• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Fearless Dining
  • New? Start Here
  • Recipe Index
  • Cookbooks
  • GF Resources
    • Pantry
  • Welcome! Are You Ready To Start Living Gluten Free?
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Home
  • Start Here!
  • Recipes
  • My Pantry
  • Cookbooks
  • About
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • Home
  • Start Here!
  • Recipes
  • My Pantry
  • Cookbooks
  • About
×

Gluten Free Chocolate Brownie Cake

Gluten Free Chocolate Brownie Cake

Published: Jan 25, 2023 by Sandi Gaertner · 13 Comments · This post may contain affiliate links

  • Facebook
  • Yummly
  • Flipboard
Jump to Recipe
A Pinterest image of the brownie cake.

Be prepared to fall in love with this heart-shaped gluten free chocolate brownie cake. If you are looking for that perfect Valentine’s day treat, this is it! Imagine the look on your kid's faces when they come home to see such a surprise!

A slice of gluten free brownie layer cake on a plate
Jump to:
  • Why Make This Brownie Cake:
  • Tips For Sucess:
  • Ingredient Notes:
  • Recipe Step-By-Step Directions:
  • What is the best gluten free brownie mix?
  • Expert Tips and Recipe FAQ:
  • More Gluten Free Valentine’s Day Recipes :
  • Tools:
  • 📖 Recipe
  • 💬 Comments

My daughter has become interested in cake decorating, so we both thought this was the perfect opportunity to take advantage of our day.

Besides eating this Valentine’s Day cake yourself, it also makes a terrific gift for neighbors, teachers, and co-workers. Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to be for lovebirds; you can show anyone how much you care with homemade goodies.

Not only will you be impressed with how adorable this gluten free chocolate brownie recipe is, but you will also want to devour every last morsel. This cake is made of two brownie cakes layered with sweet buttercream frosting.

If you love chocolate as much as we do, check out my best gluten free chocolate dessert recipes! I also have tons of fun flavors of gluten free brownies you can try.

Why Make This Brownie Cake:

This is the must-make cake for chocolate lovers. You can use brownies in many fun ways besides a Valentine's Day cake. This cake is based on my popular Gluten Free Brownies recipe.

  1. This gluten free chocolate brownie cake can also be made into a birthday cake, cupcakes, or decorated for any other holiday or occasion.
  2. My brownie cake is both gluten free and dairy-free.
  3. You can freeze the layers and assemble the cake at a later date.
  4. You can also make it as a sheet cake!

If you love gluten free baking, visit my Gluten Free Pantry Guide to see what our favorite gluten free baking supplies are in our kitchen!

Tips For Sucess:

  • Always ensure your cakes are completely cooled before frosting them.
  • You can use any flavor of frosting; I have some great Gluten Free Frosting recipes for you.
  • Check my Gluten Free Sprinkles List if you use sprinkles to decorate your cake.
Top Pick
King Arthur, Measure for Measure Flour 3 lbs
King Arthur, Measure for Measure Flour 3 lbs

This is one of my favorite gluten-free flour blends for cookies, cakes, pie crust, biscuits, and muffins! (Do not use this flour blend for yeast recipes.)

Buy Now
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

Ingredient Notes:

  • Gluten Free Flour Blend - I have tested two gluten free flour blends in this recipe. I liked King Arthur Gluten Free Measure for Measure and Bob's Red Mill 1 to 1 Gluten Free Flour Blend. This doesn't mean other blends won't work, I just haven't tested any others. Try to avoid flour blends that are high in starch.
  • Xanthan Gum - this is the stuff that holds your baked goods together. If your blend does not contain Xanthan Gum, you must add one teaspoon.
  • Cocoa Powder - Most cocoa powders are gluten free but always check the ingredients label. I love Rodelle and Anthony's brands of cocoa powders.
  • Butter - Use unsalted butter, plant-based butter, or coconut oil.
  • Pure Vanilla Extract - do not use imitation vanilla.

You may also love making my Gluten Free Almond Joy Bars!

Recipe Step-By-Step Directions:

Egg and oils whisked together

Step 1: Add your dry ingredients to a bowl and whisk to blend. If you are using butter, you will want to melt it.

I recommend using the spoon or leveling method to measure your gluten-free flour.

Put the measuring scoop into the flour and fill. Do not pack the flour. Use a knife to scrape along the top to remove the extra flour.

You can also use a spoon to fill the measuring cup. Use a knife to level along the top to remove the extra flour.

Step 2: Add the wet ingredients to a bowl and whisk to blend.

Wet and dry brownie cake ingredients in a bowl.

Step 3: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Mix until the batter is just barely mixed. This will help keep your brownies a bit fluffier for the cake.

