Legit Moist & Easy Gluten-Free Chocolate Cake

Learn how to make the Legit Moist & Easy Gluten-Free Chocolate Cake that will impress everyone! This delightful dessert is perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or even just a cozy night in. Its unique feature lies in the use of boiling water in the batter, which creates a cake that’s incredibly moist and fluffy. This two-layer cake is simple to make and ready in just 40 minutes, making it an ideal treat for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Moist and Fluffy Texture: The addition of boiling water aerates the batter, resulting in a light and airy cake.
• Easy to Follow: With straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for both novice bakers and experts alike.
• Versatile for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a birthday party or a family gathering, this cake fits right in.
• Gluten-Free Goodness: Enjoy all the flavor without gluten, making it suitable for those with dietary preferences.
• Customizable Toppings: Top with your favorite frosting or fresh fruit for added flavor and decoration.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking your Legit Moist & Easy Gluten-Free Chocolate Cake, gather your essential tools to ensure a smooth process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Whisk or stand mixer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Two 9-inch round cake pans
• Parchment paper
• Cooling rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowls: A must-have for combining ingredients easily without spills.
• Whisk or stand mixer: Ensures thorough mixing, providing an even batter that leads to consistent baking results.
• Cake pans: The right size helps achieve the desired layer thickness for this beautiful cake.

REMEMBER

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE? CLICK BELOW AND PIN IT

PIN

Ingredients

To create the best moist gluten-free chocolate cake, gather the following ingredients:

For the Cake

• 2 cups (292 g) all-purpose gluten-free flour (I highly recommend Cup4Cup gluten-free flour but see recipe notes for dairy-free)
• 2 cups (400 g) granulated sugar
• ¾ cup (75 g) unsweetened baking cocoa (Dutch-processed preferred)
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (245 g) milk or non-dairy milk
• ½ cup (107 g) oil (any preferred)
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup (240 g) boiling water

How to Make Legit Moist & Easy Gluten-Free Chocolate Cake

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350º F. Prepare your two 9-inch cake pans by spraying them with cooking spray. Line the bottoms with cut-to-size parchment paper and spray the parchment as well. Set aside.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the following dry ingredients:
1. Add gluten-free flour, granulated sugar, baking cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
2. Whisk them together until well combined or use a paddle attachment on a stand mixer.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

Add these wet ingredients to your dry mixture:
1. Pour in milk, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract.
2. Mix on medium speed until well combined.

Step 4: Incorporate Boiling Water

1. Reduce mixer speed to low and slowly add in the boiling water.
2. Once mixed, increase speed to high and blend for about one minute until fully combined.

Step 5: Bake Your Cakes

1. Distribute the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.
2. Bake in your preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 6: Cool and Frost

Remove from oven and let cool in pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them onto a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, frost with fluffy vanilla or chocolate buttercream as desired!

How to Serve Legit Moist & Easy Gluten-Free Chocolate Cake

Serving your Legit Moist & Easy Gluten-Free Chocolate Cake can enhance the enjoyment of this delicious dessert. Here are some creative suggestions to elevate your cake experience.

With Fresh Berries

• Strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries add a refreshing contrast to the rich chocolate flavor. Simply slice some fresh berries and scatter them on top or serve them on the side.

Whipped Coconut Cream

• A dollop of whipped coconut cream offers a light, creamy topping that complements the cake’s moisture. For a hint of flavor, add vanilla extract or cocoa powder to the cream.

Ice Cream Delight

• Pairing with dairy-free ice cream can create a delightful combination. Choose chocolate, vanilla, or any fruit-flavored ice cream for an indulgent treat.

Chocolate Ganache Drizzle

• Enhance the cake’s richness by drizzling it with warm chocolate ganache. Simply heat dairy-free chocolate chips with coconut milk until smooth, then pour over the cake.

Nutty Crunch

• Sprinkle chopped nuts like almonds or walnuts over the frosting for added texture and a nutty flavor that contrasts beautifully with the softness of the cake.

Coffee Pairing

• Serving a slice alongside a cup of brewed coffee can balance the sweetness of the cake while providing an energy boost. Opt for decaf if preferred!

