Are you ready to indulge in a delicious and cruelty-free dessert that will satisfy your sweet tooth and your love for s’mores? Look no further than this easy-to-follow recipe for a vegan s’mores cake. By the end of this article, you’ll know exactly how to make it, from gathering the ingredients to presenting it to your friends and family.

Gathering the ingredients for your vegan s’mores cake

Before you can start baking, you’ll need to gather all the necessary ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour
• 1 cup of granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup of cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon of baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon of salt
• 1 cup of nondairy milk (such as almond or soy milk)
• 1/3 cup of vegetable oil
• 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup of vegan chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup of vegan marshmallows
• 1/2 cup of crushed vegan graham crackers

It’s important to note that not all marshmallows are vegan-friendly. Most marshmallows contain gelatin, which is made from animal collagen. However, there are vegan marshmallows available that are made with plant-based ingredients, such as agar-agar or carrageenan. Make sure to check the label before purchasing marshmallows for your vegan s’mores cake.

Prepping your kitchen for baking success

Before you start mixing, make sure your kitchen is ready for baking. Clear some counter space and preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease a 9-inch cake pan with vegan butter or cooking spray.

Next, gather all of your ingredients and measure them out precisely. Baking is a science, so accuracy is key. Use measuring cups and spoons, and level off each ingredient with a knife or spatula to ensure you have the exact amount needed.

Finally, make sure you have all the necessary tools on hand. This includes mixing bowls, a whisk or electric mixer, a rubber spatula, and a cooling rack. If you’re making a cake, you’ll also need a cake tester or toothpick to check for doneness. Having everything you need within reach will make the baking process smoother and more enjoyable.

Mixing and preparing the vegan cake batter

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. In a separate mixing bowl, combine the nondairy milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Slowly pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, whisking until the batter is smooth.

For an extra kick of flavor, you can add a tablespoon of instant coffee granules to the dry ingredients before mixing. This will give your vegan chocolate cake a subtle coffee flavor that pairs perfectly with the chocolate. Alternatively, you can add a teaspoon of cinnamon to the dry ingredients for a warm and spicy twist on the classic chocolate cake.

Adding in vegan-friendly s’mores ingredients to the mix

Once the batter is smooth, add in the vegan chocolate chips, vegan marshmallows, and crushed vegan graham crackers. Gently fold them into the batter until well incorporated.

It’s important to note that not all marshmallows are vegan-friendly, as they often contain gelatin made from animal byproducts. However, there are now many brands that offer vegan marshmallows made with plant-based ingredients such as agar-agar or carrageenan. Similarly, vegan chocolate chips can be found made with dairy-free ingredients such as coconut milk or soy lecithin. By using these vegan-friendly ingredients, you can enjoy delicious s’mores without compromising your dietary restrictions or beliefs.

Assembling and layering the cake with s’mores goodness

Pour the batter into the greased cake pan and smooth it out with a spatula. Sprinkle another 1/4 cup of vegan chocolate chips, 1/4 cup of vegan marshmallows, and 1/4 cup of crushed vegan graham crackers over the top of the batter.

Next, place the cake pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Once the cake is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for 10-15 minutes before removing it from the pan.

To add even more s’mores goodness to the cake, you can make a simple frosting by mixing together vegan butter, powdered sugar, and cocoa powder. Spread the frosting over the cooled cake and sprinkle additional crushed graham crackers and marshmallows on top. Serve and enjoy!

Baking and monitoring your vegan s’mores cake in the oven

Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep a close eye on the cake towards the end of the baking time to make sure it doesn’t overcook.

While the cake is baking, you can prepare the vegan marshmallow frosting. In a mixing bowl, beat together vegan butter, powdered sugar, and vegan marshmallow fluff until light and fluffy. Once the cake has cooled, spread the frosting evenly over the top of the cake.

If you want to add an extra touch of s’mores flavor to your cake, you can sprinkle crushed graham crackers and vegan chocolate chips on top of the frosting. Place the cake back in the oven for a few minutes to allow the chocolate chips to melt slightly. Serve the cake warm and enjoy!

Creating a vegan-friendly chocolate ganache topping to finish off the cake

While the cake is baking, you can prepare a delicious chocolate ganache topping. In a small saucepan, heat 1/2 cup of nondairy milk and 1 cup of vegan chocolate chips over medium heat, whisking frequently until the chocolate is melted and smooth. Remove from heat and let it cool for a few minutes.

For a richer flavor, you can add a tablespoon of vegan butter to the ganache mixture. This will also give the ganache a smoother texture. Alternatively, you can add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the mixture to give it a subtle vanilla flavor.

If you want to make the ganache thicker, you can add more chocolate chips to the mixture. On the other hand, if you want a thinner consistency, you can add more nondairy milk. Just make sure to add the additional ingredients gradually and whisk the mixture well to ensure that it is smooth and well combined.

Decorating your vegan s’mores cake for presentation

Once the cake is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Once the cake has cooled, pour the chocolate ganache on top and sprinkle on some more crushed vegan graham crackers and vegan marshmallows to decorate.

For an extra touch of presentation, you can also add some fresh berries or fruit slices on top of the cake. This will not only add a pop of color but also provide a refreshing contrast to the rich chocolate and marshmallow flavors.

If you want to take your presentation to the next level, consider using a cake stand or platter to display your vegan s’mores cake. You can also add some decorative elements such as edible flowers or chocolate shavings to make it look even more impressive.

Serving up your delicious and cruelty-free dessert to friends and family

Now that your vegan s’mores cake is complete, it’s time to serve it up to your friends and family! Slice the cake into portions and enjoy a delicious and cruelty-free dessert that will leave everyone wanting more.

Don’t forget to pair your vegan s’mores cake with a hot cup of coffee or tea for the perfect dessert experience. You can also top it off with some vegan whipped cream or ice cream for an extra indulgent treat. Share the recipe with your loved ones and spread the joy of cruelty-free baking!