Magical Vegan Mulled Wine Chocolate Cake Recipe for Winter Joy

Brewing a delightful vegan mulled wine chocolate cake promises a festive twist on classic dessert traditions.

Warm spices dance through rich cocoa layers, creating an irresistible winter treat.

Seasonal flavors blend seamlessly in this plant-based confection that surprises and delights.

Deep burgundy notes from red wine infuse each tender crumb with unexpected complexity.

Baking enthusiasts will adore how simple ingredients transform into something magical.

Aromatic cinnamon and clove whisper winter comfort in every slice.

Such a decadent cake deserves to be shared with those you cherish.

Come explore this enchanting recipe that turns ordinary baking into an extraordinary experience.

What’s Bold About Vegan Mulled Wine Chocolate Cake

• Unlock Flavor Fusion: Combines the rich warmth of mulled wine with decadent chocolate, creating a unique dessert that surprises and delights taste buds.
• Beginner-Friendly Baking: Simple mixing technique and straightforward steps make this recipe accessible for home bakers of all skill levels, even those new to vegan baking.
• Stress-Free Celebration Dessert: Perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy winter get-togethers, this cake impresses guests without requiring complicated preparation or extensive baking skills.
• Vegan-Friendly Indulgence: Offers a delicious dairy-free and egg-free option that doesn't compromise on taste or texture, making it ideal for those with dietary restrictions or plant-based lifestyles.

Vegan Mulled Wine Chocolate Cake Ingredients

• Red Wine: Rich and fruity base for the cake's unique flavor.
• Flour: Core structure for the cake's texture.
• Cocoa Powder: Deep chocolate essence of the cake.

• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with moisture.
• Oil: Provides smooth, soft cake texture.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor profile.
• Vinegar: Helps activate leavening agents.
• Orange Zest: Adds bright citrus notes.

• Cinnamon, Mixed Spice, Ginger: Warm, aromatic mulled wine flavor depth.

• Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Ensures cake rises and becomes light.

• Chocolate: Rich, glossy topping for the cake.
• Cream: Smooth base for ganache.
• Syrup: Adds subtle sweetness to ganache.

• Salt: Balances and enhances other flavors.
• Parchment Paper: Ensures easy cake removal.

How to Bake Vegan Mulled Wine Chocolate Cake

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Blast your oven to a toasty 175°C (350°F). Grab a 9-inch cake pan and give it a loving coat of oil, then tuck a parchment paper liner inside for easy cake removal.

Step 2: Create Liquid Magic

• Red wine
• Sugar
• Vegetable oil
• Vanilla extract
• Vinegar
• Orange zest

Whisk everything together until they dance and blend beautifully.

Step 3: Blend the Dry Crew

• Flour
• Cocoa powder
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Cinnamon
• Mixed spice
• Ground ginger

Ensure they’re thoroughly mixed and clump-free.

Step 4: Marry the Ingredients

Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir until just combined – no overmixing allowed! The batter should look smooth and inviting.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Pour the batter into your prepared pan. Slide it into the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. The cake is ready when a toothpick comes out clean.

Step 6: Craft Decadent Ganache

Place chopped chocolate in a bowl. In a separate pan, warmup cream and syrup until it’s simmering. Pour the hot mixture over the chocolate and stir until silky smooth.

Step 7: Dress the Cake

Once the cake has completely cooled, lavish it with the glossy ganache. Let it drip and flow naturally over the cake’s surface.

Step 8: Serve with Flair

Sprinkle some extra orange zest or a dusting of cocoa powder. Slice, serve, and watch everyone’s eyes light up!

Must-Know Tricks for Mulled Wine Cake

• Swap Wine Wisely: Use non-alcoholic red wine or grape juice for a kid-friendly version that maintains the rich, deep flavor profile.
• Spice Sensitivity Solution: Adjust mixed spices and ginger quantities to suit personal taste preferences without compromising the cake's overall complexity.
• Texture Triumph: Ensure ingredients are at room temperature for smoother mixing and a more consistent cake texture that prevents lumps.
• Storage Secrets: Keep the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for extended freshness while maintaining its moist consistency.
• Gluten-Free Guidance: Replace wheat flour with a gluten-free blend, adding a touch more baking powder to help the cake rise and maintain its soft structure.

Vegan Mulled Wine Chocolate Cake: Best Storage Tips

• Store cake covered in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Keep ganache intact by placing parchment paper between cake and container lid to prevent sticking.
• Wrap cake tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze whole cake or individual slices for maximum 3 months. Place in freezer-safe container to prevent freezer burn.
• Transfer frozen cake to refrigerator overnight. Remove wrapping once completely defrosted to prevent condensation.
• Let chilled cake sit for 30 minutes before serving to reach ideal texture. Warm slightly in microwave for 15-20 seconds if desired, but avoid overheating to maintain moisture.

