Vegan Heart-Shaped Chocolate Cake

Sure! Here’s a detailed guide for making a Vegan Heart-Shaped Chocolate Cake that is rich, moist, and perfect for any special occasion.

Vegan Heart-Shaped Chocolate Cake

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/3 cup vegetable oil (or melted coconut oil)
• 1 cup unsweetened almond milk (or any non-dairy milk)
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 2 tsp vanilla extract

For the Frosting:

• 1/2 cup vegan butter, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2-4 tbsp non-dairy milk (adjust for consistency)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pans

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease two heart-shaped cake pans with a little oil or vegan butter and line the bottoms with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

1. In a large mixing bowl, sift together:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup cocoa powder
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

1. In a separate bowl, combine:

• 1/3 cup vegetable oil (or melted coconut oil)
• 1 cup almond milk
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (let it sit for about 5 minutes to curdle slightly)
• 2 tsp vanilla extract

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

1. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients.
2. Stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; some lumps are okay.

Step 5: Bake the Cakes

1. Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared heart-shaped pans.
2. Bake in the preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
3. Once baked, remove from the oven and let them cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 6: Prepare the Frosting

1. In a medium bowl, beat together:

• 1/2 cup softened vegan butter until creamy.
• Gradually add in 2 cups powdered sugar and 1/4 cup cocoa powder.
• Mix well, adding non-dairy milk one tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired frosting consistency.
• Stir in 1 tsp vanilla extract.

Step 7: Assemble the Cake

1. Once the cakes are completely cooled, place one heart-shaped layer on a serving plate.
2. Spread a layer of frosting on top of this layer.
3. Place the second heart-shaped layer on top of the frosted layer.
4. Use the remaining frosting to cover the top and sides of the cake.

Step 8: Decorate (Optional)

• You can decorate your cake with fresh berries, edible flowers, or chocolate shavings for an extra special touch!

Enjoy!

Slice your beautiful vegan heart-shaped chocolate cake and serve it to your loved ones. This cake is not only delicious but also visually stunning, making it perfect for celebrations!