This is the BEST Gluten Free Chocolate Cake! It’s moist, delicious and no one will ever guess it’s gluten free! It is perfect for your next celebration that calls for cake!
It’s my birthday! Well, not actually until Tuesday, but I think it is ok to celebrate all week, right?! Especially when your birthday falls on a weekday. When this happens you should probably make a huge gluten free chocolate cake and eat yourself into a chocolate cake frenzy all week long! My mom used to make a homemade cake for me every birthday growing up and they were delicious! I’ve recently started making them for myself and my kids and this gluten free chocolate cake makes a regular appearance.
Gluten Free Chocolate Cake Recipe Ingredients & Substitutions
- Gluten Free All Purpose Flour – I developed this gluten free chocolate cake recipe using Bob’s Red Mill Gluten Free 1:1 Baking Flour. I have since made this recipe using a couple of other AP gluten free flour blends and it has worked, but I always prefer the taste and texture when I use Bob’s Red Mill. If using a different brand, make sure it contains xantham gum.
- Cocoa Powder -I use regular, natural cocoa powder for this recipe, not dutch cocoa powder.
- Sugar – I use both granulated sugar and brown sugar for this recipe. I use light brown sugar but dark brown would work as well. You could also use a mixture of cane sugar and coconut sugar.
- Butter – I use unsalted butter so you can regulate the amount of salt in your cake. I’ve also made this cake using vegan butter and it worked great!
- Eggs – I originally developed this gluten free cake recipe using real eggs, but have also tried the recipe using a vegan egg substitute and it worked well.
- Almond Milk – You can use any plant based milk for this recipe, and if you aren’t needing the cake to be dairy free you can use regular milk.
- Non-fat Greek yogurt – Non-fat Greek yogurt makes the cake light and fluffy but you can also use dairy free yogurt. I usually use plain yogurt but have made the recipe with strawberry greek yogurt and it worked great!
- Frosting – You can use any kind of frosting you want for this cake! I like chocolate cake with chocolate frosting, but it’s totally up to you. I have linked the chocolate frosting recipe I used in these photos in the recipe card.
- Vanilla Extract
- Salt, Baking Soda, Baking Powder
How To Make The Best Gluten Free Chocolate Cake
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and grease your cake pans. This recipe makes a round 3 layer cake, but you can also use it to make cupcakes or a sheet cake.
- In a medium sized bowl, mix together the flour, cocoa power, salt, baking soda and baking powder. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugars for about 3 minutes until they are light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, whisking in between each addition. Then add the vanilla and mix again. Finally add the milk and mix one last time. The wet mixture might look a little strange, like it’s curdled, at this point, but that is ok!
- Add the flour mixture and the Greek yogurt to the wet mixture, one half at a time alternating between the two, starting with the flour. Give the batter one last mix until everything is combined.
- Equally distribute the batter between the three baking pans. Bake cakes for about 30 minutes or until an inserted toothpick comes out clean. Let the cake cool inside the pan for ten minutes and then transfer to a cooling rack.
- Once the cakes are cooled, transfer to a plate or cake stand and stack the cakes on top of eachother, frosting in between each one. Frost the top and sides of the cake, smoothing out with a knife if necessary.
Easy Gluten Free Chocolate Cake Frequently Asked Questions
- Is this recipe dairy free? You can easily make this recipe dairy free! Just use dairy free butter and dairy free milk.
- Can I use almond/rice/coconut etc… flour in this cake? You could try, but I’ve had the best results using regular Gluten Free AP flour. Coconut flour would definitely alter the recipe and need more liquid.
- Can I make this recipe without eggs? Yes, just use an egg substitute. I like to use a flax or chia egg.
- Can I make cupcake with this recipe? Yes! Unless you need a lot of cupcakes, I would suggest cutting down the recipe by 1/3 to make cupcakes, it should make 24 cupcakes.
- Can I make a two layer cake instead of a 3 layer cake? Yes, just cut the recipe down by 1/3.
- Can I make this cake ahead of time? Yes, there are two ways you can make this cake in advance:
- How to freeze the cake: let cake cool completely and then wrap each round in plastic wrap. Place the plastic wrapped cake into a ziplock bag or airtight container and freeze up to 3 months. Unwrap the cakes and thaw on the counter until ready to frost.
- How to store the cakes for just a few days: let the cakes cool completely and then wrap them loosely in plastic wrap and store at room temperature for up to 2 days. If it’s hot in your kitchen, store in the refrigerator.
Have a question that I didn’t answer? Ask me in the comment section below and I will get back to you ASAP!
Looking For More Easy Gluten Free Dessert Recipes?
Peanut Butter and Banana Ice Cream Sandwiches
Mixed Berry Upside Down Chocolate Cake
PrintGluten Free Three Layer Chocolate Cake
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8-12 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This is the best homemade gluten free chocolate cake you will ever eat! Everyone who makes it loves it, even people who aren’t gluten free!
Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons Bob’s Red Mill gluten free 1:1 baking flour*
- 1 1/2 cup cocoa powder, sifted
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 3 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cup almond milk or regular milk
- 1 1/2 cup plain non-fat Greek yougurt
- 2 cups chocolate frosting – see link below for the one I used
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. In a medium sized bowl, mix together the flour, cocoa powered, salt, baking soda and baking powder. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugars. Add the eggs one at a time and then add the vanilla and mix again. Finally add the milk and mix one last time. The wet mixture might look a little strange at this point, but that is ok!
- Add the flour mixture and the Greek yogurt to the wet mixture, one half at a time alternating between the two, starting with the flour. Give the batter one last mix until everything is combined.
