This indulgent, fudgy vegan cake is topped with a rich frosting – you’d never guess that it’s gluten-free and made without dairy, eggs, wheat or nuts
Prep:30 mins
Serves 12 – 16
For the cakea little dairy-free sunflower spread, for greasing1 large ripe avocado (about 150g)300g light muscovado sugar350g gluten-free plain flour50g good-quality cocoa powder1 tsp bicarbonate of soda2 tsp gluten-free baking powder400ml unsweetened soya milk150ml vegetable oil2 tsp vanilla extract
STEP 1Heat oven to 160C/140C fan/gas 3. Grease two 20cm sandwich tins with a little dairy-free sunflower spread, then line the bases with baking parchment.STEP 2Put 1 large avocado and 300g light muscovado sugar in a food processor and whizz until smooth.STEP 3Add 350g gluten-free plain flour, 50g cocoa powder, 1 tsp bicarbonate of soda, 2 tsp gluten-free baking powder, 400ml unsweetened soya milk, 150ml vegetable oil and 2 tsp vanilla extract to the bowl with ½ tsp fine salt and process again to a velvety, liquid batter.STEP 4Divide between the tins and bake for 25 mins or until fully risen and a skewer inserted into the middle of the cakes comes out clean.STEP 5Cool in the tins for 5 mins, then turn the cakes onto a rack to cool completely.STEP 6While you wait, start preparing the frosting. Beat together 85g ripe avocado flesh and 85g dairy-free sunflower spread with electric beaters until creamy and smooth. Pass through a sieve and set aside.STEP 7Melt 200g dairy-free chocolate, either over a bowl of water or in the microwave, then let it cool for a few mins.STEP 8Sift 25g cocoa powder into a large bowl. Bring 125ml unsweetened soya milk to a simmer, then gradually beat into the cocoa until smooth. Cool for a few mins.STEP 9Tip in the avocado mix, 200g sifted icing sugar, melted chocolate and 1 tsp vanilla, and keep mixing to make a shiny, thick frosting. Use this to sandwich and top the cake.STEP 10Cover with sprinkles or your own decoration, then leave to set for 10 mins before slicing. Can be made 2 days ahead.
