Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- No Baking Required: Perfect for warm days or when you want to keep things simple in the kitchen.
- Rich and Fudgy Texture: Delivers an indulgent chocolate experience with every bite.
- Customizable: Easily adaptable to be nut-free or infused with different flavors like peppermint or orange.
- Minimal Ingredients: Requires only eight simple ingredients, making it convenient and budget-friendly.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- For the Crust:
- Raw sunflower seed kernels
- Fine sea salt
- Unsweetened cocoa powder
- Ground espresso or finely ground coffee (optional)
- Maple syrup
- For the Filling:
- Semi-sweet dairy-free chocolate chips
- Light canned coconut milk (or other creamy plant milk)
- Natural nut or seed butter (e.g., almond butter; use sunflower seed or pumpkin seed butter for nut-free option)
- Vanilla extract
- Ground espresso or finely ground coffee (optional)
- Unsweetened cocoa powder
- Fine sea salt
- For Decoration:
- Dairy-free dark chocolate bar (for chocolate curls)
Directions
- Prepare the Crust:
- In a food processor, blend the raw sunflower seed kernels until finely ground.
- Add fine sea salt, unsweetened cocoa powder, and optional ground espresso; process until combined.
- Drizzle in maple syrup and pulse until the mixture forms sticky clumps.
- Press the crust mixture evenly into a lined 6-inch springform pan.
- Prepare the Filling:
- Melt the semi-sweet dairy-free chocolate chips with light coconut milk until smooth.
- In the food processor, combine the melted chocolate mixture with natural nut or seed butter, vanilla extract, optional ground espresso, unsweetened cocoa powder, and fine sea salt; process until completely smooth.
- Pour the filling over the prepared crust, smoothing the top.
- Chill:
- Refrigerate the cake until fully set, at least 2 to 4 hours or overnight.
- Decorate:
- Create chocolate curls by using a vegetable peeler on a room-temperature dairy-free dark chocolate bar.
- Sprinkle the chocolate curls over the chilled cake before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Chilling Time: 2 to 4 hours (or overnight)
- Total Time: Approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes to 4 hours and 15 minutes
Variations
- Flavor Infusions: Omit the espresso and add ½ to ¾ teaspoon of peppermint or orange extract to the filling for a festive twist.
- Nut-Free Option: Use sunflower seed or pumpkin seed butter instead of nut butter.
- Toppings: Consider adding fresh berries, chopped nuts, or a drizzle of vegan caramel sauce on top.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Keep the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
- Freezing: Wrap the cake tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
- Reheating: This cake is best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature; reheating is not recommended.
FAQs
What can I use instead of sunflower seed kernels for the crust?
You can substitute raw almonds or cashews if you’re not avoiding nuts.
Can I make this cake without the espresso?
Yes, omitting the espresso will result in a pure chocolate flavor.
Is there a substitute for coconut milk in the filling?
Any creamy plant-based milk like cashew or oat milk can be used.
How do I make chocolate curls without a vegetable peeler?
A paring knife can be used to scrape along the edge of a chocolate bar to create curls.
Can I use sweetened cocoa powder?
It’s best to use unsweetened cocoa powder to control the sweetness of the cake.
How long can I store this cake in the fridge?
The cake can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Can I add fruit to the filling?
Adding fruit may alter the texture; it’s best to use fruit as a topping instead.
What size pan is ideal for this recipe?
A 6-inch springform pan is recommended for this cake.
Can I use a different sweetener instead of maple syrup?
Maple syrup adds a unique flavor; substituting it may change the taste and texture.
Is this cake suitable for people with nut allergies?
Yes, by using seed butter and ensuring all other ingredients are nut-free, this cake can be made suitable for those with nut
No Bake Chocolate Cake
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes to 4 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Indulge in a decadent No Bake Chocolate Cake that’s rich, fudgy, and naturally gluten-free. Perfect for vegans and easily made nut-free, this chocolate dessert requires minimal effort and no oven. With customizable flavors like peppermint or orange, this cake is a must-try for any chocolate lover.
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 1 cup raw sunflower seed kernels
- 1/4 tsp fine sea salt
- 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp ground espresso or finely ground coffee (optional)
- 2–3 tbsp maple syrup
For the Filling:
- 1 1/2 cups semi-sweet dairy-free chocolate chips
- 3/4 cup light canned coconut milk (or other creamy plant milk)
- 1/3 cup natural nut or seed butter (sunflower or pumpkin seed butter for nut-free option)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp ground espresso or finely ground coffee (optional)
- 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/8 tsp fine sea salt
For Decoration:
- 1 dairy-free dark chocolate bar (for chocolate curls)
Instructions
. Prepare the Crust:
- Blend sunflower seed kernels in a food processor until finely ground.
- Add sea salt, cocoa powder, and optional espresso; process until mixed.
- Drizzle in maple syrup and pulse until sticky clumps form.
- Press the mixture into a lined 6-inch springform pan.
2. Prepare the Filling:
- Melt chocolate chips with coconut milk until smooth.
- In a food processor, blend the melted mixture with seed/nut butter, vanilla, cocoa powder, espresso, and salt until smooth.
- Pour filling over the crust and smooth the top.
3. Chill:
- Refrigerate for 2-4 hours or overnight until fully set.
4. Decorate:
- Use a vegetable peeler to make chocolate curls from a dark chocolate bar. Sprinkle over the chilled cake before serving.
Notes
- To make it nut-free, use sunflower or pumpkin seed butter.
- For a festive twist, replace espresso with peppermint or orange extract.
- Top with fresh berries or vegan caramel for extra flair.
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks or freeze for 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake