Tried Vegan German Chocolate Cake?
No? You’ll LOVE these ones.
When it comes to chocolate cakes, some of the main ingredients are eggs, milk, and butter. However, vegans can also enjoy eating chocolate cake.
At first, the thought of baking without these ingredients from animal sources seems impossible. There are excellent substitutes for these ingredients that will produce a similar taste, appearance, and overall quality. Baking is not an easy task because it requires science and exact measurements.
The Original Vegan German Chocolate Cake
If you are not familiar with this chocolate cake, it’s not from Germany. Its name comes from Samuel German, who developed the chocolate bar used to make the cake. This chocolate bar only has 46% cacao, so the German Chocolate Cake has a very mild chocolate taste.
German Chocolate Cake For Vegans
We are fortunate to have many delicious recipes online for German Chocolate Cake that are animal-free. You can still enjoy the taste of a traditional German Chocolate Cake minus ingredients from animal sources.
It has the same mild chocolate taste with an added ingredient that makes it healthier with a heavenly taste. Most of the recipes I will introduce to you make use of ingredient substitutes to eliminate animal sources.
We have compiled all the best recipes for Vegan German Chocolate Cake and frostings for you.
Vegan Chocolate Cake with Coconut-Pecan Filling
It tastes like a traditional German chocolate cake, but without the egg and other non-vegan ingredients. What makes this extra special are its coconut pecan toppings and coconut filling. For the pecan, you can either use fresh pecans or roasted pecans.
Serving Size: 12
Vegan Ingredients:
Vegan Chocolate Cake
- 281 grams of All-Purpose Flour or APF
- 63 grams Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
- 300 grams White Sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoon of Baking Soda
- ¾ teaspoon Salt
- 360 ml of Soy Milk
- 3 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- 120 ml of Olive Oil
- 1 ½ tablespoon of White Vinegar
- 1 ½ Flax Eggs
Vegan Coconut-Pecan Filling
- 56 grams Vegan Butter
- 100 grams Brown Sugar
- 120 ml Coconut Milk
- 1 tablespoon Cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- 50 grams Coconut Flakes
- 60 grams Chopped Pecans
Vegan Frosting
- 240 grams Powdered Sugar
- 42 grams Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
- 75 grams Vegan Butter
- 3 tablespoon + 1,2 teaspoon Coconut Milk
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
Decoration * optional*
- Vegan Chocolate Chips
- Chopped Pecans
- Coconut Flakes
Chocolate Cake Recipe Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F or 180°C. Prepare an 8-inch cake pan, use a non-stick spray, and place parchment paper in the bottom of the pan.
2. Next, make sure to sift the flour and cocoa powder when adding to the mixing bowl. Add the sugar and the rest of the dry ingredients (salt and baking soda).
3. Make the flax egg by adding 1 ½ tablespoon of flaxseed and 4 ½ tablespoons of hot water in a mixing bowl, then set aside. It’s important to wait until it expands.
4. Mix all wet ingredients such as oil, soy milk, vinegar, vanilla extract, and flax egg to the dry ingredients. It’s essential to blend it well using a hand whisk to remove all lumps. However, do not overmix.
5. Prepare two cake pans and divide the mixture equally. Next, place the pans inside the oven for about 30 minutes. Check it by inserting a toothpick into the middle of the cake. When it comes out clean, please remove it from the oven and transfer it to a cooling rack.
6. You can prepare the filling while the cake is baking. Put the cornstarch into the cold coconut milk and mix well. Melt the vegan butter in a saucepan, and then add the brown sugar, milk, and cornstarch mixture. Continuous stirring is important until it boils and thickens when it can be removed from the heat. Add the vanilla, chopped pecans, and coconut flakes once removed from heat. Let it completely cool.
7. For the chocolate buttercream frosting, put the powdered sugar, vegan butter, cocoa powder, coconut milk, and vanilla extract in a mixing bowl. Using an electric mixer start at a slow speed and gradually increase it to a higher speed until the mixture becomes smooth and thick. You may add an extra ½ teaspoon of coconut milk to reach the desired consistency. It’s good to add the milk last for a better texture. If it becomes very thick, more milk can be added to make it spreadable.
