Thank you so much for stopping by today! I’m absolutely thrilled to share one of my most-requested recipes: my Dairy-Free Chocolate Cake. This cake isn’t just “good for dairy-free”—it’s genuinely one of the richest, moistest chocolate cakes you’ll ever sink your fork into. Whether you’re avoiding dairy for health, dietary reasons, or just don’t have milk on hand, this recipe will quickly become a family favorite.
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Overview of Recipe Content
This dairy-free chocolate cake is a showstopper for birthdays, holidays, or even those Tuesday nights when your sweet tooth won’t quit. You’ll love it because:
- It’s soft, fluffy, and deeply chocolatey.
- No one will guess it’s dairy-free.
- Uses pantry staples—no fancy vegan ingredients required.
- Perfect for frosting, layering, or enjoying plain with a dusting of powdered sugar.
What it tastes like:
Imagine biting into a slice of chocolate heaven: moist crumb, rich cocoa flavor, and a subtle sweetness that lingers on your tongue. Paired with a silky dairy-free frosting, it’s pure indulgence without compromise.
Health & Nutritional Benefits:
- Dairy-free (great for lactose intolerance or allergies).
- Can be made egg-free if needed (vegan-friendly).
- Lower in saturated fat compared to traditional recipes.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
- 1 ¾ cups (350g) granulated sugar
- ¾ cup (75g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs (or flax eggs for vegan)
- 1 cup non-dairy milk (almond, oat, or soy)
- ½ cup vegetable oil (or melted coconut oil)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup boiling water or hot coffee (for extra richness)
Tools Needed:
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer (or a whisk and elbow grease!)
- 9-inch round cake pans
- Cooling rack
- Spatula
Suggested Substitutions:
- Swap the flour with a 1:1 gluten-free blend.
- Coconut sugar instead of white sugar.
- Espresso powder in place of water for a mocha twist.
How to Make Dairy-Free Chocolate Cake
- Preheat & Prep: Heat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, combine non-dairy milk, oil, eggs (or flax eggs), and vanilla.
- Combine: Gradually add wet mixture to dry, mixing until smooth.
- Hot Liquid Magic: Stir in boiling water or hot coffee—it will make the batter thin, but trust me, this is the secret to a moist cake!
- Bake: Divide batter evenly into pans and bake for 30–35 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool & Frost: Let cakes cool before frosting with your favorite dairy-free frosting.
What to Serve with Dairy-Free Chocolate Cake
This cake pairs beautifully with:
- A scoop of dairy-free vanilla ice cream.
- Fresh strawberries or raspberries for a pop of freshness.
- A drizzle of salted caramel (vegan-friendly).
- A hot cup of coffee or a glass of oat milk for dunking.
Tips for Making It Perfect
- Don’t skip the boiling water—it’s what keeps the cake tender and moist.
- Use room temperature ingredients for even mixing.
- Line your pans with parchment paper for easy release.
- Double the recipe for a tall layer cake that impresses at parties.
Storage Instructions
- Room Temperature: Store covered for up to 3 days.
- Refrigerator: Lasts up to 5 days in an airtight container.
- Freezer: Wrap slices individually and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature.
General Information
Chocolate cake is one of those timeless classics. Did you know the first chocolate cakes appeared in the 19th century when cocoa powder became more accessible? This dairy-free version is my nod to that rich history—modernized for today’s diets.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make this cake vegan?
Yes! Simply replace the eggs with flax eggs or chia eggs.
2. Can I use coconut flour?
Not directly—it absorbs too much liquid. Use a gluten-free blend instead.
3. Why does my cake sink in the middle?
Usually from opening the oven too early or under-baking. Stick to the baking time and resist peeking!
4. Can I make cupcakes instead?
Absolutely! Bake at 350°F for 18–20 minutes.
Conclusion
There you have it—my tried-and-true dairy-free chocolate cake that will delight everyone at the table, dairy eaters or not! If you loved this recipe, you might also enjoy my other chocolate-inspired treats:
I can’t wait for you to bake this!
Interactive Elements
If you try this recipe, please leave a comment and review—I love hearing your feedback. Share your creations on Pinterest here or tag me on Instagram so I can see your chocolatey masterpieces!
Nutritional Information (per slice, 12 servings)
Calories | Carbs | Protein | Fat | Saturated Fat | Fiber | Sugar | Sodium |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
320 | 52g | 4g | 12g | 2.5g | 4g | 30g | 280mg |
The Best-Ever Dairy-Free Chocolate Cake That Will Blow You Away
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
This dairy-free chocolate cake is rich, moist, and unbelievably delicious. Perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or anytime you need a decadent chocolate fix—without the dairy.
Ingredients
2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
1 ¾ cups (350g) granulated sugar
¾ cup (75g) unsweetened cocoa powder
1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
2 large eggs (or flax eggs for vegan)
1 cup non-dairy milk
½ cup vegetable oil
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup boiling water or hot coffee
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch cake pans.
2. Whisk flour, sugar, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, and salt together.
3. Mix non-dairy milk, oil, eggs, and vanilla in another bowl.
4. Combine wet and dry ingredients until smooth.
5. Stir in hot water or coffee until fully incorporated.
6. Divide into pans and bake for 30–35 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean.
7. Cool completely before frosting or serving.
Notes
Use hot coffee instead of water for a deeper flavor.
Substitute flax eggs to make the cake vegan.
Line pans with parchment for easy release.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Hello!! My name is Poulef
The heart and hands behind this blog. Inspired by my grandma’s kitchen, where fresh ingredients and love created magic, I now share recipes to bring that same warmth to your home. Let’s cook something special together! Let’s be friends!