Sometimes you just need a small cake. A simple single 8 inch layer will do. This will answer that call.

This chocolate cake is my go to cake. It's cocoa based, which I always have in the pantry and it's easily vegan. Just use water or coffee instead of milk. No eggs in the house? No problem!

Want a dairy free icing? A cooked frosting made with coconut milk and a non dairy fat will make a delicious cake for the lactose intolerant, vegan friends!

Cooked frosting is probably that frosting you've been trying to make but just didn't know what it is. It's the one granny used to make. It was fussier back in the day. More because flour needed sifted. Original recipes will have you add the sugar to the cold flour mixture which if you weren't careful would sometime remain granular. I add it to the milk and flour roux after the flour is cooked. The heat absolutely melts the sugar and helps cool the mixture quicker. 

Cocoa Snack Cake

1 1/2 cups flour
1 cup sugar
3 tablespoons cocoa
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking soda

6 tablespoons oil
1 tablespoon cider vineagar
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup water, cold coffee or milk

1 8 inch pan.
Preheat oven 350 degrees.

In a bowl combine the dry ingredients. Whisk together. Then add the oil, vinegar, vanilla and cold liquid.

Stir quickly, but thoroughly. Pour into prepared pan. Bake 25-30 minutes.

Cooked Frosting

Enough for a single layer. Double the recipe to make frosting for 2 layers, or a 13x9. 

2 tablespoons flour
1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup suar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
pinch of salt
4 ounces butter, room temperature

In a saucepan, a pan with a rounded bottom, combine the flour and milk. Cook over moderate heat while constantly whisking. When a smooth paste is established and it looks like it can't thicken further off the heat. Add the sugar, salt and vanilla. Whisk. It will look like a gooey pudding. Allow it to cool.

Using mixer whip the mixture. Add the butter a few pieces at a time until it is all incorporated. Whip a little longer.

Note that if you use coconut milk, the gooey pudding mixture will look a little greyish. When it's whipped with the fat (coconut shortening or vegetable shortening) the color lightens significantly and looks appetizing.

Frost cake and enjoy.