- Grease three 8 inch cake pans and equally distribute the batter into the pans. Bake cakes for about 30 minutes or until an inserted toothpick comes out clean. Let the cake cool inside the pan for ten minutes and then transfer to a cooling rack.
- Once the cakes are cooled, transfer to a plate or cake stand and stack the cakes on top of eachother, frosting in between each one. Frost the top and sides of the cake, smoothing out with a knife if necessary.
Notes
*I have only made this recipe using Bob’s Red Mill Gluten Free 1:1 Baking flour, I’m not sure if it would turn out the same using a different gluten free flour.
I used this chocolate frosting recipe, but you can use any recipe or store-bought frosting you like. You will need about 2 cups depending on how much frosting you like to use.
- Prep Time: 30 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Category: Dessert, Gluten Free
- Method: Oven
- Cuisine: American
Gayle @ Pumpkin 'N Spice says
Happy early birthday, Izzy! This chocolate cake looks absolutely gorgeous! I’m in awe of these pretty layers. And that bag is just the cutest! What a great giveaway! Hope you have a wonderful day and celebrate with lots of this yummy cake!
She Likes Food says
Thank you, Gayle!! I was so happy and excited with how it came out! And I probably ate way too much of it, haha!
T says
Can you use regular yogurt?
She Likes Food says
Yes!
Paula says
Hi Isadora,
I am new to your website and would like to know if you sale your reusable food bags? I would love buy one.
I love blog. I am anxious to bake this wonderful looking chocolate cake. Hopefully this weekend.
Thank you.
She Likes Food says
Hi Paula,
Unfortunately, I don’t sell them quite yet. I was thinking about doing another giveaway to win one of them soon though, so stay tuned! I hope you enjoy the cake 🙂
June @ How to Philosophize with Cake says
What a beautiful cake! Hard to believe it is gluten-free, and I’m sure it is delicious too 🙂
She Likes Food says
Thank you so much!
Cakespy says
Ohhhh myyyyy yum. Oh my yum. I need this cake!
She Likes Food says
Yes you do need this cake!! 🙂
Medha @ Whisk & Shout says
Classic chocolate cake is simply the best- love this gluten free layer cake!
She Likes Food says
Agree!!
Denise M says
I love zucchini in the summer in everything – savory and sweet
She Likes Food says
Zucchini is such a great versatile ingredient!
Ahnika says
This cake looks yummy! Would he be ok to freeze the cake for few days before icing & decorating it?
She Likes Food says
Yes!
Tina @ Tina's Chic Corner says
First of all, happy birthday! Second, I’m obsesse with your gorgeous cake! Seriously…gorgeousness and it looks absolutely delicious. I’m always looking for great gluten free dessert options for my gluten free friends. 🙂
She Likes Food says
Thank you, Tina! I think your friends will love this cake!!
David says
I would have to say watermelon is my favorite summer ingredient, along with the other melons. You can eat it plain, add it to recipes, make a smoothie, and the best part is that no matter how you use it, the kids will love it.
She Likes Food says
You are reminding me that I haven’t eaten nearly enough melons this summer! They are so good!
Steph says
Peaches and nectarines are my favorite summer ingrediants
She Likes Food says
Yum! I love them too!
Sarah @ Making Thyme for Health says
Happy birthday, Izzy!! You have every right to celebrate all week long. That means at least one piece of cake per day! 😉
It looks amazing. So moist and decadent! And I love those grocery bags too. They’re so pretty!!
She Likes Food says
Thank you, Sarah! I definitely ate more than my fair share of cake 🙂 And now I want more, haha!
Danielle says
Happy early birthday, Izzy! This cake looks soooooo delicious and moist! This is one seriously gorgeous cake.
She Likes Food says
Thank you, Danielle! It really was so moist and delicious!! 🙂
Jess @ Flying on Jess Fuel says
This is seriously the most perfect, pretty cake I’ve ever seen! I’m so envious of your cake baking talents!! Happy almost birthday!!!
She Likes Food says
Awww, thank you so much, Jess! This is probably one of the only things I’ve ever baked that turned out pretty, haha!
Brittany Koelmel says
Hey! Happy birthday. You have the same birthday as me! Yay!
She Likes Food says
Thank you! Happy (belated) birthday to you!! August 4th is a pretty special day 🙂
Ashley | The Recipe Rebel says
This is insanely gorgeous! I saw it on Facebook and could not stay away! My brother in law is Celiac so I’m always looking for new gluten free baking recipes — will definitely have to try this one!
She Likes Food says
Thank you so much, Ashley!! You have to make this for him! I took the leftovers to work and everyone was very surprised it was gluten free!
Arpita@ The Gastronomic Bong says
That’s a beautiful cake.. Looks so lush.. Can’t believe its gluten free.. definitely gonna be making it for hubby 🙂
She Likes Food says
Thanks Arpita! You gotta try it 🙂
Kelly - Life Made Sweeter says
Happy Happy Birthday!This cake is gorgeous, Izzy! Love the pretty layers – it’s the perfect celebration cake! I have been looking for a gluten free chocolate cake to make for my niece for her birthday and can’t wait to try this one!
She Likes Food says
Thank you, Kelly! You have to try this one! It really is so good 🙂
Kim says
Happy happy birthday!
Summer deliciousness, for me, is all wrapped up in a REAL vine ripened tomato .
She Likes Food says
Thank you! Vine ripened tomatoes taste so good!!
Kelly @ Hidden Fruits and Veggies says
Happpy birthdayyyyy! This cake looks so delicious and pretty. I just want to faceplant right into it. My favorite summer ingredient is probably zucchini, but I love sweet corn too!
She Likes Food says
Thank you, Kelly! Haha, I will faceplant right there with you!
