This vegan cake is a variation of an Italian water cake baked with olive oil and water. It is a delicious cake that can be enjoyed with the recommended glaze or dusted with powdered sugar. There are so many possible variations – substitute the water for unsweetened vegan milk or vegan buttermilk; add chopped nuts or fresh, pitted cherries; add grated orange zest; or add 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon and a pinch of chili pepper.
The Cake
YOU WILL NEED
CHOCOLATE CAKE MIX
WET INGREDIENTS
¾ cup water (180g)
⅓ cup mild extra-virgin olive oil (67g)
¼ cup brewed coffee (60g)
STIR-IN
⅓ cup 70% dark chocolate, chopped (2oz, 56g)
INSTRUCTIONS
- Preheat oven to 325°F. Grease a round 9-inch cake pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.
- Stir water, olive oil and brewed coffee until combined.
- Place chocolate cake mix in a large bowl.
- Slowly add the liquid blend to the chocolate cake mix while mixing with a hand-held whisk until well combined.
- Stir in chopped chocolate.
- Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 42-45 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in baking pan for about 10 minutes before unmolding.
The Glaze
YOU WILL NEED
INGREDIENTS
½ cup semi-sweet chocolate, chopped (3oz, 85g)
2 tablespoons mild, extra virgin olive oil (25g)
A pinch of Fleur de Sel
INSTRUCTIONS
- Place chopped chocolate in a heatproof bowl.
- Heat olive oil in a small pan until warmed, but not boiling hot.
- Pour olive oil over chopped chocolate and stir until thoroughly blended.
- Pour glaze over cooled cake.
- If desired, decorate frosted cake with edible gold leaves or gold nonpareils for a wow effect.