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Yields:
4 serving(s)
Prep Time:
10 mins
Total Time:
1 hr 20 mins
Cal/Serv:
355
Say hello to your new favorite chocolate cake—Air Fryer Vegan Chocolate Zucchini Birthday Cake, a tender, single-layer beauty that no one will guess is vegan. Seriously! Thanks to a pile of grated zucchini (which contributes moisture), a dash of espresso powder that enhances the chocolate taste, and a glug of apple cider vinegar to add lift, this cake is totally celebration-worthy for every dessert lover, no matter if they're plant-based or an omnivore. If you'd rather a two-layer cake, make a double batch of both the cake and the frosting.
For a vegan birthday menu, pair this cake with avocado hummus and vegan spaghetti and "meatballs."
P.S. Believe it or not, sugar isn't vegan unless it's processed accordingly. Look for organic sugar and check labels if you want to keep this cake strictly vegan.
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Ingredients
Cake
- 2 Tbsp.
neutral oil, such as avocado or vegetable, plus more for pan
- 3/4 cup
all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup
vegan granulated sugar
- 3 Tbsp.
dark unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp.
instant espresso powder
- 1/2 tsp.
baking soda
- 1/4 tsp.
kosher salt
- 1/2 cup
almond milk creamer or regular almond milk
- 1 tsp.
pure vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup
shredded zucchini (from 1 small zucchini)
- 1 Tbsp.
apple cider vinegar
Frosting
- 3/4 cup
vegan powdered sugar
- 2 Tbsp.
margarine, room temperature
- 1 Tbsp.
almond milk creamer or almond milk
- 1 tsp.
dark unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 tsp.
pure vanilla extract
Sprinkles, for serving (optional)
Directions
Cake
- Step 1Brush a 7" nonstick round pan with oil. Line pan with parchment paper; brush parchment with oil. In a medium bowl, whisk flour, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, espresso powder, baking soda, and salt to combine. Add creamer, vanilla, and oil and stir to combine. Add zucchini and vinegar and gently fold to combine.
- Step 2Immediately scrape batter into prepared pan, smoothing top. Place pan in an air-fryer basket. Cook at 350° until cake is puffed and a tester inserted into center comes out clean, 30 to 35 minutes.
- Step 3Let cake cool in pan 5 minutes, then invert onto a wire rack and remove parchment. Let cool completely.
Frosting
- Step 1Using an electric mixer on medium-high speed, in a large bowl, beat powdered sugar, margarine, creamer, cocoa powder, and vanilla until smooth and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
- Step 2Spread frosting over cake. Decorate with sprinkles, if using.
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