The Taste: Vegan Gluten Free Cake: Chocolate Edition
This vegan gluten free cake is one of the most popular on the internet for a reason. Its GOOD. Like, hella good.
The Vegan Gluten Free Chocolate Cake: is moist and fluffy with rich, deep chocolate flavor and the perfect crumb. Its not too light and not too denselanding somewhere perfectly in between.
The Vegan Chocolate Frosting: rich, creamy and delightfully chocolatey. While the cake portion of this vegan GF cake is lightly sweet, the 2 ingredient vegan chocolate frosting is on the sweeter, creamier side to balance out the dark chocolate flavors of the cake.
Together, these two components make for the best vegan gluten free cake recipe ever. Try if for yourself and see.
Notes On The Ingredients
Apple Cider Vinegar+ Soy Milk: this is for preparing the vegan buttermilk. Regular vinegar & any vegan milk will also work if you dont have apple cider vinegar or soy milk . It gives it with quintessential buttermilk chocolate cake flavour.
Brown Sugar: you can also use cane sugar. The sugar of course not only adds sweetness but the moisture needed for the cake.
Bobs Red Mill Gluten Free 1-to-1 Baking Flour: this has been and will always be my go to! I love the perfect blend of gluten free flours found in this and how easy it makes gluten free baking for me . No guesswork, just weighing it out, and moving right along. I love how Bobs Red Mills quality is always reliable and that even after years of purchasing their products, I always get the same top notch results each time.
Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: I recommend regular high quality unsweetened cocoa powder, not dutch processed cocoa powder .
Baking Powder& Baking Soda: will help the cake rise, and also provide a lighter texture to the cake. Always test that its good!
Sea Salt: if you want to use regular salt, slightly reduce the amount used.
Applesauce: Ive hesitated to use applesauce in recipes because I wasnt sure how it would turn out, but let me tell you its magical! This gave the cake the perfect structure, texture and crumb while not interfering with taste.
Oil: takes the place of butter in this cake as the necessary fat, to ensure that the cake is nice and tender.
Easy Vegan Chocolate Frosting
Okay so I go back and forth: the cake is amazing, but so is the vegan chocolate buttercream frosting.
Honestly, I owe it all to the vegan butter these days. We really have it good, guys. My personal favorites for a vegan buttercream frosting are Flora Plant Butter and Miyokos Creamery. Both are soy free, which I personally like and try to go with.
However, I know many use Earth Balance baking sticks, and love those. Do NOT use the tub of Earth Balance. It will not work
Either way, the vegan butter these days acts just like regular butter. So to make a vegan chocolate buttercream frosting, youre essentially just making a chocolate buttercream frosting!
For the chocolate buttercream, youll need:
- Powdered sugar*
I put the * there because you can actually make this vegan chocolate cake entirely refined sugar free. To do so, I make a powdered sugar from coconut sugar by just pulsing it in the food processor until its really fine.
Then just use it as you would regular powdered sugar!
For more tips and tricks on how to make the best vegan chocolate frosting, check out my vegan chocolate buttercream blog post.
Read Also: Sabatasso’s Gluten Free Four Cheese Pizza
The Perfect Vegan Birthday Cake
If you were looking for an allergy-friendly chocolate cake for a birthday, then look no further. This vegan and gluten-free chocolate cake is a wonderful birthday cake because normally everyone loves chocolate, not only kids but also adults. A moist and rich chocolate cake was always my favorite birthday cake. I mean, you can never have enough chocolate in your life, right?! I hope you will give it a try and surprise your loved ones with this eggless chocolate cake for their birthdays.
Easy Vegan Chocolate Cake
To make this Vegan Chocolate Cake, all you need are just a few simple basic ingredients that you may already have on hand. You do not require eggs or any dairy ingredients, so its dairy-free and egg-free. A combination of baking soda, baking powder + apple cider vinegar helps the cake rise, and also keeps it delightfully fluffy. All you need to do is to combine the wet with the dry ingredients. Simply melt chocolate, mix and bake. It couldnt be simpler.
Recommended Reading: What Cookies Are Gluten Free
Vegan Flourless Chocolate Cake
Rich, fudgy, and delicious, this Vegan Flourless Chocolate Cake is gluten-free and also kosher for passover! Made with almond flour and two kinds of chocolate, this lush cake is the perfect feels-fancy dessert thats easy to make at home.
Part of my recipe ebook Plant-Based Jewish Recipes! Click the link to learn more.
This post may contain affiliate links. See our disclosure policy for details.
Hey Internet, theres just some days when you need chocolate. Apparently every day is that day for me, lol.
Most days, some banana ice cream with cacao powder or dates dipped in melted chocolate does it for me, but some days I need something with a bit more OOMPH.
And man, this vegan flourless chocolate cake has oomph in spades!
It is so decadent and fudgy and amazing, and theres no flour, no baking powder, no baking soda, no oil, and no eggs.
But holy crap, is it good. Its also super easy to make.
I mean, also, chocolate. Hi, hello, I love you.
It doesnt make a huge portion, and I actually consider that a good thing since its so rich and decadent. However, its easily doubled if you need to make more.
