Vegan Blackout Cake

Ingredients:

For the cake:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 3/4 cups almond milk (or any non-dairy milk)
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

For the frosting:

• 1 cup vegan butter, softened
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2-4 tablespoons almond milk (or any non-dairy milk)

For the filling:

• 1 cup vegan chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup almond milk (or any non-dairy milk)
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In another bowl, whisk together the almond milk, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and apple cider vinegar until well combined.
4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
5. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans and smooth the tops with a spatula.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Remove the cakes from the oven and allow them to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
8. While the cakes are cooling, make the frosting. In a mixing bowl, beat the vegan butter until smooth and creamy.
9. Gradually add the powdered sugar and cocoa powder, mixing until well combined.
10. Add the vanilla extract and almond milk, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the frosting reaches your desired consistency.
11. To make the filling, combine the vegan chocolate chips, almond milk, maple syrup, and vanilla extract in a small saucepan. Heat over low heat, stirring constantly, until the chocolate is melted and the mixture is smooth. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
12. Once the cakes are completely cool, place one cake layer on a serving plate or cake stand. Spread the chocolate filling evenly over the top.
13. Place the second cake layer on top and frost the top and sides of the cake with the chocolate frosting.
14. Serve and enjoy your delicious vegan blackout cake!