This Vegan Flourless Chocolate Cake is a rich, dense, and intensely chocolatey dessert perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth without any flour, dairy, or eggs! With a fudgy texture and a deep chocolate flavor, it’s ideal for celebrations, dinner parties, or simply indulging at home. This cake is also gluten-free and only requires a few simple ingredients to make.

Ingredients:

  • 1 ½ cups dark chocolate chips (dairy-free and 70% cocoa for the best flavor)
  • ½ cup full-fat coconut milk (from a can)
  • ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder (sifted to remove lumps)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • ¼ cup pure maple syrup (or agave syrup for a slightly lighter flavor)
  • 1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water (flax egg substitute)
  • ¼ tsp salt

Optional Toppings:

  • Powdered sugar or cocoa powder, for dusting
  • Fresh berries, for garnish
  • Vegan whipped cream, for serving

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Flax Egg

  1. Make the Flax Egg: In a small bowl, combine the ground flaxseed and 3 tablespoons of water. Stir well and let it sit for about 5 minutes until it thickens into a gel-like consistency. This will act as the egg substitute and help bind the cake.

Step 2: Melt the Chocolate

  1. Preheat Oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8-inch round cake pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.
  2. Melt Chocolate and Coconut Milk: In a heatproof bowl, add the dark chocolate chips and coconut milk. Microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring in between, until the chocolate is fully melted and smooth. Alternatively, you can melt them together over a double boiler on the stovetop.

Step 3: Prepare the Cake Batter

  1. Add Ingredients to the Chocolate Mixture: Once the chocolate is melted, whisk in the maple syrup, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir until the ingredients are well combined.
  2. Add Cocoa Powder: Sift the cocoa powder into the chocolate mixture and stir until smooth and no lumps remain.
  3. Add the Flax Egg: Finally, add the prepared flax egg to the batter and stir until the mixture is fully incorporated and smooth.

Step 4: Bake the Cake

  1. Pour Batter into the Pan: Pour the chocolate batter into the prepared cake pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
  2. Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center still appears slightly soft. This will give the cake a fudgy texture.
  3. Cool Completely: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before running a knife around the edges and carefully inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

  1. Dust the Cake: Once the cake is fully cooled, dust the top with powdered sugar or cocoa powder if desired.
  2. Add Optional Toppings: Serve with fresh berries, vegan whipped cream, or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for an extra indulgent experience.

Tips and Variations:

  • Make It Extra Chocolaty: Add a handful of vegan chocolate chips into the batter for even more chocolate goodness.
  • Nut Butter Swirl: Before baking, swirl in a couple of tablespoons of almond or peanut butter on top of the batter.
  • Different Sweeteners: Swap out the maple syrup for agave or date syrup if preferred.

Storage:

  • Room Temperature: Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
  • Refrigerate: Refrigerate the cake for up to a week, which will make it even denser and fudgier.
  • Freeze: Slice and freeze individual portions wrapped in plastic wrap for up to a month. Thaw in the fridge or at room temperature before serving.

This Vegan Flourless Chocolate Cake is a delightful dessert with a luxurious texture and deep chocolate flavor that’s sure to please everyone. Enjoy it as a stunning vegan and gluten-free treat!