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Gluten-Free Chocolate Cake

easy gluten free chocolate cake recipe

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This easy gluten-free chocolate cake recipe is a game-changer! It’s a one-bowl wonder that tastes just like the real thing, even for those who aren’t gluten-free.

Ingredients

Scale

2 ⅔ cups sifted Gluten-Free All-Purpose Baking Flour (I used Bob’s Red Mill 1:1, which I highly suggest)

1 cup sifted cocoa powder

1 ½ teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon baking soda

½ teaspoon salt

1 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)

1 cup white sugar

¾ cup light brown sugar

3 eggs

1 teaspoon vinegar (white or apple cider)

1 tablespoon vanilla extract

⅔ cup oil (safflower, canola, refined avocado, etc.)

1 cup hot brewed coffee or boiling water

For the Buttercream:

¾ cup butter (1 ½ sticks)

½ cup sifted cocoa powder

35 cups sifted powdered sugar (adjust to get your desired consistency)

24 tbsp milk (dairy or non-dairy)

2 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare either 1 9×13 cake pan or 2 round 8-inch cake pans. Spray the bottom(s) with oil then add parchment paper just to the bottom.
  • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together all wet ingredients aside from the coffee/boiling water.
  • Whisk in the sifted dry ingredients.
  • Pour in the coffee or boiling water and whisk until combined. The batter will be fairly thin.
  • Add the batter to the prepared cake pan. If making a layer cake, try to measure each cake as equally as possible, or use a kitchen scale for best results.
  • Bake for 35-45 minutes for a sheet cake, 32-37 minutes for a layer cake, or until a toothpick comes out clean. All ovens are different so just keep an eye on it.
  • Let cool in the pan(s) for about 10-20 minutes, then carefully flip onto a cooling rack. They should slide right out, then peel off the bottom parchment paper and flip back so they’re upright.
  • Let cool completely before frosting. To make the buttercream, add softened/room temperature butter to a bowl of a stand mixer or a large bowl with a handheld mixer and beat until smooth and creamy. Beat in the sifted cocoa powder. Beat in the sifted powdered sugar, one cup at a time until your desired consistency is reached. Finally, beat in the milk and vanilla until well combined. Frost the cake and add sprinkles if desired. Enjoy!

Notes

  • For the buttercream, you can use more or less cocoa powder to get your desired color and chocolate richness.
  • I strongly recommend sticking with the Bob’s Red Mill 1:1 Baking Flour, but if you like another GF flour blend, you are welcome to use it, just make sure it has xanthan gum!
  • I do not recommend the Trader Joe’s cocoa powder. The flavor is very mild and it does not absorb the wet ingredients very well.
  • Don’t forget to rate this recipe and leave a comment below! I love hearing from you and seeing your creations. Tag me on Instagram if you make it!

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