Gluten-Free Chocolate Cake (Rich, Moist & Foolproof)
This gluten-free chocolate cake is deeply chocolatey, soft, and incredibly moist—no dry crumbs or gritty texture here. Made with simple pantry ingredients and a reliable gluten-free flour blend, this cake proves that baking without gluten doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor or texture.
Perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or everyday treats, this cake pairs beautifully with chocolate frosting, whipped cream, or a dusting of powdered sugar. Even guests who don’t eat gluten-free will never guess it’s made without wheat flour.
Why You’ll Love This Gluten-Free Chocolate Cake
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Rich, intense chocolate flavor
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Soft, tender crumb (not crumbly or dry)
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Easy one-bowl method
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Naturally gluten-free base
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Perfect for layers, cupcakes, or sheet cake
This recipe is beginner-friendly and forgiving, making it ideal for gluten-free bakers of all experience levels.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
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1 ¾ cups gluten-free all-purpose flour (with xanthan gum)
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¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
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1 ½ cups granulated sugar
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1 teaspoon baking powder
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1 teaspoon baking soda
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½ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
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2 large eggs (room temperature)
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½ cup vegetable oil or melted butter
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1 cup milk or dairy-free milk
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2 teaspoons vanilla extract
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1 cup hot brewed coffee or hot water
Choosing the Right Gluten-Free Flour
For best results, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that contains xanthan gum. This helps replace the structure normally provided by gluten. If your blend does not include it, add ¾ teaspoon xanthan gum to the dry ingredients.
Avoid single flours like almond or coconut flour on their own—they require a completely different ratio of liquids and won’t work properly in this recipe.
How to Make Gluten-Free Chocolate Cake
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 175°C / 350°F. Grease and line a 9-inch round cake pan (or two 8-inch pans) with parchment paper.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the gluten-free flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Break up any cocoa clumps for an even batter.
Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients
Add eggs, oil, milk, and vanilla to the bowl. Mix until smooth and well combined. The batter will be thick at this stage.
Step 4: Add Hot Liquid
Slowly pour in the hot coffee (or water), mixing continuously. The batter will become thin—this is normal and creates a moist cake.
Step 5: Bake
Pour the batter into the prepared pan(s). Bake for:
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35–40 minutes for one 9-inch pan
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25–30 minutes for two 8-inch pans
A toothpick inserted into the center should come out with a few moist crumbs.
Allow cakes to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips for a Perfect Gluten-Free Chocolate Cake
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Do not overbake—gluten-free cakes dry out faster
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Use room-temperature eggs for a smoother batter
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Let the batter rest 5 minutes before baking for better hydration
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Use hot coffee to enhance chocolate flavor (it won’t taste like coffee)
Chocolate Frosting (Optional)
Ingredients
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½ cup butter or dairy-free butter, softened
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⅔ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
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3 cups powdered sugar
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⅓ cup milk or dairy-free milk
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Method
Beat all ingredients until smooth and fluffy. Add more milk if needed for spreading consistency.
Variations
Dairy-Free
Use plant-based milk and dairy-free butter or oil.
Vegan
Replace eggs with ½ cup unsweetened applesauce or 2 flax eggs.
Gluten-Free Chocolate Cupcakes
Divide batter into lined muffin tins and bake at 175°C / 350°F for 18–22 minutes.
Extra Chocolate
Fold in ½ cup gluten-free chocolate chips before baking.
Storage & Freezing
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Room temperature: 2 days (covered)
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Refrigerator: Up to 5 days
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Freezer: Wrap unfrosted cake tightly and freeze up to 2 months
What to Serve with Gluten-Free Chocolate Cake
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Fresh berries
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Vanilla ice cream
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Whipped cream
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Raspberry or cherry compote
Final Thoughts
This gluten-free chocolate cake is proof that gluten-free baking can be just as indulgent and satisfying as traditional baking. Rich, moist, and deeply chocolatey, it’s a recipe you’ll want to keep on hand for every celebration.