This vegan flourless cake is like a brownie married a cake, and boy is it ever delicious.
And the raspberry sauce on top is optional, but the tartness of the raspberry cuts through the rich dark flavor of the chocolate and makes this an AMAZING dessert.
Without further ado, lets jump in.
More Delicious Recipes For You To Try:
If you are after some more delicious vegan sweet treats, here are some more of our favourite recipes for you to try:
This Vegan Chocolate Cake is a great cake which is quickly and easily made. There are so many ways to enjoy it. It is ideal for morning/afternoon tea, to take on a picnic or to a potluck, or enjoy as a dessert. You can whip it up in very little time with ingredients that you most likely have on hand. A winner!
Please enjoy this cake, and let me know in the comments below if you make it!
Alex xx
This post was originally published in August 2018. It has been updated with new photos and more information. The recipe remains the same.
I have adapted this recipe from Sweet Little Bluebird.
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Who Says You Cant Have Your Vegan Gluten Free Chocolate Cake And Eat It Too
Ignore the haters! Haha. Just, dont think that you cant have your vegan gluten free cake and actually eat it too. This ones not gummy, not weird, and totally can sneak by as a traditional chocolate cake. If you make this recipe, make sure to leave a comment and rating below. You know I love hearing from you! Til our next sweet adventure
Sending you all my love and maybe even a dove, xo Demeter
Why We Love This Recipe:
This Vegan Chocolate Cake is moist, rich and chocolatey and it just happens to be vegan!
As well, it is quickly and easily made from everyday ingredients which you most likely have on hand now.
This delicious cake can be enjoyed by many people with specific dietary requirements. With its fine, moist, texture, it is difficult to believe that it is free of eggs, dairy, gluten and nuts.
This is not a tall cake. If you are looking for a cake with some height for a special occasion I suggest that you make two cakes and join them together. You could, for example, frost the top layer and put some frosting and sliced strawberries in the centre.
If you specifically want to make a Vegan Chocolate Cake, this is a go-to recipe. However, it is also a great recipe to have in your collection for times when you are planning to make a chocolate cake and discover that you are out of eggs or butter!
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Main Ingredients And Substitutions
This refined sugar-free chocolate cake is sweetened with date paste and doesnt contain any white sugar. Date paste is easy to make all you need are dates, some boiling water, and a blender or food processor. See my date paste recipe for exact instructions.
I used gluten-free oat flour in this recipe which I make at home by filling my food processor with rolled oats and processing them for a couple of minutes until it reaches a flour consistency. You can find oat flour at many grocery stores or purchase it online if youd rather save that step. Or you can substitute gluten-free all purpose flour if you prefer.
This recipe calls for a flax egg, which is simple to make and works well as a vegan egg substitute. To make a flax egg, combine 1 tablespoon of ground flax seeds with 3 tablespoons of cold water, then let the mixture thicken in the fridge for 10 minutes.
This gluten-free date cake cake gets its chocolate flavor from unsweetened cocoa powder. Any type of unsweetened cocoa powder will work well in this recipe. Dutch process cocoa powder and natural cocoa powder are the two main types youll find in grocery stores and either will work in this recipe.
Extra virgin olive oil give this cake a rich texture and warm flavor. You can substitute any other oil you prefer. Avocado oil or melted coconut oil are good alternatives.
Two Frosting Options For This Chocolate Date Cake
Ive included two different frosting options that pair well with this vegan date cake. The first is a nut-free version that turned out delicious. It has a bold, chocolate flavor and just the right amount of sweetness perfect for dark chocolate lovers.
The second frosting is a vegan chocolate buttercream that turned out rich and creamy, its hard to believe it doesnt contain any refined sugar or dairy. I used soaked and blended cashews to give this frosting a buttery consistency and richness. Cashews are commonly used in vegan cooking and are a wonderful plant-based ingredient that, when soaked and blended, mimic the textures and flavors of butter, cream, and other dairy products.
Read Also: How Do You Test For Gluten Intolerance
This Is Truly The Best Gluten Free Vegan Chocolate Cake Recipe:
This easy chocolate cake is:
- Naturally eggless, dairy free, and gluten free
- Super easy to make and stress-free
- Perfect for all occasions
- Easily made into cupcakes or muffins
- Super rich and chocolatey while being refined sugar free
- Perfect for the healthier eater or someone who wants to try something new!
- Friendly to both beginning and advanced bakers
- Great for first birthday smash cakes!
- your new favorite chocolate cake recipe!
Youre just going to absolutely love this easy vegan chocolate cake recipe, and your family will too!
Making Of The Frosting
Add the cocoa powder, vegan butter, 2 ½ cups of the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, sea salt and half the vegan milk to the bowl of an electric stand mixer or a hand mixer. Start mixing it together at slow speed, gradually increasing speed until its very thick and smooth. Add the ½ cup of the extra powdered sugar at a time until it reaches your desired thickness and consistency. If needed, add in the other half of the milk about 1 tablespoon at a time.
Frost cakes and decorate . Decorate with some shaved chocolate or extra cocoa powder! The frosting sets at room temperature perfectly. Slice and enjoy!
