Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 5 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon vinegar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup cold water
- 1/2 cup melted butter substitute or plant-based alternative (optional frosting)
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder (optional frosting)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional frosting)
- 2 cups powdered sugar (optional frosting)
- 1/4 cup milk substitute or water (optional frosting)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8×8-inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Create three wells in the dry mixture and add oil, vinegar, and vanilla extract into each.
- Pour cold water over the mixture and stir until smooth.
- Pour batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
- Bake for 30 to 35 minutes until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool completely.
- For frosting, whisk melted butter substitute, cocoa powder, vanilla, powdered sugar, and milk substitute until smooth.
- Spread frosting over cooled cake if desired and serve.
Notes
- Do not overmix the batter to keep the cake tender.
- Coffee can replace part of the water for deeper flavor.
- The vinegar reacts with baking soda and does not affect taste.
- Can be made into cupcakes by adjusting baking time.
- Store in airtight container to maintain moisture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 22 g
- Sodium: 210 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