Sarah @Whole and Heavenly Oven says
Happy, happy birthday, Izzy! You’ve seriously got SO much fun stuff going on today. I mean, cake and giveaways?? So much fun. 🙂 I can’t even believe that this gorgeous cake is gluten-free! It looks so moist and fudgy inside and I’m totally craving an XXL slice for breakfast right now!
She Likes Food says
Thank you so much, Sarah!! It totally is so moist and delicious! And I’d be lying if I said I didn’t eat some for breakfast a few days in a row 🙂
Toni says
Love to see all the delish things you share and this will be a keeper cake. Hope mine turns out this pretty!!!!!
My favorite summer item is “home-grown” tomatoes!!! The just taste different when you grown them in your local soil.
Happy Birthday!!!
She Likes Food says
Thank you so much, Toni! Home grown tomatoes are the best! I wish I had better luck at getting them to grow!
Lorraine Pennell says
Happy Birthday!! My favorite summer ingredient is berries!! Hope your day is fabulous!!!
She Likes Food says
Thank you! Berries are pretty great!
Julia Mazzucato says
I love using avocados! Also, strawberries are in season right now, but I don’t cook them, I just eat them raw!
Julia // Little Miss Haute Couture
She Likes Food says
Me too, Julia!! Avocados and strawberries are both such great ingredients!
Philisha says
Happy-appi birthday Izzy! Hope you have a great day today!
Can you substitute the non-fat greek yogurt?
She Likes Food says
Thank you! You could probably substitute it for some other kind of yogurt, if that is what you are thinking? It mainly helps to make the cake really moist, so you could probably do without, but I haven’t tried it like that so I can’t say for sure.
Melissa says
Happy Birthday! My favorite summer ingredient is “WATERMELON”!!!
Yum!
She Likes Food says
Thank you! Watermelon is one of my favs too 🙂
Julia says
Haaaaappy birthday!!! GAH that cake looks so good, I just might have to make it and pretend like it’s my bday, ha! My mouth is seriously watering over all that chocolate. My favorite summer ingredient has been basil this summer…particularly in the pesto form. YUM! Hope you have a marvelous day celebrating!
She Likes Food says
Thank you so much, Julia!! Haha, you totally should! I was thinking about making another one for my cat’s birthday, is that strange?! I just want an excuse to eat more! Ahhh, basil is the BEST!!
Emma {Emma's Little Kitchen} says
Happy Birthday!! Cake is a MUST on your birthday, I usually opt for chocolate too 🙂
She Likes Food says
Thank you, Emma! Chocolate is the best 🙂
Penni says
Happy birthday, Izzy! My favorite summer ingredient is blueberries! Can’t get enough of them!
She Likes Food says
Thank you, Penni!! Ohhh, blueberries are one of the best ingredients!
Debi B says
Happy Birthday! My birthday is Sunday, gotta love all the Leos! Perfect timing for this beautiful cake recipe. One of my favorite summer ingredients would have to be … ice…. I know it’s not a traditional ingredient but it makes it all better in hot, hot Phoenix. Sorbet, Iced drinks, frozen grapes. Thanks and have a wonderful day!
She Likes Food says
Thank you! Happy Birthday to you too!! Leos are definitely the best sign out there 🙂 Haha, it is so hot here in Tucson also that ice sounds like the perfect ingredient to me 🙂
Alison H. says
Happy Birthday! My favorite summer ingredient is watermelon!
She Likes Food says
Thank you! Watermelon is pretty much the best summer food!
Marianne says
HAPPY BIRTHDAY IZZY!!
I have been enjoying using Zucchini’s in all different ways right now. From lasagne, fritters, oodles of noodles, and muffins.
Your logo bag is way cool!!
Enjoy that cake:)
She Likes Food says
Thank you so much, Marianne! I love using zucchini in lasagna! And making noodles out of it is so fun!
Marsha H says
Happy Birthday! My favorite summer ingredient is watermelon. It shouts “summer” to me.
She Likes Food says
Thank you! Watermelon is so good and summery!
Alyssa @ My Sequined Life says
Happy birthday Izzy!! This CAKE – oh man it looks amazing! I would have never thought it was gluten free. Chocolate on chocolate (and more chocolate…) is my preferred birthday combination. 🙂
She Likes Food says
Thank you, Alyssa! That is my preferred birthday combo too! You can’t go wrong with chocolate 🙂
Mariah @ Mariah's Pleasing Plates says
Happy Birthday pretty girl!!! I hope you had a great day and were spoiled rotten! 😉
This cake looks like the perfect way to celebrate!
She Likes Food says
Thank you so much, Mariah! I think I was in a chocolate cake coma for most of the birthday, but it was pretty good, haha 🙂
Sandy Marinelli says
Happy Birthday to YOU!
My favorite summer time ingredient is AVOCADO’s! Not only are they great for savory dishes and just by themselves, but also really good with sweet recipes like Vegan Chocolate Mousse!
She Likes Food says
Thank you!! Avocados are the best!! I could eat them everyday! I bet they are so good in chocolate mousse 🙂
marcie says
Happy belated birthday, Izzy! My mom always made me homemade cakes for my birthday, too, and they were the best. 🙂 This cake is just beautiful, and I’m glad you got a delicious gluten-free cake this year! And the more chocolate the better! 🙂
She Likes Food says
Thank you, Marcie! They are so the best! I agree, I want to eat all the chocolate!!
Danielle says
Zucchini! It can take on so many flavors. My favorite is a mock apple pie.
She Likes Food says
A zucchini pie sounds so interesting! I bet it tastes delicious!
Jean Layton says
Happy birthday! This cake looks amazing and so celebratory.
