For people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, finding tasty gluten-free dessert options can be challenging. While many standard cake mixes contain gluten, there are several brands that offer gluten-free chocolate cake mixes for those who need to avoid gluten. In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the most popular gluten-free chocolate cake mix options, discuss how they compare to traditional cake mixes, and provide tips for getting the best results when baking them. Whether you’re baking for yourself or loved ones with dietary restrictions, gluten-free chocolate cake is an achievable treat with the right products and techniques.
What is gluten and why do some people need to avoid it?
Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. It helps give elasticity and structure to baked goods like cakes. For most people, consuming gluten is not a problem. However, for those with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity, gluten triggers an abnormal immune response that damages the small intestine. This can lead to symptoms like abdominal pain, diarrhea, constipation, vomiting, and fatigue. The only treatment for celiac disease is strict avoidance of gluten. People with non-celiac gluten sensitivity may also need to avoid gluten to manage their symptoms.
While going gluten-free means giving up many everyday baked goods, it doesn’t have to mean sacrificing chocolate cake. Gluten-free all-purpose flour blends and other ingredient swaps make it possible to recreate the beloved chocolate cake experience.
Are gluten-free cake mixes really gluten-free?
When shopping for a gluten-free chocolate cake mix, it’s important to understand what “gluten-free” really means. In the United States, foods labeled as gluten-free must contain less than 20 parts per million (ppm) of gluten. This threshold is generally considered safe for those with celiac disease and non-celiac gluten sensitivity.
However, there is some debate around whether the less than 20 ppm standard is strict enough, as studies show some celiac patients react to traces of gluten below this level. Those who are highly sensitive should look for cake mixes that are certified gluten-free to ensure safety. Brands certified by organizations like the Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO) undergo rigorous testing down to 10 ppm or less.
So in summary, cake mixes marked “gluten-free” should be safe for the majority following a gluten-free diet. But stricter standards may apply for those with high sensitivity. When in doubt, choose certified gluten-free mixes for added assurance.
What are some popular brands of gluten-free chocolate cake mixes?
Several companies offer gluten-free chocolate cake mixes that provide a delicious chocolate baking experience reminiscent of traditional mixes. Here are 5 top brands to consider:
Pamela’s Products Gluten-Free Chocolate Cake & Muffin Mix
Pamela’s is one of the most recognized gluten-free brands in the baking aisle. Their chocolate cake and muffin mix is GFCO certified to contain less than 10 ppm of gluten. It makes a fudgy, bakery-style chocolate cake with rich chocolate flavor. Pamela’s mix can be used to make cake layers, cupcakes, or muffins.
Betty Crocker Gluten Free Devil’s Food Chocolate Cake Mix
The iconic Betty Crocker brand offers a gluten-free devil’s food chocolate cake mix. It has a classic chocolate cake flavor and texture, with no grittiness or aftertaste often associated with gluten-free baking. The mix can be used for cakes, cupcakes, or cake pops.
Krusteaz Gluten Free Chocolate Cake Mix
Krusteaz is a widely available gluten-free brand carried at many major grocers. Their chocolate cake mix bakes up moist and rich in chocolate flavor. The mix can also be used to make brownies or chocolate sheet cake.
King Arthur Baking Gluten Free Chocolate Cake Mix
Trusted baking brand King Arthur makes a beloved gluten-free chocolate cake mix. It has an extra dark chocolate color and flavor. The mix works well for layer cakes, sheet cakes, cupcakes, and cake pops.
Bob’s Red Mill Gluten Free Chocolate Cake Mix
Bob’s Red Mill is known for its wide range of gluten-free flours and baking mixes. Their gluten-free chocolate cake mix imparts a decadent chocolate taste with minimal bitterness. It can be baked into cakes, cupcakes, and muffins.
While these are some of the most popular, there are also many smaller gluten-free bakeries selling high-quality chocolate cake mixes online. Always check labels and manufacturing practices when trying a new brand.
How do gluten-free chocolate cake mixes compare to regular cake mixes?
Gluten-free chocolate cake mixes vary in how closely they replicate the taste and texture of regular gluten-containing mixes. Here’s how they generally compare:
Taste: Most gluten-free chocolate cake mixes achieve a rich, chocolatey flavor. Extra cocoa powder or dark chocolate is often added to produce an intense chocolate taste without gluten. Preferred brands have little to no aftertaste.
