Indulge in the rich flavors of this Frosted Chocolate Cake and Cupcakes recipe—entirely gluten-free, dairy-free, and egg-free, making it perfect for those with food sensitivities or dietary preferences. Crafted with a blend of gluten-free all-purpose flour, unsweetened applesauce, and a touch of apple cider vinegar, this recipe produces irresistibly moist and tender cakes or cupcakes. Each decadent bite is elevated with a velvety, dairy-free chocolate frosting, ensuring a luscious finish. The batter comes together effortlessly in under 20 minutes, and with its versatile preparation, you can create a show-stopping layer cake or a delightful batch of cupcakes. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or simply treating yourself, this recipe is proof that allergen-friendly baking can be both simple and indulgent. Perfect for sharing—or keeping all to yourself!
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 8-inch round cake pans or prepare a 12-cup muffin tin with liners if making cupcakes.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the gluten-free flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
In a separate bowl, mix the applesauce, oil, vanilla extract, dairy-free milk, and apple cider vinegar.
Slowly pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring until a smooth batter forms. Be careful not to overmix.
Divide the batter equally between the prepared cake pans or pour into the muffin liners, filling each about 2/3 full.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Allow the cakes or cupcakes to cool completely in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool fully.
Once cooled, spread the dairy-free chocolate frosting evenly over the cakes or onto the tops of the cupcakes as desired.
Serve immediately or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Calories |
455 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 21.3 g | 27% | |
| Saturated Fat | 5.8 g | 29% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 367 mg | 16% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 70.1 g | 25% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 8.9 g | 32% | |
| Total Sugars | 42.1 g | ||
| Protein | 5.5 g | 11% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.2 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 59 mg | 5% | |
| Iron | 3.7 mg | 20% | |
| Potassium | 321 mg | 7% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.