8. You may finalize and start assembling the cake once it and the filling are completely cooled. Pour all filling in the middle layer and the chocolate buttercream on top of the cake. You may also cover the sides of the cake as there is enough frosting for the sides.
9. The vegan cake can be decorated if you prefer using coconut flakes, vegan chocolate chips, and chopped pecans.
The recipe is for 12 servings with a preparation time of only 15 minutes and a cooking time of 30 minutes.
German Chocolate Cupcakes For Vegans
Aside from cakes, it’s also nice to bake some cupcakes, especially for parties and special occasions with family and friends. This vegan German chocolate cupcake is a must-try recipe for all vegans with a sweet tooth. You will love its rich and fluffy cupcakes and guilt-free frosting. Also, it’s gluten-free so you can share it with anyone.
Servings Size: 15
Vegan Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 and ¼ cup of Gluten-free All-Purpose Flour
- 1 cup of White Sugar
- ½ cup of Brown Sugar
- ¾ cup of sifted Cocoa Powder
- 2 tsp. of Baking Powder
- 1 tsp. of Baking Soda
- ½ tsp. of Salt
Wet Ingredients:
- 1 cup of Coconut Milk and 1 tablespoon of vinegar (to create a substitute for buttermilk)
- 1/2 cup of Hot water
- ½ cup of Vegetable Oil
- 2 tbsp of Flaxseed and 6 tbsp. of Hot water to create a substitute for egg
- 1 and ½ tsp. of Vanilla Extract
Coconut Icing:
- ½ cup of Dairy-free Milk
- 1 tbsp. of Cornstarch
- ½ cup of Sugar
- ¼ cup of Vegan Butter
- 1 and ½ cup of Unsweetened Coconut Flakes
Vegan Chocolate Ganache:
- ½ cup of Vegan Chocolate Chips
- 2 tbsp. of Vegan Butter
- 2 tbsp. of Coconut Milk or any Non-dairy Milk
Vegan Recipe Instructions
Vegan Cake Recipe:
1. Prepare the oven by preheating it to 350 °F and grease the cake pan.
2. Prepare the buttermilk substitute by adding the vinegar to the coconut milk.
3. Using a mixing bowl, prepare your flax egg.
4. Next, mix all dry ingredients using a mixer.
5. Mix the oil, hot water, milk with vinegar, and vanilla. Continue mixing until the oil has melted.
6. Pour the wet mixture into the dry mixture and blend well. It’s important to scrape the side and the bottom of the bowl. After that, add the flax egg and mix well.
7. Divide the mixture equally in prepared pans.
8. Bake the cupcakes for 30 to 35 minutes or until the cake tester comes out clean.
9. Cool the cupcakes for 10 minutes on a cooling rack before piping the icing on top.
Vegan Icing Instruction:
1. Using a small bowl, mix cornstarch, and coconut milk until there are no visible lumps.
2. Mix the sugar, milk mixture, and vegan butter in a saucepan. Keep mixing it until it boils and thickens for about 5 minutes. Lastly, remove from the heat and add coconut flakes. Cool it completely before piping on top.
Vegan Chocolate Ganache
In a microwave oven, mix vegan chocolate chips, vegan butter, and coconut milk in an oven-safe bowl.
Important Note:
You may also use other non-dairy milk like almond milk or flax milk. Aside from cupcakes, you can also try delicious vegan chocolate coconut waffles.
Vegan and Gluten-free German Chocolate Cake
Whilst being vegan is already a healthy food choice, you may also try gluten-free, vegan German Chocolate Cake. It’s not your ordinary chocolate cake. Aside from being super healthy, it is moist, refined sugar-free, and has an indulgent frosting.
