Description
A rich and indulgent chocolate cake that’s both dairy-free and gluten-free, topped with a delicious strawberry buttercream.
Ingredients
- 2 cups gluten-free 1:1 baking flour
- 1 cup dark cocoa powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ¾ teaspoon baking powder
- ⅓ cup Nutiva avocado oil
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup almond milk or dairy-free milk of choice
- ¾ cup boiling water
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- 1½ teaspoons Singing Dog vanilla extract
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 cup dairy-free butter
- 1 cup freeze-dried strawberries
- 3½ cups powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1–3 tablespoons dairy-free heavy cream
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 8-inch cake pans, and line the bottoms with parchment paper.
- Whisk together the gluten-free flour, cocoa powder, salt, baking soda, and baking powder in a medium bowl.
- Combine the eggs, vanilla extract, avocado oil, almond milk, and apple cider vinegar in a large mixing bowl. Mix on medium speed until blended smoothly.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on medium speed. Pour in the boiling water, mixing until a smooth batter is achieved.
- Evenly divide the batter between the two prepared cake pans. Bake for 27 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Allow cakes to cool completely before frosting.
- Pulse the freeze-dried strawberries in a food processor until finely ground, then sift to remove large pieces.
- Beat the dairy-free butter on high speed for about 2 minutes until light and fluffy.
- Add the strawberry powder, vanilla extract, half of the powdered sugar, and half of the dairy-free heavy cream. Mix for about 1 minute.
- Gradually add remaining powdered sugar and cream, continue beating for another 2 to 4 minutes until smooth.
- Assemble the cake by placing one cooled cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of strawberry buttercream on top, add the second layer, then frost the top and sides.
Notes
Serve with fresh strawberries or dairy-free vanilla ice cream for a delightful experience.