Vegan German chocolate loaf cake with creamy coconut and chocolate flavors. Moist, dairy-free, and irresistibly delicious.
🍫 Vegan German Chocolate Loaf Cake Recipe
Ingredients
For the Cake
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup coconut sugar or brown sugar
- ½ cup unsweetened applesauce
- ½ cup plant-based milk
- ⅓ cup coconut oil, melted
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup dairy-free chocolate chips (optional)
For the Coconut-Pecan Topping
- ½ cup shredded coconut
- ¼ cup chopped pecans
- 2–3 tbsp maple syrup
- 2 tbsp plant-based milk
Instructions
First, preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a loaf pan with parchment paper.
Meanwhile, in a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar.
Next, in another bowl, mix applesauce, plant-based milk, melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract.
Then, combine wet and dry ingredients until smooth. Fold in chocolate chips if desired.
Now, pour batter into the prepared loaf pan. Meanwhile, prepare the topping by mixing coconut, pecans, maple syrup, and plant-based milk, then sprinkle evenly over the batter.
Finally, bake for 40–45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Allow to cool before slicing.
💡 Tips for Perfect Vegan German Chocolate Loaf Cake
- First of all, ensure your applesauce is smooth for better texture.
- Additionally, do not overmix to keep the cake light and fluffy.
- Moreover, check doneness with a toothpick to avoid overbaking.
- For extra flavor, lightly toast the coconut and pecans before adding.
- Lastly, store in an airtight container to maintain moisture.
🔄 Delicious Variations
- Nut-Free Version: Omit pecans and use extra coconut. As a result, it’s allergy-friendly.
- Mocha Twist: Add 1 tsp instant coffee granules. Consequently, flavor deepens with a subtle coffee note.
- Berry Infusion: Fold in fresh or frozen cherries or raspberries. Therefore, it gains natural sweetness and color.
- Mini Loaves: Make smaller loaves for gifting or portion control. In this way, it’s convenient and fun.
- Frosting Upgrade: Top with vegan chocolate ganache. Thus, it becomes extra decadent.
🌱 Health Benefits
- Plant-based ingredients reduce saturated fat and cholesterol.
- Coconut provides healthy fats and a natural sweetness.
- Applesauce adds moisture and reduces the need for added sugar.
- Cocoa powder provides antioxidants and rich flavor.
- Overall, it’s a more wholesome alternative to traditional German chocolate cake.
🧒 Kid-Friendly Version
- Keep chocolate chips small and evenly distributed.
- Reduce maple syrup slightly if serving young children.
- Cut into fun shapes or mini slices for small hands.
- As a result, children enjoy a moist, chocolaty, and creamy plant-based dessert.
🧮 Nutrition Facts (Per Slice – Approx.)
- Calories: 230 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Fat: 11 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
(Values may vary depending on ingredients used.)
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
- Serve warm or at room temperature.
- Pair with vegan whipped cream or fresh berries.
- Perfect for birthdays, holidays, or chocolate cravings.
- Can be frozen in slices for easy dessert prep.