My favorite summer flavor would work very well with this cake, it’s raspberry. Can’t wait till my bushes give more ripe berries so I can layer them between these tender layers.
She Likes Food says
Thank you! I almost put raspberries in the cake but at the last minute I decided to go straight chocolate, next time though!
Anne says
My favorite summer ingredient is strawberries. Bag looks adorable and cake looks amazing!
She Likes Food says
Thanks so much, Anne! Strawberries are the best 🙂
livivua says
I love squash and even learned how to make a squash cake a little while back!
She Likes Food says
I’m so intrigued by a squash cake! I gotta look into that!
geraldine | Green Valley Kitchen says
Happy Birthday, Izzy! That is one beautiful cake – your pictures are wonderful – I just want to dive in and have a big old slice. Cheers!
She Likes Food says
Thank you so much! I’m thinking I need to make another one because it was so good 🙂
tonya cooper says
CHOCOLATE!!!!!
She Likes Food says
haha! Chocolate is always a great ingredient!
Traci | Vanilla And Bean says
Hey, Izzy! Happy Birthday Girrrrlll!! You go on and celebrate birthday week.. or month! We need more time to celebrate life and cake… and things like that! Of course you must have cake on your birthday – I love how you made your own (I prefer this too!!). It’s an event in itself! And that bag! How sweet is that?! Ok – my fave Summer ingredients has to be blueberries or watermelon or no… fresh lettuce straight from the farm… ooooh, do I only get one??? Hope your week is fabulous, Izzy!
She Likes Food says
Thanks so much, Traci!! I keep trying to get things out of my husband by telling him it is my birthday month but I’m not sure he is going for it, haha! You gotta have homemade cake on your birthday 🙂
I love all those things too! Especially fresh lettuce!
Natalie says
Happy, happy birthday! And what a great choice of cake flavor:) Right now I’m on a blueberry kick. So anything blueberry related I’m all over this Summer!
She Likes Food says
Thank you!! I don’t eat nearly enough blueberries but I need to eat more because I love them!
Kristen says
My favorite summer ingredient is fresh peaches.
She Likes Food says
Yum! They are so good!
Karen Fisher says
my favorite summer ingredient is lemon! Your cake looks amazing.
She Likes Food says
I’m pretty obsessed with lemons too! Thank you 🙂
RITA says
Happy Birthday!!
Lemons and mangos make any summer day feel so refreshing and cool.
She Likes Food says
Thank you! Yum! I always make sure to have a few lemons on hand 🙂
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Happy birthday! Chocolate is always the best way to celebrate 😉 Beautiful cake!
Let’s see, my favorite summer ingredient…there are too many! I’ll say cherries, blueberries, and fresh corn!
She Likes Food says
Thank you! I love summer berries too! And fresh corn is a must during the summer 🙂
Steph tomko says
I think I have to jump on the avocado train! I eat an average of 3 a week! And my kids love them too!! Looking forward to trying your recipes! Happy Birthday!
She Likes Food says
I eat so many of them too! My husband doesn’t eat them very much so I always get to eat the whole thing myself 🙂
Anne Michelle Bonanno says
Happy Birthday!! My favorite summer ingredient is avacado.
She Likes Food says
oohhh, I love avocados too!
Ashley says
Happy birthday! 🙂 Does a margarita count as my favorite summer ingredient?
She Likes Food says
Thank you! And, margaritas totally count 🙂
Lori says
My fav summer good is chocolate !!!!
I’d love to win btw
She Likes Food says
I agree, chocolate is one of the best foods!
nadya kotik says
I love to make anything with strawberries in summer since it’s my favorite fruit
She Likes Food says
I love strawberries too!!
Kaelin says
Happy Birthday!! I love your cake- and I can’t wait to make it!
My favorite summer ingredient is heirloom tomatoes. I grow anywhere from seven to fifteen different varieties every year, and if we don’t eat them like candy, I make balsamic bruschetta, margherita pizza, and tomato feta dip by the gallon! I’m sure I should have said something like peaches- but we eat tomatoes at every meal, and summer wouldn’t be the same without them!
I hope you have a wonderful birthday!
She Likes Food says
Thank you, Kaelin!! Heirloom tomatoes are the best!! I tried growing some last year and I only got one small one, haha! I would eat them for every meal too if I was better at growing them 🙂
GiGi Eats says
Be still my heart, be still my heart! <3 😉
Sarah says
Is there any replacement for the yogurt for this recipe? It sounds amazing but I need to make it dairy-free! 🙁 Any suggestions?
She Likes Food says
Hi Sarah, I haven’t made the cake without the yogurt myself so I can’t say for sure, but you could try using non-dairy yogurt or possibly omitting it all together. It helps to make the cake moist, so it just might not be as moist. I hope that helps!
Shannon says
I know this is a weird question, but my oven is a little unusual, so I hope you’ll humor me. Could I make the batter, fill the pans, and then let it sit for 10 minutes while the oven preheats? Or does it need to be baked immediately? Thanks for your input!
It looks amazing, I’m so excited to make it!
She Likes Food says
Hi Shannon, sorry for the delay! You can definitely fill the pan and let it sit! My oven only cooks two pans at a time so I had to fill the third one and let it sit until the first two were done and it worked great!
Kim says
I made this today and it is delicious and looks just like it does in your pictures. The only change I made was to use regular (not Greek-style) yogurt and reduce it by 1/4 cup to avoid adding too much moisture. Fabulous, will definitely make again. Thanks!
She Likes Food says
That’s awesome, Kim!! I’m so glad it turned out great for you! Thank you 🙂
T. Dennis says
I just made this cake for my son’s birthday and it was scrumptious. I used Namaste organic GF flour and substituted keifer for the milk and the yogurt. I also added some almond extract along with the vanilla. For the icing I made a salted almond chocolate icing with almond butter and almond extract and I iced one layer with salted caramel. The cake was a huge success!
