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A decadent gluten free chocolate cake with creamy whipped chocolate ganache. This cake is flourless thanks to a secret ingredient!

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Variations of this Quinoa Chocolate Cake abound on Pinterest and around the web. It’s one of the first gluten free cake recipes we fell in love with after beginning our journey with food allergies because it is so easy to mix up and has simple ingredients that aren’t overwhelming to a beginner gluten free baker. 

What Makes this Chocolate Cake so Special?

This quinoa cake is probably different than any other recipe you’ve tried. The secret ingredient might surprise you, but just sit down and read through before you decide I’m crazy!

The reason this cake is so easy  is that it calls for cooked quinoa instead of the flour. Don’t worry, you’ll blend the quinoa into the batter so there won’t be a funky texture, and we promise you won’t even notice the quinoa!

Something magical happens when you blend the quinoa with the rest of the ingredients in this gluten free quinoa cake. It makes the most tender, chocolatey and delicious cake with so little effort. Top it with our whipped ganache frosting and bring it to your next party and we pretty much guarantee you’ll be everyone’s new best friend.

What is Quinoa?

If you aren’t familiar with quinoa, it is a pseudo grain related to beetroot, amaranth, and spinach. It can be cooked like rice (1 part quinoa to 2 parts water or broth) and used as a substitute for rice or couscous in recipes. Quinoa is a good source of fiber, folate, iron, zinc, and magnesium. It also contains a good amount of protein, especially as compared to white rice.

Because quinoa is not a grain, and is used in place of flour, this gluten free chocolate cake is not only gluten free but flourless and grain free as well (yay!)

Did You Say Quinoa CAKE???

I’m sure you’re curious as to how a cake can be made out of quinoa. Let me explain. Quinoa cake is made in your blender. The pureed quinoa and eggs combine to make a thick cake-like batter. Add all the extras like sugar, cocoa powder, and vanilla and VOILA! The BEST gluten free chocolate cake you’ve ever eaten.

If you’re looking for an easy gluten free cake recipe that will achieve great results, this quinoa chocolate cake will quickly become a favorite! It is rich and decadent, but so simple to make. I usually make as a 2-tiered round cake, but feel free to use a 9X13″ as a single layer if you want.

Looking for more uniquely delicious cake recipes? Try this Almond Flour Lemon Cake!

How to Make Quinoa Chocolate Cake:

Step 1: Start the ganache frosting.

The ganache frosting is very easy but takes several hours to complete, so plan accordingly. I did the first step of the ganache 3 hours before making the cake, set it in the fridge, and then finished it after the cake cooled. All you’ll need to do is heat cream, pour it over chocolate, let sit, then stir. It just needs a little time to cool before you whip it and frost the cake.

Step 2: Cook the Quinoa.

Be sure to purchase some that says it is pre-rinsed on the packaging, or rinse thoroughly under running water in a strainer before cooking. Bring 2 cups water to boil in a medium saucepan, add 1 cup quinoa, cover, and simmer on low for 15 minutes. Remove from heat, let stand covered for 5 minutes, remove the lid and fluff with a fork. Let cool before using in the cake! This recipe will yield more than you will need for the cake, just refrigerate the leftovers to use later for a Quinoa Bowl or Quinoa Chili. 

Step 3: Blend 

This quinoa cake is so easy to make because you’ll be blending all the ingredients. A high quality blender such as Blendtec works especially well, but any old blender should do. You’ll blend the wet ingredients first, then add the dry ingredients to blend them all together.

Step 4: Bake, Cool, and Frost!

You can bake this cake in 2 round pans or a 9×13. We have done both multiple times and it turns out great either way! If you’re using round pans, be sure to line with parchment to avoid sticking. Be sure the cake is completely cool before frosting, and store any leftovers in the fridge.

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