There is something truly irresistible about the Blueberry Chocolate Cake with Vegan Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe—a perfect harmony of rich, moist chocolate cake paired with the tangy, luscious burst of blueberry-infused vegan cream cheese frosting. This dessert is not just a treat for your taste buds but also a celebration of vibrant colors and textures that make every bite a moment to savor. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or indulging in a sweet moment for yourself, this cake promises joy in every forkful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Blueberry Chocolate Cake with Vegan Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is deceptively simple, crafted with basic yet essential ingredients that each play a crucial role. From the rich cocoa powder that provides intense chocolate depth to the fresh or frozen blueberries adding that fruity zing, every component contributes to the cake’s unforgettable flavor and texture.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake perfectly without overpowering the chocolate.
- Dark cocoa powder (or cacao powder): Gives the cake its deep, indulgent chocolate flavor.
- Gluten-free all-purpose flour: Keeps the cake tender and moist while accommodating dietary needs.
- Baking soda and baking powder: Work together to give your cake a light, fluffy crumb.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- Vegetable oil (or melted coconut oil): Adds moisture and a tender crumb without fuss.
- Large eggs: Bind the ingredients and provide structure.
- Unsweetened almond milk (or other non-dairy milk): Keeps the batter creamy and moist with a subtle nuttiness.
- Pure vanilla extract: Infuses delicate warmth and enhances both cake and frosting.
- Blueberries (fresh or frozen): Bring bursts of natural sweetness and vibrant color to the frosting.
- Salted vegan butter (room temperature): Gives the frosting a luscious, creamy base with a hint of saltiness.
- Vegan cream cheese (room temperature): Creates that tangy, dreamy frosting texture without dairy.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting to perfection.
How to Make Blueberry Chocolate Cake with Vegan Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven and Prepare Your Pan
Start by heating your oven to 350°F. Line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper to make sure your cake comes out clean and perfectly shaped. This simple prep step sets the stage for a flawless baking experience.
Step 2: Whisk Together Your Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the granulated sugar, cocoa powder, gluten-free flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Whisk these together thoroughly to ensure your cake will have an even rise and rich, balanced flavor.
Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients Separately
In another bowl, whisk the vegetable oil, eggs, almond milk, and vanilla extract until fully combined. The liquid ingredients help create a smooth batter that bakes up moist and tender every time.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients Carefully
Pour the wet mixture into the dry and whisk gently until the batter has no lumps but don’t over-mix. This careful blending keeps your cake light while fully incorporating all the flavors.
Step 5: Bake Your Cake
Pour the batter into your prepared pan and bake for 30 to 40 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a knife inserted into the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs. Then, transfer your cake to a wire rack and let it cool completely before adding the frosting.
Step 6: Make the Blueberry Cream Cheese Frosting
Place your blueberries in a saucepan over medium heat, mashing them as they cook down into a thick, jam-like paste over 8 to 10 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool completely. Meanwhile, beat the vegan butter, cream cheese, and vanilla extract until smooth and fluffy. Slowly add the powdered sugar until thick and luscious, then gently fold in the cooled blueberry paste for that unforgettable fruity twist.
Step 7: Frost and Enjoy!
Use a spatula or knife to spread the frosting generously over the cooled chocolate cake. Cut into slices, serve, and delight in every bite of this vibrant and decadent creation.
How to Serve Blueberry Chocolate Cake with Vegan Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Garnishes
For that extra wow factor, sprinkle fresh blueberries on top of the frosted cake. You can also add a light dusting of cocoa powder or a few edible flowers. These small touches bring a fresh, natural elegance and invite everyone to dive in.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs beautifully with a simple scoop of dairy-free vanilla ice cream or a cup of steaming herbal tea. These sides balance the richness and complement the fruity notes without competing with the cake’s bold flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this cake as mini cupcakes or layered mini cakes for individual portions. You can also create a trifle by layering cake chunks with blueberry compote and cream cheese frosting for a playful, interactive dessert experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Blueberry Chocolate Cake with Vegan Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe covered tightly in the refrigerator. It stays fresh and moist for up to 4 days, making it easy to enjoy throughout the week.
Freezing
If you want to prepare this cake further in advance, wrap it well in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge to preserve its texture and flavors.