She Likes Food says
Yah! I’m so glad it was a success!! That frosting sounds so delicious! And i love the idea of using keifer instead of the yogurt! Thanks so much for the comment 🙂
Sylvia says
This chocolate cake is so delicious, moist, and chocolaty!!!!
I absolutely love it!!
I’m only a teenager but am gluten free because I had really bad allergies (gf really helps!) and I love to bake but some things just aren’t as good gluten free… this cake was AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!
She Likes Food says
Hi Sylvia! I’m so glad to hear that you liked it!! It’s one of my favorite cakes too and It makes me want to eat chocolate cake all the time!
Lisa says
Has anyone made with using a 9×13 pan?
She Likes Food says
Hi Lisa,
I’m not sure if anyone has tried that yet, but I think that if you just monitor it well and adjust the cooking time if necessary that it would work fine!
Kristen says
This recipe is somehow inaccurate. I was really excited and hopeful for how it would turn out, but unfortunately all I got were cakes that never came together and overflowed the pan. I have done a good amount of gluten free baking, but never had this happen. My guess would be the lack of xanthan gum in the recipe? I don’t know. But it didn’t turn out.
She Likes Food says
Hi Kristen, I’m sorry it didn’t work out for you. I’m guessing it had to do with the type of gluten free flour that was used. I have only tried this recipe using Bob’s Red Mill Gluten Free 1:1 Baking Flour, which does have zantham gum added to it. I have added a note in the recipe about that.
Cat says
This is a fantastic recipe. I made it using Edmonds Gluten Free flour (I’m in New Zealand) and it worked brilliantly. By the time I’d filled it with butter cream it was enormous! I’m about to make it as a 2 layer cake and use the rest of the mixture as muffins for the kids’ lunchboxes. Thanks!
She Likes Food says
Hi Cat! I’m so glad it turned out well for you! And I love the idea of using some of the mixture to make muffins with, yum! 🙂
Lauretta says
I just made your cake for the birthday of a friend who can’t eat gluten. I don’t even like cake and it was fabulous. I followed the directions exactly except I eyeballed the salt, baking soda and baking powder since I couldn’t find my spoon measures, so it is good to know the recipe is forgiving in that area. It is moist and fluffy and light, but still rich and fudgy. I made one double round to freeze and cut in half for a two layer cake, plus a dozen and a half cupcakes. I have eaten three cupcakes so far. Thanks for an awesome recipe! I can’t wait for her to taste the whole cake. I am going to use a pecan coconut frosting so it is more like German Chocolate cake. Awesome.
She Likes Food says
Hi Lauretta! I’m so glad you like the cake!! It’s one of my favorites! I’ve made cupcakes out of the batter a few times and they are always so good too! I hope your friend loves the cake as well and has a wonderful birthday! 🙂
Roberta Haines says
I’ve been looking for and trying a number of chocolate cake recipes, and made this one today for my daughter’s birthday. I used a mix of Bob’s Red Mill All Purpose Flour and sweet rice flour (2c of Bob’s and 1/4 c of sweet rice flour), and 1/2 tsp of xanthan gum. It turned out great. Moist & fudgey! I iced it with a butter cream cheese frosting. Yum! Thanks so much for sharing your recipe. It’s a keeper!
She Likes Food says
Hi Roberta, I’m so glad to hear that the cake turned out great and that you enjoyed it! And also glad to hear it turned out using different gluten free flours! Cream cheese frosting is one of my favorites! 🙂
Katie Dudt says
Would this recipe make good cupcakes? Have you tried them?
She Likes Food says
Hi Katie, I’ve made cupcakes with this recipe a few times and it worked great!
ALLISON BURNHAM says
My cake is still wet in the middle. It’s been in the oven a long time. I’m not sure if it’s “fudgey” or not cooked.
She Likes Food says
Hmm, I don’t remember that happening when I baked the cake. Did you use the bob’s red mill 1:1 baking flour? Gluten free bakes goods can be a little fickle sometimes. I’m sorry about that!
Marianne Page says
Hi,
I need to bake a gluten free chocolate cake for a client and I don’t have time to trial it out before. Can I use this recipe for 9 inch, 2 layer cake? It needs to be able to feed 25 people.
She Likes Food says
Hi Marianne, If you are just going to make a 2 layer cake, I would cut the recipe down by 1/3. If not, there will be too much cake in each pan and it probably won’t cook correctly. I’m not sure if the cake is big enough to feed 25 people though… I hope that helps!
Noelia Alfaro says
I made it for the birthday of my son and everyone loved it! I am planning to make it again this week for my 1 year old boy. Just thinking on substitute the butter for coconut oil, let see how it turns out. Thank you so much for the delicious recipe!
She Likes Food says
Hi Noelia! That is so great to hear! I’m so glad everyone loved it! 🙂
Tim says
Thank you very much for this recipe Izzy 🙂 I have never made a cake for my Mum because she became gluten intolerant after I left home and got into baking – good Glu-free recipes are hard to come by for discerning European chocaholics (it tastes very different over here as you probably know!) so this will be the first one – bit of pot luck testing with our local Glu-free flour so I’ll let you know how I get on….
She Likes Food says
Hi Tim, I hope it works out great for you and that your mom really enjoys it!
