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Home Recipes Cake Recipes

Gluten Free Vanilla Cake {Dairy-Free Too!}

Published: May 27, 2022 by Sandi Gaertner · 83 Comments · This post may contain affiliate links

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This gluten free vanilla cake is as stunning as it is scrumptious! Whether you are looking for a beautiful gluten free cake for your next birthday party, celebration, or wedding cake base, this will be just what you need.

two slices of gluten free vanilla cake on white plates
Jump to:
  • Why This Gluten Free Cake Is Great:
  • What you need to make this recipe:
  • Recipe Step-By-Step Directions:
  • How do you know when the cake is finished baking?
  • Ways to use this vanilla cake recipe:
  • Expert tips and Recipe FAQ:
  • Gluten Free White Cake Instructions:
  • More Gluten Free Dessert Ideas:
  • Reader Adaptations:
  • Tools:
  • 📖 Recipe
  • 💬 Comments

My daughter is very artistic and loves to freehand art. She creates gorgeous mandala designs and I am so excited she made a design for this cake. This cake was inspired by her desire to decorate it with a mandala.

No matter what, this gluten free cake is going to impress! I am happy to say this cake is also dairy-free! Just use dairy-free frosting if you can't have dairy.

If you love cake as much as we do, you will want to check out all of my gluten free cake recipes on the blog :-).

a decorated square shaped vanilla cake

This cake was insane! I added a tiny, tiny splash of almond flavoring. Topped with granadilla syrup and a simple whipped cream concoction. It was the best gluten free cake I've had in a while!"

Tamra C., Pinterest user.

Why This Gluten Free Cake Is Great:

  • This cake is special. It is perfect for a birthday and fancy enough to be a wedding cake! This is my family's favorite cake for any party!
  • You can make this cake as a vanilla cake, or a white cake. See the below FAQ for how to adapt this easy cake recipe to be a white cake.
  • My cake turns out fluffy and light, and full of pure vanilla flavor!
  • Add thinly cut strawberries into the layers.

If you love this easy gluten free vanilla cake, take a look at some of our favorite gluten free cake recipes:

  • Gluten Free Chocolate Cake
  • Mouthwatering Gluten Free French Apple Cake
  • Gluten Free Devil’s Food Chocolate Cake
  • Super Easy Gluten Free Lemon Cake
a sliced open layer cake

As I mentioned before, this gluten free cake is perfect for a party, a wedding (though you will need to triple the recipe or more depending on the number of guests!), or any occasion.

I used these cute little-layered baking pans so that all of my layers were the same size!

Don't you want to grab the fork and have a bite? A lot of people ask if it is hard to assemble a layer cake. I can promise it looks much harder than it is!

For wedding cake decorating inspiration, check out my Gluten Free Wedding Cake directions.

What you need to make this recipe:

vanilla cake ingredients
  • Gluten Free Flour Blend - I have tested this recipe with King Arthur Measure for Measure GF, and Bob's Red Mill 1 to 1 GF blend. That doesn't mean others will not work, I just have not tested other flours.
  • Xanthan Gum - If your gluten free flour blend doesn’t contain Xanthan Gum or Guar Gum, please add 1 teaspoon.
  • Baking Powder - Use aluminum-free baking powder, it makes a difference in flavor.
  • Light Oil - I like to use either avocado or canola oil. I don't recommend strong-flavored oils like olive oil.
  • Milk - I use almond milk as my non-dairy milk to keep my cake dairy-free, but any milk will work.
  • Eggs - Size large.
  • Vanilla Extract - In a cake where the vanilla flavor is important, I really recommend that you use pure vanilla extract to make this homemade cake.
  • Cream Cheese - Any brand will work, you can check to see what cream cheese is gluten free. If you are dairy-free, Kite Hill makes good dairy-free cream cheese.

Having the right Tools for Making Cake is also important.

Recipe Step-By-Step Directions:

Making a homemade gluten free vanilla cake is easy. Be sure to read all of my tips and instructions for the best results!

dry cake ingredients in a bowl

Step 1: Add the dry ingredients to a large bowl. The best way to blend the flours is with a wire whisk to blend. (Also preheat your oven to 350º F!)

To measure your gluten free flour, I recommend using the spoon method or leveling method. In a perfect world, people weigh their flour, but most do not own a kitchen scale. To make a scale even trickier, every gluten free flour blend has a different weight.

Put the measuring scoop into the flour and fill. Do not pack the flour. Use a knife to scrape along the top to remove the extra flour.

You can also use a spoon to fill the measuring cup. Use a knife to level along the top to remove the extra flour.

gluten free vanilla cake wet ingredients in a bowl

Step 2: In a smaller mixing bowl, add the oil, eggs, vanilla extract, and non-dairy milk. Whisk to blend the wet ingredients together.

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until the two are just barely mixed. This is the secret to getting the fluffiest cake! Overmixing is really bad for gluten free cakes.

Do not use a standing mixer to make this cake recipe! Your cake batter can get overmixed very easily and your cake will not turn out fluffy.

NOTE: If you are making a white cake, see the FAQ below for specific directions. They are a little different!

gluten free vanilla cake batter in a bowl

Step 3: Your gluten free cake batter will be creamy like in this photo. Scrape down the sides to get all of the batter for the cake.

