slice of chocolate cake and pieces of chocolate on a wood platter, illustrating a dairy free chocolate cake recipe
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A Family Classic: The Moist, Easy Chocolate Cake (Dairy Free)

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A few years ago, while flipping through the pages of our old family cookbook, I stumbled upon a recipe that caught my eye. It wasn’t just the idea of a chocolate cake that piqued my interest—though, let’s be honest, chocolate cake will always grab my attention.

No, what really stood out was the small star inked in the margin beside the recipe. I asked my mom about it, and she immediately smiled, transported back to our childhood.

“That was my go-to chocolate cake recipe,” she said, her eyes twinkling with the memories. “Anytime we had a birthday party or a family dinner where chocolate cake was on the menu, this was the one I used. It always turned out moist and delicious, so I never had to worry about the end result.”

And just like that, I was reminded of all the birthday parties and special dinners we’d had growing up, with this chocolate cake at the center of it all. As soon as she mentioned it, I could almost taste the rich, chocolatey goodness, always perfectly moist, and topped with her signature cream cheese icing.

Of course, we didn’t appreciate it at the time—we were just kids, after all—but looking back, it’s clear that this cake was more than just a dessert. It was a tradition, a small but significant part of our family’s celebrations.

The best part? This cake is dairy-free. That’s right—whether you’re lactose intolerant, have a dairy allergy, or are simply looking to cut down on dairy, this cake is perfect for you. No substitutions or adjustments needed; the recipe was naturally dairy-free from the start.

It’s a rare find, especially for something as decadent and satisfying as chocolate cake.

chocolate cake batter in a silver bowl illustrating a dairy free chocolate cake recipe

A Chocolate Cake That Stands the Test of Time

One of the things I love most about this cake is how it’s stood the test of time. So many recipes from our childhood have been lost to the tides of time—either because they were too complicated, or they just didn’t hold up to our adult taste buds.

But this cake is different. It’s simple enough to whip up on a busy weeknight, yet delicious enough to serve at a special occasion.

I can see why my mom loved making it so much. The ingredients are basic, things you probably already have in your pantry, and the steps are straightforward. There’s no need for fancy equipment or techniques. Just mix, pour, and bake.

And because it’s naturally dairy-free, there’s no need to worry about substitutions or complicated adjustments. It’s a cake that anyone can make, regardless of dietary restrictions.

But perhaps the most important reason this cake has stood the test of time is because of how moist and flavorful it is. There’s nothing worse than a dry chocolate cake, but with this recipe, you never have to worry about that.

The cake comes out perfectly moist every single time, with a deep, rich chocolate flavor that’s sure to satisfy even the most serious chocolate cravings.

The Perfect Pairing: Cream Cheese Icing

Of course, no cake is complete without icing, and in our family, that means cream cheese icing. There’s something about the tangy sweetness of cream cheese that pairs perfectly with the rich, chocolatey goodness of this cake. It’s a combination that’s hard to beat, and one that I find myself craving whenever I make this cake.

Now, you might be wondering—how does cream cheese icing fit into a dairy-free cake? The answer is simple: just use dairy-free cream cheese.

These days, there are so many great dairy-free options available, you won’t even notice the difference. The icing will still be just as creamy and delicious, with that signature tang that makes it the perfect topping for this cake.

If you’re feeling adventurous, you could also try topping the cake with a simple dusting of powdered sugar, or even a dairy-free ganache. But for me, it’s always going to be cream cheese icing. It’s the way my mom made it, and it’s the way I’ll continue to make it for years to come.

Moist, Easy Chocolate Cake (Dairy Free)

Recipe by Jessie
0.0 from 0 votes
Course: DessertDifficulty: Easy
Servings

15

servings
Prep time

15

minutes
Cooking time

50

minutes

This moist and easy chocolate cake is a timeless family favorite, known for its rich flavor and simplicity. Naturally dairy-free, it’s perfect for those with dietary restrictions or anyone looking for a delicious dessert.

Ingredients

  • 2 c sugar

  • 1/2 c vegetable oil

  • 2 eggs

  • 2 1/3 c flour*

  • 2 tsp baking powder

  • 2 tsp baking soda

  • 1/2 c cocoa powder

  • 1/4 tsp salt

  • 2 tsp vanilla extract

  • 2 c boiling water

Directions

  • Beat together eggs, oil, sugar, and vanilla.
  • Sift dry ingredients together, and add to the liquid mixture.
  • Quickly add the boiling water and mix thoroughly.
  • Pour into greased and floured 9×13 inch baking pan or two 9” round pans. 
  • Bake at 325°F (163°C) for 50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  • Cool and ice with your favorite icing (I highly recommend cream cheese frosting!)

Notes

  • *make sure this is no more than 2 1/3 c flour; err on the side of a little less, if needed.

A Cake for Every Occasion

Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, hosting a family dinner, or just craving something sweet, this chocolate cake is the perfect choice. It’s a recipe that’s been passed down through generations, and one that I’m excited to share with you.

So next time you’re in the mood for something sweet, give this cake a try. I promise you won’t be disappointed.

Not only is it moist, flavorful, and easy to make, but it’s also a little slice of family history. And in my opinion, that’s what makes it truly special.

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