Vegan Chocolate Cake

Steps

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1. 1
   Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C) with rack positioned in the center. Prepare a 9×13 inch (23×33 cm) baking pan by spraying with cooking oil, lining the bottom with parchment paper, spraying the paper, and flouring the entire interior. Tap out excess flour.
   ▶ ≈1:03
2. 2
   Sift flour, cocoa powder, salt, baking powder, and baking soda into a large bowl. Add white sugar and whisk until well combined.
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3. 3
   Zest 1 lemon over the dry ingredients. Add oil, vanilla, vinegar, applesauce, and hot boiling water. Mix gently with a rubber spatula until dry ingredients are moistened, then switch to a whisk and continue mixing for about 30 seconds until smooth and lump-free. Do not overmix.
   ▶ ≈3:24
4. 4
   Pour batter into prepared pan and bake on the center rack for 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
   ▶ ≈8:15
5. 5
   Remove from oven and let cool completely in the pan for about 2 hours. If not using immediately, cover the pan with plastic wrap to keep the cake moist.
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6. 6
   For the glaze, combine powdered sugar, cocoa powder, vanilla, and water in a bowl and whisk until smooth. Transfer to a plastic piping bag, snip a small corner with scissors, and drizzle decoratively over the cooled cake.
   ▶ ≈9:15
7. 7
   Let glaze set before cutting cake into squares. Serve and enjoy, optionally garnished with fresh strawberries or toasted almonds.
   ▶ ≈11:11