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20+ Gluten Free Cake Recipes

Brianne Izzo
By Brianne Izzo

Have your gluten-free cake and eat it, too! I’ve wrangled my favorite gluten-free cake recipes for you to try, plus loads of information I hope you’ll find helpful when baking gluten-free.

A collage of slices of funfetti cake, apple cider bundt cake, peanut butter cup cake roll, yellow cake with chocolate frosting, hummingbird cake, and berry crumb cake.
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The Most Mouthwatering Gluten-Free Cakes

A hard fact of gluten-free living: most cakes are not gluten-free. It can be one of the most frustrating things. I come across a cake recipe that steals my heart, only to find zero options for making it gluten-free! Since going gluten-free myself, my passion is creating easy and approachable gluten-free dessert recipes that everyone can enjoy (even gluten-eaters).

Gluten-free cakes can be soft, moist, and full of flavor. From quick snack cakes to something more fit for a special occasion, I’ve rounded up over 20 of my favorite gluten-free cake recipes. You’ll find these below, along with some helpful information and tips for gluten-free baking.

What Is Gluten-Free Cake Made Of?

In the simplest terms, gluten-free cake is a cake made without any gluten. This means the cake and its ingredients are free from wheat, rye, barley, or other products that may contain gluten. Instead, flours in gluten-free cakes feature a blend of wheat alternatives. Common ones are almond flour, rice flour, tapioca flour, and potato starch.

What Kind of Gluten-Free Flour is Best?

The good news is: there are loads of gluten-free flours on the market. The downside is: This can make choosing the right flour for any given recipe overwhelming, to say the least!

You’ll find that in many of my cake recipes, I’m partial to Bob’s Red Mill 1-to-1 Baking Flour. This flour blend has xanthan gum (a thickening and stabilizing agent) already included. This makes it my first choice to use in baked goods. If you do use flour that’s different from what’s listed in the recipe, choose a blend that contains xanthan gum. Otherwise, you may need to add this separately, as it’s a key binding ingredient in gluten-free baking.

Not all flours are the same, and some gluten-free flours may suit certain recipes more than others. For example, the flour you use in a gluten-free bread recipe might not be the best for baking a cake, and vice versa. Other recipes may call for a blend of different wheat-flour alternatives to get the best results. 

Ingredients to Watch Out For 

Apart from the flour, many ingredients you find in cake recipes are, for the most part, naturally gluten-free. Pure vanilla extract, for example, is made with distilled alcohol and shouldn’t contain any gluten. Still, some ingredients warrant double-checking:

  • Baking Powder: Most baking powders contain cornstarch or potato starch, which makes them gluten-free. However, some brands of baking powder use wheat starch, which contains gluten and should therefore be avoided. 
  • Powdered Sugar: Like baking powder, most powdered sugar (a.k.a. Confectioner’s sugar) is gluten-free. It’s made from pulverized cane sugar with tapioca starch as an additive. If you’re concerned, you can easily make your own gluten-free powdered sugar at home. Simply pulse pure granulated sugar in a food processor!
  • Oats, Grains, and Meals: If you’re baking with oats and grains, make sure the products you’re choosing are certified gluten-free (see more about gluten-free oats). Ingredients like oats and almond flour or almond meal are in practice free from gluten. However, they can come from facilities where cross-contamination occurs. It’s always a good idea to check labels to be sure.

As an extra precaution when shopping, look for brands with gluten-free indications on the packaging. If you aren’t sure about an ingredient, you can always turn to Google or the company’s website for more information. Many brands and companies also have general information hotlines available, where you can learn about products in more detail. 

20+ Must-Make Gluten-Free Cake Recipes

Ready to dive into some gluten-free baking? Here are over 15 of my best homemade gluten-free cake recipes to try!

Gluten-Free Chocolate Cakes

A slice of gluten-free chocolate layer cake being served from the full cake.

Gluten Free Chocolate Cake

An easy recipe for the most moist and decadent gluten-free chocolate cake, possibly ever. I’ve included instructions to make the cake two ways, so you can party it up with layers or keep it cool as a snack cake.
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Flourless chocolate torte on a sheet of parchment paper.

Chocolate Torte

Experience the simplicity and richness of this delectable flourless cake with a melt-in-your-mouth texture. Perfect for chocolate lovers, this decadent dessert offers a lightly sweet and fudgy experience, topped with a dusting of powdered sugar for added delight.
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A slice of gluten free chocolate pumpkin cake on a plate with the rest of the cake behind it.

Gluten Free Chocolate Pumpkin Cake

Fudgy, gluten-free cake that’s made with all the warm and fuzzy flavors of pumpkin spice. This bundt cake is dotted with chocolate chips for bursts of cocoa goodness in every bite.
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A slice of gluten-free red velvet cake with cream cheese frosting on a white plate with the rest of the cake in the background.