Serving Size: 8
Vegan Ingredients
Cake Ingredients:
- 60 grams Coconut Oil (you may also use olive or any vegetable oil)
- 250 ml of Unsweetened Almond Milk (you may use any plant-based milk)
- 1 tbsp. of apple cider vinegar (make sure it’s gluten-free)
- 12 tbsp. of Maple Syrup
- 1 tsp. of Vanilla Extract
- Pinch of Salt
- 150 grams Ground Almonds
- 150 grams Gluten-free Flour
- 2 tsp. of Baking Powder
- ¼ tsp. of Baking Soda
- 50 grams of Cocoa Powder
Vegan Frosting:
- 100 grams Cashew Nuts soaked in cold water overnight (hot water for 15 minutes)
- 3 tbsp. of Maple Syrup
- 1 tsp. of Vanilla Extract
- Pinch of Salt
- 50 grams Pecan Nuts (or walnuts)
- 6 tbsp. of Desiccated Coconut
Vegan Recipe Instructions
Vegan Cake Recipe:
1. Set the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 180 degrees Celsius.
2. Using a saucepan over boiling water or a microwave, melt the coconut oil.
3. After melting the coconut oil, add the milk, vinegar, vanilla, maple syrup, salt, and ground almonds.
4. Make sure to sift all remaining dry ingredients.
5. Mix the dry and wet ingredients. You may add more milk if the mixture is too dry.
6. Pour the mixture into two separate baking pans that are greased with oil and flour.
7. Bake for 15 minutes or until the cake tester comes out clean.
8. Let the cake cool down and transfer it to a cooling rack.
Vegan Frosting Recipe:
1. Drain and pat dry the cashew nuts and place them in a blender with salt, vanilla, and maple syrup then add 7 tbsp. of water into the mixture.
2. Make sure that the consistency is very smooth. More water can be added to reach the right consistency.
3. Pour the pecan nuts and coconut into the mixture and blend well.
Assembly:
1. Put half of the vegan cake on a plate or cake dish.
2. Spread half of the frosting on top and place the other half of the cake on top.
3. Put the other half on top of the frosting and spread on the remaining frosting.
Additional Information:
You may also use almond flour. Also, it’s best served fresh, but it will keep fresher for longer if put in the fridge. Make sure to wrap it with clean plastic wrap or put it inside a sealed container.
Guilt-free Vegan German Chocolate Cakes
Special occasions are never complete without a sweet treat for everyone. However, it does not need to be unhealthy if you try this amazing vegan and gluten-free recipe. Anyone will surely love that it’s made of gluten-free oat flour.
Serving Size: 8
Vegan Ingredients
Cake Ingredients:
- 1 ½ c. gluten-free oat flour
- ¾ c. Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
- 1 teaspoon Baking Powder
- 1 teaspoon Baking Soda
- ½ teaspoon Vanilla Bean Powder
- ¼ teaspoon Sea Salt
- 1 container of Plain and Unsweetened Vegan Yogurt
- ¾ c. Unsweetened Chocolate Almond Milk
- 2 teaspoon Apple Cider Vinegar
- 1 ½ c. Chopped Dates
- 1 c. Warm Water
- ½ c. Chopped Raw Pecan Nuts
- ½ c. Shredded and Unsweetened Coconut
Frosting Ingredients:
- 1 c. Raw Cashews soaked in cold water for 12 hours or overnight, drained, and pat dry
- 1 c. Coconut Milk
- 1 tablespoon of Lemon Juice
- 2 tablespoon of solid Coconut Oil
- 2 tablespoon of Cocoa Powder
- ¼ c. of Maple Syrup
- Chopped Pecans and Vegan Chocolate Chips for toppings
Vegan Chocolate Cake Recipe Instructions
Vegan Cake Recipe:
1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and prepare two round cake pans with cooking spray.
2. Using a large mixing bowl, mix the cocoa, flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and vanilla bean powder.
3. Puree the dates using a blender or food processor, and then add milk, yogurt, and apple cider vinegar.
4. Mix wet ingredients with the dry ingredients and fold in the shredded coconut and pecan nuts.
5. Using the two round pans, divide the cake batter and bake for 25 minutes or until the cake tester comes out clean.
6. Allow the cake to cool on a cooling rack before frosting.
Vegan Frosting Recipe:
1. While you are waiting for the cake to bake, you can blend all frosting ingredients inside a blender or food processor. The mixture will not thicken so you need to put it in a container and into the fridge for an hour.
