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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Once the cake reaches room temperature, lavishly drape the glossy ganache across the surface, allowing it to cascade elegantly down the sides.
- 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