• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Dish by Dish

SIMPLE GLUTEN-FREE RECIPES that actually taste good

  • Bread Recipes
  • Air Fryer Recipes
  • By Diet
    • Gluten-free
    • Dairy-free
    • Vegan
    • Vegetarian
    • Paleo
    • Grain-free
    • Egg-free
  • By Course
    • Bread Recipes
    • 30-Minute Meals
    • Breakfast
    • Brunch
    • Appetizers
    • Side Dishes
    • Lunch/Dinner
    • Snacks
    • Desserts
  • Recipe Index
  • Start Here
    • Blog
    • My Cookbook
    • Work with me
    • Portfolio
    • Resources
      • Top 30 Tips for Food Bloggers
      • Food Photography Tips
      • My Kitchen
      • My Library
      • Printables
      • Cooking Glossary
      • Kitchen Tips
    • Travels
      • Australia
      • Argentina
      • Brazil
      • Italy
      • Singapore
      • Uruguay
      • USA
    • Privacy Policy
menu icon
go to homepage
search icon
Homepage link
  • Bread Recipes
  • Air Fryer Recipes
  • Gluten-free
  • Dairy-free
  • Recipe Index
  • Blog
  • Start Here
×
You are here: Home / Cakes / Fudgy Chocolate Beetroot Cake (Gluten-free, Vegan)

Fudgy Chocolate Beetroot Cake (Gluten-free, Vegan)

Published: Sep 2, 2016 · Modified: Dec 16, 2020 by Felicia Lim · This post may contain affiliate links

Jump to Recipe

The first time I ever heard of chocolate beetroot cake was when my friend Ally told me about it a few years back. She’d sent me an email with a link to a recipe for this crazy-sounding cake, asking if I’d ever tried it before. I replied “Nope” and after a quick glance at the recipe, I promptly forgot all about it.

Sometime later, one of my best friends Jin also mentioned it to me in passing. At that moment, I recalled the cake Ally had told me about, thought about it for a few seconds, but to be honest I never really paid much attention to it. I mean, what was this whole hype about chocolate beetroot cake?

Fudgy Chocolate Beetroot Cake (Gluten-free, Vegan)

Last week, while browsing through the cookbook section at Libros del Paisaje, one of my favorite bookstores here in Buenos Aires, I came across the Spanish version of the Deliciously Ella cookbook. I love reading cookbooks at the store, but to be honest, don’t actually own many.

That day though, as I read through recipe after recipe from Ella Woodward’s cookbook, I found myself saying, “Hey, I could make this!” over and over again.

cornbread in a cast iron skillet
Subscribe

Get delicious GLUTEN-FREE recipes each week!

Fudgy Chocolate Beetroot Cake (Gluten-free, Vegan)

Ella’s cookbook was focused on recipes without gluten, eggs, dairy and processed foods. I didn’t need much more convincing to get it and soon left the store with two copies, one for Ally’s birthday gift, and the other for myself.

That night, after a quick dinner that I’d thrown together from the leftover rice, chicken and tomato sauce I had in the refrigerator, I sat down on my blue sofa to read.

Fudgy Chocolate Beetroot Cake (Gluten-free, Vegan)

Sitting cross-legged and flipping through my precious new cookbook, I read it from cover to cover in less than 2 hours. Halfway through reading, somewhere nudged in between the vegetables section, I found myself staring face-to-face with Ella’s recipe for chocolate beetroot cake. The cake was back again, right in my face.

This time though, I gave it the attention it deserved and bookmarked it along with some 15 other recipes that I wanted to try. I wasn’t sure when I’d be making it since I had a full week with plenty of recipes to develop and shoot for one of my clients, but I figured that I’d give it a shot when I had the time.

Fudgy Chocolate Beetroot Cake (Gluten-free, Vegan)

So when the vegetable grocer told me on Tuesday that he had fresh beetroot available, “esta muy linda” (it’s very pretty), in his words, the first thing that came to my mind was chocolate beetroot cake.

That afternoon, I returned home with a whole bunch of gorgeous beetroots – leaves, stalks, roots, soil and all – and got started on making the cake.

Fudgy Chocolate Beetroot Cake (Gluten-free, Vegan)

I started by boiling the beetroot in a large pot of water for around an hour, just until the beetroot was fork-tender and the skin had already started falling off by itself. After setting it aside to cool for a while, I peeled the beetroot, chopped it into pieces and then processed it in my electric blender until it became a smooth beetroot puree.

Next up, I pre-heated the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (180 degrees Celsius) and greased and lined a large round cake pan with parchment paper. In a large bowl, I combined the beetroot puree together with brown rice flour, applesauce, maple syrup and salt.

Fudgy Chocolate Beetroot Cake (Gluten-free, Vegan)

I later melted some coconut oil together with chocolate chunks in a small pan until the chocolate had fully melted, and then poured the chocolate mixture into the bowl with the rest of the ingredients.

