If you're looking for a super moist gluten free chocolate cake recipe that actually tastes like bakery cake, this is it! The secret? We're using hot chocolate mix and freshly brewed coffee to create the unique flavor and that irresistible texture. This is the kind of cake you'll make once and immediately save forever.
Why You'll Love This Gluten Free Chocolate Cake
This chocolate cake recipe means more to me than just dessert. My dad made this chocolate cake for me every single year on my birthday until I turned 40. It became our tradition and something I could always count on. When Cassidy was diagnosed with Celiac Disease, he spent many hours in the kitchen adapting it into a gluten free version.
After he passed away last August, I knew I wanted to share this recipe with all of you. It's more than just a cake. It's a memory, a tradition, and a way to keep a little piece of him with me.
There are a lot of gluten free cake recipes out there, but this one stands out because:
- Coffee enhances the chocolate flavor (no coffee taste!)
- Oil keeps the cake super moist for days
- Packed with chocolate flavor from hot cocoa mix
- Easy to make in one bowl
- Completely gluten free but tastes like a classic chocolate cake
Using hot chocolate mix adds a subtle sweetness and richness that cocoa powder alone just doesn't give.
Why Add Coffee to Chocolate Cake?
If you've never added coffee to chocolate cake before, don't worry, it won't taste like coffee! Instead, using coffee will:
- Deepens the chocolate flavor
- Makes the cake richer
- Enhances sweetness without adding more sugar
It's one of the best tricks for making a bakery-style gluten free chocolate cake at home. You can also use decaf coffee if you prefer to keep the cake caffeine free.
Ingredients You'll Need to Make This Moist and Delicious Gluten Free Chocolate Cake
Here's everything you'll need to make this gluten free chocolate cake:
- 2 ½ cups gluten free all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup Swiss Miss Milk Chocolate Hot Cocoa Mix (It's labeled gluten free!)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup milk (or dairy-free milk)
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup cooled brewed coffee (decaf works too!)
For the frosting you'll need:
- Gluten Free All Purpose Flour
- Milk
- Confectioner's Sugar
- Butter
- Vanilla Extract
If you're looking for more gluten free dessert recipes, I think you'll also love these Homemade Gluten Free Vanilla Cupcakes and these nostalgic Gluten Free Choco Tacos!
Be sure to also check out my entire collection of gluten free desserts!
How to Make Gluten Free Chocolate Cake
Step 1: Prep Your Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease and flour a Bundt pan.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together:
- Gluten free flour
- Sugar
- Hot chocolate mix
- Baking powder
- Baking soda
Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients
Add in:
- Eggs
- Milk
- Oil
- Vanilla
Mix until smooth.
Step 4: Pour in Cooled Coffee
Slowly add the coffee while mixing. The batter will be thin, this is exactly what you want!
Step 5: Bake
Pour into your prepared pan and bake for approximately 1 hour.
A toothpick should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
Step 6: Cool Completely
Let the cake cool fully before frosting.
How to Store This Cake
- Room temperature: Store covered for up to 2 days
- Refrigerator: Up to 5 days (bring to room temp before serving)
- Freezer: Wrap slices individually and freeze up to 2 months
Can you make this gluten free cake Dairy Free too?
Yes! Just swap:
- Milk for unsweetened almond milk. I would not use coconut milk as it will change the flavor.
- Hot chocolate mix for a dairy-free version
Everything else stays the same.
This gluten free chocolate cake is one of those recipes you'll come back to again and again. It's simple, reliable, and seriously delicious. Serve on birthdays and celebrations, and enjoy your time spent with family and friends!
Have you tried this recipe? Be sure to leave a comment below and tag me on Instagram @thrivingglutenfree so I can see how it turned out!
Let's Bake!
The Best Gluten Free Chocolate Cake Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease your pan.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, hot chocolate mix, baking powder, baking soda.
- Add eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla. Mix until smooth.
- Slowly pour in the hot coffee while mixing. The batter will be thin.
- Bake for about one hour until a toothpick comes out clean or with a few crumbs. Let the cake cool completely before frosting.
- Heat milk on a stovetop pan until warm but not boiling. Add flour and stir until a paste forms. Refrigerate until the cake is cooled
- Once you're ready for the frosting, place the milk/flour mixture in a stand mixer. Add sugar, vanilla and butter and mix until you have a frosting consistency.
- Spread frosting over the cake and enjoy!
Comments
No Comments