Interestingly enough, the appeal of a chocolate cake containing no animal products came long before vegetarianism and veganism became popular lifestyle choices the world over. During and following World War II in Great Britain, which at the time imported roughly 70% of their foodstuffs per year, the Ministry of Food instituted rations on several dietary staples, including butter, bacon, sugar, and eggs. Each citizen had to register with local shops, and a coupon-based system was set up to ensure that individuals only received the amount of rationed foods that they were entitled to receive. This strict rationing led people to search out other means of finding food, and thus a rampant black market emerged during wartime. And, while this rationing led to some rather unpleasant trickery – some people were fooled into buying horse meat instead of beef – it also served as the impetus for creative thinking, leading to countless adaptations on classic recipes.
Leave it up to those sweet-toothed Brits to turn a shortage of eggs into an ethical and delicious vegan alternative to the classic chocolate cake! A vegan chocolate chip cake achieves the same wonderful, chewy texture and taste of the traditional without the inclusion of eggs or butter. Often, a couple tablespoons of white vinegar (which you will not taste at all in the finished product) is used as a substitute for eggs and oil or a vegan butter substitute is used in place of butter, ensuring a completely vegan treat. The remaining primary ingredients, including cocoa powder, are meat and dairy free already. And, by cutting out eggs and butter, the resulting cake is a healthier alternative for both mind and body. Thus, innovation is born out of necessity, proving once again that no matter the circumstances, mankind will always find a way to enjoy delicious chocolate cake!
Vegan chocolate chip cake is one of our favorite vegan desserts, because the whole chocolate chips add a gooey, sweet texture to the finished product that is completely irresistible. This delicious recipe is easy to make, totally vegan, and fairly health conscious. And, if you are looking to the please the chocoholics in your life, try adding 1/8 cup of cocoa powder to the dry ingredients to make a luscious vegan chocolate chocolate chip cake.
Vegan Chocolate Chip Cake
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 5 tbsp corn, canola or olive oil
- 1 tbsp vinegar
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 1 cup cold water
- 1/2 cup vegan chocolate chips
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
- Oil an 8 by 8 pan.
- Mix all dry ingredients together, with the exception of chocolate chips.
- Mix wet ingredients in a separate, small bowl, and then combine wet and dry ingredients, mixing until just blended.
- Add chocolate chips and blend in.
- Pour batter into a pan and bake for 30-35 minutes.