Tim says
Hi again Izzy, i had to amend the recipe slightly as our flour was rice based and i can’t get xanthan gum in our area. I tweaked it using flax based on another recipe’s proportions and it turned out ok although a bit crumbly. We worked out that our large eggs are smaller than yours these days so next time we will add an extra egg for binding. The proportion of vanilla in the icing recipe was a bit strong for our tastes but that is easily adjusted! Other than that and having a fight to obtain the ingredients it was very tasty 😀
She Likes Food says
Hi Tim, thanks for the update! I’m glad you were able to find some substitutions and that you enjoyed it! Hopefully the extra egg will make it a little more moist next time 🙂
rmlmom says
Thanks for this recipe! I made this cake for my son’s birthday. It was by far the best gf birthday cake I have ever had. As a matter of fact, it may very well be the best chocolate cake ever!
She Likes Food says
That is so great to hear!! I’m so glad you all enjoyed the cake! 🙂
Andrea says
This looks great! If you use regular yoghurt instead of greek yoghurt, would you use a different amount to maintain the same consistency? Or would you recommend substituting something else? I’m living overseas in a place where there’s no greek yoghurt 😮
She Likes Food says
Hi Andrea, do you have access to sour cream? If so, I would use that instead of the yogurt. If not, I would just use a little bit less regular yogurt or maybe add a little extra flour to offset the extra wetness of the regular yogurt. Good luck!
Joey says
Hi! This cake looks absolutely delicious. I’m baking a cake for a friend this week and I would love to use this recipe! However, I only have 9″ cake pans. Will the bake time be different? Thank you!!
She Likes Food says
Hi Joey, thank you! Yeah, I would just keep a closer eye on them and check them more to make sure they don’t burn since the batter will be spread a little thinner. It shouldn’t be too much different, but probably a few minutes less.
Joey says
Thanks Izzy! By the way, would it be possible to switch the butter with oil instead? If so, would you know how much I’d use?
Lisa says
I must say this is the best chocolate cake I have had since my grandmother passed away in 1985…with or without gluten! Her secret was sour cream and I forgot all about that.
One of my daughter’s friends made this for my birthday last year and it was so good, I made it for my wedding cake this past August…in three 14″ square pans. It was a total hit at the reception! People could not believe it was gluten-free. The only thing I changed was the yogurt because I don’t buy fat-free unless it is, by nature, fat-free.
She Likes Food says
Thanks so much for the nice words, Lisa! I’m so glad you enjoyed this chocolate cake! It’s one of my favorites too 🙂
jenilee says
This cake is the best. Thanks for the recipe.
I used melted coconut oil instead of butter and then used my own gf flour mix (2cups rice flour, 2/3c potato starch,1/3c tapioca starch) and then 1.5tsp guar gum.
She Likes Food says
Thank you!! That is a great idea to use coconut oil instead of butter, i’ll have to try that! I’m glad you enjoyed it 🙂
Kerry Bodell says
Made this cake last week for a friend. It was AMAZING!! I had Namaste Perfect Flour Blend in my pantry so I used that. So, it does taste great with other flour blends 🙂
Your page is bookmarked so I can make this again!
She Likes Food says
Thanks so much, Kerry! I’m so glad you enjoyed it and that is great to know that it works with other gluten free flours as well! Thanks!
Tiffany says
I’m just wondering if I mix this cake by hand or use an electric mixer?
She Likes Food says
I used an electric mixer but it would probably work by hand too if you don’t mind mixing for a bit!
Randi says
Thank you for such an amazing recipe. I made it for my son’s birthday and everyone loved it. No one could tell it was gluten free. When I made it I forgot to put in the 2 tbsp extra of flour and that didn’t seem to make a difference. I did add mini chocolate chips because I always like that extra chocolate bite and I used Cacao Powder instead of chocolate powder. You don’t happen to have a shortbread cookie recipe?
She Likes Food says
That’s so great to hear! I’m so glad your son enjoyed it!! Adding extra mini chocolate chips sounds like the best idea ever! 🙂
Nicole says
I’m going to try using this for a baby shower cake I’m making. Do you think it will work out if I do 9″ and 6″ cakes, as long as I adjust the time? I’m excited for this cake!!
She Likes Food says
Hi Nicole, I think that would work great! Just adjust the time accordingly 🙂 I hope everyone enjoys it!
Casandra says
Hi, is there anything you can substitute the yoghurt for, I can’t have any culture based foods, cheese, sour creams,buttermilk I’ve even tried tofu and none of them agree with me.
She Likes Food says
Hi Casandra, I’ve been trying to think of an alternative for you and it seems like most things are cultured. I’d try adding apple sauce instead. It might be good at making it moist like the yogurt does. I hope that helps!
Carolina says
Thank you so much for such a great cake. I made it and absolutely loved it. It is moist and so yummy. Thank you so much for sharing!
She Likes Food says
So glad you liked it! That is great to hear 🙂
Denise M in Texas says
I always bring sweets to my friends job but there is one woman who cannot eat gluten. She told me about this flour so I decided to make here banana bread and a chocolate cake. It looks like it will be super good. Will let you all know how she likes the cake. She loved the bread.
Thanks for posting this cake on the web.
Denise M in Texas says
Should always proof read I guess. I mean “her” not “here”.
;))
She Likes Food says
🙂
She Likes Food says
I hope she enjoyed it! 🙂
Kay says
I made this for my father’s birthday! it was the best cake I’ve ever made! super easy, incredible recipe. Thanks so much, PLEASE MOST MORE LAYER CAKE RECIPES! 😀
She Likes Food says
Yah!! Tha is so great to hear, Kay! It’s one of my favorite cakes too 🙂 Happy Birthday to your dad!
Hattie says
Hi! I am wondering if I could make cupcakes with this recipe? And… how long should they bake?
She Likes Food says
Definitely! I’d probably baked between 15 and 20 minutes and that should work great 🙂
Hannah says
Yummy! Looking forward to trying this! Your link to the chocolate frosting isn’t working, can you share please!? Thank you!
