Breakfast
Freeflourish
Gluten-Free Chocolate Hazelnut Torte
By Freeflourish Test KitchenReviewed by Freeflourish Editorial TeamPublished Apr 12, 2026 · Updated May 11, 2026
European-inspired
55 mins
glutenfreedairyfreeoptionsvegetariandessertfamilymealeasyfreezablehighproteinnutfree
This gluten-free and nut-free chocolate hazelnut torte is a rich, moist dessert made with seed flour and dairy-free options. It’s a family-friendly, freezer-friendly treat perfect for gluten-free baking enthusiasts, holiday celebrations, and anyone seeking a high-protein, dairy-free dessert that accommodates gluten, nut, and dairy sensitivities.
Prep
20 min
Cook
35 min
Total
55 min
Servings
8
Difficulty
easy
Cuisine
European-inspired
Ingredients
Servings
8
- 1 1/2 cups sunflower seed flour (or pumpkin seed flour for nut-free alternative)
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (gluten-free)
- 1 tsp baking powder (gluten-free)
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup coconut sugar or organic cane sugar
- 3 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1/3 cup melted coconut oil or dairy-free butter substitute
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup dairy-free dark chocolate chips or chopped chocolate
- Optional
- powdered sugar or cocoa powder for dusting
Instructions
-
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan with coconut oil or line the bottom with parchment paper.
-
In a medium bowl, sift together the sunflower seed flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
-
In a large bowl, whisk the eggs and sugar together until the mixture is thick, pale, and slightly increased in volume (about 3-5 minutes).
-
Slowly add the melted coconut oil and vanilla extract to the egg mixture, whisking gently to combine.
-
Gradually fold in the dry ingredients using a spatula, mixing just until fully incorporated. Do not overmix to ensure a tender texture.
-
Gently fold in the dairy-free chocolate chips or chopped chocolate pieces evenly through the batter.
-
Pour the batter into the prepared springform pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
-
Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs (not wet batter).
-
Remove from oven and let the torte cool in the pan on a wire rack for 15 minutes. Then release and remove the springform ring and allow to cool completely.
-
Dust the top with powdered sugar or cocoa powder if desired before serving.
-
For storing, wrap tightly with plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Reader questions and answers for this recipe will appear here.
This Gluten-Free Chocolate Hazelnut Torte is designed to accommodate diverse dietary preferences and restrictions. Customize the recipe using these ingredient substitutions:
- Seed Flour: Use sunflower seed flour as the main nut-free flour, or swap for pumpkin seed flour or tigernut flour for nut-free and gluten-free options.
- Sweeteners: Substitute coconut sugar or organic cane sugar with natural liquid sweeteners like maple syrup or agave nectar, adjusting oil quantities to balance moisture.
- Eggs: Replace each egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water, set to gel) to make the torte vegan, noting baking times and texture might vary slightly.
- Fats: Choose any neutral vegan oil such as avocado or light olive oil, or opt for vegan dairy-free butter substitutes to maintain a dairy-free, vegan profile.
- Chocolate: Select vegan, dairy-free dark chocolate chips or chopped chocolate, ideally certified to avoid cross-contamination with nuts and gluten.
These swaps maintain the torte’s rich, moist chocolate flavor while ensuring it remains gluten-free, dairy-free, nut-free, vegan, and vegetarian—perfect for family-friendly meals, holiday celebrations, and special dietary needs.
Allergen Overlap Note
While Freeflourish's gluten-free recipes are thoughtfully formulated to exclude gluten, always be mindful of potential allergen cross-contamination in ingredients and kitchen environments. Many gluten-free recipes also support dairy-free, nut-free, and grain-free diets, but shared facilities or ingredient sources could introduce traces of allergens.
To maximize safety, use certified gluten-free ingredients verified for your personal allergens, and prepare these meals with dedicated utensils and clean surfaces to prevent cross-contact with gluten, nuts, or dairy.
This is particularly important for recipes categorized as Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Desserts, Snacks, Soups & Salads, Gluten-Free Baking, Quick & Easy, Family-Friendly, and Holiday & Seasonal. Tags like glutenfree, dairyfree, nutfree, vegan, vegetarian, grainfree, and dairyfreeoptions highlight multiple dietary needs, but always double-check for the safest choices.
For those with severe allergies or sensitivities, we recommend thorough label checks and considering dedicated kitchen areas or equipment to minimize allergen risks for safe and enjoyable gluten-free and allergen-friendly cooking experiences.
Texture Expectations
Gluten-free baking with seed flours like sunflower or pumpkin seed flour—as in this Chocolate Hazelnut Torte—results in a denser, moist, and slightly crumbly texture compared to traditional wheat-based desserts. Expect a rich, fudgy crumb that holds well but lacks gluten’s typical springiness.
This torte offers luxurious melt-in-your-mouth pockets of dairy-free chocolate that enhance its moistness and flavor. Avoid overmixing to maintain a tender, balanced crumb without heaviness.
Texture can vary with ingredient substitutions—coconut oil contributes moisture and slight firmness after cooling, while dairy-free butter adds tenderness. Freezing retains the torte’s moisture and rich flavor, making it a convenient, freezer-friendly dessert.
Overall, this recipe balances density, moistness, and flavor, delivering a satisfying, high-protein dessert that suits gluten-free, nut-free, dairy-free, family-friendly, and holiday baking needs.
Dining With Non Gf Family Note
Preparing gluten-free dishes alongside non-gluten-free family members requires clear precautions to avoid cross-contamination. Designate separate kitchen tools, cutting boards, and appliances specifically for gluten-free cooking. Thoroughly clean cookware and surfaces before use, and consider preparing gluten-free components first to reduce risk.
Keep gluten-free ingredients clearly labeled and stored separately from gluten-containing foods. When serving meals categorized as Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Desserts, or Snacks, serve gluten-free dishes on separate plates or sections of the table to prevent accidental gluten exposure.
These practices foster a safe, inclusive dining environment that respects varied dietary needs while supporting enjoyable family meals featuring comfort foods, holiday classics, or quick and easy recipes.
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