Vegan Chocolate Layer Skull Cake
Indulge in the spooktacular delight of Vegan Chocolate Layer Skull Cake, a rich and visually captivating dessert that’s perfect for Halloween gatherings or any chocolate lover’s celebration. This cake features moist layers of decadent chocolate, expertly frosted with creamy vegan buttercream and topped with a luscious ganache. Its unique skull design not only adds a festive touch but also makes it a showstopper at any event. Packed with intense flavors and a moist texture, this cake will satisfy even the most discerning chocoholics.
- Author: Jennifer
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Vegan
- 1 1/2 cups hot coffee
- 75 g good quality dark vegan chocolate, chopped
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 2/3 cups granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 cups unsweetened Dutch-process cocoa powder
- 2 1/4 tsp baking powder
- 1 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 3/4 tsp baking soda
- 1 1/2 cups plant-based milk
- 3/4 cup neutral oil (e.g. canola, avocado, rapeseed)
- 1/4 cup white vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 75 g good quality dark vegan chocolate, chopped (for frosting)
- 1 cup vegan butter, room temperature
- 1/2 cup unsweetened Dutch-process cocoa powder (for frosting)
- 5 cups confectioners' sugar, sifted
- 2–4 tbsp plant-based milk (for frosting)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (for frosting)
- 1/4 cup canned coconut milk (for ganache)
- 80 g good quality dark vegan chocolate (70% cacao is nice without being bitter)
- 1/2–1 kg dark vegan chocolate, chopped (70% cacao or higher for nice dark skulls)
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare round cake pans by greasing them or lining with parchment paper.
- Mix dry ingredients (flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, sea salt, baking soda) in a large bowl until well combined.
- Melt dark chocolate by pouring hot coffee over it; stir until smooth.
- In another bowl, mix plant-based milk, oil, vinegar, and vanilla until combined.
- Gradually combine wet and dry ingredients; add melted chocolate and mix until just blended.
- Divide batter into prepared pans and bake for about 30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Allow cakes to cool before frosting with a mixture of whipped vegan butter, cocoa powder, and confectioners' sugar.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (100g)
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 45g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: For added flavor variations, consider incorporating extracts like peppermint or orange zest into the batter. Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for the best mixing results. To enhance decoration, top the cake with edible decorations or seasonal sprinkles.