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–+ servings
Black Cat Chocolate Cake decorated for Halloween on a rustic plate

Black Cat Chocolate Cake

sam
A rich, moist gluten-free chocolate cake perfect for Halloween! This black cat-inspired dessert features a deep cocoa crumb, spooky decorations, and kid-friendly fun. It’s also easily made dairy-free.
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Cake, Dessert
Cuisine American, Gluten Free
Servings 12 slices
Calories 280 kcal

Equipment

  • mixing bowls
  • Electric mixer or whisk
  • measuring cups and spoons
  • Two 8-inch round cake pans
  • parchment paper
  • cooling rack
  • Offset spatula or butter knife (for frosting)

Ingredients
  

  • 1 1/2 cups gluten-free all-purpose flour (with xanthan gum)
  • 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (Dutch-processed preferred)
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 1/2 cups almond milk or oat milk
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 3/4 cup melted coconut oil
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 1/2 cups coconut sugar or packed brown sugar
  • Dairy-free ganache or coconut frosting (for decorating)
  • Licorice sticks, candy eyes, blackberries, or melted chocolate (for cat face features)
  • Black cocoa (optional, for darker color)
  • Crushed gluten-free chocolate chip cookies (optional for ears or whiskers)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease two 8-inch round cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper.
  • In a small bowl, stir together the almond milk and apple cider vinegar. Let sit for 5–10 minutes to curdle into dairy-free buttermilk.
  • In a large bowl, sift together the gluten-free flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Whisk to combine.
  • In another bowl, beat the eggs and sugar until smooth. Add melted coconut oil, vanilla, and the buttermilk mixture. Stir gently.
  • Add wet ingredients to dry. Mix just until no flour streaks remain. Batter will be thick and glossy.
  • Divide batter between pans and smooth the tops. Bake for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
  • Cool in pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto wire racks and cool completely before decorating.
  • Frost cake with ganache or frosting. Decorate with candy eyes, licorice whiskers, cookies or berries for ears, and melted chocolate features.

Notes

To make it dairy-free, use oat or almond milk and coconut cream for frosting. For extra depth of color, try black cocoa. Decorate with candy eyes, licorice whiskers, and crushed gluten-free cookies for a festive finish.

Nutrition

Calories: 280kcalCarbohydrates: 32gProtein: 4gFat: 16gSaturated Fat: 11gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 35mgSodium: 260mgPotassium: 200mgFiber: 4gSugar: 16gVitamin A: 45IUCalcium: 80mgIron: 2.5mg
Keyword Black Cat Cake, Chocolate Cake, dairy free option, fall baking, gluten-free, Halloween
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