Gluten-Free Red Velvet Cake

Impress everyone with this stunning dessert made incredibly fluffy and moist with some special ingredients. This easy recipe yields a perfectly baked red velvet cake in under an hour, just waiting to be topped with the best cream cheese frosting.
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flourless chocolate cake roll with peanut butter filling and covered in chocolate ganahe and chopped Reese's on a serving plate

Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Roll Cake

The ultimate, all-star, peanut butter lover’s dream! Get swept up in a swirl of chocolate peanut butter bliss with this simple and delicious flourless cake recipe made from scratch.
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Looking at the inside of a Flourless Caramel Chocolate Cake with whipped cream and Milky Ways.

Milky Way Caramel Swiss Roll

Get ready for a Swiss roll on culinary steroids. This gluten-free dessert inspired by a Milky Way candy bar is next-level good! A flourless chocolate cake rolled up with whipped cream and chopped chocolate bars, frosted with more chocolate, and drizzled with caramel.
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Gluten-Free Birthday Cakes

A slice of gluten free funfetti cake on a blue plate next to a fork, with the whole cake in the background.

Gluten Free Funfetti Cake

We all know sprinkles make everything more fun, and this colorful cake proves it. Moist, tender, and studded with rainbow sprinkles inside and out, it's the ultimate taste of nostalgia for kids and kids at heart.
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A slice of homemade ice cream cake with layers of vanilla and chocolate no-churn ice cream and fudge

Easy Homemade Ice Cream Cake

Making ice cream from scratch is easier than you’d ever imagine, and it comes together perfectly in this creamy, colorful homemade ice cream cake. No-churn ice cream means no machine needed, so no excuses! (Not that you’ll need any with this cake).
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A slice of gluten free layer cake with chocolate buttercream on a plate with a fork.

Gluten Free Birthday Cake with Chocolate Frosting

A birthday just isn’t the same without cake. Make the ultimate gluten-free birthday cake with this frosted wonder! Layers of gluten-free yellow butter cake and chocolate buttercream have all the flair that a celebration calls for!
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Gluten-Free Vanilla Cakes

A fork rests on a pink plate next to a piece of gluten free white cake.

Gluten Free White Cake

This classic recipe is just as light, airy, and melt-in-your-mouth, made with whipped egg whites and gluten-free flour. It's a wonderful cake to make for a special occasion. The delicate crumb pairs perfectly with Swiss meringue frosting!
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A slice of gluten free strawberries and cream cake on a turquoise plate with a fork with another piece on a pink plate and the whole cake in the background.

Gluten Free Strawberry Cake with Whipped Cream

This classic dessert is extra delicious and so easy to make! One of the best gluten-free cake recipes to come out of my kitchen. Layers of vanilla cake meet homemade whipped cream and berries make this cake recipe perfect for the spring and summertime.
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A gluten-free angel food cake is shown on a cake stand topped with strawberries and blueberries.

Gluten-Free Angel Food Cake

Indulge in a slice of this tender and fluffy cake which is so delightful that you won't even realize it's gluten-free. Whether topped with whipped cream and berries, drizzled with chocolate sauce, or used in a gluten-free trifle, this light and airy cake is a dream come true.
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Gluten-Free Cakes With Fruit

A piece of frosted cake on a plate with two bananas in the background

Gluten-Free Banana Snack Cake

It’s honestly bananas how good this cake is. Like a banana bread, but richer and more moist, frosted with a layer of Greek yogurt cream cheese frosting. Amazing doesn’t even cut it!
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A slice of frosted gluten-free carrot cake on a white plate next to a fork and a cup of coffee.

Gluten-Free Carrot Cake

Savor this moist and delicious classic cake packed with fresh carrots and aromatic spices that is covered with a luscious homemade cream cheese frosting. It's both gluten free and dairy free (as long as you use vegan cream cheese and butter in the frosting), and while it's a springtime favorite, you can enjoy it all year long.
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A slice of gluten free hummingbird cake is lifted from the rest of the cake.

Gluten-Free Hummingbird Cake

If you’re familiar with the Southern tradition that is hummingbird cake, feast your eyes and taste buds on this gluten free version! A rich and tender banana cake loaded with spices and frosted with classic cream cheese frosting.
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A fork taking a bite out of a mini pineapple upside down cake on a plate on top of a pastel plaid placemat.

Gluten Free Mini Pineapple Upside Down Cakes for Two

Turn your world – and your cake – upside down with a positively incredible gluten-free pineapple upside down cake! Loaded with a taste of the tropics in a mini version made for two.
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Gluten-Free Coffee Cake and Crumb Cakes

Close up of a slice of berry crumb cake served on a plate.

