The Best Healthier Gluten-Free Chocolate Cake

Jump to Recipe

this fudgy chocolate cake is everything you want from a classic dessert — rich, decadent, deeply chocolatey — but made with better-for-you ingredients that won’t leave you with a sugar crash.

it’s layered with a naturally sweetened chocolate cream cheese frosting and just the right amount of indulgence.

whether you’re celebrating something special or just craving a slice of chocolate cake, this one’s a crowd-pleaser you’ll feel good about serving.

taste + texture

this cake has a rich, bold chocolate flavor with a slightly fudgy, moist crumb thanks to the mix of almond flour and 1:1 gluten-free flour.

it’s tender and soft but sturdy enough to hold up as a two-layer cake.

the frosting is creamy and chocolatey without being overly sweet — it’s made with melted chocolate chips, cream cheese, and butter, so you get that luscious texture without powdered sugar.

why it’s better for you

most traditional chocolate cakes are packed with refined flour and sugar.

this one uses a blend of almond flour and gluten-free 1:1 flour for a more nourishing base, maple syrup as a natural sweetener, and avocado oil for healthy fats.

it’s also naturally gluten-free and doesn’t rely on powdered sugar in the frosting.

if you’re looking for a cake that satisfies the craving without the crash, this is it.

how to make it

everything comes together in one bowl for easy cleanup. start by whisking the wet ingredients — eggs, almond butter, yogurt, maple syrup, avocado oil, milk, vanilla, and apple cider vinegar — until smooth.

then add in the almond flour, 1:1 gluten-free flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and sea salt.

mix until just combined, then divide the batter between two greased and lined 8-inch cake pans.

bake at 350°f for 24 minutes or until a toothpick comes out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs. let cool completely before frosting.

the frosting is just melted chocolate chips blended with cream cheese, butter, and a splash of vanilla. it whips up thick, smooth, and spreadable — no powdered sugar needed.

substitution options

  • yogurt: dairy-free or regular yogurt both work — greek-style for extra richness.
  • maple syrup: sub honey (if not vegan) or agave syrup.
  • almond flour: not recommended to sub, but you could try hazelnut flour for a twist.
  • 1:1 gluten-free flour: use any trusted blend with xanthan gum for structure.
  • almond butter: peanut butter or cashew butter can be used for a different flavor.
  • cream cheese frosting: swap in vegan cream cheese and butter if dairy-free, or use a whipped coconut cream + chocolate mix for a lighter version.

storage tips

store leftover cake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.

the frosting stays firm but creamy. let slices come to room temp for best texture.

you can also freeze individual slices — just wrap them well and thaw overnight in the fridge.

if you love The Best Healthier Gluten-Free Chocolate Cake, then try these other recipes from upbeetandkaleingitblog!

Healthier No Bake Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Bars

Dreamy Blueberry Banana Bread Gluten-Free Scones (Plant-Based!)

No Bake Pistachio Cheesecake Brownie Cups

8-Ingredient Banana Chocolate Chip Breakfast Cookies (No Refined Sugar)

Nourishing No Bake Blueberry Cheesecake With Date Sweetened Crust

No Bake Double Chocolate Bliss Rolls

The Best No Bake Peanut Butter Chocolate Cheesecake

No Bake Plant Based Vanilla Cinnamon Crumble Cheesecake

Nourishing Vegan Protein Granola Ice Cream & Cinnamon Coconut Sugar Peaches

Vegan Protein Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Ice Cream

Date Sweetened No Bake Healthy Oreo Sandwiches

You Won’t Believe it’s Vegan Cookie Dough Banana Bread

are you going to make my The Best Healthier Gluten-Free Chocolate Cake?!

if you make one of my recipes, i would LOVE to see your creation! be sure to leave a review in the comments section, it is so appreciated and helps my small business. 

also, you can follow upbeetandkaleingit on InstagramPinterest, and Facebook for more vegan recipes!

do you want to save this recipe for later!? you can add the recipe to your recipe board on Pinterest!

it brings me so much happiness to see your beautiful recreations on Instagram :). tag me so that i can see and repost your food on my stories!

The Best Healthier Gluten-Free Chocolate Cake

Recipe by MaryCourse: Snacks
Servings

10

servings
Prep time

15

minutes
Cooking time

24

minutes
Calories

400

kcal

APPROXIMATE MACROS per serving (10 servings)
400 calories
5.2g protein
29g carbs
29g fat

Ingredients

  • 1 cup almond flour
    1 1/4 cups 1:1 gluten-free baking flour (like bob’s red mill)
    scant 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (about ¾ cup + 2 tbsp)
    2 tsp baking powder
    1/2 tsp baking soda
    1/2 tsp sea salt
    3 large eggs
    1/4 cup almond butter
    1/4 cup greek yogurt (or dairy free yogurt)
    1/2 cup avocado oil or melted coconut oil
    1 cup maple syrup
    1/2 cup unsweetened milk (regular or dairy free)
    1 tbsp apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
    2 tsp vanilla extract
    optional: 1/3 cup melted dark chocolate for extra richness

  • frosting

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened (can use dairy free)
    1/2 cup butter or plant-based butter, softened
    1 cup melted chocolate chips (dark or semi-sweet, vegan if needed)
    1–2 tsp vanilla extract
    pinch of salt
    optional: 1–2 tbsp maple syrup for added sweetness

Directions

  • preheat oven to 350°f. grease and line two 8-inch cake pans very well.
  • in a bowl, whisk together eggs, almond butter, yogurt, oil, maple syrup, milk, vinegar, and vanilla. add in the almond flour, 1:1 flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. mix well but don’t overmix.
  • divide the batter between the two pans and smooth the tops. bake 24 minutes, until a toothpick comes out with moist crumbs. let cool at least 10 minutes in the pans and then 30 min outside of pans before frosting.
  • for the frosting, melt the chocolate chips and let cool slightly. beat cream cheese and butter together until smooth. add the melted chocolate, vanilla, and salt. beat until thick and creamy. sweeten with maple syrup if desired.
  • frost the base layer with half of the frosting and then place the second cake on top. add the remaining frosting. you can coat the whole cake in frosting if desired-however you want to frost it! cut into 10 slices and enjoy.

share this!

Facebook
Twitter
Pinterest
Email

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

hi, i'm mary!

I create healthy recipes using real foods that will nourish both your body and soul.

Here, you’ll find everything from scrumptious desserts to savory and nourishing comfort food. Thank you for being here and I hope you enjoy my delicious creations

shop my looks!

popular posts

never miss a recipe

Subscribe to The Beet Drop and get all of the latest posts sent straight to your inbox.