Gluten-Free Chocolate Cake for All Your Celebrations

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Gluten free chocolate cake - topped with fresh figs

This is the gluten free chocolate cake recipe you have been looking for. It is so rich, so chocolatey, and SO EASY to make. It’s been our go-to cake for all of our birthday celebrations for years. Once you try it, it’ll be yours too.

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Images and text updated 8/20/23

Gluten free chocolate cake - slice of

Friends, there is no need to settle, because I can introduce you to the onethe one who will restore your faith and hope, the one who will give you comfort in times of need, the one who will be the hit at the party, and the one who will steal your heart.

I met the one quite a few years back, before I was gluten-free. I too, had settled for something that was inferior, thinking that my needs would really never be met. But I decided to set out again, in an effort to find the happiness I deserved. And it took some time, but I did find true love. On the back of the Hershey’s Cocoa Powder box. It was love at first bite.

I’ll be the first to admit our love became a bit obsessive. I wanted it all the time. It was so easy to be passionate about a chocolate gluten free cake I could make from scratch in less than five minutes. I took it everywhere. It played a starring role at all of our birthday celebrations.

But then I found out I had celiac disease. I was terrified that the one I loved so much would leave me. That I would never be able to experience another love, another relationship, like I had shared with the one. But after I made the cake for the first time, using Cup4Cup flour, I realized that ours was a love that would stand the test of time. In sickness and in health. With regular flour or gluten-free flour. ‘Til death shall us part.

How to Make a Chocolate Gluten-Free Cake of Your Dreams

You guys, not only is this the best, from scratch, chocolate gluten-free cake ever, it’s also the easiest. It uses ONE bowl. And you don’t need to drag out the stand mixer, a simple whisk is all you need!

Here are the ingredients:

  • 2 cups sugar
  • 1 3/4 cups gluten-free flour blend (Bob’s Red Mill 1 to 1 or Cup4Cup are my preferences)
  • 1 teaspoon xanthan gum (omit if using the flour blends above because they already have it in the blend)
  • 3/4 cup of good quality cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon each of baking powder, baking soda, and fine sea salt
  • 1 cup whole milk (or non-dairy milk of your choosing)
  • 3 large eggs, lightly beaten
  • 1/2 cup canola oil (or avocado oil or mild olive oil)
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 1 cup of piping hot coffee or hot water

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Grease two 8-inch cake pans with gluten-free cooking spray. Set aside.
  2. Combine the sugar, flour, xanthan (if using), cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a large mixing bowl. Whisk to combine. Add the eggs, milk, oil and vanilla, and beat until smooth. Carefully whisk in the hot coffee or water. The batter will be runny.
  3. Evenly distribute the cake batter between the two prepared pans and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the middle of the cake comes out clean. Let it cool in the pans for 5 minutes, then turn out onto a rack to finish cooling completely.
Gluten free chocolate cake - slice of
Gluten free chocolate cake - with swirled chocolate frosting

Frequently Asked Questions about Gluten-Free Chocolate Fudge Cake

How to you make a gluten-free cake more moist?

This gluten-free cake is so delicious and so moist, in part due to the fat content in the milk and oil. If you chose to use a non-diary milk, make sure to use one that has a higher fat content, similar to whole milk. Another way to add moister (and lightness) to gluten-free cakes is to add an additional egg.

What gluten-free flour is best for cakes?

In this recipe, if you choose to use a flour blend, it’s best to use one that has a higher percentage of starch to whole grain. This will help keep the cake light. I prefer Cup4Cup Multipurpose Flour or Bob’s Red Mill 1 to 1. If you choose not to use a flour blend, you can substitute the flour as follows: 3/4 cup superfine brown rice flour, 1/4 cup sweet rice flour, 1/4 cup tapioca starch, 1/4 cup potato starch, 1/4 cup cornstarch.

Can gluten-free chocolate cakes be frozen?

If you want to make this cake in advance, you can decorate it then freeze it until solid, THEN wrap with plastic. It’ll keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. On the day of your event, remove cake from freezer, unwrap and let sit at room temperature for at least an hour. Each individual layer of the cake can also be wrapped and frozen before decorating. I prefer to decorate my cakes when they are frozen because it’s so much easier that way!

Does gluten-free baking powder work the same?

Yes! Most baking powders are naturally gluten-free. Some manufacturers use wheat starch, however, so be sure to always check the labels.

Tips and Tricks for Making This Chocolate Gluten Free Cake Extra Delicious

In time, I experimented with using other gluten-free flour blends (like mine). They work well…but admittedly not quite as well as Cup4Cup, which lends such a moist and tender crumb to the cake. Though the recipe is perfect as it is on the box (and truly, box recipes are usually the best tested recipes in the world), sometimes I like to mix it up a little. Usually I add hot coffee in place of the boiling water. Sometimes I add a little cinnamon and cayenne to make a Mexican chocolate cake. But however you make it, even if you have never had success with a homemade cake recipe, you can have success with this gluten-free chocolate fudge cake. Because it truly is the one.

Ready to make more gluten free cakes? Check out these recipes!

gluten free chocolate fudge cake

Did you make this gluten free chocolate cake recipe? Be sure to leave a comment and star rating below (⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐). It means a lot and helps my content get seen! Post a picture and tag us on Instagram using the hashtags #agirldefloured #deflouredrecipes! Thank you!

Gluten free chocolate cake - with swirled chocolate frosting

Gluten-Free Chocolate Fudge Cake

Alison Needham
This rich, one bowl, chocolate cake has been my go-to recipe for years. It originally came from the back of the Hershey's Cocoa Powder box, but I've adapted it to be gluten-free. I think you'll find this cake to be the one you've been looking for. Please leave a comment and star rating below! Your feedback matters – thank you! For those who prefer to cook with weight instead of cups – click the button below to toggle to metric.
5 from 9 votes
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Frosting Prep & Cake Decoration 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 10 slices
Calories 537 kcal

Equipment

Ingredients
 
 

For the Cake

For the Frosting

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Grease two 8-inch cake pans with gluten-free cooking spray. Set aside.
  • Combine the sugar, flour, xanthan (if using), cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a large mixing bowl. Whisk to combine. Add the eggs, milk, oil and vanilla, and beat until smooth. Carefully whisk in the hot coffee or water. The batter will be runny.
  • Evenly distribute the cake batter between the two prepared pans and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the middle of the cake comes out clean. Let it cool in the pans for 5 minutes, then turn out onto a rack to finish cooling completely.
  • Make the frosting. Whisk the melted butter into the cocoa powder until thoroughly combined. Alternate adding the sugar with the milk while beating until the frosting is smooth and glossy and a spreadable consistency. If the frosting seems too thick, add a splash of additional milk. If it seems too thin, add additional powdered sugar. Beat in the vanilla extract and salt.
  • Frost the cooled cakes as desired.

Notes

Can this be made dairy free?

Absolutely – just substitute your favorite non-dairy milk in both the batter and the frosting, and use your favorite non-dairy buttery stick to replace the butter in the frosting.

Extra tips:

Cakes are always easier to frost if they are very cold. When I make this cake I bake the cake, let it cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic and freeze until solid. When ready to frost, remove the cake from the freezer and frost completely. Cake will defrost relatively quickly, about an hour or so, at room temperature. 

Can this cake be frozen?

See above! If you want to make this cake in advance of your celebration, you can decorate it then freeze it until solid, THEN wrap with plastic. It’ll keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. On the day of your event, remove cake from freezer, unwrap and let sit at room temperature for at least an hour.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sliceCalories: 537kcalCarbohydrates: 101gProtein: 8gFat: 16gSaturated Fat: 11gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 54mgSodium: 471mgPotassium: 278mgFiber: 6gSugar: 78gVitamin A: 142IUCalcium: 111mgIron: 3mg
Keyword Chocolate Fudge Cake, Gluten-Free Cake, Gluten-Free Chocolate Cake, Gluten-Free Fudge Cake
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

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380 Comments

  1. Oh joy, rapture! Thank you for sharing your Hershey’s “back of the box” chocolate cake recipe tweaked to perfection for the gluten-free world, Ali. I agree with you. C4C (Cup4Cup) Gluten-Free Flour is exceptional in its performance and taste with home-baked goods. It has not failed me yet. (Thanks, Lena & Chef Keller!) And, I too, make this cake with dark brewed coffee in lieu of water. The recipe is a classic and the gluten-free world thanks you for developing its GF counterpart. xo P.S. Lovely photography as always, my friend!

    1. Gonna try this cake sounds easy to make my daughter has been gluten free for about a year and a half and she is finally healthy and all she says she misses eating is cake so her birthday is Sunday and she is gonna get cake!!!

    2. I’ve just made this cake for my dad and I think it is the best gf chocolate cake I have ever made! All my family who aren’t gluten free even loved it too ???? Super moist and easy to make – thanks for sharing it!

    3. This cake is to die for!!! I made a chocolate vodka mix instead of coffee and it was incredible.

  2. It’s true. This is the best cake ever. My family has been using this recipe for years. Hhmm, maybe tonight:)

      1. Do you have any special tricks for the cake not sticking to the pan? I tried making this last night but had to pitch the whole thing because it literally broke in half. Parchment paper at the bottom maybe?
        Thank you!!! 🙂

        1. I’m so sad you tossed out the cake (even broken bits can be worth eating….) ;). Anyway, I have never had trouble with my cakes sticking to my pans and I usually only use cooking spray. But for you, spray the pan, line with a round of parchment in the bottom, then spray again. Hopefully that will do the trick. Good luck!

          1. The cake I made turned out better than all the other cakes I have made in regards to sticking. The cake actually went away from the pan for me. I greased the pans with cooking oil since I don’t use cooking spray at all in my kitchen. I hope this helps.

          2. I am a young baker, but now I know that we learn from our mistakes! especially me! just remember “THE INSTUCTIONS SAY TO USE 2 PANS! I USED ONE AND OVER FILLED THE PAN! AND NOW MY OVEN IS SPEWING OUT SMOKE”! please follow the INSTRUCTIONS FOR BEST RESULTS!!!

          3. Nanna Websdale says:

            you may use your “crumbs” for bread pudding!! always an enjoyable dessert and still GF!

        2. Oil or grease your pans and place parchment paper in bottom. Always works very well .

        3. You can purchase (on line) 8 & 9 inch parchment paper rounds with tabs. They are wonderful for really moist cakes as you use the tabs as handles and lift cake right out of the pan! They are a little “pricey”, but gluten free baking (ingredients) is so expensive, they are cheaper than wasting an entire cake. Good luck!

        4. GADS, you pitched it! Just break into pieces throw in a big bowl and layer cake, berries, custard and whipped cream (or something similar) for an awesome trifle.

        5. I do not fill trust cooking spray with anything I make. I have a method that has never failed me. I coat the entire inside of the pan with butter, then take some flour and shake it around in the pan, making extra sire to get the sides coated. Then tap out the extra. Cut out a circle to line the bottom. I’ve never had one stick using this method!

      2. I am trying this right now. I will let you know how this turns out. My husband is GF and I have tried lots of times to make cake. I stopped trying for a while but I am looking forward to trying this one. Its in the oven right now.

        1. Alright, I am going to brag on this cake recipe. As you know I made this cake recipe a few days ago. Now what you dont know is in order to contain how many cup cakes I ate I sent them to My Husband’s work for ‘ The boys’ to enjoy (Yesterday) I do this ALOT almost weekly at least by weekly. I made enough for each guy to have at least two . 2 things 1 they are gone. And 2 one of My Husband’s bosses doesnt even like cake he not only said it was the best cup cake he has ever eaten but he ate THREE of them! He loves them and asked me to make more 🙂 He also couldnt believe that they were GF! Thank you sooo much!

          1. A friend of mine wanted me to make this cake but she cant have coffee. What can I use instead of coffee?

          2. Never mind I found the answer in the other comments. Water 🙂 Thanks for posting.

      3. Hi

        I can’t eat rice n not yet sure about sorghum so I was going to use the following flour blend. Do you have any suggestions for adapting the recipe??

        1 c buckwheat flour
        1 c garbanzo flour
        1/2 c corn starch
        1/2 c tapioca starch

        Thanks!!

  3. I also just made the chocolate cake from the back of the Hershey’s box (with my own adaption to be gluten-free) and decided it was the best gluten-free cake ever. When I saw your post for a gluten-free chocolate cake, I was skeptical that it could be as good as the Hershey’s one. I smiled when I realized that it’s the same one. 🙂

  4. Lovely moist chocolatey texture. Nest time I will try it with a little less Stevia as it was very sweeet and left a slight after taste.

    1. I am going to give this a try this weekend with Stevia. Can you tell me how much you used?

        1. Nanna Websdale says:

          because of diabetes I use Stevia often, but find at least ½ the amount compared to sugar is still plenty!

  5. I’m allergic to caffeine so I don’t drink coffee – would you use water as a good replacement? Thanks! Looks great, can’t wait to try it!!

    1. Quinn Schulze says:

      I always use hot chocolate to replace coffee and if it is something not gluten-free, then I use Pero coffee (fake coffee made from Malt – not gluten-free!)

    2. use orange juice…delicious

  6. Wow, what a great introduction to your blog! I made this cake over the weekend for a family birthday dinner and it was divine! I have to confess that the frosting doubled as my lunch as I was preparing the cake. I also made extra frosting and used it to frost birthday cupcakes for the next day. I used Domata all purpose flour and was very happy with the results on all fronts (taste, texture, consistency). Thank you for this scrumptious treat that will now be a mainstay in our home!

    1. So glad you loved it! And I’m glad to hear that Domata gluten-free flour worked too. 🙂

  7. Alison, new to your blog (it’s been a lifesaver) and I was curious if you’ve made this recipe with your all-purpose glute-free flour blend? If so, how does it compare if made with Cup4Cup? I’m VERY stingy wiht my Cup4Cup flour because of price. Thanks!

    1. Hi Britney! Welcome. 🙂 I definitely use my own flour blend with this recipe because I’m also stingy with my Cup4Cup. It still turns out great, but sometimes the middle sinks in a bit and the crumb is a tad denser. Nothing that frosting can’t cure. 😉

    2. Quinn Schulze says:

      I live in Germany and have never heard of Cup4Cup. My niece with Celiac’s is visiting and I made this cake for her 16th birthday – she said it was AMAZING. (She’s had enough others to compare with, so I am going to go with it.) I used up a little gf flour of another brand and used mostly Schar brand flour. I did sink in a little bit too like Alison said, but was very moist and delicious no complaints from any other people that it tasted different – most present have probably never had gluten free anything. The other thing I did differently was gooogled a substitute for xantham gum because I didn’t have any at 11pm. I came up with ground up quinoa seeds! So I used 2 tsps instead of one. (I wanted to make sure it worked LOL). So there are my 2 cents to this great recipe that I will pass along to my gf friends! Thanks Alison!

  8. When you bake do you use glass pans or metal baking pans. I’ve only been eating gf for 5months and my mother in law does all the baking 🙂 (I’m spoiled). However, I’d like to learn how to do a few things!

    1. My cake pans (round & square) are metal, as are my loaf pans. My pie plates are glass. 🙂

  9. Hi,

    This cakes looks amazing! Id love to cook it for my 6 year old. Unfortunately I’m in Australia and I can’t find Cup4Cup. What could I use instead? Is your blend a SR blend or a plain flour blend? I’m still learning the ropes so the blending of flours has me a little confused!

    Or could I just substitute a GF SR flour into it?

    Can’t wait to make it if possible!!!!

      1. If I’m using your flour blend recipe, do I still use the xantham gum?

        Thank you, Christa

        1. My new version of my flour blend doesn’t contain xanthan gum. So yes, add the extra. 🙂

    1. found this recipe a blog called myglutenfreefoods.com
      4 1/2 cups white rice flour
      2 cups tapioca flour
      3 1/2 cups cornstarch
      mix together in an airtight container and keep on your shelf. Use cup for cup in place of regular flour.
      It worked perfect in this cake.

      1. My favorite Cup4Cup CLONE blend recipe comes from Blogger Nicole Hunn of Gluten Free on a Shoestring, her blend is really a HUGE winner! I’ve been able to convert several of my favorite traditional family recipes from wheat flour to Gluten Free (with her blend) to perfection! See http://glutenfreeonashoestring.com/better-than-cup4cup-gluten-free-flour-blend-d-i-y-how-to/

        I’m excited to try it now in this recipe.

        Better Then Cup4Cup
        Yields: 4 cups
        80 grams finely ground nonfat dry milk (I just use fine powdered milk)
        180 grams superfine white rice flour
        105 grams cornstarch
        100 grams superfine brown rice flour
        85 grams tapioca starch/flour
        20 grams potato starch
        10 grams xanthan gum

  10. Is there a healthier oil that I can use instead of vegetable oil?

    1. Yes! Depending on what you think is healthy. Coconut oil would be fine, but would impart a subtle coconut flavor. Light olive oil would also work. 🙂

  11. Sora Deetza says:

    please can you suggest a homemade blend without potato starch?
    I was finally getting a handle on things in our GF kitchen for the kids, now I too have joined the GF world but also need to eliminate potatoes (and coffee, spinach, tomatoes, soy and dairy!) thankfully we can all still have eggs!!

    1. Hi Sora! Swap out the potato starch with additional corn or tapioca starch. When making substitutions in flour blends always trade a starch for a starch or a flour for a flour. It’s best to do it by weight. In my flour blend recipe, all the weights are included. Make sure you swap an equal weight of tapioca or corn starch (or blend the two). Hope that helps. 🙂

      1. It would be great if you also included weights in your recipes. It’s an added insurance they’ll turn out the same as yours. In this instance it’s not hard to go online and find out the standard C4C cup weight, yet in general I feel much more confident working by weight than by a spoon and level method. I live reading your recipes/blog, but I don’t bake from the because of this.

        1. Hi Bonnie – at the top of the recipe card is a button you can click on that will take you to metric measurements!

  12. Hi Alison,
    I made this two weeks ago and have meant to let you know that it was fantastic! The cake had great lift ( the baking powder/soda ratio was perfect–you’ve really solved that problem for me, thank you) and the frosting was no-nonsense and delicious. My family was genuinely happy with the flavor and texture, with no comments about how “you can hardly tell that it’s gf”. Three changes that I made were that I used Better Batter flour (245g), substituted 1 cup of brown sugar for 1 cup of the granulated and then used 1 tablespoon of vanilla (BB flour needs the extra vanilla flavor and the moisture of the brown sugar). Thanks so much!

    1. So happy you loved it. My son’s birthday was a few days ago and I was disappointed that he didn’t request it. 😉

  13. Tiffany fisher says:

    Hi! Have you ever made this cake with unsalted butter in place of the vegetable oil?

  14. Hey! just made this recipe (cupcakes) for my Dad’s Birthday & was wondering how to store them… fridge or counter? Thanks!
    They are amazing 🙂

    1. I always store mine at room temp. Should last a few days (but it will be gone long before then). 😉

  15. Hi Alison,

    This looks delicious! Would it be possible to use almond flour or coconut flour instead the Cup4Cup flour you recommend? Unfortunately I’m allergic to both corn and tapioca (it causes so many problems!) so I can’t use the suggested flour. Thanks!

    1. Hi Megan,

      A flour blend is best when working with gluten-free flours. I prefer a mixture of about 60% whole grains (almond, coconut, rice, millet, etc.) and 40% starch. Because you react to both corn and tapioca, I’d suggest using arrowroot flour (35%) with a touch of potato starch (5%). Both almond flours and coconut flours will absorb much of the moisture in the cake, rendering it crumbly w/ a dry texture. Try a flour blend with brown rice, sweet rice, coconut OR almond, plus the arrowroot & potato starch for best results. You will have to experiment a bit to see what combination works best for you. Good luck!

    2. Hello. Should I change the amounts in the recipe if I plan om using 3 x 6″ pans? Thank you.

    1. Can you put that in cup measurements? I don’t have a scale.

  16. Hi There!!
    I am a gluten free baker. I have been trying to find a really moist and chocolaty gf cake, and i think i found it!!! I can’t wait to make it. Thanks. I am young so i am going to substitute the coffee for yogurt, we will see if that works! Please check out my blog: Bellas Baking and Cooking Blog.

    Thanks
    Bella

    1. Hi Bella! If you don’t want to use the coffee, you can use hot water instead. Good luck!

  17. I’m not gluten tolerant but am trying to make your fudge cake for a friend. I forgot to buy the xanthan gum. I have the white rice flour and the arrowroot flour which I mixed. will this cake flop without the gum mixature ?

    1. Hi Doreen! Do you have flax seeds or chi seeds? You can use those as an alternative to gums. 🙂

  18. Brenda Gross says:

    What can be used in place of the xantham gum? Looking for a recipe for a little boy at church that doesn’t contain wheat, corn (read that xantham gum is a corn derivative) or soy.

    Thanks!

    1. Hi Brenda! Though no detectable corn is found on the xanthan gum, if you are uncomfortable about using it, try guar gum instead.

      1. Brenda Gross says:

        Thanks for the quick reply! The mom is checking with their dietician to confirm what is on the “do not have” list. 🙂 Poor kiddo has been diagnosed with a whammy of allergies and I said I would search for a cake that he can eat. 🙂 Thanks again!!

  19. I made this cake this morning. when I looked at it to check to see if it was done, it wasn’t and it was to the top of the pan. I put it back in to finish baking. when it was done it had fallen in the middle all the way around. Do you know why this happened? When I flipped it it looked great. D McGuire

    1. Hi Doreen! I’m not sure what happened. What flour blend did you use? Did you replace the gum?

  20. Brenda Gross says:

    So … I totally had no idea that baking powder had corn starch in it!! (Guess that’s what happens when your start really looking @ labels!) And, the kiddo has issues with corn so anything with corn starch is out. I read about using baking soda/cream of tartar as an alternative to baking powder. Has anyone done this (not just this but in any baking recipe)? Does it affect the taste at all?

    Thanks!
    Brenda

    BTW – my friend (kiddo’s mom) said the dietician said xantham gum is ok.

    1. You are one awesome friend, Brenda! I’ve used that sub for baking powder with great success (usually after I’ve discovered that I’ve run out). Doesn’t change the flavor at all. Also, Featherweight Baking Powder is made using potato starch instead…so look for that at the store as an alternative as well. 🙂

      1. I saw that as an option as well. Trying to find a store local that carries it. I look forward to trying this recipe! I was going to make it yesterday but realized I was almost out of sugar! (And I was home with my boys on a snow day and didn’t want to go out with them shopping!!)
        Thank you for your quick responses! I’m trying to quickly educate myself about the GF (and other allergies!) world so that I can bake/decorate some cakes for friends who have the problems and can’t go to a bakery.

        Brenda 🙂

      2. I’m wanting to make this cake for my son’s birthday party but am allergic to corn (as well as a few of the party guests). I see from above that you said you can use baking soda/cream of tarter as an alternative. How much of each would I use? Also, I’m allergic to soy, so no vegetable oil. Would applesauce work? Or canola oil? (Lots of allergies in our house)!! Thank you !

        1. Hi Leanne,

          There is a corn-free baking powder that I would recommend by Hain. Any veg oil is fine–I prefer sunflower seed, but canola is good too.

  21. Anne Ognenis says:

    Hi, if you don’t have xantham gum or guar what can be used as a substitute? I did see in a previous comment about chia seeds. Would that be using the same amount as xantham? Also can you use store bought gf sr flours?

  22. Another question! (I’m full of them!) I can sub applesauce for the vegetable oil, right? Mine is a blend with soybean oil (which kiddo can’t have any soy!) and I don’t want to buy another vegetable oil. 🙂

  23. Hi Alison,
    I was recently diagnosed with gluten issues. I was so excited when I found this cake recipe. Unfortunately mine did not work so well. I followed the recipe and ingredients step by step with the following exception. I used rice milk.
    The recipe says to bake for 30-35 mins. I set my fan assisted oven to 35 mins. When I put a knife in it came out all covered in cake mix. I ended up baking the cake for 50 mins and the knife was still not completely clear. I took it out and I found the cake to be very stodgy almost sticky like brownie that was not cooked through. Do you perhaps know what the problem might be. Your advice will be greatly appreciated. Thanks Joia

    1. Hi joia! Sorry the cake didn’t work out–the rice milk was probably the culprit, though I’d suggest checking your oven temp as well.

  24. Allison,
    Thank you so much for this recipe. I made this the Sunday before Easter. We had an early celebration with my daughter and her family. I put seedless Raspberry jelly between the layers and on top to about 1″ from the edge and covered the outside with homemade whipped cream. This was her favorite before I went gluten free, so needless to say I haven’t made one in years. This cake was so good that we ate almost half of the cake in one day. Thank you again for the most delicious chocolate cake I have ever eaten in my life. I have told everyone about your site.

  25. Hi Alison,
    I am going to try this recipe this weekend with the hopes of making it for a graduation party next weekend. I need to be able to “decorate” the cake. I know that chocolate icing can be colored (have to make maroon icing), so that’s not a problem, but could it be put in a piping bag and piped? Would it “crust” so that I could smooth it out like a traditional butter cream icing would? Thank you so much for your help.

    1. Yes, you can pipe it! And yes it will form a “crust”. Good luck and hope you love it!

      1. AWESOME! Thank you so much. 🙂 I will let you know how it comes out.

  26. Hi Alison, I have been on the hunt for a yummy chocolate cake for my soon to be 9 year old’s birthday (both herself and her father – my hubby are gluten sensitive which has been a relatively new discovery for us). I’m very excited to try this tomorrow. I have a flour mix from our local bulk store that is pretty much identical to Bobs Redmill all purpose GF flour, do you think that will do? I also noticed that you’ve told a few people that you can just use boiling water in place of the coffee. I would prefer to do this because its a cake for my young daughter (& I’m a tea person not coffee). Do you think it will make the cake to bland omitting the coffee? Thanks so much, can’t wait to look around the rest of your site!

    1. Water is fine–it is plenty chocolatey–as for the flour blend, normally I recommend one that is bean flour free, but the chocolate will disguise any off Flavors, so it will probably be fine 🙂

      1. Thanks for the quick response Alison! I wish I could find the cup 4 cup flour but I don’t believe its available where I am (just outside of Toronto, Ontario, Canada). Would your flour blend listed on this site be better? Thanks again – so great that we can actually get advice from you the author of the recipe!

      2. Hi Alison, just thought I’d let you know how the cake turned out last weekend. Everyone absolutely loved it!!! I did end up using the flour I had on hand that had the bean flour in it. I was still concerned so I decreased the flour by 1/4 cup and increased the cocoa by a 1/4 cup. I tasted the batter before putting it in the pans to bake and was still a little concerned I could taste the ‘off flavour’ you were talking about. So to combat that I shaved a bunch of chocolate off some baking chocolate that we had on hand from making chocolate truffles, then added that into the batter before baking. It did a great job of improving the taste and the cake was awesome! Also the small amount that was left kept in a cake container on the counter to be eaton the following day and still tasted moist and delish! Thanks so much for a great recipe!

  27. Do you know anyone who has had success making this processed sugar free? I was thinking of using Agave in place of some of the liquid, but not sure how that would turn out.

    1. I would not recommend agave. Maybe try coconut sugar, date sugar or succanat instead.

    2. Cassandra says:

      I just made this cake using agave syrup following the tips I found on thekitchn.com (http://www.thekitchn.com/5-tips-on-substituting-agave-i-105651) and it turned out DELICIOUS. Note: thekitchn.com doesn’t recommend using agave in cakes for full sugar substitution, but I did it anyway and am very happy with the results.
      Essentially 2/3rds cups agave for every 1 cup of sugar (I halved the recipe as it was an experiment), reduce the hot water or coffee by 1/4 cup, and mix the agave with the liquids instead of the solids before mixing it all together. Thanks for the recipe, three years in!

      1. Can this recipe be made in a 9×13 pan, and how long do I bake it for that size? I prefer one-layer cake.
        Thanks,

        1. Sure can – bake it for 30-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean!

  28. HI! I am planning on making these into cupcakes for my son’s birthday party on Sunday. I am planning on doing a batch and a half (36 cupcakes) and was wondering if you knew the gram weight of the flour blend? Everything else will be easy to convert. Also, I typically use a blend of brown rice, white rice, potato and tapioca….is this considered a “light flour blend” as you suggested above? Should I make it more starchy? Thanks!

    1. Hi Katie! Use 235 grams of flour blend. And your mix should be fine. 🙂 Hope your party is a fun one!

      1. Just made a “trial run” as a 13×9 in cake! It was wonderfully moist and rich! I used golden flax in place of the egg and lactose free whole milk, baked for about 43 minutes. It didn’t dome, but didn’t sink either. Very tasty with cool whip and mini chocolate chips!

  29. Does the cake taste like coffee flavor?

  30. I made this and it’s absolutly amazing! I’ve been gluten-free for a year now and dairy free(lactose intolerant) for as long as I can remember, and even if who I am baking for isn’t a celiac or gluten free diet I still cook gluten free for them too. One of my friends is a calorie counter and I would love for them to have this cake but I know they would want to know the nutrition information, can anyone tell me how many calories would be in the cake and frosting?(I use almond milk vanilla unstweetened which is only 30 calories per up)

    1. Question: did this work with almond milk? I see others had problems with rice milk…

      1. I do believe that people have used it with almond milk and had success! (I haven’t tried it that way personally). 🙂

      2. First of all, let me say WOW! OMG! WOW! I have made this cake at least 6 or 7 times this year alone and at least 9 or 12 dozen cupcakes 😉 My family loves it. I make it primarily for my granddaughter who has a gluten intolerance. It’s her favorite treat!!! I use Almond milk all the time and coconut oil and have not problems. It tastes just like Alison says “chocolate heaven!” You will love it 😉

    2. The cake (and frosting) are calorie bombs. I have no idea how many calories…however it’s a sweet treat, not a health food. 🙂

  31. Hi There!

    I think I finally found the best gluten free cake ever, after searching for a while!! These are amazing. I do have one tiny problem, every time I fill it higher, it has a muffin top and caves in the middle. Any ideas why?

    Please check out my gluten free blog!
    Thanks
    Bella

  32. My family also loves the Hershey’s box chocolate cake recipe. It’s perfection. Thank you for the tip about Cup 4 Cup. It’s been recommended to me before but I haven’t tried it yet. I need to make a chocolate cake tomorrow so it might be time! 🙂

  33. Just wondering if this cake freezes well before adding the frosting.

  34. Most AMAZING cake ever! I used the Gluten Free on a Shoestring Better than Cup4Cup as recommended above. It has to have been one of the best cakes I’ve made (including those that aren’t gluten free!). It did fall in the middle after I took it out (extra icing pocket!) and it did take a bit longer to cook but seriously tastes fantastic!!!!!

    1. Lucy: Mine did the same, but as you said an “icing pocket” – didn’t fall too much though and it didn’t affect the taste 🙂 Mine took longer to cook as well, but I used a spring form pan instead of two smaller cake pans. I expected it.

  35. Alison: OMG, what an incredibly GREAT cake. I am new to GF baking and this was the best experience I’ve had (even with regular baking)!
    It was my husband’s birthday yesterday and I thought I would try this as a surprise. We had 4 couples here and EVERYONE loved it. I tweaked it a bit because I didn’t have some of the ingredients – used 1/4 C avocado oil and 1/4 C olive oil instead of “veg. oil (as I don’t keep it in my pantry); used your GF Flour Blend instead of Cup4Cup (as we are in Canada and it’s not very available here). One fellow has requested I make it for his birthday this coming Christmas Eve so that will be his birthday present from me! The taste was absolutely amazing. None of the others that came are GF, and were totally blown away by the taste. Thank you so much for this recipe. It is definitely a do over.
    Question – can I use a flaxseed mixture for the eggs. My granddaughter is extremely allergic to eggs and I would love to make it for her as she is a junior chocolate-a-holic! 🙂 Thank you again. Louise

    1. Hi Louise! I’m so happy it turned out well, and I love your use of olive and avocado oils. Yes! I haven’t tried it with flax eggs, and I’d suspect that it might not rise as high. However, it’s worth a try. Please let me know if you try it–and how it goes. 🙂

  36. Can you substitute vegetable oil with olive oil or what is a good alternative ? I didn’t realize vegetable oil had soy in it

    1. Yes. You can use canola, olive, avocado, melted coconut, grapeseed…whatever floats your boat. However, keep in mind that the oil could impart its flavor to the cake. 🙂

  37. Loved this cake! My son’s girlfriend can only eat gluten free. This was a fantastic cake!

  38. Jennifer Sharp says:

    I only have ground rice flour and no xanthum gum, would this be okay?

  39. Doris Vella says:

    I haven,t tried it yet and from Malta I buy Doves Farm gluten free flour. Do you think it is ok to use this instead of the one you mentioned as I don’t know if we have it in our country? Thank you Doris

  40. Dawn Joy Cooper says:

    I love this cake. I modified it after making it once and it dimples, sinks in the middle much less. I separated the yolks from the whites and added in the yolks then added two more whites and whipped them and added it to the cake. I made this with almond milk instead of whole milk. It is good and pretty. Also, I used your flower mixture.

    Dawn Joy

  41. Thank you for this! I followed the recipe, but used hot water instead of coffee because I was too rushed to make coffee. I’m thrilled to have a recipe that tastes like cake, not beans, and has the texture of cake.

  42. This was before GF and now continues to be my favorite go-to cake. I can’t tell you how much I appreciate your recipe redoux and tips for cup4cup. Super moist and cocoa rich as ever! Thanks muchly:)

  43. Has anyone used King Arthur’s all purpose blend for this recipe? I have a birthday tomorrow and super excited to try this out!

    Thanks!

  44. Hi, does this cake hold up well after a few days if not entirely eaten right away? Many GF cakes tend to get icky after a couple of days. Thanks.

  45. May I know when the veg oil is added? I don’t seem to see it in the ‘steps’. Thank you.

  46. Is it possible to make a flour mix that has GF oat flour in it? It’s a whole lot healthier and wholesome.

  47. Best Chocolate Cake EVER!!! It’s just merely a bonus that it happens to be gluten-free. I used Tom Sawyer Gluten Free Flour (no extra xanthan gum needed), 1 cup coconut milk, hershey’s baking cocoa, baking powder substitute (cream of tartar, baking soda and arrowroot starch), and 1/4 cup coconut oil, 1/4 cup rice bran oil and the boiling water since my husband detests anything coffee and he’s VERY sensitive to it. My cake did need to be baked a little longer for the toothpick to come out clean. I made 6 cupcakes and 1- 8″ layer with this recipe. The layer fell a little in the center, but not much, and the cupcakes didn’t fall at all. I baked the cupcakes for 30 minutes and the layer for 40 minutes. I did use a recipe from the Cake Mix Doctor for Chocolate Cream Cheese frosting instead of yours, but I’m sure both would be equally divine with this cake as the star. Thank you Alison for ending my search for a gluten-free chocolate cake that tastes as good or better than the original! 🙂

  48. This recipe sounds wonderful as I am a Hershey’s chocolate cake fan. Where do you get cup4cup flour? I’m new to this and have never heard of it? I would think you get the rest of the ingredients from a health food store. Also could you use raw honey for the sugar or half and half? Thanks for the feed back.

  49. Hi Alison – the first time I made this cake was for my husband’s birthday in June – EVERYONE LOVED IT (even the non-GF)! The next time was the following month for my grand daughter’s 10th birthday – EVERYONE LOVED IT! I’m making it again today for one of my other grand daughter’s birthdays (she’s turning 12) at her request! It is obviously a huge hit – THANK YOU for such a wonderful recipe (both the AP Flour and the cake)!

  50. This is the best chocolate cake I’ve ever made, I also used your recipe for the flour because I am from Australia. It worked really well!

  51. I made this cake for my father’s birthday – my son in gluten intolerant. I didn’t tell anyone the cake was GF and OMG, it was the best chocolate cake I have ever made! Everyone loved it. I had to improvise the frosting and had some Nutella, so I whipped it up with some cream and voila! Heavenly chocolatey-fudgy-nutella cake! Going to make it again this weekend for my son’s birthday. Thanks!

  52. I feel like crying and kissing your feet simultaneously! Thank you, thank you, thank you. My son has been gf for 9 years and wanted a chocolate cake for his birthday party. We’ve tried local gf bakeries and the taste or texture is always off. I made this cake last night and it is wonderful. My son loved it and my daughter said it is the best cake she’s ever had.

    1. Yay! So happy! Thank you for your comment and I’m thrilled your son loved the cake.

  53. Diane Decker says:

    Did you have to change the liquid ratio at all? The Hershey’s Best Brownies recipe is my Holy Grail for making gluten free. If subbing Cup4Cup worked for the cake, it might work for the brownies. I am on such a limited budget (Social Security only), that I can’t afford disasters in the kitchen. But those brownies are the absolutely perfect, chewy, crackly on top, fudgy, but not to the point of having to eat them with a spoon, like so many GF fudgy brownies.

  54. I was just wondering what the different between the cocoa in the cake mix and the cocoa powder in the frosting? I think I used cocoa powder on both…I just baked the cakes and it came out not tasting very sweet… Not sure what I did wrong..?

    1. I’ve edited it to clarify that both cocoas are unsweetened. I’m not sure why your cake isn’t sweet enough…there certainly is plenty of sugar. It is a very rich, chocolatey cake and maybe the brand of cocoa you used was very bitter. 🙂

  55. good morning! i’m going to give your recipe a shot for an upcoming project for a little boy who is allergic to gluten. part of the cake needs to be baked in a bowl shaped pan (to make a mickey hat). do you feel that the cake will bake well enough given the more dense texture? i guess i am worried about it over baking on the outside but the inside not being done. thanks!!

    1. Go for it! I’ve made it in a bundt pan, and in both 9 inch and 8 inch cake pans. You will need to adjust the baking time up, however. Good luck and be sure to let me know how it goes! 🙂

      1. is there enough batter to use 2 – 9 inch pans and still cut them in half? Or would I need to double the recipe?

  56. Hello, I’d love to make this recipe for my friend who can’t have gluten. In the UK we have a gluten free self raising flour blend called Doves (which I already have in my cupboard), which is gluten free. If I were to use this, should I omit the raising agents from your recipe, or try to find the plain flour version instead of the self raising? Thank you so much. 🙂 x

    1. I have no experience personally with self-rising flour. I think it would be best to try to find a flour blend without leavening. However if that is all you can find, then yes, omit the rising agents. 🙂

      1. Thank you for your reply, much appreciated.
        if I can’t find plain flour, I’ll try with SR, and I’ll let you know how it works out.
        Thanks again 🙂

  57. Hi there! I’m wondering if you could help me figure out where I went wrong. I was so excited to try this cake for my friend who is eating gluten-free. I’m an experienced baker, but have little experience with gluten-free flours. So, I followed your recipe exactly, omitting the xanthum gum because the cup4cup ingredients listed xanthum gum in it. The cake looked amazing when it came out of the oven, but sank in the middle like others have reported, after a few seconds. And the consistency of the cake was gummy – almost more like bread pudding but gummier. The taste was fantastic, but the texture turned everyone off. 🙁 What did I do wrong? Should I have added the xanthum gum? Thanks so much for any insight….

    1. Hi Carla! It sounds like your cake needed to be cooked a bit longer. And as I’ve grown more confident in my gluten-free baking, I now prefer my flour blend over the cup 4 cup, which is definitely gummier. Check my website for my blend–and if you make the cake again, let me know how it goes. 🙂

      1. Thank you so much for your insight! And as I’m writing, my family seems to not have any trouble finishing up the cake, despite its consistency. 🙂 I will definitely try your flour blend, next time. Love your site!

  58. Hey I just want to say that this cake is absolutely fantastic! I made it for my girlfriend’s birthday this weekend. I’m relatively new to this whole gluten free thing and I have never baked anything from scratch in my life and it came out perfect. I don’t know the etiquette of linking your recipe on my blog, but with your permission I would love to link to your recipe and write a post about this delicious cake! Please let me know, thanks.

    1. Hey Alex,

      I’m glad the cake turned out well! Thanks for asking if you could link to my recipe. I’d be thrilled.

      Happy baking, Alison

  59. Kaye Johnson says:

    I make and decorate cakes and was just ask for the first time to make a gluten-free cake for a birthday. Do you have a good recipe for a white cakes? This chocolate looks great, but they want white.

  60. Hello from Québec Canada! I jus tried out this recipe and it looks great. I did get to get a little taste and it’s really good but I find it a bit biter….will it help when I try it with the frosting??? Or should I try the recipe again ?? I would like to know if I can store it until my daughter’s birthday on sunday – in 3 days!!!! We are having a bithday party with 7 princesses of 8 years old….I cannot have them dislike the cake (I am trying to convince other parents that going GF is not that bad….in fact that it’s faboulus..but I am not a great cook!!) I will put the frosting just before serving it. Thank you!

    1. Hi Sarah! I think you’ll find that once you frost it it will be perfectly sweet. Wrap the cakes tightly in plastic and freeze until Sunday morning (or Saturday night). Frost as directed and store, lightly covered, at room temp until the party.

      1. Merci!

        Thank you very very much!

  61. How long can I keep this cake in the refrigerator? Can I make it a day before serving?

  62. Chris Reynolds says:

    Alison: GF is not my thing, but I have a colleague in my department who is, so I gave this recipe a run, hoping for a success I could serve at a meeting tomorrow. I risked doubling the recipe to get 3 9″ layers and 1 8″ layer for a test. I was a titch generous with the baking soda and powder, and substituted butter for the oil. I also used buttermilk like I do in all my baking, I like the taste it adds, especially to chocolate. The layers came out perfect with an additional 10 minutes of baking time. The cake held its structure quite well, and flavor is perfect (although I’m still getting used to the mouth feel of even the best gf flours). Cup4Cup is a great choice for anyone who is still shaky baking gf. Glad to share this recipe with others looking for sure fire alternatives, and I will use it with regular cake flour when I have the need to bake a good, dark chocolatey cake. Thanks very much.

  63. do I OMIT THE BAKING SODA & BAKING POWDER IF I WERE USING GLUTEN FREE SELF RAISING FLOUR?? TNX

    1. I have never used self-rising flour, however if you did, then omit the baking soda and baking powder.

  64. Patti Heneghan says:

    Hi Alison
    I have a question. I only have superfine rice flour, do you think that will be ok?

  65. Absolutely the best GF cake I have ever had!!!!!!!!!!! Thank you.

  66. Marie Daman says:

    I wanted to make sure that everyone realizes that CUP4CUP regular flour blend does have mild powder so it would not be suitable for dairy free items! Thanks for the recipe, it is also my favorite!

  67. Any experience with, or thoughts on, using ground flax seed in place of some of the GF flour? Thanks! 🙂

  68. Excited to find this GF adaptation of my favorite all time chocolate cake, as I am bringing dessert to a holiday celebration where GF desserts will be needed. Has anyone adpated this recipe for high altitude? We are about a mile high in Colorado. Generally, we add a bit of flour and decrease the leavening slightly, but no clue as to how to do this GF. Thanks for any direction!

    1. I did this recipe at high altitude (3,600 feet), followed the recipe to a tee and it turned out perfectly. Best wishes!

      1. Thanks for this helpful comment, Trish! I’ve had lots of questions about it and didn’t know the answer myself. 🙂

  69. I made this vegan and cane sugar free and it was amazing. Subbed 3tbsp + 9 tbsp hot water for eggs, used almond milk, cornstarch instead of xanthan (I couldn’t find mine, haha), and subbed out sugar with 1 cup stevia in the raw and 1 cup coconut sugar. I made a frosting (winged it) with coconut cream, coconut sugar, stevia in the raw, vanilla, cornstarch and a lot of cinnamon.

      1. I also used Bobs Red Mill GF all purpose flour

  70. I just made this tonight using the Namaste brand, gluten free organic (found in USA Costco) Perfect Flour Blend. I can’t get over how amazing it turned out!! Our guests and our entire family devoured it. So lovely, dark and moist with the perfect level of sweetness! Thank you for sharing!

  71. Hello Alison:
    I want to thank you for this recipe. My daughter and I baked it yesterday and is was great. We used Pillsbury Multi-purpose Gluten Free Flour Blend and Hershey’s Special Dark Cocao powder. Both the cake and frosting were great. I am glad you added the detail about the batter being runny, not the consistency I am used to. Another recipe we loved this holiday is an almond butter based chocolate brownie we found at elanaspantry.com, but we used agave instead of honey.

    Jim

  72. I’m new to the GF world. Made this last night. Used parchment paper in place of spray. Worked like a charm. I did want to ask if anyone has had a metallic after-taste? Is this from my All Purpose Gluten Free flour or do you suppose it’s from the baking powder/soda? The taste didn’t linger but was there. It wasn’t inedible but noticeable in my opinion. Any tips for making sure this doesn’t happen again are welcome! Thank you for this recipe! It was delicious to be gluten free (despite the little metallic taste).

  73. Is there any way to make this cake for someone who is allergic to eggs?

    1. You can try flax eggs or egg replacer, but I haven’t tried it and I can’t guarantee the results. The good news is, if you make a lot of frosting, no one will probably be able to tell the difference. 😉

  74. I am so excited to bake this cake for my mum’s birthday! The only thing I was wondering is if you can taste the coffee in the cake at all? Although I love the taste, my mother detests it and I wouldn’t want her to not enjoy her own cake! Thanks,
    Samantha

    1. I think it makes the chocolate taste richer, but not coffee flavored at all. But if you’re worried about it, use boiling water instead. 🙂

    2. I agree with Alison that the coffee makes the chocolate taste richer, but I think there is a subtle taste of coffee too. I am not a coffee drinker and was concerned about its taste in this cake. I would say the flavor is faint and is not apparent unless you think to taste for it. If you did not tell someone it is in there, they probably would not notice.

  75. Have you tried this batter for cupcakes? It looks delicious!

  76. Do you have a chocolate cake version that doesn’t have egg in it? What could we use in place of the eggs in this recipe? I hope you can help me – trying to bake a cake next month and they can’t eat egg. I will continue searching the internet. Thanks for reading my post.

  77. This is my new staple chocolate cake recipe, thank you!!! Just made a 5 layer birthday cake and it worked perfectly!

  78. This is the most delicious cake. I used my own Gluten free flour blend of Brown & Rice Flour, Potato starch and tapioca flour and it turned out perfectly. Next time I might substitute with some brown or treacle sugar. I’m impressed. You couldn’t even tell it’s gluten free.

  79. I made this yesterday for a client that needed a gluten free cake. Wow!!! It was so moist and easy to make! Could you please let me know the recipe using normal flour? Thanks!!!

  80. Dhruv Taneja says:

    what is xanthan gum plz tell ?

  81. Dhruv Taneja says:

    what is xanthan gum

  82. Has anyone tried freezing this cake (unfrosted), and eating at a later time?

  83. I am a grandmother of a 9yr old recently diagnosed boy with Dibeties 1 and Celiac who misses his sweet treats and finds it so difficult at other peoples parties, especially with the cake. Saw your Choco Fudge Cake which I would love to make for him. Do you know what the carbohydrate amount is for the whole cake? Or how I can work it out?

    Would love to follow your site but the websites you have listed I do,not have. Also love in UK x

    1. Hi Mary! You are so sweet to want to bake for your grandson. I don’t know about the carbohydrate amount in this cake, however, it is a cake with lots of sugar and starches so I suspect it would be quite high and definitely reserved for special occasions. 🙂

  84. My b-day is coming up and nothing less than chocolate cake will do. Do you think this will work with King Arthur GF Baking mix? Thanks!

  85. Judy Smith says:

    I am new to gluten-free baking. My mother is allergic to gluten. I am testing recipes for her birthday cake. I made your recipe and used Pillsbury gluten free flour mix (it contains xanthan gum so I didn’t add any). The cake tasted good, but was not light and fluffy like the gluten version of the Hershey cake. Would the cup4cup flour make it better? Should I add more xanthan gum?

  86. Hi Alison
    I recently find out that I am GI…….your recipe was the first that I tried out today as Gluten free , as I am sooooo craving chocolate cake. Well I don’t know what I did wrong, but the cake did not rice at all. I did not have baking soda, and could not find any in the store today. I live in Bryanston. I substitute the baking soda with 3x teaspoons of baking powder, together with the 1x teaspoon according to the recipe. Can that be the reason? We laughed, I scraped it out of the pan, dry and hard pieces of cake and I am definately gonna eat it with custard later tonight. Please help……….

    1. Baking soda and baking powder are both required for the cake to rise–and what flour did you use? I agree that failed cakes can still be eaten–I usually make them into a trifle. 😉

  87. At age 62 my husband of 30 years was diagnosed with Celiac Disease, you can imagine my panic about food in general. Would he ever be able to enjoy a baked treat again? As a pinner stated earlier i found Namaste(cup4cup)baking mix, and am so eager to bake this cake for my husband this Valentine’s Day. Thank you taking the lead and giving help to those of us that feel lost!

    1. It is definitely a shock, whenever the diagnoses comes. I hope your husband feels better soon and wish you both the very best. 🙂

  88. Hi Alison! This is my go-to chocolate cake now for the past year. Everyone loves it and it tastes better than any chocolate cake I’ve ever had. Good job!
    Here’s my question: I want to make a yellow cake (or vanilla – whatever) and am scared to try just any recipe, I’ve been so spoiled by yours! How would I make this cake work? Can I just substitute the cocoa powder with more flour? Has anyone tried anything that worked really well?
    Any suggestions are appreciated. Thanks for your hard work Alison! 🙂

    1. Well here goes! I used about 1/2 cup GF flour (I use KAF GF blend for my special treats!) in place of the cocoa and used hot water instead of coffee. I upped the vanilla to about 3 teaspoons. We’ll see – I hope it’s not too heavy. But the original recipe is so darn good that I don’t see how it could be too bad. 😉 Thanks again, Alison! I don’t mourn for chocolate cake anymore – can you tell I’m a chocoholic? 😀

      1. Well, the cake is edible but heavy. I guess I’m going to have to keep hunting for a yellow cake recipe that is GF and tastes like regular cake. Glad to have found my favorite chocolate cake recipe here!

  89. Hi there- trying to make this cake for a GF friend’s birthday this weekend. I’m in Venezuela though, and ingredients are always a scavenger hunt / sub or improvise what you can! Doubt I’ll find xanthan gum. I DO have chia seeds, though. How much should I use as a sub for the xanthan gum? Also, no pre-made GF flours around, but I know I can get almond and hazelnut flours, possibly coconut. What do you suggest for blending with the nut flours? Thanks!

  90. I could not wait to leave a review! My daughter is gluten intolerant and we have a tough time with desserts and them tasting good.. (still somewhat new at this.) And this was fantastic!! Followed the recipe exactly and it came out wonderful! Thank you so much for sharing this great recipe with all of us!

  91. Heya! I’m looking forward to using this recipe for my brothers birthday cake. I was wondering which flour to use, self raising? Or plain? As I can’t get hold of any xanthan gum :p

    Thanks in advance 😀 xx

    1. Doves Gluten-free Flour Blend, widely available in the UK is what I recommend. Use ground flax seeds to replace the xanthan gum. 🙂

  92. Mile Hi!
    Was searching for a great chocolate recipe- glad I came here! I’m in Denver and have a tougher time getting my cakes to rise. Any High Altitude Directions or are they on the can?