Gluten free brownie batter in heart shaped cake pans

Step 4: Mix the gluten free brownie batter well and pour it into greased mini heart cake pans. (Note the pans I used were discontinued, so I found similar pans.)

Step 5: Bake the brownies at 350º F for 20 minutes until done. Remove from the pans onto a cooling rack. When the brownies are cooling, whip up the frosting.

White buttercream frosting in a bowl

Step 6: Add the frosting ingredients to a standing mixer. Make the white buttercream frosting. Feel free to divide your frosting into two bowls and add red food coloring to one to make a pretty pink frosting as we did.

Adding white frosting to the bottom layer of cake

Step 7: Place the bottom on a dish and add frosting to the top of the cake. Place the next cake layer on top and frost.

You may also love these Gluten Free Brownie Cookies if you love brownies.

The top view of the decorated brownie cake

What is the best gluten free brownie mix?

If you don't want to make gluten-free brownies from scratch, you can use several delicious gluten-free brownie mix brands to make this brownie layer cake recipe. My favorites are:

  • Krusteaz Gluten Free Brownie Mix
  • King Arthur Gluten Free Brownie Mix
  • Betty Crocker Gluten Free Brownie Mix

Expert Tips and Recipe FAQ:

Do gluten free brownies taste good?

Yes, gluten-free brownies taste good and are a fantastic texture too. Gluten free brownies differ from brownies made with wheat flour, but they taste just as moist, chocolaty, and delicious.

How do you get gluten free brownies to hold shape?

Gluten free baking is tricky! Wheat is like glue; when you bake gluten-free, getting your baked goods to hold together is a big deal. I use xanthan gum as a binder, but some people can't eat xanthan gum. Guar gum and psyllium husks can also work well as a binder in gluten free baking.

How do you know when the brownie cake is finished baking?

To test for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If the toothpick comes out clean, it is done baking. If you see batter or crumbs, the cake needs to be baked longer.

How long will this keep?

These cake will keep up to 4 days in an air-tight container or up to 4 months in the freezer.

Can you freeze brownies?

Yes, you can freeze gluten free brownies. There are a couple of options on how to freeze them. Wrap each piece of cake or brownie individually with plastic wrap. You will want to wrap each on tightly, so no air gets to it. Then place it in an airtight container.

You can also freeze the entire cake using the same method. Either way, consume within four to six months to ensure flavors and textures.

The front of a slice of chocolate brownie cake

More Gluten Free Valentine’s Day Recipes :

  • a tray of gluten free matzo crack with white chocolate and blue sprinkles.
    Easy Gluten Free Matzo Bark
  • Rows of coated truffles in a pan.
    Gourmet Gluten Free Truffles You Can't Pass Up!
  • a delicious gluten free chocolate cake in an 8x8 pan
    Gluten Free Devil's Food Chocolate Cake
  • A plate with chocolate lava cake. It is topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
    Slow-Cooked Gluten Free Chocolate Lava Cake

Tools:

  • Non-Slip Mixing Bowls - Having bowls that stay put helps your sanity when baking!
  • A whisk to blend your gluten free dry ingredients.
  • This simple oil mister sprays your cake pans, so the cake doesn't stick.

This post was updated from an old February 2019 post with more details and baking tips.

📖 Recipe

a slice of gluten free brownie layer cake on a plate

Gluten Free Chocolate Brownie Cake

Sandi Gaertner
A fudgy gluten free brownie cake made of gluten free brownies. Frosted in pink buttercream frosting for a party.
5 from 10 votes
dairy free allergen icon
gluten free allergy icon
nut free allergen icon
soy free allergy icon
Print Recipe Pin Recipe Save RecipeSaved!
Prevent your screen from going dark
Prep Time 20 mins
Cook Time 20 mins
Additional Time 15 mins
Total Time 55 mins
Course Gluten Free Dessert Recipes
Cuisine American
Servings 12 slices
Calories 483 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup gluten free flour blend * see note
  • ½ cup cocoa powder * see note
  • 1 cup sugar
  • ½ cup brown sugar
  • 6 ounces chocolate chips Optional
  • ½ cup cooking oil You can also use unsalted butter.
  • ½ cup non-dairy milk
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • ¼ teaspoon salt

For Frosting

  • 2 ½ cups powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • ½ cup unsalted butter softened

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 350º F. Spray oil in mini heart-shaped cake pans.
  • In a large bowl, add the dry ingredients and whisk to blend.
  • In a smaller bowl, add the wet ingredients and mix well.
  • Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix.
  • Press the gluten free brownie batter into the heart pans.
  • Bake the cakes for 20 minutes until done.
  • Remove from the oven and allow the cakes to cool on a rack. Do not frost the cakes until they are completely cooled!
  • Add the frosting ingredients to a stand mixer and whip them up.
  • Place one cake on a plate and cover with frosting. Add the top layer, frost and decorate as you like.