I had to mix it for a few minutes before I got a homogeneous batter, which I then poured into the prepared cake pan. After baking the batter for around 20 to 25 minutes, and a toothpick inserted in the middle came out can, I let the cake cool (rather impatiently to be honest) before removing it.

Fudgy Chocolate Beetroot Cake (Gluten-free, Vegan)

You see, I couldn’t wait to taste the cake that had been stalking me for the past three years. I wasn’t sure how strong the taste of beetroot would be, but I really liked the reddish brown color of the cake.

It looked so earthy and pretty, just like the vegetable grocer promised. When the cake had finally cooled and I could cut into it, my heart was beating as fast as though I was on a blind date.

Fudgy Chocolate Beetroot Cake (Gluten-free, Vegan)

So here’s the moment of truth. Ready?

Guys, you have to try this cake!!

Pinky beetroot promise! Cross my heart. Seriously.

Fudgy Chocolate Beetroot Cake (Gluten-free, Vegan)

It’s incredibly moist, and while there is a slight taste of beetroot, it goes beautifully with the chocolate. The cake is sweet enough to be a dessert, without being overly sweet.

It was really that good. And don’t just take my word for it. Juan loved it too; so did my good friend Mechi; as well as Sara, the cleaning lady that comes to my apartment every Wednesday.

Fudgy Chocolate Beetroot Cake (Gluten-free, Vegan)

This cake requires quite a bit of preparation time – which includes boiling the beetroot and then processing it until it becomes a smooth puree.

However, if you so happen to have extra beetroot puree on hand, then this amazing chocolate beetroot cake comes together in a jiffy.

Fudgy Chocolate Beetroot Cake (Gluten-free, Vegan)

The best thing I like about this cake is that it’s gluten-free and vegan so three cheers for that. Plus, if you count the fact that you’re also eating beetroot in this cake, it makes it even healthier!

Now, what are you waiting for?

Go right on and make this awesome awesome cake today! Don’t make my mistake and wait three years before you do so! You won’t regret it, I promise.

Fudgy Chocolate Beetroot Cake (Gluten-free, Vegan)

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Fudgy Chocolate Beetroot Cake (Gluten-free, Vegan)


  • Author: felicia | Dish by Dish
  • Total Time: 1 hour 35 mins
  • Yield: 1 large cake 1x
Print Recipe
Pin Recipe

Description

Moist, tender chocolate beetroot cake that is a lovely shade of reddish-brown. Not only is this cake incredibly delicious, it’s also gluten-free and vegan!


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 large beetroot (to get 1 cup of beetroot puree)
  • 2 cups brown rice flour
  • 1 cup applesauce
  • 1/2 cup maple syrup (or liquid sweetener of choice)
  • 1 cup non-dairy chocolate chunks
  • 1/2 cup coconut oil
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Boil the beetroot in a large pot of water until it is fork tender (approximately 1 hour). Once beetroot is cooked, set aside and cool or run it until cold water. When beetroot is cooled, peel it.
  2. Pre-heat oven to 350 deg. Fahrenheit (180 deg. Celsius) and grease and line a large round cake pan with parchment paper on the bottom and the sides.
  3. Cut the beetroot into small pieces and process it in an electric blender until you get a smooth beetroot puree.
  4. Place beetroot puree into a large bowl together with brown rice flour, applesauce, maple syrup and salt.
  5. Melt coconut oil in a small pan and mix in the chocolate chunks until chocolate is completely melted.
  6. Pour chocolate-coconut oil mixture into the bowl with the rest of the ingredients and mix very well until you get a homogeneous batter. The batter will be thick but it’s ok.
  7. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean.
  8. Let the chocolate beetroot cake cool for 10 to 15 minutes before removing it and slicing.

Notes

Adapted from: Delicious Ella

  • Prep Time: 10 mins
  • Cook Time: 1 hour 25 mins
  • Category: Dessert
  • Cuisine: Gluten-free, Vegan

Did you make this recipe?

Tag @felicialimhz on Instagram and hashtag it #dishbydish

Recipe Card powered byTasty Recipes

Simple Healthy Breads & Treats (E-Cookbook)

Recipes you might also like

  • Gluten-free Vegan Pumpkin SconesGluten-free Vegan Pumpkin Scones
  • Gluten-free Vegan Quince Jelly Thumbprint Cookies (Pepas de Membrillo)Gluten-free Vegan Quince Jelly Thumbprint Cookies (Pepas de Membrillo)
  • Easy Gluten-Free Pumpkin Bread (Dairy-free, Vegan)Easy Gluten-Free Pumpkin Bread (Dairy-free, Vegan)
  • Gluten-free Lemon Shortbread Cookies (Vegan)Gluten-free Lemon Shortbread Cookies (Vegan)
« Gluten-free Lemon Shortbread Cookies (Vegan)
Sorghum Graham Crackers (Gluten-free, Vegan) »

About Felicia

Hey you! I’m Felicia, a Singaporean girl who moved to Buenos Aires for love. A couple of things about me: I love food, writing and food photography. I wrote a grain-free ecookbook that I know you’ll love and I also do freelance writing and photography if you want to work with me. Follow me on this blog as I navigate the world of cooking gluten-free, dairy-free and egg-free.

