Gluten Free Chocolate Fudge Cake (Star Wars)

Gluten Free Chocolate Fudge Cake. I've tried a lot of different gluten free chocolate cake recipes and I found that most of them were really crumbly or too sweet....or didn't really have much of a chocolate flavor so I have been experimenting over the years and I came up with this recipe that I designed. You can frost it with whatever type of frosting you prefer. I chose a chocolate buttercream frosting on the outside and a cappuccino flavor buttercream for the inside frosting layer. (I had some leftover cake batter and frosting so I made my grand-daughter a mini version of this cake but used store-bought frosting in the center of hers since I didn't think she would like the cappuccino flavored frosting). This cake was for a friend of mine since she was having a dinner party celebrating a couple of birthdays. Since she didn't want anything "girly" and there were no restrictions on the decorations....I "GEEKED" it up using my silicone molds.  I had a lot of fun making this cake. I love to bake and I am learning how to decorate. No formal classes....just practicing! I will definitely invest in some decent frosting bags after this! (I struggled with the disposable bags rupturing so I couldn't get even pressure for my swirls and made a big mess! My kitchen smelled like a bakery but looked like a war zone when I was done!) Although this isn't as easy as a box cake mix...I think it is worth the effort.

Gluten Free Chocolate Fudge Cake:

• 1 3/4 cup sugar (I used unbleached, GMO free sugar but you can use regular white sugar)
• 1 1/2 cups gluten free flour blend (I used Betty Crocker Gluten Free Flour Blend in today's recipe)
• 1/4 cup gluten free coconut flour (If you don't have this then you can use gluten free flour or finely ground almonds instead. I like the silky texture of coconut flour in this cake. You can't taste the coconut flavor because the dark chocolate will be high lighted)
• 3/4 cup unsweetened gluten free cocoa powder (I used a German brand but you can use any good quality cocoa powder)
• 1 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt ( I just use the regular table salt since it is finely ground)
• 4 eggs (I used large sized organic brown eggs)
• 1 cup milk + 1 teaspoon white vinegar (let stand 2 minutes to thicken. It gives the texture and flavor of buttermilk. You can substitute dairy free milk)
• 3/4 cup black coffee (you won't taste the coffee but it will give the chocolate a depth of flavor that isn't too sweet. If you don't have coffee then you can substitute water or additional milk).
• 4 oz. cream cheese, softened (you can substitute a dairy free cream cheese or shortening. I like the texture that the cream cheese gives this cake. It keeps it moist and makes the chocolate flavor more intense. I have substituted shortening but I do prefer using cream cheese when possible)
• 3 oz. semi-sweet chocolate, melted and slightly cooled
• 5 tbs. softened real butter or margarine that contains at least 65% fat. Do not use light! (You can substitute shortening or coconut oil). I always prefer using real butter when possible.

Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Grease two 8" cake pans or one 9x13 pan with butter or gluten free cooking spray. Beat the cream cheese, butter, melted chocolate and sugar until creamy and smooth. No lumps! Add eggs one at a time. Add the milk & vinegar mixture. Gradually add the baking soda, baking powder, salt and flours alternately with the coffee. Beat for 2 minutes until mixture is smooth and well incorporated. Bake in pre-heated oven for about 26-40 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Baking time may vary depending on your oven and altitude. Check at 26 minutes and adjust accordingly. Cool in pans for about 30 minutes prior to removing to a cooling rack. Frost when cooled or sprinkle with powdered sugar if you decide not to frost cake.

Cake batter. It is slightly thick

Frosted in chocolate buttercream

My chocolates that I made in silicone mold

Up close view of cake topped with Star Wars chocolates

Ready to eat!

Side view

My grand-daughter's cake slice

50 birthday cake for a friend using same recipe

50 Birthday cake using same recipe and melted sugar & chocolate garnish

Another friend's birthday cake using same recipe and edible garnish

My gluten free cake taste tester!

If you are a geek like me or if you have a Star Wars fan in your family, you can purchase the silicone Star Wars molds (which can be used for a variety of things including melted chocolates to decorate cakes, brownies, etc) can be purchased online. I have purchased them on Ebay and Amazon. The molds are fantastic because they are silicone and can be used for other items like clay or melting crayons. (Yes, my grand-daughter and I will take broken crayons and break them up into pieces and put assorted pieces in the molds and bake them. You will get a rainbow crayon in the shape of your favorite character!) I did see the Han Solo silicone mold at Hot Topic Store and they had it in stock if you just have to have your mold NOW and can't wait for shipping! ;) Oh yeah....if you aren't a Star Wars fan....you can find silicone molds in other shapes online too including Marvel comic characters, Doctor Who, Star Trek or boring stuff like flowers, animals or holiday molds. They are fun to use!

Hope you enjoyed my favorite version of gluten free chocolate cake!
Tanja
Gluten Free Casually