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Home » Desserts » Gluten Free German Chocolate Cake (Dairy Free, Vegan).

Gluten Free German Chocolate Cake (Dairy Free, Vegan).

Jan 23, 2014 · Modified: May 27, 2021 by Kelly Roenicke · 19 Comments

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Decadent German chocolate cake that's vegan and gluten free! Such a delicious dessert for a special occasion!

Gluten free German chocolate cake is perfect for a special occasion! A rich, moist, chocolate cake topped with a decadent coconut sauce is an absolutely delectable dessert. This is an easy vegan gluten free recipe that’s sure to become a favorite.

slice of gluten free German chocolate cake with coconut pecan sauce

I mentioned last week that I was going to attempt to adapt my favorite birthday cake to fit in with our family’s food sensitivities. A gluten free German chocolate cake would be challenge enough, but to make it vegan, too? I realized that by typing that out and putting it on the internet I was probably jinxing myself!

The good news is, you can have a delicious chocolate cake even without wheat or dairy or eggs, and this German chocolate version is no exception. It’s rich, dense, and the perfect base for a delectable coconut pecan frosting.

How do you make a moist vegan cake?

You just need the right ingredients! This German chocolate cake is made with simple ingredients – flour, oil, sugar, water, cocoa powder, and leavening agents. These humble ingredients come together to make the perfect gluten free vegan cake.

Remember not to over bake this cake. Keep an eye on the time, and use a toothpick to check and make sure it’s done in the middle. If you over bake it, it will be dry.

I do have other vegan cake recipes that are also rich and delicious. If you love baking cakes, try my chocolate zucchini bundt cake, double chocolate banana cake, or my classic egg free chocolate cake with coconut oil frosting.

chocolate cake batter in a white bowl

Another tip to keep this cake from drying out is to store it properly. If you are going to bake it ahead of time, make sure to wrap it well with plastic wrap so that it stays moist and fresh. Once you have served the cake, store any leftovers in an airtight container.

Can I make this frosting without nuts?

Yes, you can make this without nuts. Just add more coconut instead of the pecans. It should still be a delicious topping for this dessert.

How do I get a gluten free cake out of the cake pan in one piece?

Gluten free cakes can be a little fussy, so you do have to take a little extra care with them. To get your cakes out of the pan in one piece, try:

  • using a non-stick cake pan
  • lining the bottom of the pan with parchment paper
  • greasing and flouring the pan
  • allowing the cake to cool in the pan for at least 30-40 minutes
  • once the cake has cooled, use a knife around the edges of the cake to loosen it
  • turn the pan over a cookie sheet and tap the bottom to release the cake from the pan

german chocolate cake in a round cake pan

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links.

slice of vegan german chocolate cake
5 from 1 vote
Print

Gluten Free German Chocolate Cake.

A vegan and gluten free version of German Chocolate cake with coconut pecan sauce.
Course Dessert
Cuisine Dairy Free, gluten free, vegan.
Keyword birthday party food
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings 8
Calories 597 kcal
Author Kelly Roenicke

Ingredients

For the cake:

  • 1 ½ cups gluten free flour blend regular flour works in this recipe, if you are not GF
  • 1 cup organic cane sugar
  • ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ¼ teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ⅓ cup organic coconut oil measured solid, then melted (you couldl also use melted vegan buttery spread)
  • 1 teaspoon white vinegar
  • ¾ cup water
  • ¼ cup non-dairy milk

For the sauce:

  • ½ cup vegan buttery spread
  • 1 cups granulated sugar
  • 3 tablespoons non-dairy milk
  • 1 Tablespoon arrowroot powder
  • 1 cup sweetened coconut flakes
  • 1 cup chopped pecans optional
US Customary - Metric

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Grease and flour a 9 inch cake pan.

  2. Sift flour, baking soda, baking, powder, salt, and cocoa powder together in a large bowl.
  3. Add the sugar, oil, water, non-dairy milk, and vinegar, and beat on medium speed until smooth.

  4. Pour batter into cake pan and bake at 350 degrees for about 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the middle of the cake comes out clean.
  5. Cool in pan for 45 minutes, then loosen the edges with a knife and invert onto a cake plate. Don’t remove from the pan too soon, because it might fall apart – gluten free flour is a little bit more delicate.
  6. To make the frosting: Melt the buttery spread in a heavy bottomed saucepan over medium heat.
  7. Add the sugar, and stir frequently. It will melt and start to thicken a bit.
  8. Combine the arrowroot powder and non-dairy milk in a small container with a lid. Shake well and drizzle the mixture into the pan a little bit at a time, stirring constantly. The sauce should start to thicken.

  9. Stir in the coconut and pecans, and heat through. If the sauce seems too sugary and thick, you may have to add a little bit more non-dairy milk. As it cools, it will thicken up.

  10. Slice the cake and spoon sauce on top. Store leftover sauce in the refrigerator. It will solidify, so to serve the next day, you will have to reheat it, either in a pan or in the microwave.

Recipe Notes

Store leftover cake in an airtight container. It should stay fresh for up to 4 days.

You can make the sauce without nuts if you wish. Just add more coconut flakes.

If you aren't gluten free, go ahead and use regular all-purpose flour.

