Made with quinoa that has been cooked and then pureed, this Quinoa Chocolate Cake just might be the family favourite you've been looking for. Some celebrations simply need cake, and now that's gluten free cake. Because there are no gluten free flours or special ingredients to buy, this is the kind of cake anyone can make and the whole family will enjoy.
Family traditions need to change when people have dietary restrictions. Not everyone is as flexible as you might hope but you can introduce a cake like this anytime and surprise people. You never know, it might be a hit.
That's what happened when I made my German Chocolate Cake version.
🎂 Ingredients
Cooked quinoa is pureed to a smooth consistency for a moist cake with a light texture and rich chocolate taste. No one will ever guess it's gluten free.
- Cooked quinoa & eggs - This is what gives this cake the body it needs to hold together.
- milk
- vanilla
- butter
- white sugar
- cocoa powder
- Baking powder & baking soda - Two leaveners are often used in gluten free baking to help lighten up the finished product.
- OPTIONAL TOPPINGS: whipped cream and/or raspberry sauce
See recipe card for exact amounts.
❤️ Variations
This is the versatile cake recipe. I've made Black Forest Cupcakes with leftover cherry pie filling from a cooking class. For one family birthday my three-layer German Chocolate cake is always requested. It's just like the one my mom used to make with a sweet coconut-pecan filling.
I've even taken a single layer, cut it in half, spread one half with lemon curd and stacked the other on top to make half of a two-layer cake.
For Valentine's Day top this cake with whipped cream, colourful heart-shaped candy sprinkles and homemade raspberry sauce. Bake this cake in a heart-shaped pan if you have one, that brings compliments anytime of year.
Top Tip
Smart cooks have great recipes they can vary in many ways. This is one of those recipes that can be reinvented every time you make it. From cupcakes to a chocolate layer cake it never disappoints. Share it with all your family and friends.
📝 Quinoa Chocolate Cake (gluten free)
Ingredients
QUINOA CHOCOLATE CAKE
- 2 cups cooked quinoa
- ⅓ cup milk
- 4 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- ¾ cup butter, melted
- 1½ cups white sugar
- 1 cup cocoa powder
- 1½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
TOPPING
- 1 cup whipped cream
- raspberry sauce (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350F. Line two 8-inch round or heart-shaped baking pans with parchment. Lightly grease the paper. Set aside.
- In a food processor or blender combine milk, eggs and vanilla.
- Add cooked quinoa and melted butter. Process for several minutes until very smooth.
- In a medium bowl stir sugar, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda and salt to combine. Add the quinoa mixture and stir until combined.
- Divide batter evenly between the 2 prepared cake pans.
- Bake in the center of the oven for 40-45 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool completely before removing from pan. Can be made a day before assembling.
SERVING
- Serve cake with whipped cream and raspberry sauce if desired.
Notes
Nutrition
__________________________________________________________________________
New here? I've got the help you need to learn to make gluten free food the whole family wants to eat. Subscribe and get your free resource, 29 Tips for GF flour.
🎉 I made it into the Top 100 Gluten Free Blogs for 2025 and the Top 40 Gourmet Food Blogs. Learn all the ways I can help you by visiting this page, Everyday Gluten Free Gourmet.
_________________________________________________________________________
Anne
Delicious sweet treat
Anne
Yum
Wendy
Hi Aunty Cinde,
Does this cake freeze well?
At what temperature should I cook for cup cakes?
Cinde Little
Hi Wendy! Yes, the cake freezes well. Just wrap it up good or put it in an airtight container. This is the link to the cupcake version and they cook at 350F for 18-20 minutes. Happy Baking!
Colleen May
This is a delicious cake! Whole family loved it!
Cinde Little
Thanks for letting me know Colleen and I'm glad everyone loved it! It's the perfect recipe for any family that needs a 'go-to' gluten free cake.
jody
I am vegan. This cake looks awesome! Can chia eggs be substituted for the eggs or another suggestion?
Cinde Little
Hi Jody! I haven’t used egg replacers myself but these are the 3 most common ones I see.
1 egg = a rounded 1/2 Tbsp dry egg replacer powder + 2 Tbsp filtered water
1 egg = 1 Tbsp ground flax seed + 3 Tbsp filtered water
1 egg = 1 Tbsp chia seed + 3 Tbsp filtered water
I think there is more to learn as I often hear people say it didn't work for them. I checked over at http://www.justastasty.com/ by Taleen, a gluten free, egg free baking blog. She doesn't have a quinoa chocolate cake but she would be the person to ask if you want to know more before you give it a try. Happy baking!
Jody
Thank you Cinde!
Cinde Little
Your most welcome Jody!
Cinde Little
Hi again Jody. I checked with Taleen over at Just As Tasty and she pointed out that this quinoa cake is “egg heavy” with 4 eggs. That’s to provide structure and make up for the lack of flour so you might be better to try her chocolate cake (https://www.justastasty.com/flourless-chocolate-cake/). She also suggested replacing 1 egg with 1/4 cup of applesauce, mashed banana or Greek yogurt (obviously not vegan). I hope that gives you lots of ideas to create a chocolate cake that you love!
jody
I appreciate you following up on my question. May try her flourless cake or yours substituting applesauce. Your recipe reminded me of an Italian chocolate cake (1 layer) recipe using cornmeal. It is delicious, but uses eggs, and I no longer eat eggs.
Cinde Little
There's always a quest to recreate something delicious from your past. Good luck with your adventure.
Deborah Ryder
Is it possible to substitute the milk in the recipe with Almond milk?
Cinde Little
Hi Deborah! Yes, make it with almond milk. I haven't tried it myself but several people have told me they've made this cake with non-dairy milk alternatives and loved it. It's moist, chocolaty and delicious!