Also Check: How To Tell If You Are Gluten Intolerant
Can You Scale Up The Recipe To Make A Larger Cake
Yes!!! This recipe makes a small batch 6-inch/15cm cake, which serves about 4-6 people , but you can definitely scale up the recipe.
To make a larger 8-inch/20cm cake, just double the recipe .
And there you have it: the most perfect, outrageously delicious gluten free vegan chocolate cake thats easy to make and that youll want to make over and over again.
I hope youll love it as much as I do.
Happy baking!
Ingredients In This Recipe:
Please see the recipe card further along in the post for exact quantities of ingredients and the full method.
For the Vegan Chocolate Cake:
All-purpose gluten free flour I have used a commercial gluten-free all-purpose flour which is made from a blend of naturally occurring gluten-free flours. However, you can substitute regular all-purpose flour if you dont need the cake to be gluten-free. Our gluten-free flour blends contain either xanthan or guar gum to stabilise and provide structure to our recipes.
Caster/superfine sugar As the name suggests, it is finer in texture than regular granulated sugar and therefore, it dissolves more readily.
Dutch processed cocoa I use unsweetened Dutch Processed Cocoa. It gives a lovely rich, chocolatey colour and deep flavour. Check that the cocoa you use does not contain animal products.
Salt a small amount of salt boosts the flavours in baked goods.
Baking soda/bicarbonate of soda this is not baking powder. Together with the vinegar, it assists as a raising agent.
Vanilla extract use vanilla which has been naturally extracted from vanilla beans and not one which is synthetically flavoured.
Vinegar use white wine or apple cider vinegar. The acidity of the vinegar reacts with the baking soda and helps to leaven the cake.
Vegetable oil use a flavourless oil. I used Grapeseed oil.
Water adds moisture.
For the Vegan Chocolate Frosting:
Vegan margarine I used Nuttelex.
Water to mix the frosting.
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How To Make The Cake
Scroll down to the bottom of the post for the full recipe.
- Mix together all the ingredients for the sponge in a glass mixing bowl.
Tip: Use a measuring jug to measure out the milk.
Tip: Line the tins with greased baking paper to make the sponges easier to take out after.
- Bake in the oven for 15 minutes.
- Transfer the sponges onto a cooling rack to cool down before applying the frosting.
Vegan Gluten Free Chocolate Cake Recipe
This Vegan Gluten Free Chocolate Cake Recipe is an ABSOLUTE hit! Its moist, decadent, fluffy and made with easy pantry ingredients so anyone can make this! Its foolproof, has the perfect texture and is bound to please!
This post is sponsored by Bobs Red Mill! Thanks for supporting the brands that support Jessica in the Kitchen! All thoughts and opinions are my own!
This Vegan Gluten Free Chocolate Cake has been requested so many times that it would simply be a disservice not to come out with it! Based on my reader favourite vegan chocolate cake, this cake is beautifully sturdy, moist, has the perfect texture and is very foolproof! I tested this cake under so many different circumstances and I can say its probably my easiest chocolate dessert to date.
I know youre used to me saying this but it does *not* taste gluten free. This cake was an absolute favourite amongst all my family who dove right in and were shocked when I mentioned it was gluten free. I used my favourite Bobs Red Mill as usual for this masterpiece and as usual, it did wowed me.
Read Also: Kid Friendly Gluten Free Dairy Free Recipes
What Causes A Gluten
If your temperature is too high, or your cake is placed in the oven too high your cake may bake up into a high, cracked dome.
The heat of baking activates the baking powder and causes it to release carbon dioxide, which forms bubbles and raises the cake.
If your oven is too hot, that process is sped up. Make sure to place your cake in the center, and regularly check your oven’s temperature.
Gluten Free Vegan Chocolate Cake
For vegan chocolate frosting:
- In a saucepan, heat 1/2 cup of the coconut cream until boiling hot.
- Place the chopped dark chocolate in a heat-proof bowl, and pour over the boiling hot coconut cream. Allow to sit for 5 minutes, then stir it well until you get a glossy, dark, intense chocolate ganache. Allow to cool until only slightly warm.
- In a separate bowl, place the other 1/2 cup of coconut cream. This should be at room temperature or only very slightly cold. Slowly , stir the chocolate ganache into the coconut cream. At the end, you should be left with a smooth, easily spreadable frosting ideal for decorating.
Assembly:
- Layer the sponges together with the frosting, like in the pictures above.NOTE: Be sure to work relatively quickly use the frosting as soon as possible after preparing it, as it tends to firm up slightly on standing, which makes it difficult to spread.
Storage:
- The gluten free vegan chocolate cake keeps well in a closed container in a cool dry place for 3 – 4 days.
Read Also: Are Chipotle Sofritas Gluten Free
How To Make A Vegan Chocolate Cake
I really want to debunk this myth that vegan baking is hard, so let this be the recipe that shows you how easy a vegan chocolate cake can be. And if you want to make it a gluten free chocolate cake as well, we have that option!
To make a vegan chocolate cake, you can break it down into three basic steps:
