Vegan Gluten Free Chocolate Cake

This Vegan Gluten-Free Chocolate Cake is an ABSOLUTE hit! Made with simple, wholesome ingredients, it delivers a rich, moist, and indulgent experience without compromising on flavor or texture. Perfect for any occasion, this cake is light, fluffy, and deeply chocolatey, with just the right balance of sweetness and cocoa intensity. The batter comes together effortlessly using applesauce for moisture, a touch of instant coffee to enhance the chocolate flavor, and a gluten-free flour blend for a tender crumb.

Cake Ingredients

• 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (60g)
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 2 1/2 cups cane sugar
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil (100g + 2 teaspoons)
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 teaspoons instant coffee mixed in 1 cup hot water (or just hot water)
• 2 1/2 cups gluten-free 1-to-1 baking flour (296g)

Vegan Chocolate Frosting

• 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 1/2 cups softened vegan butter (or salted butter; skip sea salt if using salted butter)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch sea salt
• 2 1/2 cups to 3 cups powdered sugar
• 1/3 cup vegan milk + 1 tablespoon extra if needed

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Cake Preparation

1. Preheat & Prepare Pans – Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch cake pans, then line them with parchment paper for easy release.
2. Prepare Wet Ingredients – In a small bowl, mix the apple cider vinegar with the soy milk and let it sit until it curdles.
3. Mix Dry Ingredients – In a large bowl, sift together the cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and sea salt. Stir to combine.
4. Combine Wet & Dry – Add the applesauce, sugar, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and prepared coffee to the dry ingredients. Mix until fully incorporated.
5. Add Flour – Gradually mix in the gluten-free flour, stirring until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cake light and fluffy.
6. Bake – Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake for 27 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Cool – Remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool completely in the pans before transferring them to a wire rack.

Frosting Preparation & Assembly

1. Make the Frosting – In a bowl, whisk together the softened butter, cocoa powder, vanilla extract, and sea salt until smooth.
2. Add Sugar & Milk – Gradually mix in the powdered sugar, alternating with the vegan milk, until the frosting is creamy. Add extra milk if needed for the right consistency.
3. Assemble the Cake – Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread an even layer of frosting on top.
4. Layer & Decorate – Add the second cake layer and frost the top and sides evenly.
5. Serve – Let the frosting set at room temperature before slicing. Enjoy!