Birthday Cake Nightmare

For Amaya's First Birthday I really wanted her to have cake she could eat, and that all the guests would actually enjoy. I went through 7 recipies/mixes. I tell you now, don't waste your money on the boxed mixes that are allergen free, they taste like crap. Some cake mixes are dairy free but when you use the egg replacer they fall apart. Instead, I have two really good recipies for you:


WACKY CHOCOLATE CAKE
This cake was popular during the depression because it actually tasted good without the eggs and milk!

3 cups flour
2 cups sugar
1/3 cup cocoa
2 tsp baking soda
1/2 cup oil
2 Tbsp vinegar
2 cups cold water
1 Tbsp vanilla

Sift the dry ingredients together then blend in the liquid ingredents. Bake in a greased 9 x 13" cake pan at 350 for 35-38 minutes. You'll know it's done when a toothpick comes out clean and it feels bouncy when patted in the middle.


VEGAN GERMAN CHOCOLATE CAKE

My sister's vegan friend contributed this recipie and it really does taste great!

1 1/2 cup unbleached flour
1 cup granulated sweetner (sugar or substitute)
3 Tbsp cocoa powder
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp vanilla
1 Tbsp lemon juice
5 Tbsp oil
1 cup cold water
1/2 cup chocolate chips (dairy free) - optional

Preheat oven to 350. Combine flour, sugar, cocoa, and baking soda. Stir in vanilla, lemon juice, oil, water, and chocolate chips. Spoon into a greased and floured 9 inch cake pan and bake for 25-35 minutes. Remove from pan and let cool.

FROSTING
1/2 cup margarine (like Nucoa or other dairy free)
3/4 cup granulated sweetner (sugar or sweetner)
1 1/2 cup shredded coconut
1 cup chopped pecans
1/2 cup soy milk
1 tsp vanilla

While cake is baking, boil together the frosting ingredients over medium-high heat for 12 minutes, stirring frequently. Pour and spread on cake while frosting is still warm and let it set before serving.