She Likes Food says
Thanks for the heads up that it wasn’t working! I’ve fixed it now 🙂
Maryellen says
I make this cake and it’s the bomb! But what about cupcakes? How do you think this would translate? Baking time? Cupcake quantity? Thanks!
She Likes Food says
I’m so glad you liked it! It was actually originally a cupcake recipe, so it definitely works! I would bake at 350 for about 20 minutes. This recipe would probably make maybe 35-40, it’s hard to say!
Carra says
Amazing cake! Really appreciate this recipe. Thanks so much. My oven took 35 minutes to bake it.
She Likes Food says
I’m so glad to hear you liked it!!
Emmaliese says
I made this cake last week and it was an absolute hit! I used Cup4Cup flour that worked perfectly fine. For frosting I made a different recipe I came up with which consists of melted bittersweet choc, cream cheese, butter, milk, vanilla, salt, and powdered sugar. Very dense and moist. Made the mistake of bringing some to beach volleyball and now I’m roped into making it again for the rest of the group ????. No one could even tell it was gluten free!
Thanks for a great recipe!
She Likes Food says
That’ so great to hear, Emmaliese!! I’m so glad you and everyone else liked it, haha 🙂 That frosting sounds delicious!
Monique says
Made this with normal gf flour and it came out great. Just wanted to know if you have made it with no chocolate and what I would do for vanilla?
Thanks
She Likes Food says
I’m so glad you liked it! I’ve wondered that same thing before but don’t quite think it would turn out without a few other tweaks. It’s on my list of things to test out though, so I’ll let you know if figure it out!
Emma says
Om my goodness just made this cake for my sons birthday! It’s so amazing, possibly the best cake I’ve ever baked. Thank you so much!
She Likes Food says
That’s so nice to hear, Emma!! I’m so glad you enjoyed it and hope your son loved it! 🙂
Amanda L. Hicks says
This is the best gluten-free chocolate cake I’ve ever made.
She Likes Food says
That’s so nice to hear!! I’m so glad you enjoyed it! 🙂
Katy Girl says
This is absolutely the best GF chocolate cake ever! No one can tell that it’s gluten free. My cake came out looking like a picture in a magazine — perfect. Thanks so much for this delicious recipe.
She Likes Food says
Thank you so much for your wonderful review! I’m so glad you enjoyed this cake! 🙂
Mark says
My wife has resently became gluten free and she misses cake so I’m going to try to make her a cake. Can you make this recipe in just a 9X13 pan?
She Likes Food says
Sorry for the delay in responding! yes, It can be made in a 9×13 pan but you probably want to cut down the recipe a bit. I would reccomend using the cake ingredients from this recipe (minus the berries)
Stephanie says
Hi Izzy! I just made this cake for my daughter’s 17th bday! It was a hit! So thank ypu for it☺
My question is …Do you know of a recipe that compares to this one in taste/texture but is a yellow/vanilla cake instead of the chocolate? Ive thought this chocolate could be altered but I’m stuck with what to replace the cocoa powder with to get the yellow/vanilla flavor but not compromise the texture. I’d appreciate your help on this…
She Likes Food says
Yah! That’s so great to hear! I’ve actually been wanting to develop a gluten free yellow cake recipe and will try to start working on it soon! If you use the Bob’s Red Mill 1:1 GF Baking Flour you should be able to find a regular yellow cake recipe and just sub the flour. 🙂
daisy skinner says
i would love to make this cake for a baby shower. is it possible to swap out the butter for canola oil or coconut oil?
Rarely use butter anymore and this is a lot. I will probably use it if i cannot swap. also, sour cream instead of yogurt?
thanks. looking forward to hearing from you soon.
daisy
She Likes Food says
Hi Daisy, I would swap it out for room temperature coconut oil, not melted, so it’s the same consistency. That should work! And yes, you can use sour cream instead of yogurt 🙂
Ally says
This cake truly is the most moist and delicious GF cake ever!! Ive made many times with orange infused frosting…yum! My question is can I use this same recipe to make a white GF cake? Just omit the cocoa powder?
She Likes Food says
I’m so glad you enjoy this cake! And that orange infused frosting sounds delicious!! Unfortunately, I don’t think it will work to just omit the cocoa powder, but I am currently working on a gluten free white cake and hope to have the recipe posted in the next few weeks!!
Charlene says
Hi there! Finally, after so many trial and errors, much wasted flour, sugar and butter, this cake is absolutely the best I have ever eaten and especially good as it is made from scratch! Thank you so much for working on this recipe, it’s perfect. I shared it with gluten eaters and they loved it. They couldn’t tell it was gluten free. As with some other commenters, I’ve been looking for a gluten free white cake recipe as well and unfortunately havent found one I’m happy with yet. I’m anxious to try your recipe for that when it comes out. Thank you again for such a wonderful recipe!!
She Likes Food says
I’m so glad you hear you like this cake! It’s one of my favorites too! I was just testing out my gf white cake tonight! I have a few more tweaks but am hoping to get it posted sometime this month 🙂
Charlene Baker says
Hi again! Just read your reply about testing the white gluten free cake. I’ve tried several more white cake recipes since I emailed you and have just decided to wait for yours to come out and not waste any more ingredients! I’m so anxious to try yours out and am wondering where I will find the link when you post it because I found you on Pinterest. No pressure, I’m just so looking forward to tryng what you come up with. I gave that wonderful chocolate cake to my daughter as it’s her family that’s gluten sensitive and she hasn’t refrigerated it, and when I was over there today it was still moist and good, and it’s a week old. Thanks so much for listening to us who really like a white cake as well.