Did you make a recipe? Tag @felicialimhz on Instagram. I love to see what you cook!

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Urooj says

    December 16, 2020 at 2:30 am

    Hello. Was the apple sauce added in the recipe? It’s mentioned in the ingredients but not in the procedure. Thanks ❤️

    Reply
    • Felicia Lim says

      December 16, 2020 at 8:23 am

      Hi Urooj! Thanks for spotting that! I’ve corrected the recipe instructions so it says to add the applesauce together with the beetroot pure, maple syrup and salt. 🙂 Have a great day dear!

      Reply
  2. Cath says

    November 07, 2020 at 2:48 am

    How does this recipe work with no raising agent? I might try it with self-raising gluten-free flour.

    Reply
    • Felicia Lim says

      November 07, 2020 at 8:08 am

      Hi Cath! This is supposed to turn out fudgy so it doesn’t require a raising agent, but you can try with self-raising GF flour if you prefer. Would love to hear how that turns out though. Maybe you can reduce the quantity of flour used to keep the fudgy consistency. 🙂

      Reply
  3. Jasline @ Foodie Baker says

    September 07, 2016 at 3:11 pm

    I’ve been contemplating for a long time to use beetroot to make a red velvet cake but I kept procrastinating it. Love your take on the cake, the photos look incredibly beautiful!

    Reply
    • felicia | Dish by Dish says

      September 07, 2016 at 4:48 pm

      Hi Jasline! so nice to meet you. One word of advice: go and make the red velvet cake with beetroot! You won’t regret it! 🙂 And thank you for your kind words on the photos 🙂 Glad you enjoy them!

      Reply
  4. Grace Lim says

    September 03, 2016 at 7:11 pm

    Well Felicia, I totally agree with you that this is a beautiful and yummy cake for any occasion. Each bite into this cake gives me a wonderful feeling as I savour its texture and taste – it is just so soyummy!!

    I love it so much. Thanks for sharing 🙂

    Love you lots!!
    Mum

    Reply
    • felicia | Dish by Dish says

      September 04, 2016 at 11:14 am

      Wow, mummy! You made the cake already? That’s fast!! Glad you enjoyed it 🙂

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆

Primary Sidebar

Hello & welcome!

Hello & welcome!

I’m Felicia: a girl from Singapore who moved to Buenos Aires, Argentina for love. My husband is Celiac so I test and share gluten-free recipes on my blog! I help people with food intolerances and allergies cook and eat delicious, healthy food! Stay a while, and let's be friends! ♥

Read my story here →

Subscribe

to receive free email updates!

Most Popular

    Gluten-Free Madeleines (Dairy-Free)

    Soft, Fluffy Buckwheat Bread (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free)

    Gluten-free naan in a cast iron skillet on a wooden board

    Easy Gluten-Free Naan Recipe (No-Yeast, No-Yogurt, Dairy-Free)

    Easy Honey Oat Bread (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free Option)

Air Fryer Recipes

Easy Air Fryer Tofu Nuggets (Gluten-Free, Vegan)

Crispy Air Fryer Bacon (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free)

Air Fryer Corn on the Cob (Gluten-Free, Vegan)

Pinterest image for crispy air fryer zucchini fries

Crispy Air Fryer Zucchini Fries (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free)

Bread Recipes

Gluten-Free Jalapeño Cornbread (Dairy-Free)

Gluten-Free Lemon Poppy Seed Bread (Dairy-Free)

Soft, Fluffy Gluten-Free Bagels (Dairy-Free, No-Boil)

Easy Brazilian Cheese Bread (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free)

Latest on the blog

How to Make Cashew Milk (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Vegan)

Easy Air Fryer Tofu Nuggets (Gluten-Free, Vegan)

Gluten-Free Madeleines (Dairy-Free)

Gluten-Free Jalapeño Cornbread (Dairy-Free)

Footer

Never miss a recipe

Sign up to get recipes via email

Footer


About

  • New? Start Here
  • Latest on the Blog
  • Privacy Policy
  • Contact Me
  • Work with Me

Recipes by Diet

  • Gluten-Free
  • Dairy-Free
  • Vegan
  • Egg-Free
  • Vegetarian

Recipes by Course

  • Bread Recipes
  • Appetizers
  • Main Courses
  • Snacks
  • Desserts


^ back to top

© 2022 Dish by Dish. Privacy Policy. Brunch Pro Theme by Feast Design Co.