Berry Crumb Cake

A crumb cake fit for any patriotic occasion and then some. This red, white, and blueberry crumb cake is perfect as a 4th of July dessert and full of berry flavor that’s just as delicious all season long.
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A piece of crumb cake on a white plate with a pink coffee mug near it.

Gluten-Free Coffee Cake

An all-time favorite family recipe for classic New York crumb cake, made totally gluten-free. I make this recipe often, and it’s always a hit!
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Apple cider donut cake cut into slices on a plate.

Gluten Free Apple Cider Donut Cake

Have you ever looked at an apple cider donut and thought, “Why can’t I supersize you!?” I can’t be the only one. In any case, now you can enjoy all of the spiced flavors of a classic apple cider donut in the form of this glorious gluten-free bundt cake!
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Pumpkin Snack Cake served with Greek Yogurt Cream Cheese Frosting on a white plate with a small dessert fork

Gluten Free Pumpkin Snack Cake

When fall rolls around, nothing is more comforting than this gluten-free pumpkin snack cake. Easy to make and even easier to eat, this spiced cake is tasty enough for breakfast and snack-able enough to enjoy all day.
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Overhead image of pumpkin crumb cake cut into squares. One square is turned on its side.

Pumpkin Crumb Cake

Warmly spiced and supremely moist with a thick layer of buttery crumb, this gluten-free pumpkin crumb cake is the perfect fall dessert. One of my favorite ways to take a classic cake recipe into the festive season!
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Other Cake Flavors

Piece of gluten free coconut cake from the side to see layers of cake, filling, and coconut buttercream frosting

Gluten Free Coconut Cake

Another classic Southern cake recipe we never tire of. Four layers of gluten-free cake pack on the wow factor. Meanwhile, coconut simple syrup, toasted coconut flakes, coconut filling and coconut buttercream absolutely smash the coconut flavor out of the park.
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An upright slice of cake on a plate with the whole cake and a glass of milk in the background

Gluten Free Nutella Chocolate Chip Banana Cake

Indulge in the decadence of this luscious dessert featuring layers of moist banana cake filled with Nutella and cream cheese frosting. It's a true showstopper that is sure to tempt every sweet tooth.
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A gluten free pumpkin roll and a slice of pumpkin roll.

Gluten-Free Pumpkin Roll

Pumpkin purée adds delicious flavor and moisture to this easy gluten-free cake roll recipe! Perfect for Thanksgiving dessert or a sweet finish to a fall dinner. Best of all, it's surprisingly simple to make.
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Tips for the Best Gluten-Free Cakes

Making gluten-free cakes from scratch can be straightforward with the right techniques. Here are some tips to guide you when baking gluten-free:

  • Be Careful With Substitutions: Gluten-free recipes are tested for best results. Follow recipe instructions and approved substitutions closely. Deviating too much may affect the outcome.
  • Measure Ingredients Correctly: For accuracy, weigh ingredients when possible. If using cups, use the “spoon and level” method instead of scooping directly.
  • Pay Attention to Details: Follow specifics like ingredient temperatures, inclusion of xanthan gum, or exact egg measurements. Read the recipe fully before starting.
  • Bring Butter and Eggs to Room Temperature Quickly: Soften butter in short, low-power microwave intervals, and place eggs in warm water for about 15 minutes.
  • Watch Measurements and Mixing: Over- or under-measuring ingredients, over-baking, or over-mixing the batter can change texture. Mix just until combined as directed.
  • Optional Techniques: Creaming butter and sugar as directed can help with even mixing and texture in the finished cake.

Learn more about making other types of baked goods in my Gluten Free Baking 101 article.

Can Celiacs Eat Gluten-Free Cake?

A cake made without gluten ingredients can be suitable for people avoiding gluten. It’s important to check that all ingredients used are gluten-free. If you have a gluten sensitivity or celiac disease, consult a healthcare professional for personalized guidance.

How to Store Extras

You can store most cakes at room temperature, unless otherwise specified in the recipe. Of course, a cake frosted with icing that contains dairy belongs in the fridge for longer storage. 

Be sure to refer to the actual recipes for specific instructions. In the meantime, here’s some general guidance when it comes to cake storage:

  • Store cakes airtight, either in a container or wrapped in plastic.
  • Most cakes will freeze well; others won’t. But if they can be frozen, this is a great option for long-term storage! See the next section for details.

Does Gluten-Free Cake Freeze Well?

It depends on the recipe, of course, but most gluten-free cakes tend to freeze well. Here are some tips for freezing cake:

  • If you do freeze your cake, it’s best to do so before frosting. 
  • Freeze cakes whole or in individual slices, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap.
  • Adding a layer of aluminum foil can help protect the cake from freezer burn.
  • Defrost your cake at room temperature (unless the recipe says otherwise).

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