How to Perfect Legit Moist & Easy Gluten-Free Chocolate Cake

To achieve the best results with your Legit Moist & Easy Gluten-Free Chocolate Cake, consider these helpful tips.

• Use high-quality gluten-free flour: Choosing a blend like Cup4Cup will ensure better texture and flavor.

• Measure ingredients accurately: Use proper measuring cups for dry and wet ingredients to maintain balance in your batter.

• Let eggs reach room temperature: This helps in creating a smoother batter and contributes to a fluffier cake.

• Cool cakes completely before frosting: Frosting warm cakes can lead to melting and sliding; allow them to cool thoroughly on wire racks.

• Don’t skip boiling water: Adding boiling water not only moistens but aerates the batter for a light texture.

Best Side Dishes for Legit Moist & Easy Gluten-Free Chocolate Cake

Pairing side dishes with your Legit Moist & Easy Gluten-Free Chocolate Cake can create a well-rounded dessert experience. Here are some excellent options.

1. Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits like melon, kiwi, and oranges adds brightness and cuts through the richness of the cake.

2. Chocolate Dipped Strawberries: These sweet treats complement chocolate flavors while also providing a fun finger food element.

3. Coconut Macaroons: Chewy macaroons offer another layer of sweetness and texture that pairs perfectly with chocolate.

4. Chia Seed Pudding: A creamy, nutrient-dense pudding made from chia seeds infused with almond milk makes for a great light side dish.

5. Nut Butter Cookies: Simple cookies made from almond or peanut butter provide protein and balance sweetness with their savory notes.

6. Frozen Banana Bites: Dip banana slices in dairy-free chocolate and freeze them for an easy treat that enhances the dessert table.

7. Granola Parfaits: Layer granola with non-dairy yogurt and fruits for a crunchy contrast that adds variety to your dessert spread.

8. Dairy-Free Cheesecake Bites: Mini cheesecake bites made from cashews or tofu offer creamy richness without overpowering your chocolate cake.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking can sometimes lead to mistakes that affect the outcome of your cake. Here are some common pitfalls to watch out for:

• Skipping the preheating step: Always preheat your oven before baking. This ensures that your cake starts cooking at the right temperature, leading to even baking.
• Not measuring ingredients accurately: Use proper measuring cups and spoons for dry and wet ingredients. Incorrect measurements can affect the texture and taste of your cake.
• Overmixing the batter: Mix just until combined, especially after adding boiling water. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake instead of a light and fluffy one.
• Ignoring cooling time: Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps prevent breaking and ensures a better structure.
• Frosting too soon: Always let your cakes cool completely before frosting. Frosting on warm cakes can melt and slide off, ruining your presentation.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store any leftover cake in an airtight container.
• It can last up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Legit Moist & Easy Gluten-Free Chocolate Cake

• Wrap each layer tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil before freezing.
• The cake can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Legit Moist & Easy Gluten-Free Chocolate Cake

• Oven: Preheat to 350º F, cover with foil, and heat for about 10-15 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat individual slices on medium power for about 15-30 seconds.
• Stovetop: Place slices in a covered pan over low heat until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making the Legit Moist & Easy Gluten-Free Chocolate Cake:

How do I make this cake dairy-free?

You can substitute regular milk with any non-dairy milk like almond or oat milk to make it dairy-free.

Can I use other types of gluten-free flour?

Yes! While Cup4Cup is recommended, you can also try other gluten-free blends that have similar properties.

How long does it take to bake?

The baking time is typically between 30-35 minutes at 350º F. Always check with a toothpick!

What frosting pairs well with this cake?

Fluffy vanilla buttercream or chocolate buttercream complements this cake beautifully, enhancing its chocolate flavor.

Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?

Absolutely! Feel free to fold in nuts or chocolate chips into the batter for added texture and flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Legit Moist & Easy Gluten-Free Chocolate Cake is not just delicious but also versatile. Its moist texture makes it perfect for any occasion, from birthdays to casual get-togethers. You can customize it further by adding different frostings or mix-ins, making it a delightful treat everyone will enjoy!