Mulled Wine Cake Sweet Matches

• Pair with Spiced Mulled Wine: Recreate the cake's wine base as a warm, aromatic beverage. Serve slightly heated with cinnamon sticks, star anise, and orange slices for a perfect flavor echo.
• Complement with Orange-Infused Espresso: Brew a strong espresso and add a twist of fresh orange peel. The citrus notes will harmonize with the cake's orange zest and enhance the chocolate depth.
• Match with Cardamom Vanilla Ice Cream: Scoop a creamy, spiced vanilla ice cream with ground cardamom. The cool, smooth texture balances the cake's rich, warm spices and provides a delightful temperature contrast.
• Serve alongside Winter Fruit Compote: Create a quick compote with poached pears, cranberries, and a touch of mulled wine reduction. The fruity, tangy elements will brighten the cake's deep chocolate profile.

Vegan Cake Flavor Inspirations

• Gluten-Free Mulled Wine Chocolate Cake: Replace wheat flour with almond or gluten-free blend, ensuring the same rich flavor and texture while making it suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Low-Sugar Holiday Cake: Swap granulated sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, reducing overall sugar content while maintaining the cake's deep chocolate and mulled wine essence.
• Nut-Free Spiced Chocolate Cake: Use sunflower or coconut oil instead of traditional oils, and replace almond ingredients with seed-based alternatives for those with nut allergies.
• Non-Alcoholic Chocolate Cake: Substitute red wine with grape juice or cranberry juice, preserving the complex flavor profile while creating a family-friendly version of the dessert.

FAQs

• Is this cake alcoholic?

The cake contains red wine, but most alcohol cooks off during baking, leaving behind rich flavor without significant alcohol content.

• Can I substitute ingredients if I don't have everything?

Yes, you can replace mixed spice with pumpkin pie spice, and use apple cider vinegar instead of regular vinegar. Ensure measurements remain consistent.

• How do I know when the cake is perfectly baked?

Insert a toothpick in the center – if it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, the cake is done. The top should also spring back when lightly touched.

• Why does the recipe use vinegar?

Vinegar helps activate baking soda, creating a lighter, more tender cake texture. It’s a common technique in vegan baking to help the cake rise and become fluffy.

Vegan Mulled Wine Chocolate Cake Recipe

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4.7 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Rich, spiced chocolate cake draws inspiration from classic German Glühwein, blending warm holiday flavors into a delectable dessert. Velvety layers infused with mulled wine notes promise a luxurious experience that delights winter-loving bakers seeking innovative plant-based indulgence.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cake Ingredients:

Dry Ingredients:

• 260 g all-purpose flour
• 85 g Dutch-processed cocoa powder
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 0.25 tsp salt
• 1.5 tsp cinnamon
• 1 tsp mixed spice
• 0.5 tsp ground ginger

Wet Ingredients:

• 400 ml red wine
• 300 g light brown soft sugar (or caster sugar)
• 160 ml neutral oil (such as sunflower)
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 12 tsp cider or white wine vinegar
• Zest from 1.5 oranges

Ganache Ingredients:

• 300 g dark chocolate, finely chopped
• 270 ml vegan double cream alternative (e.g., Elmlea Plant Double Cream)
• 1 tablespoon golden syrup (or maple syrup)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the baking environment by heating the oven to 175°C (350°F) and meticulously coating a 9-inch cake pan with oil, then line with parchment paper to ensure effortless cake removal.
2. Create a flavor-rich liquid base by whisking together red wine, sugar, oil, vanilla extract, vinegar, and vibrant orange zest in a spacious mixing bowl until thoroughly integrated.
3. Craft the dry mixture by delicately sifting flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, mixed spice, and ginger into a separate bowl, ensuring no lumps remain.
4. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wine-based liquid, stirring with minimal agitation to maintain the cake’s tender texture, stopping when ingredients are just harmoniously blended.
5. Transfer the velvety batter into the prepared pan, spreading evenly, and slide into the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted emerges clean.
6. While the cake cools, create a luxurious ganache by placing chopped chocolate in a bowl, then heating cream and syrup until they reach a gentle simmer, carefully pouring over the chocolate and stirring until silky smooth.
7. Once the cake reaches room temperature, lavishly drape the glossy ganache across the surface, allowing it to cascade elegantly down the sides.
8. Elevate the presentation by dusting with additional orange zest or a light sprinkle of cocoa powder, transforming this vegan delight into a sophisticated dessert.

Notes

• Swap red wine with non-alcoholic grape juice for a family-friendly version that keeps the rich flavor complexity.
• Ensure ingredients are at room temperature to create a smoother, more evenly mixed batter that rises perfectly.
• Dust cocoa powder lightly on parchment paper before pouring batter to prevent sticking and add extra chocolate depth.
• Replace refined sugar with coconut sugar or maple syrup for a lower glycemic index and more nuanced sweetness.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 25 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg