for easy removal.
In a large mixing bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk to combine evenly.
Add the granulated sugar to the dry mixture and mix well.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the applesauce, plant-based milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently mix using a spatula or spoon just until combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cake dense.
Transfer the batter into the prepared cake pan and spread it out evenly with a spatula.
Bake in the preheated oven for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Optional: Dust the cooled cake with powdered sugar or frost it with your favorite vegan frosting before serving.
Calories |
2181 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 79.1 g | 101% | |
| Saturated Fat | 14.1 g | 70% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 1752 mg | 76% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 396.0 g | 144% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 50.9 g | 182% | |
| Total Sugars | 179.8 g | ||
| Protein | 43.8 g | 88% | |
| Vitamin D | 1.2 mcg | 6% | |
| Calcium | 328 mg | 25% | |
| Iron | 28.2 mg | 157% | |
| Potassium | 2352 mg | 50% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.