Vegan Chocolate Cake

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line the bottoms of two greased 9-inch round baking pans with parchment, then grease the parchment. In a liquid measuring cup, stir together the nondairy milk and the apple cider vinegar. Set this mixture aside.

In a large bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat the canola oil, sugar, applesauce and vanilla extract until well blended. In another large bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking cocoa, instant coffee if desired, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Gradually add the flour mixture to the applesauce mixture, alternating with the milk/vinegar mixture. Beat until the cake batter is nice and smooth. Editor’s Tip: Try not to overbeat the cake batter or your cake can come out tough and dense.

Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared pans. Pop the cakes into the oven and bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, 30 to 35 minutes. Let the cakes cool in their pans for 10 minutes. Remove the cakes from the pans and place the cakes on wire racks. Remove the parchment from the cakes and let the cakes cool completely to room temperature. Editor’s Tip: Once cool, feel free to cut off any domes on the cake layers so your cakes can stack and sit nicely once assembled. The best way to level a cake without a cake leveler is with a serrated knife and a cake turner.

Sift the confectioners' sugar and cocoa together to remove any tight clumps. In a large bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat the vegan butter and vanilla extract until blended. Beat in the confectioners' sugar mixture alternately with the nondairy milk to reach your desired frosting consistency.

Using a mini offset spatula, butter knife or the back of a spoon, spread the frosting on top of one of the cakes, then stack the next layer on top and make sure they line up as perfectly as you can get them. Then, spread additional frosting over the top and sides of cake. Editor’s Tip: If you’re new to frosting cakes, check out our guide on how to frost a cake for more fleshed-out directions with tips and visuals. Voila! Your vegan chocolate cake is ready to serve. If you’re nervous about making the first cut, here’s how to cut a round cake like a pro.