The Best Vegan Gluten Free Chocolate Cake With Oat (Even Your Mother-In-Law Will Love It)

If you’ve ever thought, “There’s no way a vegan gluten free chocolate cake could actually be good”—girl, you’re not alone. But buckle up, because I’m about to introduce you to The Best Vegan Gluten Free Chocolate Cake With Oat, and it’s not just good—it’s a chocolatey, rich, incredibly moist miracle disguised as a healthy dessert. Yes, healthy and chocolate cake in the same sentence.

Whether you’re navigating food allergies, baking for a picky eater (hello, toddler taste-testers), or just want a dessert that checks all the boxes without checking your patience, this cake is here to save the day. It’s dairy-free, egg-free, gluten-free, and totally drama-free.

Why You’ll Love This Vegan Gluten Free Chocolate Cake

Let’s keep it real: some gluten-free and vegan baked goods taste like sweetened cardboard. Not this one. Thanks to the combo of oat flour, applesauce, and cocoa powder, you get a slice that’s fudgy, tender, and packed with deep chocolate flavor. No dry crumbles, no weird aftertaste—just straight-up chocolate bliss.

Plus, this cake is:

  • Super easy to make (one bowl, no weird equipment)
  • Kid-approved (yes, even that kid)
  • Naturally sweetened and full of feel-good ingredients
  • Perfect for birthdays, bake sales, or a random Tuesday where you just need cake

Ingredients You’ll Need:

Before we dive into the magic, let’s talk pantry. Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delicious chocolate cake:

  • 1 1/2 cups (350g) unsweetened dairy-free milk (like almond or oat) + 1 tsp apple cider vinegar (aka your vegan “buttermilk”)
  • 3 cups (360g) oat flour, sifted
  • 2/3 cup (65g) cocoa powder
  • 2 tbsp arrowroot powder
  • 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1 1/2 cups (375g) unsweetened applesauce or dairy-free yogurt (both work, use what’s chillin’ in your fridge)
  • 1 1/4 cups (250g) coconut sugar or organic granulated sugar
  • 1 batch vegan chocolate buttercream (because cake without frosting is just sadness in a pan)

Pro Tip: Use room temperature ingredients—your batter will thank you with a smoother texture and even baking.


How to Make the Best Vegan Gluten Free Chocolate Cake With Oat

Let’s do this, one easy step at a time:

1. Preheat and prep.
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 8-inch round cake pans (or one 9×13 if you’re feeling sheet cake vibes).

2. Make the vegan “buttermilk.”
In a small bowl or measuring cup, combine the dairy-free milk and apple cider vinegar. Let it sit for about 10 minutes while you get the other ingredients ready. It’ll curdle slightly—this is good! Science is delicious.

3. Mix the dry ingredients.
In a large bowl, whisk together oat flour, cocoa powder, arrowroot, baking powder, and baking soda. Sift it if you’ve got the time—it keeps things light and fluffy.

4. Add the wet ingredients.
Pour in the applesauce (or yogurt), coconut sugar, and the vegan “buttermilk” mixture. Stir until everything is just combined. No need to overmix—this isn’t a CrossFit workout.

5. Bake.
Divide the batter evenly into the pans and bake for 30–35 minutes (or 35–40 if using a single 9×13). When you insert a thin wooden skewer into the center, it should emerge nearly spotless, with only a slight trace of soft, baked goodness clinging to it.

6. Cool & frost.
Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10–15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Once completely cool, slather on that dreamy vegan chocolate buttercream. Don’t hold back—it’s cake, not a salad.


Tips for a Foolproof Vegan Chocolate Cake

  • Out of oat flour? Blitz some oats in your blender or food processor until fine. Boom—DIY oat flour.
  • Want to make cupcakes instead? This recipe works like a charm. Bake at 350°F for 20–22 minutes and frost away.
  • Frosting tip: Chill your frosted cake for 10–15 minutes before slicing if you want clean, bakery-style cuts. If you’re like me and can’t wait, just go for it and embrace the gooey joy.

A Little Story From My Kitchen

So here’s the deal: I first made this cake on a Sunday when I had three things—half an hour, an open bag of oat flour, and a serious chocolate craving. My kids were knee-deep in LEGOs and my husband was helping (read: supervising from the couch). I threw it together, tossed it in the oven, and crossed my fingers.

By dinner, we had a cake so good that everyone—including my dairy-and-gluten-loving in-laws—went back for seconds. One of them even asked for the recipe. Y’all, that never happens.


FAQs About Vegan Gluten Free Chocolate Cake

Can I Substitute Ingredients in This Vegan Gluten Free Chocolate Cake?

Absolutely! This recipe is flexible (like your favorite yoga pants). Here are a few suggestions:

  • No oat flour? You can make your own oat flour in under 5 minutes using rolled oats and a blender.
  • Don’t have applesauce? Use dairy-free yogurt or mashed banana instead.
  • Watching your sugar? Swap coconut sugar with a monk fruit sweetener or another low-glycemic alternative.

Can I substitute the coconut sugar?

Absolutely! Use organic cane sugar, maple sugar, or even date sugar. Just keep the measurement the same.

How do I store this chocolate cake?

Store leftovers covered at room temp for up to 2 days or in the fridge for up to 5. You can also freeze slices—wrap them well and thank yourself later.

Can I use a different flour?

Oat flour is key for texture, but you can sub in half almond flour or a certified gluten-free all-purpose mix if needed. Just note: results may vary (but cake is still cake).

What kind of dairy-free milk works best?

I love using almond milk or oat milk. Coconut milk works too, but may change the flavor slightly.


Go Ahead, Have Your Cake (And Feel Good About It)

There’s something really satisfying about baking a vegan gluten free chocolate cake that doesn’t compromise on flavor, texture, or fun. It’s the kind of recipe that makes you feel like a baking goddess—even if your last baking attempt ended in a smoke alarm and a pizza delivery.

So whether you’re surprising your family, hosting a birthday bash, or just in need of a pick-me-up that fits your wellness goals, this cake’s got you. And honestly? You deserve a slice (or three).

Want more cozy, plant-powered magic like this? Head over to Wish-Cake.com and let’s keep baking joy together.

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