Texture: Denseness or grittiness can be an issue with gluten-free baking. High quality chocolate cake mixes use finer blends of flours to create a tender, moist crumb similar to regular cake. A binder like xanthan gum also adds structure.
Rise: Without gluten, gluten-free cakes may have a flatter shape versus the tall rise achieved with wheat flour. Adding an extra egg and baking soda can help improve lift. Gluten-free cakes bake best in pans with straight rather than angled sides.
Versatility: Most mixes can be used to make not just cakes, but also cupcakes, muffins, and other chocolate treats. Follow individual brand instructions.
Appearance: Gluten-free chocolate cakes are often darker in color due to extra cocoa powder. They may appear more rustic with a cracked top versus perfectly smooth.
While not identical, the best gluten-free chocolate cake mixes can provide a very satisfying chocolate cake experience. Taste preferences vary, so it may take some trial and error to find your favorite brand.
How can you get the best results when baking with gluten-free chocolate cake mixes?
Here are some tips for getting great results when using gluten-free chocolate cake mixes:
– Read the instructions carefully and follow as directed. Gluten-free baking can be more finicky.
– Check the expiration date and store mixes in a cool, dry place sealed tightly. Use by date listed for optimal freshness.
– Whisk dry mix well before adding wet ingredients to evenly incorporate leaveners like baking powder or soda.
– Use the exact ingredients called for like oil, eggs, milk, and water. Substitutions may impact results.
– Mix just until combined – don’t overbeat once flour is added. This can cause tunnels or doughy spots.
– Grease pans well and dust with cocoa powder or flour blend for easiest release.
– Bake in the middle of the preheated oven for time listed to prevent overbrowning on the edges.
– Test for doneness at minimum listed time. Gluten-free cakes may take longer to fully bake through.
– Cool completely on a wire rack before frosting for clean slices. Crumbs easily pull off undercooked cakes.
With some care and practice, gluten-free chocolate cake mixes can deliver the taste and appearance you’d expect from any homemade chocolate cake. Be sure to store leftovers airtight at room temperature or freeze.
What are some recipe ideas using gluten-free chocolate cake mixes?
Gluten-free chocolate cake mixes are endlessly versatile baking basics. Here are just a few recipe ideas:
Mexican Chocolate Cake
Make a spiced Mexican hot chocolate version by adding cinnamon, chipotle chili powder, and cayenne to the mix. Frost with cinnamon whipped cream cheese frosting.
Chocolate Orange Cake
Blend orange zest into the prepared cake batter and glaze the cooled cake with an orange cream cheese frosting.
Triple Chocolate Cake
Fold mini chocolate chips and chopped chocolate into the batter. Layer with chocolate buttercream frosting for triple chocolate bliss.
German Chocolate Cake
Top the chocolate cake with traditional German chocolate frosting made with coconut, pecans, and evaporated milk.
Mississippi Mud Cake
Bake chocolate cake mix as mini bundt cakes. Glaze with chocolate ganache and serve with vanilla ice cream.
Chocolate Zucchini Cake
Shred and drain fresh zucchini, then fold into prepared chocolate cake mix for extra moisture.
Chocolate Blackout Cake
Frost chocolate cake completely with dark chocolate frosting. Shave chocolate over the top for decadent overload.
With a quality gluten-free chocolate cake mix and creativity in the kitchen, a new world of delicious possibilities opens up for gluten-free baking. Share your gluten-free chocolate cake creations and give loved ones with dietary restrictions a memorable treat.
Where can you find and purchase gluten-free chocolate cake mixes?
It’s easier than ever to find a wide range of gluten-free chocolate cake mixes, whether shopping online or in your local grocery store. Here’s where to find them:
Online: Check out gluten-free specialty sites like Amazon, Vitacost, GlutenFreeMall, and GlutenFreePalace. They offer one-stop shopping for all the leading brands.
Grocery Stores: National chains like Walmart, Target, Kroger, Safeway, Publix, and Stop & Shop have expanded gluten-free selections including cake mixes. Check bigger stores or gluten-free aisles.
Natural Food Stores: Stores focused on specialty diets like Sprouts, Whole Foods, Earthfare, and Fresh Thyme have dedicated gluten-free sections.
Warehouse Stores: Costco, Sam’s Club, and BJ’s often sell multi-packs of gluten-free cake mixes at lower costs.
