Gluten Free Vegan Chocolate Cake with Ganache Frosting

Published on Jun 12, 2017

  by   Kristina Stosek

3 reviews

Prep Time: 20 minutes Cook Time: 35 minutes Serves: 8
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This gluten free vegan chocolate cake is extra chocolaty, moist and rich tasting. The ganache frosting and the fresh raspberries are the perfect finishing touch to this decadent dessert.

a slice of vegan chocolate cake with ganache frosting

 

Is vegan chocolate cake better for you?

Vegan chocolate cake is delicious and a healthier option than traditional chocolate cake. This dessert is made with plant-based ingredients like almond milk, healthy olive oil, and flaxseed and is perfect for those looking to avoid dairy, gluten and eggs.

The ganache frosting is made with coconut cream and dark chocolate, making it a rich and decadent topping for this already amazing chocolate cake.

Why not check out our complete list of gluten free vegan desserts for inspiration?

best egg substitutes for gluten free cakes

There are a few different ways to make a gluten free vegan chocolate cake without using eggs. One way is to use a flax egg, which is made by mixing ground flaxseed with water and letting it sit for a few minutes to thicken. 

Another option is to use a chia egg, which is made in the same way as a flax egg but with chia seeds instead of flaxseeds. 

You can also use powdered egg replacer in place of eggs. 

These options will work well in most gluten free cake recipes, though you may need to experiment to find the one you like best. One thing to keep in mind is, you should not replace more than 2 eggs per recipe for best results.

best fats to use in vegan cakes

A few different types of fats can be used in vegan cakes, and each has its unique benefits. Here are some of the best fats to use in vegan cakes:

Olive oil is a healthy fat that can add moisture and richness to vegan cakes. Although some might argue that olive oil has a strong flavor, it doesn’t affect most baked goods. You can use light olive oil which is not as flavorful.

Vegan Butter is excellent if you want to replace butter in vegan cakes. It’s easy to work with and has a neutral flavor that won’t interfere with the other flavors in the cake. 

Avocado oil is another healthy oil with a mild flavor that makes it perfect for gluten free vegan baking.

Coconut oil is another good option for vegan cakes. Unfortunately, it does have a mild coconut flavor which may not be suitable for some desserts.

chocolate chunks

Is chocolate vegan?

The answer is that it depends on the brand. For example, some chocolates are made with milk or other animal products, while others are made with plant-based ingredients. So be sure to read the label.

What is ganache frosting?

Ganache frosting is a type of chocolate frosting made typically with chocolate, cream and icing sugar. The ratio of chocolate to cream can vary, but it generally is 1:1 or 2:1. The flavor will vary depending on the chocolate used.

You can use ganache frosting as a filling or topping for cakes, cupcakes, or other desserts.

a slice of gluten free vegan chocolate cake with icing on a plate

 

How long will Gluten Free Vegan Chocolate Cake stay fresh?

Assuming you keep the cake refrigerated and in an airtight container, it will stay fresh tasting for up to three days.

best way to store gluten free cake

There are a few things to keep in mind when storing gluten free cake:

  1. Make sure the cake is completely cooled before wrapping or storing it. If the cake is warm, it will sweat and become moist, making it go stale quicker.
  2. Always wrap the cake tightly in plastic or foil or store it in an airtight container to keep out any air.
  3. Store the cake in a cool, dry place such as the fridge.
  4. Make sure to eat the cake within a few days for the best texture

 

high protein almond flour in a bowl

Substitute for almond flour in gluten free baking

Almond flour is often used in gluten free baking because it adds moisture. There are substitutes for almond flour in gluten free baking, but they will give you different results.

Some popular substitutes include coconut flour, buckwheat flour, rice flour, millet flour and oat or quinoa flour. These flours have different properties that make them better or worse for specific recipes. 

For example, coconut flour is very absorbent, so you will need to add more liquid than the recipe requires. Coconut flour also adds a mild coconut flavor to baked goods.

Light buckwheat flour is a healthy alternative to almond flour with a rich nutty flavor. However, buckwheat flour should be used sparingly because it can make your baked goods dense and heavy.

Rice flour is the most common substitute for almond flour, however, the texture of the crumb will be dryer. In addition, you can’t use it 1 to 1 to replace almond flour.

Millet flour is a healthy alternative and my personal favorite. It will give the vegan cake an acceptable texture without adding almond flour.

Finally, quinoa or certified oat flour are protein-packed alternatives to almond flour and can be used in sweet and savory recipes.

In conclusion, vegan, gluten-free cakes must use a combination of gluten-free flours for the best results. This is why you should always ask for flour replacements in a particular recipe if necessary.

Why add almond flour to gluten free cake recipe?

Almond flour is a key ingredient in this recipe that helps to make the cake moist with a tender crumb.

In addition to being gluten-free, almond flour is also high in protein and fiber. This makes it an excellent choice for those on a vegan or gluten-free diet. Furthermore, almond flour has a lower glycemic index than other types of flour, meaning it won’t cause spikes in blood sugar levels.

cocoa powder on a spoon in a can

Is cocoa powder gluten free?

Yes, pure cocoa powder is gluten free. So when baking a delicious and gluten free chocolate cake, cocoa powder is a safe choice.

Best non-dairy milk for gluten free vegan cake and why?

Many types of non-dairy milk can be used in gluten free vegan chocolate cake, but almond milk is our favorite. Almond milk is a good choice for several reasons:

  1. It is relatively low in calories and fat compared to other types of milk.
  2. It has a high protein content, which helps to keep the cake moist.
  3. Almond milk has a neutral taste that will not interfere with the flavors of the cake or frosting.
  4. Almond milk is widely available and relatively inexpensive.

the takeaways

The takeaways from this recipe are simple: with the right ingredients, making a delicious and decadent chocolate cake that is vegan and gluten-free is possible. This dessert is moist, fluffy, and has a rich chocolate flavor that will satisfy anyone that loves chocolate. 

Need more chocolate dessert recipes? Check out our selection of gluten-free chocolate desserts.

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Jennie

this is the best gluten free and vegan chocolate cake recipe I have ever tried. Thank you!

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