She Likes Food says
Hi Charlene! I have the gf white cake recipe scheduled to be posted on December 27th! I’ve tested it a few times and wanted to make it one more time and photograph it before I’m sure that the recipe is perfect! If you subscribe to my e-mail list you will get a notification when I publish it! And if not just check back on 12/27 and it should be up! Let me know if you need it before that date though and I can send you a copy of it 🙂
Charlene says
Oh my goodness, how thoughtful of you!! I would love to try it out before my family comes in on the 21st.. I did subscribe to your email list but If you wouldn’t mind sending the recipe I would appreciate that so much! I will look for your post on the 27th tho and check out the pictures. Thank you for your quick response!! So nice to exchange greetings with you.
She Likes Food says
I will get you the recipe asap!
Chelsea says
I have made this cake three times, just this year! The most recent time, I used it in a trifle with fresh whipped cream, chocolate pudding, and peppermint. This cake is so freakin’ delicious. It’s moist and rich and makes a great birthday cake. Thanks for the great recipe!
She Likes Food says
That’s so awesome to hear, Chelsea!! I’m so glad you enjoy this cake! And that trifle sounds pretty amazing! 🙂
Colleen says
I cannot have dairy or nuts. Can I replace with Greek yogurt with coconut yogurt and almond milk with coconut milk?
She Likes Food says
Yes!
Kinga Champion says
Hi I just made this cake and my cakes didn’t rise in the middle, were sunken. Did I undermix the batter ( I have no experience with GF flours)? Did I have too much batter in the pans ( I made 1/2 the recipe and put in 3 6″ tins)? This happened with another GF recipe I tried and thought if was the recipe but now I know it is me. Any advice would be appreciated. I am used to making reg. flour cakes that should not be overmixed as that makes them tough.
She Likes Food says
Hmmm, which gluten free Flour mix did you use? Is your baking soda and baking powder fairly new?
kinga says
I used Bob’s Red Mill. Yes, everything is up to date. THe sides of the cake rose just the middle didn’t. I read somewhere to let batter sit for 15 mins to allow starches to develop. I am going to try that. The cake was delicious…just not pretty. Thanks for the recipe.
She Likes Food says
Hmm, so strange! I hope it works better next time!
Jane says
I am just about crying tears of joy here! I’m fairly new to gluten free baking – my daughter in law is gluten intolerant and I have been trying to include her in as much as i can. This is the FIRST cake that I can proudly share with her and the rest of the family! My experiences so far have resulted in choking dry gritty cakes that ended up in the trash before anyone else could try it. This one is so moist and delicious that even my youngest son (who usually turns up his nose at gluten free anything) had a big chunk of it and declared it delicious – though the look on his face when I told him was priceless lol. I used Robin Hood all purpose gluten free flour which is all I can pretty much find here in my corner of Canada. I find it tends to soak up a lot of liquid so I reduced the amount to 2 cups but still had to add nearly 1/2 cup of additional milk, it was thicker than any pound cake I’ve ever made, I let it sit on the table while the oven preheated and crossed my fingers. Now I have a wonderful cake recipe that she and the rest of us can enjoy – it broke my heart when she said its been years since she had a birthday cake! I can’t thank you enough! I would give this recipe 100 stars if I could 🙂
She Likes Food says
Thank you so much for the kind words, Jane!! Your post just made my day! I’m so happy you were able to make a cake for your daughter in law that she enjoyed, and that everyone else enjoyed too! That is so nice to hear! <3
Stephanie Lyon says
This is my new favorite cake. Even my friends who aren’t GF think it’s the best cake ever. I made it as a bundt cake with coconut filling and it was AMAZING!
She Likes Food says
That’s so great to hear!! The coconut filling sounds so good!
Liz Coughlin says
A dark chocolate cake was requested – but I was only going to make one if it was gluten-free. This cake knocked it out of the park. I use super dark chocolate icing and it was delicious.
She Likes Food says
That is SO nice to hear!!
Jessica says
This cake is always a hit year after year for birthday cakes! I have always made it with the butter called for, but am interested in trying olive oil instead. Would you try it using 3/4c oil for every 1 cup of butter since the oil will be completely liquid? Thank you!
She Likes Food says
I’m so glad to hear that!! Hmm, yes, I would cut down the amount of olive oil since it will add more liquid than the butter. I would try using half the amount and then you can add more if the consistency looks too dry.
carolyn truett says
This is the best gluten free chocolate cake recipe! My husband made it for my birthday and now its a staple.
My brother who usually scoffs at gluten free recipes asked for the recipe.
The only thing we changed is we always use dark cocoa powder. I basically use dark cocoa powder for any chocolate recipe because I love dark chocolate.
Thanks again for this recipe!
She Likes Food says
That is SO nice to hear!!! <3
Lily says
Made this cake for my birthday and used peanut butter frosting. It was DELICIOUS and I couldn’t even tell it was gluten free. It was so so rich, and more of a moist and dense cake, which I love. Thank you for this recipe!
She Likes Food says
I’m so glad you enjoyed it! I love the combo with the peanut butter frosting!
Melissa says
Best cake ever!!!!!!! So moist and delicious. Even better than any gluten-y cake I’ve had. Thank you so much for this recipe.
She Likes Food says
That is so nice to hear!!!
Erin Smith says
I made this three layer cake for my son’s birthday today. Three of the 8 of us have celiacs. Everyone at the table loved it!
She Likes Food says
That’s so nice to hear!! Happy Birthday to your son!
Mimi says
Can I use mayonnaise in place of the Greek yogurt! I was hoping this could replicate that cake.
She Likes Food says
Hi Mimi, I haven’t ever tried this recipe using mayonnaise, but I think it has the potential to work!