Discount Stores: Stores like Aldi, Dollar General, Big Lots, and Ocean State Job Lot offer very affordable generic brands. Check labels.
Online Bakeries: Gluten-free bakeries may sell their own mixes like Minimalist Baker and Gluten Free Sisters. Support small business.
Compare prices, ingredients lists, and certifications when choosing a brand. Shop sales and bulk deals when possible. With so many gluten-free options universally available, chocolate cake cravings are easily satisfied.
Are there basic recipes for gluten-free chocolate cake from scratch?
While mixes offer convenience, it’s also possible to bake delicious gluten-free chocolate cakes from scratch using your own mix of flours and ingredients. Here are two basic recipes to try:
One-Bowl Gluten-Free Chocolate Cake
| Ingredients | Amount |
|---|---|
| Gluten-free all-purpose flour | 1 1/4 cups |
| Sugar | 3/4 cup |
| Cocoa powder | 1/2 cup |
| Baking soda | 1 teaspoon |
| Baking powder | 1 1/2 teaspoons |
| Salt | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Vegetable oil | 1/3 cup |
| Milk | 1 cup |
| Eggs | 2 large |
| Vanilla | 1 teaspoon |
1. Whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder and salt.
2. Make a well in the center and add the oil, milk, eggs and vanilla. Whisk just until smooth.
3. Pour into a greased 8×8 pan and bake at 350°F for 30-35 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
4. Cool completely before frosting.
Decadent Flourless Chocolate Cake
| Ingredients | Amount |
|---|---|
| Fine almond flour | 2 cups |
| Granulated sugar | 1 cup |
| Unsweetened cocoa powder | 3/4 cup |
| Baking powder | 2 teaspoons |
| Salt | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Large eggs | 4 |
| Milk | 1/2 cup |
| Vegetable oil | 1/3 cup |
| Vanilla | 1 teaspoon |
| Powdered sugar | 1/4 cup (for dusting) |
1. Preheat oven to 325°F. Grease an 8-inch springform pan with nonstick cooking spray and line bottom with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the almond flour, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder and salt.
3. In another bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, oil and vanilla.
4. Add wet ingredients to the dry and whisk just until blended and smooth.
5. Pour batter into prepared pan. Bake 50-60 minutes until toothpick comes out clean.
6. Let cool completely in pan, then remove sides. Dust with powdered sugar before serving.
With some gluten-free all-purpose baking mix and basic ingredients, you can whip up chocolate cake from scratch. Play with mix-ins like chocolate chips or peanut butter too.
What are some common substitutions used in gluten-free chocolate cake recipes?
When adapting traditional chocolate cake recipes to be gluten-free, some ingredient swaps are often made:
– Flours: Use a blend of gluten-free flours like almond, rice, tapioca, and sorghum flours. All-purpose gluten-free flour mixes work well.
– Xanthan gum: Just a little bit of this acts as a binder and helps replicate the elasticity of gluten. Use 1/2 to 1 teaspoon per cake.
– Eggs: Extra eggs add structure and moisture in gluten-free baking. Add 1 extra egg.
– Fats: Vegetable oil, melted butter, or shortening help keep gluten-free cakes tender and rich.
– Liquids: Milk, coffee, or dairy-free milks like almond milk bring necessary hydration.
– Leaveners: Baking soda and baking powder give lift to dense gluten-free flours. Use the amount listed.
– Sugars: White and brown sugars boost moisture and sweetness in the absence of gluten.
With strategic substitutions, you can convert almost any chocolate cake recipe to be gluten-free. Tweak and experiment to find your perfect chocolate cake formula.
Conclusion
Thanks to growing awareness and demand, gluten-free chocolate cake mixes and recipes are now widely available for anyone who needs or wants to avoid gluten. Brands like Pamela’s, Betty Crocker, Krusteaz, King Arthur, and Bob’s Red Mill offer high-quality, gluten-free chocolate cake mixes that deliver remarkably close to the taste and texture of traditional chocolate cake. With care taken during preparation and baking, the best gluten-free chocolate cake mixes can yield bakery-worthy chocolate layer cakes, decadent chocolate frosted cupcakes, fudgy chocolate sheet cakes, and any chocolate confection you crave. Whether you have dietary restrictions, are cooking for someone who does, or simply want to expand your gluten-free baking repertoire, gluten-free chocolate cake mixes make enjoying pure chocolate bliss easy and accessible to all.
