This date cake with no sugar added is moist and delicious. This vegan, gluten-free date-sweetened cake is rich and decadent which makes it perfect for special occasions that call for an indulgent yet nutrient-dense treat. This refined sugar-free, dairy-free, egg-free chocolate cake is perfect if you’re accommodating guests with multiple dietary restrictions.
Main ingredients and substitutions
This refined sugar-free chocolate cake is sweetened with date paste and doesn’t contain any white sugar. Date paste is easy to make – all you need are dates, some boiling water, and a blender or food processor. Here’s specific instructions for how to make date paste.
I used gluten-free oat flour in this date-sweetened cake which I make at home by filling my food processor with rolled oats and processing them for a couple of minutes until it reaches a flour consistency. You can find oat flour at many grocery stores or purchase it online if you’d rather save that step. Or you can substitute gluten-free all purpose flour if you prefer.
This recipe calls for a flax egg, which is simple to make and works well as a vegan egg substitute. To make a flax egg, combine 1 tablespoon of ground flax seeds with 3 tablespoons of cold water, then let the mixture thicken in the fridge for 10 minutes.
This gluten-free, vegan cake gets its chocolate flavor from unsweetened cocoa powder. Any type of unsweetened cocoa powder will work well in this recipe. Dutch process cocoa powder and natural cocoa powder are the two main types you’ll find in grocery stores and either will work in this recipe.
Extra virgin olive oil give this cake a rich texture and warm flavor. You can substitute any other oil you prefer. Avocado oil or melted coconut oil are good alternatives.
Vanilla extract adds a lovely aroma and flavor to this cake. Be sure to use pure vanilla extract as opposed to artificial vanilla flavor if possible because the difference is definitely noticeable.
Storage and freezing
You can store this vegan, gluten-free date cake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days or in the freezer for up to six months. Then defrost it at room temperature before serving.
Two frosting options for this cake
I’ve included two different frosting options that pair well with this cake. The first is a nut-free version that turned out delicious. It has a bold, chocolate flavor and just the right amount of sweetness – perfect for dark chocolate lovers.
The second frosting is a vegan chocolate buttercream that turned out rich and creamy, it’s hard to believe it doesn’t contain any refined sugar or dairy. I used soaked and blended cashews to give this frosting a buttery consistency and richness. Cashews are commonly used in vegan cooking and are a wonderful plant-based ingredient that, when soaked and blended, mimic the textures and flavors of butter, cream, and other dairy products.
More gluten-free vegan dessert recipes
- This chickpea flour chocolate cake is moist and delicious.
- These date-sweetened dessert recipes are yummy and nutrient dense.
Date Cake (No Sugar Added, Vegan and Gluten Free)
Equipment
- Two 9 inch baking pans
- Blender or food processor
Ingredients
For The Nut-Free Frosting:
- 2 cups date paste (see my date paste recipe for instructions)
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil (or substitute your preferred oil)
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
For The Cake:
- 2 cups date paste
- 1 cup gluten-free oat flour
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil (or substitute your preferred oil)
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 flax egg (to make a flax egg mix one tablespoon of ground flax seeds with 3 tablespoons of cold water, then let the mixture thicken in the fridge for 10 minutes)
- 3 teaspoons gluten-free baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
For The Nut-Free Frosting:
- Add the date paste, olive oil, cocoa powder, vanilla extract, and salt to a saucepan.
- Warm on low heat while stirring occasionally until the ingredients are well incorporated and heated through.
- Remove from heat, let the frosting cool off a bit, then refrigerate for at least one hour before frosting the cake.
For The Cake:
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- In a large mixing bowl, add the date paste, olive oil, flax egg and vanilla. Stir to combine.
- Add the cocoa powder and salt and stir again.
- In a separate bowl, mix the oat flour and baking powder together, then add those dry ingredients to the wet and stir once more.
- Divide the batter in half and spread the batter evenly into two well greased 9 inch round baking pans.
- Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 35 minutes.
- Wait until the cake has cooled completely before frosting.
Notes
- Store this cake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days or freeze it for up to six months.
Nutrition
Alternate frosting option: vegan chocolate buttercream
If you’re craving something even richer and creamier, top this date-sweetened cake with this indulgent vegan chocolate buttercream instead of the nut-free frosting. Both frosting options are delicious so you can’t go wrong.
Vegan Chocolate Buttercream Frosting
Equipment
- Blender or food processor
Ingredients
- 1 cup cashews
- 1 cup date paste (see my date paste recipe for instructions)
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch salt
Instructions
- Add the cashews to a bowl, then add enough boiling water to completely submerge the cashews.
- Let the cashews soak for one hour, then drain and rinse.
- Add the soaked cashews and water to a food processor or blender and process/blend until smooth (approximately 3 minutes).
- Add the cocoa powder, vanilla extract, date paste and salt and process blend for another couple of minutes until smooth and airy.
- Refrigerate for at least two hours before frosting the cake.
- Makes 2 1/2 cups of vegan chocolate buttercream frosting.
Notes
- Store the cake in an airtight container in the fridge for up tp three days.
Nutrition
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- This breakdown of paleo flour alternatives will get you started baking with grain-free, gluten-free flours.
- These homemade chocolate gifts are quick and easy to make.
I loved this recipe because it was made with date paste! A healthier option than
coconut sugar. I made the dough into cupcakes because I did not have any
round cake pans. It was a bit of a challenge to figure out how long to bake the cupcakes, however. Thank you very much for sharing this recipe. May I post a link to your recipe in the vegan Facebook group I belong to?
Thank you for the feedback! I’m glad you enjoyed it and yes, feel free to post a link to the recipe in your vegan Facebook group!