Name: Vegan Gluten-Free Chocolate Orange Cake Recipe
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: Vegan
Ingredients: 1 1/4 cup Gluten-Free Measure-For-Measure Flour (150 grams); 1/2 cup Unsweetened Cocoa Powder (40 grams); 1/2 teaspoon Cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon Kosher Salt; 1/2 teaspoon Baking Powder; 1/4 teaspoon Baking Soda; 1 cup Granulated Sugar (200 grams); 1 Tablespoon Fresh Orange Zest (from about 1 large orange); 1 1/4 cup Almond Milk, warmed (or your favorite dairy-free milk); 1/3 cup Coconut Oil, melted and cooled slightly; 1 Tablespoon White Vinegar; 2 teaspoons Vanilla Extract; 1 cup Dairy-Free Dark Chocolate Chips (or Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips); 1/2 cup Full-Fat Canned Coconut Milk (can substitute 1/4-1/2 cup other non-dairy milk); 1 Tablespoon Coconut Oil; 1/2 teaspoon Fresh Orange Zest (optional, for extra flavor)

Vegan Gluten-Free Chocolate Orange Cake Recipe brings together the rich depth of chocolate and the fresh zing of orange in a way that’s both indulgent and beautifully light. This cake isn’t just any dessert; it’s your new go-to when you want something special that everyone can enjoy—no gluten, no dairy, all pure joy.

The image shows a slice of rich dark chocolate cake with a thick layer of smooth, shiny dark chocolate frosting on top. The cake looks moist and dense with a deep brown color. On the frosting, there is a round slice of dried orange standing upright, accompanied by a small piece of chocolate partially leaning against the orange. The slice sits on a simple white plate with a silver fork beside it. The background features the rest of the cake, also topped with round dried orange slices, set against a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Vegan Gluten-Free Chocolate Orange Cake Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Vegan Gluten-Free Chocolate Orange Cake Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Vegan Gluten-Free Chocolate Orange Cake Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I remember the first time I tried baking this Vegan Gluten-Free Chocolate Orange Cake Recipe — the house smelled like a cozy chocolate-orange hug, and I instantly knew this was a treat worth mastering. It’s surprisingly easy but feels fancy enough for guests or a self-indulgent treat.

Decadent Flavor Fusion: The zingy orange zest cuts through rich chocolate for a perfectly balanced taste that feels gourmet yet comforting.
Gluten-Free & Vegan Friendly: No need to compromise on texture or flavor—this cake is moist, tender, and utterly delicious without gluten or animal products.
Simple Ingredients: You’ll find these pantry staples easy to source and blend, making it accessible for home bakers of any skill.
Flexible & Customizable: From swapping dairy-free milks to adding your own twist on garnishes, you can adapt this cake to suit your tastes or occasion.

A round, single-layer dark chocolate cake sits on a white plate on a white marbled surface. The top of the cake is covered in smooth, shiny dark chocolate frosting with subtle waves. On one side of the cake's top, there are six thin, round dried orange slices arranged partly overlapping each other. Small chocolate shavings and tiny orange zest bits are scattered around the orange slices on the frosting. Around the plate, there are additional dried orange slices and a woman's hand gently holding the edge of the plate. In the background, an open chocolate wrapper and a glass bottle of milk are visible. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

This Vegan Gluten-Free Chocolate Orange Cake Recipe combines ingredients that each play a crucial role in texture, flavor, and moisture. A few key things to note when shopping: make sure to get a reliable gluten-free measure-for-measure flour for the best crumb, and fresh orange zest really makes all the difference for that vibrant citrus note.

