Chocolate birthday cake

Ingredients

• 200g self raising wholemeal flour
• 2 heaped tsp baking powder
• 25g cocoa
• 75g Barbados sugar
• 100ml vegetable oil
• 550-750ml cold water
• 1 bar vegan plain chocolate

Method

1. Place all ingredients except chocolate in food processor. Mix thoroughly for a few seconds. 
2. Place mixture in greased tin and bake for 30 mins at 180C, 350F or gas mark 4 in two round cake tins. 
3. Remove from oven and allow to cool a little before removing from tin. Remove from tin and cool completely on wire rack.
4. Melt bar of chocolate in a double bowl and spread on top of cake. Allow to set overnight for best results. 
5. Mix icing sugar with a little hot water to a soft consistency. Ice top of the cake with HAPPY BIRTHDAY or decorate with vegan chocolate buttons.

This recipe can either be made as described, or used as a basis for creative birthday cake making e.g. bake in a round tin and decorate with coloured icing to make a clown's face. Vegan cakes can be as imaginative and exciting as any non-vegan counterpart!