Ingredients
Cake Ingredients
- 2 2/3 cups Gluten Free All Purpose baking Flour (sifted)
- 1 cup cocoa powder (sifted)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
- 1 cup white sugar
- 3/4 cup light brown sugar
- 3 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vinegar (white or apple cider)
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 2/3 cup oil (safflower, canola, refined avocado, etc.)
- 1 cup hot brewed coffee or boiling water
Buttercream Frosting Ingredients
- 3/4 cup butter (1 1/2 sticks), softened
- 1/2 cup sifted cocoa powder
- 3-5 cups sifted powdered sugar (adjust for desired consistency)
- 2-4 tablespoons milk (dairy or non-dairy)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure it’s ready for baking the cake.
- Prepare the pan: Grease the bottom of a 9×13 inch cake pan or two 8-inch round cake pans with oil. Then place parchment paper rounds at the bottom for easy removal and set aside.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the milk, white sugar, light brown sugar, eggs, vinegar, vanilla extract, and oil until well combined.
- Add dry ingredients: Sift together the gluten-free flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually whisk these dry ingredients into the wet mixture until incorporated.
- Add hot liquid: Pour in the hot brewed coffee or boiling water and whisk until the batter is smooth. The batter will be thin, which is normal for this recipe.
- Fill pans: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans. Use a kitchen scale or measuring cups to divide evenly if making layers.
- Bake the cake: Place the cake pans in the oven and bake for 35-45 minutes for a sheet cake or 32-37 minutes for layer cakes, checking doneness with a toothpick.
- Cool cakes: Let the cake cool in the pans for 10-20 minutes. Then gently flip onto a cooling rack, remove the parchment paper, and flip right side up. Allow to cool completely before frosting.
- Prepare the buttercream: Using a stand mixer or handheld mixer, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add the sifted cocoa powder and beat until combined.
- Add powdered sugar: Incorporate the sifted powdered sugar one cup at a time, beating continually until the buttercream reaches your desired thickness.
- Add liquid flavors: Beat in the milk and vanilla extract until the frosting is smooth and fluffy.
- Frost the cake: Spread the buttercream evenly over the cooled cake. Decorate with sprinkles if desired and serve.
Notes
- Make sure to sift the gluten-free flour and cocoa powder to avoid lumps and ensure an even texture.
- The batter will be thin compared to traditional chocolate cakes; this is expected and results in moist texture.
- You can substitute brewed coffee with boiling water for a milder chocolate flavor.
- For dairy-free options, use non-dairy milk and vegan butter alternatives.
- Adjust the amount of powdered sugar in frosting to your preferred sweetness and consistency.
- Use parchment rounds for easier cake removal and cleaner edges.
- Check the cake a few minutes before the minimum baking time to avoid overbaking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free