Flat lay of a small mound of fine gluten-free flour, a small mound of rich unsweetened cocoa powder, a small heap of warm cinnamon powder, a small pile of coarse kosher salt, a small heap of baking powder, a tiny heap of baking soda, a small pile of granulated white sugar textured with fresh orange zest, a medium white ceramic bowl of warm almond milk, a small white ceramic bowl of melted coconut oil, a small white ceramic bowl of white vinegar, a small white ceramic bowl of clear vanilla extract, a small white ceramic bowl filled with glossy dark chocolate chips, a small white ceramic bowl containing thick full-fat canned coconut milk, and a whole fresh orange with bright orange peel placed alongside some additional small sprigs of orange zest, all arranged symmetrically on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Gluten-Free Flour: Using a measure-for-measure blend helps keep the cake fluffy and light without the dryness you sometimes get in gluten-free baking.
Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: Provides rich chocolate flavor without overpowering the orange zest.
Cinnamon: Adds a subtle spicy warmth that rounds out the chocolate and orange combo beautifully.
Kosher Salt: Enhances the sweetness and deepens the chocolate notes—don’t skip it even in sweet bakes!
Baking Powder & Baking Soda: These leaven the cake gently to give it a tender lift and airy crumb.
Granulated Sugar: Rubbing the orange zest directly into sugar unlocks intense citrus aromatics that perfume the whole cake.
Fresh Orange Zest: The star of the show in this cake, it brings brightness and a fresh, tangy pop.
Almond Milk: A warm dairy-free milk keeps the batter smooth and moist while activating the leavening agents.
Coconut Oil: Melts into the batter for a buttery richness plus a subtle tropical undertone that complements chocolate wonderfully.
White Vinegar: Reacts with baking soda to help the cake rise and adds a slight tang that balances the sweetness.
Vanilla Extract: Helps round out flavors and adds a sweet depth.
Dairy-Free Dark Chocolate Chips: Melt into pockets of gooey, rich chocolate in every bite.
Full-Fat Canned Coconut Milk: Key for the shiny, smooth chocolate ganache that crowns the cake.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the best things about this Vegan Gluten-Free Chocolate Orange Cake Recipe is how adaptable it is. I love adding my own twists — sometimes I throw in a handful of chopped candied orange peel for a chewy surprise, or swap almond milk for oat milk, depending on what I have.

Variation: When I made it last Christmas, swapping orange zest for lemon zest brought a bright, refreshing citrus twist that my family adored.
Nut-Free Option: Use sunflower seed milk instead of almond milk for a safe alternative without compromising creaminess.
Extra Moisture: Adding a tablespoon of applesauce helps if your gluten-free flour blend tends to dry out bakes.
More Spices: A pinch of ground ginger or cardamom adds a subtle complexity jazzing up the classic chocolate-orange flavor.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Vegan Gluten-Free Chocolate Orange Cake Recipe

Step 1: Set The Stage With Prep

Preheat your oven to 350°F and get an 8-inch round cake pan ready by lightly greasing it with coconut oil. Then, line the bottom with parchment paper — this extra step makes sure your cake pops out perfectly without sticking or crumbling. I like to press the parchment into the pan gently, so it fits snugly.

Step 2: Whisk Up Dry Magic

In a medium bowl, whisk together the gluten-free flour, cocoa powder, cinnamon, salt, baking powder, and baking soda. This is where your cake’s structure begins, and combining them now ensures that the leavening agents get evenly distributed, so your cake rises beautifully without any weird lumps.

Step 3: Infuse Sugar with Orange Zest Delight

Here’s a little trick I love: rub the fresh orange zest into the granulated sugar with your fingertips. This releases the oils and aroma, making the sugar fragrant and citrusy. The scent always lifts my spirits — it’s a small step with a big payoff for flavor.

Step 4: Combine The Wet Ingredients

To the orange-scented sugar, whisk in the warm almond milk, melted coconut oil, white vinegar, and vanilla extract. The warmth helps activate the vinegar and baking soda combo to get your cake nice and fluffy. Keep it mixed until it’s smooth and inviting.

Step 5: Marry the Dry & Wet With Care

Pour the dry ingredients into the wet mixture and stir gently until everything just comes together — you want a smooth batter without overmixing, which can make the cake dense. A few little lumps are okay. Then, fold in the dairy-free dark chocolate chips for those delightful melty spots in every slice.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Pour the batter into your prepared pan and give it a gentle tap on the counter. This helps pop any air bubbles trapped inside. Bake for 35-40 minutes, then check with a toothpick — it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs clinging to it. Resist the urge to open the oven early too often; patience results in a perfect crumb!