Nutrition Facts
Gluten Free German Chocolate Cake.
Amount Per Serving
Calories 597 Calories from Fat 288
% Daily Value*
Fat 32g49%
Saturated Fat 7g44%
Sodium 413mg18%
Potassium 205mg6%
Carbohydrates 78g26%
Fiber 6g25%
Sugar 55g61%
Protein 5g10%
Vitamin A 575IU12%
Vitamin C 0.2mg0%
Calcium 53mg5%
Iron 2.1mg12%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

This gluten free German chocolate cake is:

  • extra rich
  • perfect for a special birthday
  • topped with a decadent coconut sauce
  • an elegant dessert for a party

german chocolate cake with coconut pecan frosting on a white plate

I was glad to have this cake turn out! It was really good. I do miss “real” German chocolate cake – my mom makes the best one, and there is something about it that can’t quite be recreated without all the eggs. I guess I can take comfort in the fact that my cholesterol is probably in better shape without it. ;)
This post was originally published in January 2014. It has been updated.

Related

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Light and Fluffy Vegan Pancakes. »

Filed Under: Dairy Free, Desserts, food, Gluten Free, Recipes, Sweets, Vegan Tagged With: chocolate, Dairy Free, Egg Free, Fish Free, Garlic Free, Gluten Free, Legume Free, Mustard Free, Nightshade Free, Onion Free, Peanut Free, Sesame Free, Shellfish Free, Soy Free

  • Author
  • Recent Posts
Kelly Roenicke
Kelly Roenicke
Mom to two boys with food allergies and sensitivities, Kelly is passionate about allergy friendly cooking and baking. She believes that you can enjoy amazing, easy recipes even when cooking for multiple food allergies.
Kelly Roenicke
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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Abbie

    April 3, 2018 at 4:53 pm

    Is this only one cake?

    Reply
    • Kelly Roenicke

      April 7, 2018 at 11:49 am

      One 8 or 9 inch cake. If you need a double layer cake, you will need to double the recipe.

      Reply
  2. Anna

    June 1, 2017 at 11:34 am

    5 stars
    I used this recipe last weekend for my boyfriend’s birthday and it was delicious!

    He has PKU, which means we have to avoid proteins when we cook, since his body can’t digest Phenylalanine. We typically have to use dairy substitues, and GF flours, as they are lower in protein. The PKU websites have kind of ‘boring’ recipes, but I loved finding all sorts of great recipes on here that were Gluten and Dairy free. I did have to not put nuts in the ‘frosting’ (legumes, nuts, etc are also off limits to him), but It was still yummy!

    Reply
    • Kelly Roenicke

      June 9, 2017 at 4:23 pm

      Yay! I’m so glad that you liked it! Happy belated birthday to him!

      Reply
  3. Hayley

    August 15, 2015 at 10:07 pm

    Made this for my Mom for her b-day. Wow, so terrific and yummy!
    Do you think the cake could be made in mini muffin tins too?

    Reply
    • Kelly

      August 18, 2015 at 9:07 am

      So glad you liked it! I think they could be made as mini muffins, I just would really watch them, the bake time would be much less.

      Reply
  4. lisamummymadeit

    January 21, 2015 at 5:30 am

    My famIly has a tonne of food allergies and it’s so hard to find something that suits everyone. Well done on re-creating your favourite cake. It looks great!

    Reply
    • Kelly

      January 22, 2015 at 12:08 am

      Thank you so much!

      Reply
  5. Susan

    May 2, 2014 at 5:29 am

    I’m trying it tomorrow as my son is now not eating dairy (including eggs), can’t wait to try it!

    Reply
  6. linda

    March 10, 2014 at 12:21 am

    You made my day:gluten, dairy, soy, corn free scrumptious cake! Made it for my dad’s 89th birthday! The whole family loved it!!!!

    Reply
    • Kelly

      March 11, 2014 at 10:44 pm

      Oh, I am so glad to hear that you enjoyed it! Wonderful news! And for such a special occasion!

      Reply
  7. Sarah@WholeAndHeavenlyOven

    January 28, 2014 at 3:07 pm

    This cake looks wonderful! It looks so moist and decadent, I can’t believe it’s gluten-free! Love the pecan/coconut topping. :)

    Reply
    • Kelly

      January 29, 2014 at 11:25 am

      Thanks, Sarah! It was really rich, perfect for a special occasion!

      Reply
  8. Shelley @ Two Healthy Kitchens

    January 24, 2014 at 10:56 pm

    What a gorgeous dessert! I love the idea of a sauce rather than a frosting, actually – so upscale! Yum!!!! :D

    Reply
    • Kelly

      January 29, 2014 at 11:26 am

      Thank you so much! :)

      Reply
  9. Katie Drane

    January 24, 2014 at 9:50 pm

    I’m SOOO glad you shared this! I have been searching everywhere for a gluten free German Chocolate cake recipe for my SIL. Thanks so much!

    Reply
    • Kelly

      January 29, 2014 at 11:27 am

      Oh good, I am so glad that you found this recipe, then! I hope she enjoys it!

      Reply
  10. Natalie @ Tastes Lovely

    January 23, 2014 at 12:51 pm

    Glad you were able to get the recipe to work! Hope you had a good birthday : )

    Reply
    • Kelly

      January 24, 2014 at 9:16 pm

      Thanks, Natalie! It was a nice day, and we were able to have dinner out, just the two of us, which was nice!

      Reply

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