The Ultimate Vegan Valentine’s Chocolate Cake is a rich and delicious cake perfect for celebrating love!

This easy vegan chocolate cake recipe is one that has been around our kitchen for a very long time. Many years ago we did all the baking for a local coffee shop. They wanted a dairy free option so this was the best chocolate cake for a vegan diet. We loved making it in small cake pans so the coffee shop could serve a mini loaf to each customer.

Now, with Valentine’s Day around the corner, I love the idea of still using a mini cake tin to gift an individual serving.

Why You’ll Love This Vegan Chocolate Cake Recipe

Decadent Yet Dairy-Free

Going dairy-free doesn’t mean compromising on taste or texture, especially when it comes to chocolate cake. This Vegan Valentine’s Chocolate Cake is just as rich and indulgent as any traditional version, with a deep chocolate flavor and a perfectly moist crumb. Whether you’re vegan, lactose-intolerant, or simply looking for a delicious plant-based dessert, this recipe delivers all the decadence you crave—without any butter, milk, or eggs.

Made with Simple, Wholesome Ingredients

One common concern with vegan baking is that some ingredients can feel overly processed or difficult to find. However, this recipe keeps things simple. Instead of relying on highly processed substitutes, it uses whole, recognizable foods to create a cake that is sure to be your best vegan cake recipe.

Perfect for Valentine’s Day

Consider making a heart loaf for a festive dessert for your sweetheart. Follow the same instructions in the recipe card. But instead of using mini loaf plans, pour the batter in a heart shaped cake pan. Bake and adjust time making sure to test doneness with a toothpick inserted in the middle of the cake. It should come out clean!
Or we love a mini loaf pan because its great for sharing with friends, family, teachers or the perfect individual serving for yourself of course!

Simple, Foolproof Recipe

This recipe requires No complicated techniques or unusual ingredients. It comes together easily for both first time and seasoned bakers.
It’s a great recipe to make with little ones. My son and I made this on Super Bowl night and were able to make and enjoy within the same hour.

Ingredients for a Vegan Valentine’s Chocolate Cake

Essential Chocolate Cake Ingredients

All purpose flour
Dark cocoa powder
baking soda (bicarbonate of soda)
sugar
light brown sugar
salt
vegetable oil
white vinegar
vanilla extract
warm water

Essential Topping Ingredients

coconut butter or you may try an substitute with a melted vegan butter
almond milk or non-dairy milk like soy milk, oat milk, vegan buttermilk or coconut milk (optional)
powdered sugar
strawberry jam
freeze dried strawberries

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepping the Vegan Cake Batter

First, let’s start with adding all the dry ingredients to a large mixing bowl. A good thing to have on hand, but isn’t necessary, is a hand mixer or stand mixer.

To the large bowl, add and mix well:

3 cups flour
6 Tbsp cocoa
2 tsp baking soda
2 cups sugar
1 tsp salt

Once the dry ingredients are mixed well, it’s time to add your wet ingredients.

To the dry ingredients add:

2/3 cups vegetable oil
2 tablespoons vinegar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 cups water

Combine your wet ingredients with your dry, mixing very well, so that no dry bits remain.

Prepare the Topping

3 tablespoons coconut butter, melted
2 cups powdered sugar
2/3 cups strawberry jam
2 tablespoons freeze dried strawberries or 1/4 cup fresh, in season

In a separate bowl mix all the topping ingredients. I like using a whisk attachment on a stand mixer.

Prepare to Bake

Preheat oven to 325 degrees Farenheidt
Pour 1/3 cup into mini loaf pans
Bake at 325 for 40 minutes checking at the 30 minute mark. To test if done, insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. Cake is done when the toothpick comes out clean.

It’s Time for the Topping

Increase oven temperature to 350 BROIL or Low Broil if exact temperature is not an option.
Using a pastry brush, spoon your topping atop the warm fluffy cake(s).
Repeat the pouring and brushing until all the topping is used.
BROIL for about 4 minutes or until topping starts to bubble vigorously.

Serving & Storing Your Valentine’s Cake

Best Ways to Serve

Who doesn’t love warm chocolate cake paired with dairy-free ice cream.
With a warm cup of coffee for dessert or tall glass of cold dairy free milk for breakfast, eh why not??
An additional topping of fresh cut strawberries (February also means peak local strawberry season in Florida)

How to Store & Freeze Egg Free Chocolate Cake

Keep this cake fresh for 2-3 days in plastic wrap or an airtight container
This dairy free chocolate cake freezes well for longer storage. For best results, consider keeping the topping off before freezing. When ready to eat, thaw this rich chocolate cake to room temperature, add topping and broil according to the directions at the bottom of this post.

Make It a Valentine’s Tradition

Bake Together

What a fun and meaningful way to spend time and celebrate together. If baking with kids, I love to pre-measure ingredients so they get to add, mix and decorate. For me and my kiddos, getting all the ingredient quantities together ahead of time makes for a more enjoyable experience for everyone.

Give the Gift of Homemade Love

The topping of these mini cakes can be sticky – I love the idea of wrapping in parchment and tying with a cute Valentine’s themed ribbon.
Handwritten notes and cute Valentine’s cards attached to the mini cake would be oh so sweet. (you know like the ones you passed out in Elementary school)

Can I make this into small batch chocolate cupcakes

The original best vegan chocolate cake recipe that has a brown sugar based topping is linked here. This recipe is versatile for all special occasions if you’re not wanting a strawberry/Valentine’s themed topping.

Use the same batter to make small batch chocolate cupcakes. Adjust baking times and make sure the cupcakes are done throughout using the toothpick to check internal doneness. Consider Adding vegan sprinkles and you’ve just created the ultimate vegan birthday cake recipe.

A Sweet Way to Say “I Love You”

I’d love to see your take on the best vegan chocolate cake – sprinkles, strawberries, the works!
Tag @asimplerplace on Instagram to show off your vegan Valentine’s cake!

You’ll love this easy recipe to share with loved ones this Valentine’s Day!