2. You can start frosting once the cake has cooled down and the frosting thickens.
Vegan Gluten-Free German Chocolate Brownie Cake
Just like me, I know that you are missing the chewiness of a fudgy brownie. We can now satisfy our cravings for brownies by trying this gluten-free, vegan, and naturally sweetened German Chocolate Brownie.
Vegan Ingredients
Vegan Brownie Ingredients:
- 1/3 c. of Melted Coconut Oil
- 1/3 c. of Dairy Free Chocolate Chips
- ½ c. of Maple Syrup
- 2 Flax eggs
- 1 tsp. of Vanilla Extract
- ½ c. of Cocoa Powder
- ¼ c. of Coconut Flour
- ¼ tsp. of Salt
Vegan Topping Ingredients:
- 1 c. of Dates
- 3 tbsp. of Almond Butter
- ¼ c. of Warm Water
- 1 tsp. of Vanilla Extract
- 1/8 tsp. of Salt to taste
- ¾ c. of Shredded Unsweetened Coconut Meat
- 1 c. of Chopped Pecan Nuts
Vegan Recipe Instructions
Vegan Brownie Recipe:
1. Set the oven temperature to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and prepare an 8×8 pan with parchment paper.
2. Melt the coconut oil and vegan chocolate chips in a saucepan. Mix well until there are no visible lumps and remove from the heat. You can now add in the maple syrup, flax egg, and vanilla and mix well.
3. Put the remaining dry ingredients into the wet ingredients and mix well. However, do not overmix. Pour it into the pan and bake for 20 to 23 minutes or until the cake tester comes out clean. Let it cool before adding the topping.
Vegan German Chocolate Topping Recipe:
1. Toast the pecan nuts and coconut inside the oven at 300 degrees F for about 7 to 9 minutes.
2. Puree the dates using a blender or food processor and add the almond butter, warm water, salt, and vanilla. Mix until it appears caramel-like with a smooth consistency.
3. Pour the caramel-like mixture into the toasted pecans and coconut and mix well.
4. Make sure to spread it evenly on top of the vegan brownie.
Additional Information:
If you want to make the flax egg, you need 2 tbsp. of flax meal and 6 tbsp. of water. Leave it for 5 minutes or until it swells and thickens.
Vegan Recipe Substitution List
Being vegan is not hard as there are ingredients you can use to substitute animal ingredients.
In every animal ingredient, there is an equal alternative. The good thing about these substitutes is the fact that they can offer a similar texture and taste.
List of Vegan Ingredient Substitutes
This list can provide you with the most common ingredients that we use for cooking or baking.
- Meat
If you want to cook a recipe with meat, you can use tofu, beans, textured soy protein, or quinoa as a substitute.
- Egg
An egg is a common ingredient for many dishes and baked recipes. If you want a similar taste or texture, you can use flax egg or applesauce for baking. Also, you may use a banana as a substitute for a binder.
- Gelatin
Gelatin is a thickener. You can use cornstarch, xanthan gum, arrowroot powder, or carrageenan as the best substitute.
- Honey
For sweeteners, if you want a healthy option to honey, you may use maple syrup, agave nectar, or cane sugar as vegan alternatives.
- Cheese
You may use soy, nut-based cheese, or nutritional yeast flakes as alternatives to get a similar flavour.
- Mayonnaise
A great substitute for mayonnaise is grape seed oil mayonnaise or soy.
- Cow’s Milk
Today, there are many alternatives to animal milk such as soy milk, almond milk, rice, and other kinds of milk made from nuts.
- Yogurt
There are yogurts made from coconut milk, soy milk, and rice milk.
This compilation of Vegan German Chocolate Cake recipes has been tried and tested by many. These recipes were created by vegans, so they know what they need to put into the recipe to make it animal-free and healthy.
Ingredient substitutes in these recipes are carefully thought out as not all alternatives will go with a particular recipe. For instance, applesauce and flax egg are ideal for baking purposes. However, they may not go well with other recipes such as omelette or quiche. It is important to consider the nature of the dish and how the ingredient will be used.
If you found the recipes and the information we shared here helpful, you might also find our other vegan recipes interesting.