    1. I don’t have any experience with baking at high altitude. If you figure it out, please let me know! 🙂

  93. Hi! Just wanted to thank you for sharing this delicious recipe!! I baked it yesterday for my daughters 8th birthday today and she liked it a lot! (And so did I & everyone else!!) Keep sharing the yummy recipes!! 🙂

  94. I never post on food blogs, but…I have to say that this recipe is AMAZING. I have been baking tons of GF baked goods for the last two years and this is the most delicious GF recipe yet! Everyone who tries it agrees that it is fabulous. Great job!!!!

  95. This cake is the best gluten free cake I have ever had, there should be a law against it its so incredible! It’s fail proof as well. I thought I had over cooked it as I was baking and chasing around my 2 year old and 8 month old. OMG, it’ still moist and amazing! I LOVE this cake recipe and use it ALL the time. I use Namaste flour for mine. I had the best and first compliment from my brother in law because of this recipe. he told my sister “your not allowed to make this cake” as he is eating his 4th slice!! He couldn’t get enough of it, absolutely amazing!!! Thank you for putting this out there!!

  96. WONDERFUL cake! I used Robin Hood gluten free flour blend, and it worked great! It was such a wonderfully heavy cake, and rich in flavour. I served it over Easter, and no one knew it was gluten free! I’ve even been asked to use the recipe for cupcakes at a wedding I’m catering!

  97. Hi. i’ll be trying this cake out for my daughter who is celiac. I’d like to cover it with fondant icing. Do you think i can add xantham gum to fondant icing to harden it a bit? I dont have gum trag. Thanks for sharing this recipe (i was looking for a gf recipe which gives you a moist cake)

  98. Hi. i’ll be trying this cake out for my daughter who is celiac. I’d like to cover it with fondant icing. Do you think i can add xantham gum to fondant icing to harden it a bit? I dont have gum trag. Thanks for sharing this recipe.

    1. Honestly I’ve never worked with fondant because I don’t like the way it tastes. I prefer the chocolate frosting that is included in the recipe. 🙂

  99. Linda Robinson says:

    just going thru all of the comments. Wish I had done that before I hunted down the cup4cup as I see now that you prefer your blend over it. Oh well lesson learned. In the recipe you specifically call for c4c and you also have xanthum gum listed. C4C has xanthum gum in it should I still use it? Or is just there for people who don’t use c4c? This will be my first GF baking experience and it is for company so I want it to be close to perfect. One post mentioned that hers was gummy inside is that a GF consequence?

    1. Only use xanthan gum if your flour blend does NOT have it already. So no. I think you’ll love the Cup4Cup blend. It is very easy to use. Things can become gummy if they have too much xanthan in it. I’m not sure what flour blend they used…. 🙂

      1. Linda Robinson says:

        Thanks. I did a trial run before making it for company and it turned out great. It did take longer to bake but I am still getting used to my convection oven and the right temperature to use. Thanks so much. When ever I need a GF dessert I know where to look for one. I know I’ll be using the chocolate frosting recipe again as well. Thanks

  100. I modified this to be even healthier and it turned out AMAZING!!! Made it for work and it was gone in 10 minutes!
    1. used coconut oil instead of vegetable oil
    2. I used 1.5 cups xylitol instead of sugar
    3. For dry ingredients: 1 cup almond flour, 1/2 cup GF flour blend, 1 cup flaxmeal (instead of 1-3/4 cup of GF)

    1. And instead of chocolate icing, I made a cream cheese icing with toasted coconut and toasted almonds. Then added a bit of ganache to make a fantastic Almond Joy Cake! YUM!

  101. Hopped over from high praise on EA Stewart’s The Spicy RD blog, and clearly it was a good idea! I’ve done a fair bit of gluten-free baking to brush up for friends and relatives recently diagnosed. Are you familiar with swapping psyllium husk flour for xantham gum? It seemed to work well in a bread I baked; do you think it’d be an okay substitution for your cake? Thanks!

    1. I haven’t tried it because I’m sensitive to psyllium. But I know that others have had good results. Let me know if you try it and how it goes. 🙂

  102. Genevieve says:

    I was just about to start baking when I realised I only had one 8 inch cake pan… Ran down the road to buy another and bought the wrong size! Ah well, I’ll have to try somewhere else tomorrow. Have you tried baking this cake in one 8 inch pan and slicing it across the middle? Obviously bake time would increase but just wondering if the batter is far too big for just one pan?
    Thanks!

    1. Actually, I bake mine in TWO 8 inch pans. If you only have one pan, I’d cut the recipe in half. Or do half in the pan and make 12 cupcake with the other half. 🙂

  103. This is a great recipe . I did substitute 1/2 of the sugar in the cake recipe with light agave syrup. With the frosting, instead of chocolate I used cocoanut and fresh raspberries. It’s luscious pink and looks divine.

  104. Has anyone ever tried using a cup of mayonnaise in addition to the eggs and oil as well? Would this help with the sinking in the middle problem?

    1. The sinking in the middle problem should be resolved with the current ingredients as listed. Are you still having trouble?

  105. Oh my Gods! I think I love you.

    I had all but given up on cake but my daughter asked for one anyway. (Because she just finished grade 10 today, halfway through her high school career and half done our wait to go to Scotland.) She wanted chocolate cake.

    Everything I’ve made is a lump, lately. I read your call for xanthum gum and despaired. I can’t/won’t use it. I’ve been using chia seeds but still having issues. I finally realized that the substitution websites were talking about WHOLE seeds as a 1:1 substitute and I’ve been using *ground*. A quarter teaspoon gave me a fantastic texture; crumbly, fudgy. Oh my word, so tasty and rich. …I did forget to put the vanilla in though. Might be why it was so rich.

    The cake was just about perfect! I’m so pleased to have found a great recipe AND figure out my issue with the substitution.

  106. Wow!! Husband is GF and I am an avid baker. He’s been pretty upset at the cakes and treats on off in the supermarket, while I tried and failed!, at a fair few GF recipes. Not anymore, this cake is beautiful and everything a chocolate cake should be! 🙂

    I now have a happy husband and 7 yr old daughter, who both adore this cake. In fact, I’m presently baking it for my little one’s birthday party tomorrow, and no one will even realise it’s GF 🙂 xx

  107. Hi. Has anyone tried this with just using 1 cup of sugar? Thanks so much!

    1. Reducing the sugar will affect the structural integrity of the cake, meaning the texture and rise will be different.

  108. Stephanie Wilson says:

    I made 220 cupcakes and a double recipe cake for my daughters wedding. I used coconut milk and a gluten free flour mixture ( 2 parts rice flour & 1 part tapioca flour). It was a big hit with request for the recipe!

  109. I’m going to make this amazing cake today. None of my family eat gluten and I haven’t made a chocolate cake in in a exile. I only have one large cake pan though. How long would you say I should bake it for, and at what temp temperature?

  110. Stephanie crawford says:

    I would love to try this for my daughter birthday but need it the day after arriving home from holiday. can it be frozen or would that spoil it . with icing on or not ?
    thank you

  111. Karen the high-altitude newbie says:

    I’m a first-time cake maker, and this recipe was simply a PLEASURE to follow! The cake is now sitting in my fridge so that the frosting will harden a bit… then I’ll add some roses or sth to make it birthday-cake-y for my daughter 🙂 THANK YOU for this recipe, and thank you everyone for your many comments– I read most of them and found them helpful. I especially appreciated the reiteration that this recipe needs to be baked in TWO pans. BTW, I live at 7,000 feet (in Santa Fe NM) and the cakes turned out just right by following the recipe without any modifications. 🙂

  112. I just mad these into cupcakes, but when I opened the oven they were deflated! What did I do wrong?? :/

      1. AnnaMarie says:

        My cake was also completely deflated and ugly. Followed instructions exactly and I’m an experienced baker. It was rising just fine, and literally in the last minute, just deflated. I had the oven light on, so I didn’t ever open the door to check on it.

    1. I’ve made anywhere from 9-12 dozen cupcakes so far as well as cake many times. For the cupcakes, I followed the recipe and used coconut oil in place of veg oil and Almond milk in place of regular cow milk. They always come out moist and delicious! Hope you give them another try. They are worth it. 😉 It is truly an incredibly tasty recipe!

  113. I made this for MIL last night using Pillsbury Multi Purpose GF Flour Blend, and no other exchanges. I also baked in a 13×9 pan instead at 350 for 32 min and then turned it down to 335 for 5 extra min. It rose and looks moist so hopefully it tastes good too 🙂
    I was wondering for the people that didn’t want to use oil or are counting calories could possibly try applesauce, egg beaters for eggs, coconut milk in carton for milk alternative and the sweetener could be maybe honey, processed dates, stevia drops or maybe even bananas??

  114. These are absolutely delicious… however, they don’t do well in silicone baking cups. I made a batch using my reusable muffin cups and they were extremely tacky, to the point of being gummy, and overran their cups even when filled a bit less than 2/3 full. (They were turned into crumbs for a grasshopper trifle instead.) When I made them in regular paper cups and a muffin pan, they came out much nicer and were more “cooked” 🙂

  115. Holly Ann says:

    I’m so thrilled to be making this right now for a birthday. I am substituting the milk with chocolate cashew milk that I accidentally bought thinking it was regular cashew milk. I’ll let you know how it turns out. I can’t wait to start baking…..now!!

  116. I made this cake today for my husband who eats gluten free. So scrumptious!! He loved the rich chocolate favor. The texture is perfect and this is a cake anyone would love. Thank you. I will be making it often.

  117. Miss Veganista 104 says:

    This is the best GF chocolate cake recipe I have made. My kids LOVE the cake. “Mom, can you always make this cake for us?” Thank you for posting!

  118. Gabby Ramsey says:

    Wow, I just converted to gluten free a few days ago and i was kinda in the mindset that gluten free desserts would be gross, but this is just as good, or better than any other cake i have had. thank you so much for this recipe!

  119. My daughter also has a corn allergy. I noticed that the regular cup4 up flour blend has cornstarch. Have you ever tried this cake recipe with the wholesome cup4cup flour blend?