Notes

  1. I have tested this recipe with King Arthur Measure for Measure GF and Bob's Red Mill 1 to 1 GF blend. That doesn't mean others will not work, I just have not tested other flours.
  2. If your gluten free flour blend doesn’t contain Xanthan Gum or Guar Gum, please add 1 teaspoon.
  3. To make this recipe dairy-free, substitute the butter for vegan butter in the frosting.
  4. To test for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If the toothpick comes out clean, it is done baking. If you see batter or crumbs, the cake needs to bake longer.
  5. Allow cooling before frosting so your cake holds together better!
  6. This cake will keep up to 4 days in an air-tight container, or up to 4 months in the freezer

SPECIAL NOTE

Please know that every gluten free flour blend has a different starch to grain ratio. If you use a blend I didn't test, you may need to adjust your moisture levels in your baked goods.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 483kcalCarbohydrates: 70gProtein: 4gFat: 23gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 9gTrans Fat: 0.4gCholesterol: 65mgSodium: 83mgPotassium: 101mgFiber: 3gSugar: 60gVitamin A: 344IUVitamin C: 0.1mgCalcium: 57mgIron: 1mg
Tried this Recipe? Pin it for Later!Mention @FearlessDining or tag #FearlessDining!
Share by Text

Nutrition Disclaimer

Nutritional information is an estimate provided to you as a courtesy. You should calculate the actual nutritional information with the products and brands you are using with your preferred nutritional calculator.

the cover image of my lemon e-cookbook.

If you love the recipes you find on my blog, I would love for you to sign up for my newsletter (and get my free gluten free lemon dessert e-cookbook!)

More Gluten Free Cake recipes

  • A plate with white chocolate and milk chocolate coated cake pops.
    How To Make Gluten Free Cake Pops
  • A slice of vanilla raspberry bundt cake on a small white plate.
    Easy Gluten Free Cake Mix Hacks: Tips and Tricks for Delicious Results
  • Some kitchen baking tools on a black granite counter.
    The Best Tools For Making Gluten Free Cake
  • Pouring cake batter into a springform pan.
    Troubleshooting Common Gluten Free Cake Baking Problems
  • Facebook
  • Yummly
  • Flipboard

Reader Interactions

Comments

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




  1. Sue

    February 18, 2023 at 7:06 pm

    5 stars
    Our extended family does ice cream cake, on family night, for each persons birthday. This doesn't work for my gluten free, dairy free daughter. I made the chocolate brownie cake and it went down so well, WITH EVERYONE!!!!!!! The couldn't believe it was gluten free. So good.

    Reply
    • Sandi Gaertner

      February 19, 2023 at 9:25 am

      I am thrilled everyone loved this brownie cake! Thank you so much for coming back to let me know. As for a birthday ice cream cake. I really love the So Delicious dairy-free ice cream brand.

      Reply
  2. Noelle

    March 04, 2019 at 12:07 pm

    I made this for valentines and my girls loved it. I would make it normal shaped for birthdays!

    Reply
    • Sandi Gaertner

      March 04, 2019 at 8:11 pm

      I am so glad your girls liked it, thank you so much for coming back to let us know 🙂

      Reply
« Older Comments

Primary Sidebar

  • Amazon
  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • TikTok
A picture of my face standing in front of landscape bushes

Welcome to my blog! I am so glad you are here. I have created hundreds of delicious, family-friendly gluten free recipes with easy step-by-step directions. Many recipes are also dairy-free. A gluten free lifestyle has never been easier!

More about me →

GF Resources:

  • Living Gluten Free and My Best Tips
  • gluten free pantry items on shelves.
    My Gluten Free Pantry Essentials
  • whisking dry ingredients in a glass bowl.
    My Best Gluten Free Baking Tips
  • A photo of the inside of a restaurant.
    Safe Gluten Free Dining And How To Stay Safe

More Resources!

A glass bowl filled with my gluten free flour blend.

Try My DIY Gluten Free Flour Blend Recipe! It is also gum-free!

Trending Gluten Free Recipes:

  • two slices of gluten free bread on a plate
    Bake the Best Gluten Free Bread with Your Bread Machine
  • a baked pie crust in a pan
    How to Make a Homemade Gluten Free Pie Crust
  • two bowls of chicken soup with a garlic press and garlic cloves next to the bowls
    Grandma's Chicken Soup From Scratch
  • a biscuit cut in half on a plate with butter
    The Best Flaky Gluten Free Biscuits

Footer

^ back to top

About

  • About Me
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Accessibility Policy

Newsletter

  • Sign Up!

Contact

  • Contact
  • Work With Me
  • Web Stories

Copyright © 2014-2023 Fearless Dining