Step 7: Cool and Prepare for Ganache

Let the cake cool for about 5 minutes in the pan before running a thin knife around the edges. Then invert it onto a wire rack to cool completely. To avoid breaking, I like placing the rack on top of the cake first, flipping it, so the cake lands safely on the rack. Cooling fully is key to making sure your ganache doesn’t slide off.

Step 8: Make the Luxurious Chocolate Orange Ganache

Heat the canned coconut milk, coconut oil, and extra orange zest in short bursts in the microwave until steaming (almost simmering). Pour this over the chocolate chips and stir until smooth and glossy. Pour the ganache evenly over your cooled cake, smoothing it with an offset spatula of you have one. Let it set at room temperature before moving or serving.

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy Your Masterpiece

Slice your cake once the ganache is set, and dig in! Save leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for a day or two, or freeze to enjoy later.

Top Tip

I’ve made this cake enough times to learn a few insider tips that save you trouble and make baking it a breeze. Trust me, these tiny details add up to big results:

Orange Zesting: Always zest your orange before peeling—it’s easier and you’ll get clean, fresh zest without any bitter white pith.
Gentle Mixing: Overmixing gluten-free batters can leave your cake heavy and dry; stir just until ingredients come together.
Warm Almond Milk: Using warm (not hot) almond milk activates the vinegar and leaveners better, helping your cake rise perfectly.
Ganache Setting: Let your ganache come to room temperature to firm up; refrigerate for a quick set but bring back to room temp before slicing for the best texture.

How to Serve Vegan Gluten-Free Chocolate Orange Cake Recipe

vegan gluten-free chocolate orange - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I like to sprinkle some finely chopped pistachios or toasted coconut flakes on top for crunch and color contrast. Fresh orange slices on the side amp up the citrus vibe, and a dusting of cocoa powder over the ganache adds a sophisticated finish.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs wonderfully with a scoop of dairy-free vanilla ice cream or coconut whipped cream. For an adult twist, serve alongside a cup of freshly brewed espresso or a spiced tea to complement the chocolate and orange notes.

Creative Ways to Present

For birthdays or holidays, I spread the ganache thickly and top with edible gold leaf or sugared violets. Layering this cake with dairy-free orange marmalade between slices is another festive way I’ve made it stand out for celebrations.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover cake keeps best in an airtight container at room temperature for 1-2 days. I’ve found that keeping it out of the fridge maintains the ganache’s smooth texture—just keep it away from direct sunlight and warmth.

Freezing

I often freeze this cake without ganache, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil. When ready to eat, I thaw it in the fridge overnight and then add fresh ganache or frosting. This keeps the texture moist and prevents the ganache from getting grainy.

Reheating

If you want a warm slice, gently microwave a piece for 10-15 seconds—ganache might soften deliciously, but avoid overheating or it can get oily. Alternatively, let leftovers come to room temp for a tender, melt-in-your-mouth experience.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use another gluten-free flour blend?

Yes! It’s best to use a measure-for-measure gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum to mimic the structure of wheat flour. Different blends vary, so results may differ slightly. If your blend lacks xanthan gum, add about ¼ teaspoon to help with texture.

Why is vinegar used in this cake?

The vinegar reacts with baking soda to create tiny bubbles that help the cake rise and become fluffy. It also balances the sweetness, adding a subtle tang and depth to the flavor, which makes the chocolate and orange taste even brighter.

Can I substitute another dairy-free milk?

Absolutely! Almond milk works wonderfully, but you can swap in oat, soy, rice, or coconut milk based on your preference or what's on hand. Just make sure it’s unsweetened to keep the cake from becoming too sweet.

How do I know when the cake is done?

Insert a toothpick or cake tester into the center. It should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached, but not wet batter. The top will look set and spring back lightly when touched. Overbaking can dry out gluten-free cakes, so start checking around 35 minutes.

Final Thoughts

This Vegan Gluten-Free Chocolate Orange Cake Recipe holds a special place in my baking repertoire because it proves you don’t have to sacrifice flavor or texture for dietary needs. Every time I make it, I’m reminded that kindness—in ingredients and effort—creates magic. I really hope you’ll try it and enjoy sharing it just like I do with friends and family. It’s a little slice of joyful, inclusive celebration all on its own.