  120. Hi,
    Today is my mom’s birthday and I really want to make this cake for her; problem is, Cup4Cup has rice flour in it, and I’m allergic to it — which totally STINKS if you’re gluten-free. I only have Bob’s Red Mill All-Purpose flour on hand. Do you think it would work if I substituted the Cup4Cup flour in this recipe for BRM All-Purpose flour? Has anyone tried it, and what were their results?
    Thanks so much in advance!

    1. I generally don’t care for Bob’s because had bean flour in it. However in this recipe it should be ok because the chocolate will mask any “off” flavors!

  121. Have you tried this recipe as cupcakes? I need to make some cupcakes for my daughter’s class because there is another little girl with celiac. Please advise. Thanks.

      1. Thank you. This will be my first time making gluten free cupcakes so fingers crossed!

  122. I didn’t use Cup4Cup and my cake was a disaster ????????????????????????
    It was dense and fudgy and the corners were crispy. The middle
    Sank too. I’m so sad. All of these comments are so positive and I
    Had such a terrible experience. Hopefully I can find Cup4Cup and
    Try it out!!!

    1. What kind of flour blend do you use? Does it contain xanthan? And if so–you don’t need to add any more. Some gf flours are more absorbent than others as well. 🙂

  123. Ive made this recipe many times but my batter always turns out pudding like…. not runny at all. They still taste A.M.A.Z.I.N.G but wondering if they would be even better if that batter is like you say…. Any thoughts?

  124. I tried this recipe over the weekend. I used Bex Bakes brown rice flour blend and used lactose free milk instead of whole milk. The cake came out amazing! My husband and I couldn’t stop eating it. This is definitely my “go to” recipe going forward for chocolate cake or anytime I’m tasked to bake dessert for potlucks or family functions!

  125. I made this cake for my boyfriends birthday a few days ago, and it turned out amazing!!! He is newly GF and his first birthday cake since, and he agreed! I used Bob’s all purpose baking mox and vanilla insweetened almond milk and it was perfect!!! My new go-to. and it whas so easy!

  126. Hiya, I just wanted to know if the cake is to sweet as 2 cups compared to the amount of flour is a lot of sugar to use. Does it affect the taste of the cake

    1. The cake is not particularly sweet at all…but yes, there is a lot of sugar. That’s why it’s a special occasion treat.

  127. There is also no butter in the recipe. Is that right???

  128. Sorry for all the questions but can I use gluten free self raising flour and omit the baking powder or the soda don’t know which one cause the flour blend I have contains xanthum gum already

  129. Great cake like a true chocolate fudge cake should be. My only slight issue was because the batter was so runny after I poured it into my loose bottomed cake tins they leaked slightly whilst in the oven! So I recommend a tray underneath to catch the drips or use a different type of tin I guess.
    Also for those in UK I used doves farm plain flour.
    Thanks for the recipe have bookmarked it!

  130. I just made this cake for my daughter’s 6th birthday. It is delicious. I am Insulin Resistant and cannot have granulated sugar so I substituted Xylo Sweet. I also used Sprouted Gluten Free bake mix from the Sprouted Flour Company (1 – 1/4 cup sprouted bake mix and 1/2 cup arrowroot flour). For the icing I used Swerve Confectioners sugar. I did not have to make any other changes! Thanks for the recipe! This will be my go to recipe when I want a chocolate cake! –Ramona

  131. OMG the best gluten free chocolate cake ever
    I just baked, frosted and I couldn’t resist the temptation to cut a piece
    I made the cake for my husband, he is allergic to gluten
    I have been trying so many recipes and nothing like this one
    Thanks so much this is a keeper
    Do you have any gluten free vanilla cake too???

  132. This cake is divine! I made this twice for my boys birthday cakes and the second time I used coconut oil and chocolate hazel nut milk for 2/3 the coffee (small kids bday). Everyone raved about how good it was and I couldn’t stop eating the leftovers for a week after. Going to try lactose free version next time for the hubs. Hope ghee works for the frosting. Thank you!

  133. GILL MCMAHON says:

    made this cake on Christmas Eve and decorated with chocolate fudge frosting, chocolate reindeer antlers, eyes and a big red fondant nose!!! Unfortunately it sank magnificently in the middle on both cakes. Managed to disguise with the frosting and it tasted delicious so not all bad!

  134. Best chocolate cake EVER! Alison, do you have a recipe for yellow cake? Have a toddler birthday party coming up and I need a chocolate and vanilla/yellow cake option.

  135. I just made my first cake ever using this recipe. I made it for my dad’s birthday and he absolutely loved it. I have saved the page so I can use it again. Thank you so much. I’m sixteen and haven’t really had many chances to bake, but thats what I want to do when I’m older. It looked really nice too. I used buttercream frosting and chocolate piping. It looked awesome.

  136. Christine says:

    Does anyone have any information on gluten free vanilla? I thought vanilla was just alcohol with a vanilla bean soaking in it and I don’t think there’s gluten in either of those! I baked this cake for my co-workers, some of which have celiac’s disease, so I left the vanilla out, just in case. I also used coconut coffee ‘creamer’ in place of milk for the dairy free people!
    This cake was very delicious and super moist, even to a gluten lover. Thanks!

    1. Hi Christine, real vanilla extract is gluten-free. Vanilla flavor is not usually. Hope that helps.

  137. Raven Chen says:

    This is an amazing cake! I am not a commentor but I had to say something because it is delicious and the texture is outstanding. I have no problem with gluten but a friend of mine has kids that do. This is better than my normal recipe and will be my go to for now on for all my chocolate cakes. I will spread the word about your site!!

  138. I apologize if this question is in the comments above somewhere but I couldn’t find it. Can I make bake this in a 9 by 13 glass pan rather than two circle cake pans? How long do you think it would need to cook and any concerns that it may not cook up as well as one large cake? Thank you!

    1. That should work–I’ve put the batter in many different shaped pans and it always turns out great.

  139. Becky Hillman says:

    Oh My Heavenly Stars! Ever since the movie Julie and Julia, I have been regularly making the ‘Queen of Sheba’ (Reine de Saba) cake.
    Having recently gone gluten free (by choice) I was trying to ignore the gaping hole left by the absence of that cake. Last night I found your website, and the recipe of the one. I gave it my own personal twist of raspberry or blackberry jam between the layers. I suspect that even Julia would have been pleased.

  140. Tried this cake last week for my moms birthday, she is gluten free and the rest of the family is not. However, it was a hit all around! My brother and his friend polished off half of it in less than a few hours, and had no idea it was gluten free!!! Making another today 🙂

  141. Hi there,I really love this cake and would love to bake it to my girlfriend for her birthday.The only problem is I’m not an expert and would like some help with measurements. Can you tell me the cups and other measurements in gramms as I have no idea where to start.Thank you very much

  142. Is it 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 350 degrees Celsius?

  143. I don’t even know how to express how good this cake really is. I made this cake (both in layer cake and cupcakes) for a birthday party for 50+ people. Kids and adults were both equally impressed and many said “this is the best cupcake I’ve ever had. GF or not!” It was my first all gluten free party and I was more than nervous that it wouldn’t be good or I couldn’t pull it off. It was the easiest recipe to follow and your help was truly appreciated. You have a great thing going here and I’m excited to try more of your recipes.

    1. I am SO happy to hear it was a success, Lori Ann! And thanks so much for your nice comment. 🙂

  144. Have you ever doubled this recipe for a 9×13 cake? What temperature and for how long did you bake it for? Thanks!

    1. This recipe will fit in one 9×13. You can double it–but you’ll need two 9×13 pans. Baking temperature is the same–bake it for about 30-35 minutes.

  145. Cake does not seem to want to hold a rise like the flour-version. Is that to be expected?

    1. When the recipe is followed, it should be identical to a “real” cake. Did you make any modifications to the recipe?

  146. Question: The recipe calls for Cup4Cup which has xantham gum in it. Do I still add xantham gum if I use this brand? Up ’til now my favorite brand of GF all purpose has been Namaste. I am excited to try Cup4Cup from the rave reviews. I’ll try to remember to post my results as we won’t eat the cake until Saturday night (I’m making it today to freeze and ice on Saturday).

  147. I made this cake for the GF members of our family to enjoy while the b’day man enjoyed a chocolate malt cake at his request. Wow! This is an excellent recipe exclaimed all including the non GF folks. While I don’t care much for chocolate, I could appreciate a small bite of flavor. My granddaughter (non GF) loved it so much, I’m tasked with making it for HER b’day in two weeks. [Note: I only made half a recipe and sprinkled a few mini chocolate chips on the top. I’ll make the full two layer for my granddaughter’s b’day.] The website below is a small family website as all our kids are GF (two celiac) and each have one daughter who is GF. We are in three different states and our son was diagnosed most recently. None of the parents (3, divorce and remarriage) have gluten issues. ;-0

    1. Me again–I forgot to mention that the Cup4Cup is indeed excellent. I think it may be lighter than Namaste which I still like as a substitute for certain recipes.

  148. Angela Hall says:

    I’ve made this cake before, using Edmonds gf flour here in NZ – it is a wonderful moist cake! I’m making it again next week for my 3 yo’s birthday. He has asked for a fire truck chocolate cake :-O I’m planning to use two square 8 inch pans, not round, which I’ll shape into the truck. Would 8 inch square pans work ok do you think? The recipe quantity might suit 7 inch square better? I’m guessing I’d need to keep an eye on the time as they may bake faster, but do please let me know if you have any tips! SO grateful for your recipe.

  149. Hi, I live in Africa and it’s hard to find GF products. All I have available are gf white flour and gf white bread flour blend. Does the latter work?

  150. I don’t have gluten issues I just really love to bake and I have worked with two people now with celiac’s and neither were bakers, so what a great excuse for me to bake them something. I have made both of them this cake for different occasions and they absolutely loved it. When I told the one of them about C4C (which I only know about from reading your webpage), she was so excited and now uses it all the time. All the non GF people at work tried the cake too and couldn’t believe I didn’t buy it at a bakery…Thanks for the great recipe that makes me look like a world class baker!!

  151. Sherry Hobby says:

    Hi I just wanted to know what else can you use in place of the dairy-free baking stick that is dairy free, I made icing for my grandsons 1st Birthday and I was very disappointed, the taste for one thing was awful and I put in about 4 times the amount of vanilla trying to cover it up, but it also melted almost as fast as I could decorate the cake and I added extra sugar to try and stop that but it didn’t help, by the time I finished (I put it in the freezer for 5 minutes 3 times) the decorations from the top of the cake were at the bottom, I felt awful about it. I will be doing a wedding cake and one part of that has to be dairy free, please help if you can. Thanks ♡

  152. Hi Alison – first of all, thank you for creating this website and sharing all of your delicious recipes. You are a GEM!