Reheating
Since this cake is best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, avoid microwaving. Instead, let slices sit out for 15-20 minutes before serving for the best texture and flavor experience.
FAQs
Can I use fresh blueberries instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Fresh blueberries work wonderfully in this Blueberry Chocolate Cake with Vegan Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe. If using frozen, just be sure to thaw them and drain any excess liquid to prevent sogginess.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, by using gluten-free all-purpose flour, this cake is safe for those avoiding gluten without sacrificing the rich, moist texture of a traditional chocolate cake.
Can I substitute coconut oil for vegetable oil?
Yes, melted coconut oil is a great alternative that adds a subtle hint of coconut while keeping the cake moist and tender.
How can I make this recipe nut-free?
To keep it nut-free, opt for oat or rice milk instead of almond milk and ensure your vegan cream cheese and other ingredients don’t contain nuts or nut derivatives.
Can I use other berries for the frosting?
Definitely! Raspberries or blackberries can be substituted for blueberries to give the frosting a different but equally delicious fruity twist.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to impress with a dessert that’s as beautiful as it is delicious, the Blueberry Chocolate Cake with Vegan Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is your new best friend. It combines the warmth of chocolate with the brightness of blueberries and the creaminess of vegan frosting into a cake that’s perfect for any occasion. I promise once you make it, this recipe will become a cherished staple in your kitchen too.
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Blueberry Chocolate Cake with Vegan Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This decadent Blueberry Chocolate Cake is a luscious gluten-free dessert featuring a moist, rich chocolate cake infused with fresh blueberries and topped with a creamy blueberry cream cheese frosting. Perfect for any celebration or gathering, this cake combines deep cocoa flavors with the vibrant sweetness of blueberry jam in a smooth vegan cream cheese frosting.
Ingredients
For the Chocolate Cake
- 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
- ¾ cup dark cocoa powder (or cacao powder)
- 2 cups gluten-free all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup vegetable oil (or melted coconut oil)
- 3 large eggs
- 1 ½ cups unsweetened almond milk (or other non-dairy milk)
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
For the Blueberry Cream Cheese Frosting
- ⅔ cup blueberries (fresh or frozen)
- 1 cup salted vegan butter (room temperature)
- 8 ounces vegan cream cheese (room temperature)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 3 ½ cups powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat the oven and prepare a cake pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper to ensure easy removal of the cake once baked.
- Mix the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, dark cocoa powder, gluten-free all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt until evenly combined.
- Mix the wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil, eggs, unsweetened almond milk, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and homogeneous.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Whisk thoroughly but gently until no lumps remain; take care not to overmix to keep the cake tender.
- Bake the chocolate cake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes, or until a knife inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs but no wet batter. Allow the cake to cool completely on a wire rack before frosting.
- Prepare the blueberry paste: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, cook the blueberries, mashing them with a fork or masher to break them down. Continue cooking for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the blueberries have thickened into a jam-like paste. Remove from heat and cool to room temperature.
- Make the cream cheese frosting: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened vegan butter, vegan cream cheese, and vanilla extract using an electric mixer until the mixture is smooth, light, and fluffy.
- Add powdered sugar and blueberry paste: Gradually add the powdered sugar to the cream cheese mixture, beating continuously until the frosting reaches a thick and fluffy consistency. Then fold in the cooled blueberry paste until evenly combined, creating a vibrant blueberry cream cheese frosting.
- Frost the cake: Using a knife or rubber spatula, spread the blueberry cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled chocolate cake. Slice the cake into even pieces and serve to enjoy the rich flavors and moist texture.
Notes
- Use fresh or frozen blueberries for the frosting; if using frozen, thaw them completely before cooking.
- For a dairy-free and vegan-friendly version, ensure that all ingredients including cocoa powder and sugar are certified vegan.
- Do not overmix the batter to prevent a dense cake; mix just until ingredients are combined.
- The cake pan should be lined with parchment for easy removal and clean edges.
- Allow the cake to cool fully before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
- If you prefer a less sweet frosting, reduce the powdered sugar quantity slightly to taste.
- This cake keeps well refrigerated for up to 3 days; bring to room temperature before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