    Just a quick question for you. My friend made this the other day and it turned out DIVINE – moist and the perfect amount of sweet. But then I made it tonight and something went horribly wrong. I followed the directions to a T (I triple checked! I even bought the Cup4Cup flour), but my cake mix was more pudding than runny. And while the cake tasted okay, the texture was more chewy than fluffy. Any idea what might have gone wrong? Any help you can provide would be GREATLY appreciated, as I love love LOVED this cake when my friend made it and am desperate to figure out what could be the problem.

    Again, THANK YOU!!

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  155. Thanks so much for this recipe! My family loves this cake and I make it often and it works well with our gluten and lactose free issues.

  156. Hiya, I’m going to make this for Valentines Day, I have G/F self raising flour and G//F plain flour, please can you advise which one to use? Thanks ????????????

  157. I have lost track of how often I’ve baked this cake, it’s that delicious. It’s always the go-to cake for any occasion, and my son loves it as his birthday cake! I wish I could send you a picture of how I made it last time. I made a blueberry compote, and spread it between the layers, and the heaped it on top and had it drizzle down the sides. It was beautiful, and so incredibly tasty! Thank you for your recipes!

  158. Stephanie F. says:

    Greetings, I’m new to baking and my husband is gluten-free. May I ask which cocoa powder brand you used? Thanks so much!!

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  160. I used this recipe to make cupcakes. They turned out great and were delicious! It made about 30 cupcakes. I used Bob’s Red Mill Gluten Free 1 to 1 Baking Flour. Oh, and being cupcakes they only needed to bake about 18 minutes. Thanks for the recipe!

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  162. Peter Lask says:

    I made this cake and it turned out fine several times. The last few times I made it however while mixing the batter it became extremely viscous and gooey climbing up the beaters. When baked it was dense and gooey, with the top of the individual layers being very heaved and irregular. I used Pamela’s Artisinal Baking flour, which I had used in the past. Any idea what’s going wrong?

    1. It’s possible that they changed their formula…sounds like they are adding more gums to me. Perhaps try a different blend…Bob’s 1 for 1 is pretty good, as is Cup4Cup.

      1. This is what happened to me. Made it for the first time last night. The batter was almost like a yeast dough and the finished cake was dense and spongy. I used Namaste flour blend (sweet brown rice flour, tapioca starch, brown rice flour, arrowroot powder, sorghum flour and xanthan gum). Disappointed 🙁

        1. Sorry it didn’t turn out. I have tried it with my own blend and many commercial blends and it turns out perfectly every time. Did you add the cup of hot water/coffee? The finished batter should be VERY liquidy and pourable. Try Bob’s Red Mill One-2-One next time. 🙂

  163. Hi from the UK,
    I am not a baker, but enjoy making cakes (usually fruit and royal icing). I was asked to make a 12 inch round 3 layer gluten free chocolate cake for an 18th birthday. Never baked or cooked anything gluten free before so I was pretty nervous.
    There are lots and lots of recipes on line calling for all type of ingredients – but then I found this straightforward recipe. I used Doves Farm gf flour, (from Tesco UK) GF baking powder, and substituted the coffee for hot water, I put the whole mix into a 12in round (greased and bottom lined) anodised aluminium tin (so lovely to use) and baked at 160c (fan) for about 20 minutes(ish) – I made 3 of them, each turning out to be about 1 1/2 inches thick. Perfect ! The filling was Italian Meringue butter cream and the cake was covered with white vanilla fondant and decorated.

    Turned out to be perfectly delicious ! Just thought I would say thank you Alison.

  164. Arg. This looks wonderful but it seems like nobody cooks from scratch anymore. I mix all my own blends and grind my own gluten free grains as needed. We’re a family of 8 and there’s no way I’m buying expensive mixes when I can buy the flours and starches and mix my own for pennies. I have a go-to gluten free yellow cake recipe I perfected but a friend requested a GF chocolate cake today and I can’t find my regular chocolate cake recipe. The search continues…

  165. I measured my GF flour for 1-3/4 cups…but it weighs 300grams….which measurement should I go with?

    I am in Canada using ROBIN HOOD GF flour.

  166. The cake tasted delicious, but it took forever to bake! I made sure the oven was at the right temperature, and the rack was right in the middle. But it ended up taking 50 minutes rather than 30 or 35. Can this be explained, or is it just my oven?

  167. OMG is all I can say. Made this for a birthday party for work as we have a coworker who has a gluten allergy. It was amazing. I did use the recipe for making my own gluten free flour (Better than Cup 4 Cup) that I found on the web. Now I just have to figure out how to make this sugar free or low sugar. Need a recipe for white cake also. Just love this recipe.

  168. This is a wonderful cake. Could not tell it was gluten free. Some comments:
    1. I’m not sure if I made an error but my cake was definitely salty. I only had coarse sea salt so I’m not sure if that made a difference? Will use regular (and less) next time.
    2. Next time I will double the frosting recipe. I was afraid this wouldn’t be enough but it was, not by much though.
    3. Be sure to use deep pans. I used USA Pans 2” deep and it filled them up! These pans are the best non-stick too!
    4. I substituted 2 Tbsp of the cocoa powder in the cake with extra dark cocoa powder. Oh my, it made it so dark and fudgy. Yum!
    5. I used a flour blend found in Pinterest (Erica’s Gluten Free All Purpose Flour Blend) and it worked great. Definitely a keeper!

    1. I do prefer to use fine sea salt or kosher salt in my recipes. Thanks for the tips and I’m glad you loved it! 🙂

  169. If you are using Cup4Cup, do you need to add xanthum gum since it already contains it?

  170. Hi, can I use Gluten Free 1-to-1 Baking Flour for this recipe?

  171. McCall Johnson says:

    5 stars
    LOVE!!! This is my go to recipe for chocolate cake!! I have used this recipe for YEARS.

  172. 5 stars
    this cake was wonderful,cooked up to really generous layers , i made mine into 3x6inch tins,i tried this out on a friend who is gluten and dairy free , and as a top tier for a bride who is gluten and dairy free ,so thankyou jean

  173. Hi! I’ve made this recipe many times and I absolutely love it but I was wondering if it is firm enough to stack. I’ve made it in 6 inch rounds before and it works great, but do you know if it would hold up stacked in 4-5 thin layers? Thanks for sharing this recipe!

    1. Hi Alessia – I’m so glad you love it. Yes, it works great stacked in layers. I recommend freezing the unfrosted, cooled cakes for about 30 minutes before you slice them. Then freeze the sliced layers (separated) until firm. Then frost the cake as usual. Because the cake is so moist, freezing the layers ensures that they won’t fall apart.

  174. This cake is our favorite chocolate cake. Everyone loves it and compliments it. My son wants cupcakes instead of a cake this year. Can this be made into cupcakes? If so what would the baking time be? Thank you!

    1. Yay! So happy to hear it! This works very well as cupcakes – because the batter is so thin, it may be easier to pour into the cups, rather than using a scoop. I fill them about 2/3 full. Increase the oven temperature to 400°F and bake for about 18 minutes. Check for doneness and if it needs more time, check again after a few minutes.

  175. 5 stars
    I have been gf for 3 years now and this is the first time I have had cake with icing. Everything else I have tried has been awful so I’m so excited that i can have cake now. It was absolutely Wonderful. My husband is not gf but he said he loves it more than reg cake. Thanks so much
    I can’t wait to try your blueberry muffins.

  176. I know this a GF cake…Can this be made using regular all purpose flour? Does that change the amount of liquid?

    1. Hi Emma – yes, you can make it with all purpose flour. The original recipe called for one fewer egg, and 1 1/2 teaspoons EACH of baking powder and baking soda. Hope that helps! 🙂

  177. 5 stars
    This is our go to cake! We love it so much. I’ve (accidentally) made it without the xanthum gum (my flour blend didn’t have it) and it worked well.

    1. Hi Karen – that is great to hear. I haven’t tried that yet, and I’ve had a lot of folks ask. Thanks so much for leaving a comment! 🙂

  178. I made this cake twice and each time it rose fine in the oven but pulled away from the sides and fell flat as soon as I took it out of the oven. I am following the recipe exactly and using Cup 4 Cup flour, Would love any suggestions.

    1. Hi there – I’m sorry you’re having trouble! A couple of things to try:

      1. check your oven temperature – you may need to get an oven thermometer.
      2. check to make sure your baking powder and baking soda are fresh.
      3. make sure the eggs are at room temperature.
      4. make sure the cake is fully cooked by sticking a toothpick in the center – it should come out clean.

      Other factors to consider – are you baking at elevation? I’ve had good success with Cup4Cup but I now prefer to use Bob’s Red Mill 1 to 1 (it’s cheaper and has less starch), so maybe try using that blend next time.

      Good luck and thank you for your comment!

  179. This is my go to recipe if o have to make cake for any occasion. My family begs for it lol. And most of them are gluten eating
    I use oat milk. And always do the coffee not water

  180. I absolutely love this recipe, I can’t have white sugar so I substitute maple sugar, and I substitute the cocoa with carob, it comes out beautifully

  181. 5 stars
    Best ever GF cake, EVERYONE loves it.

  182. Le'a Green says:

    5 stars
    We have made this cake over a dozen times and now my whole extended family makes it for every occasion. Nobody wants anything else except this chocolate cake! Just made it with my son for my birthday tomorrow! Thank you #AGirlDefloured!🙏💘🎂🥂🍾🔥💃🏽

    1. Yay! We love it too – thanks for popping in to let me know and hope your son had a wonderful birthday! Cheers!

  183. 5 stars
    I’ve had this cake for my birthday, and it is the bomb! Thank you for this recipe 🙌

  184. 5 stars
    Since i discovered this recipe 15 (give or take) years ago, I have made it countless times and it has become a family favorite!! We don’t drink coffee so we use 3 tbsp of ovaltine in a cup of water, which adds to the rich chocolate flavor. I look forward to trying other cake recipies from this baker.

    1. Thank you so much for your comment. I love that our family tradition has become a family tradition for so many others. I love the idea of using a coffee sub to make the cake richer. But what kind of Ovaltine are you using? The original formula (malt and chocolate malt) isn’t gluten free because it contains barley malt extract! I’m putting that out there for anyone who might be reading these comments and not realize that! 🙂

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