Sometimes different gluten free flour blends behave differently depending on how much starch is in the mix. You may need to add a little extra liquid if your batter is too thick.

cake batter in pans ready to bake

Step 4: Add the vanilla cake batter to your layer cake pans (or cupcakes or sheet cake pan!) and bake. For these little layer cake pans, I baked the cakes for 20 minutes. If you are using larger 9-inch cake pans, you will need to bake the cakes longer.

How do you know when the cake is finished baking?

1. The toothpick test is the most common. Just stick a toothpick in the center of the cake and pull it back out. If it comes out clean and free of liquid, then your cake is done.
2. Another way to check is if the sides are pulling away from the pan then it is a good indicator the cake is done.
3. You can also use your finger to check the texture of the cake. If you press down on the cake and it doesn’t bounce right back up, then it probably needs to cool a little longer.

cream cheese frosting in a bowl

Step 5: To make the gluten free cream cheese frosting, add softened cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and a bit of water to a bowl and mix well until thick and creamy.

using tweezers to drop sprinkles into a design on the cake

Step 6: Decorate this gluten free vanilla cake any way you like! If you want to know what brands of sprinkles are gluten free and Celiac safe, check out my guide to gluten free sprinkles.

Ways to use this vanilla cake recipe:

  • Make cupcakes with the batter. Perfect for holidays and other gatherings.
  • You can make a sheet cake for a birthday party or any other event.
  • Whip this recipe into cake pops for a fun spin.
  • Make it a layered cake to add extra elegance to the cake.

Are you ready to see how easy this gluten free vanilla cake recipe is to make? And don't worry, I will include the cream cheese frosting recipe too!

a slice of vanilla layer cake on a plate

Expert tips and Recipe FAQ:

If you are an avid cake baker, check out this Gluten Free Cake Troubleshooting Guide. It is a great way to avoid any baking problems.

How do you assemble a gluten free layer cake?

To assemble a layer cake, you must first add the base layer to your plate or cake stand. Next, add a layer of frosting on top of the base layer and spread it around.

Next, you add another layer of cake, then another layer of frosting. You keep adding layers until you have used all of them. After all your layers are together, then you can continue to frost and decorate the cake.

How do you lift a layer of cake onto a cake stand?

The easiest way to lift a layer of cake onto a cake stand is by using a giant spatula. Simply place the spatula under the cake and raise it. You will want to make sure to hold the cake with your other hand to ensure you don’t lose balance.

How long will this gluten free vanilla cake keep fresh?

This gluten free vanilla cake will keep up to 4 days in an air-tight container, or up to 4 months in the freezer.

How do you keep this gluten free cake moist?

The secret to keeping this gluten free cake moist is to not overmix the cake batter. Mix the batter until the ingredients are just barely mixed to keep it moist and fluffy.

Gluten Free White Cake Instructions:

To make this gluten free vanilla cake a white cake, you will need to make a few easy adaptations.

  1. Use only egg whites. Save your yolks for another recipe.
  2. Whip the egg whites until they form soft peaks (not stiff!) Add the rest of the wet ingredients in and gently fold them into the egg whites.
  3. You will need ½ cup more milk to make the cake a white cake.
  4. If you want this cake pure white, use this clear vanilla extract.
  5. Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Be careful not to overmix the batter.
  6. Add to your cake pans and bake as directed.

More Gluten Free Dessert Ideas:

  • Gluten Free Carrot Cake Cupcakes With Cream Cheese Frosting
  • Easy Gluten Free Vanilla Cupcakes With Chocolate Frosting
  • Gluten Free Lemon Sour Cream Cakes
  • Gluten Free Chocolate Raspberry Cake Recipe

Or check out my gluten free vanilla cake story!

Leah W sent a photo of this cake with pink frosting and decorated with fresh pin and purple flowers.
Leah W. decorated this cake with pink icing and flowers.

Reader Adaptations:

  • Jennifer M. used lemon juice instead of vanilla and a few drops of yellow food coloring to make this a lemon-flavored cake.
  • Trinity M made this into a large sheet cake to feed a crowd!
  • Julie S. used butter instead of oil and sour milk (buttermilk) And ¾ teaspoon baking soda and said it turned out great.

Tools:

  1. Cake Stand to make decorating so much easier!
  2. Sprinkles that are gluten free.

📖 Recipe

two slices of gluten free vanilla cake on white plates

Gluten Free Vanilla Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Sandi Gaertner
A deliciously light gluten free vanilla cake that is perfect for birthdays, weddings, or any party. This recipe can be made into cupcakes, sheet cake, or a layer cake. Homemade cream cheese frosting.
4.77 from 130 votes
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Prep Time 20 mins
Cook Time 20 mins
Additional Time 30 mins
Total Time 1 hr 10 mins
Course Gluten Free Dessert Recipes
Cuisine American
Servings 14 slices
Calories 399 kcal

Ingredients
  

Cake:

  • 2 cups gluten free flour blend * see note
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • ⅛ teaspoon salt
  • 3 eggs
  • ¾ cup light oil (*I used avocado oil)
  • ¾ cup milk * see note
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

Frosting

  • 8 ounces cream cheese * see note
  • ¼ cup butter softened
  • 2 ¼ cups powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon pur vanilla extract

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 350º F.
  • In a large bowl, add the dry cake ingredients and use a whisk to blend.
  • In a smaller bowl, add the wet ingredients and whisk to mix.
  • Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix well. Note photo above of the batter consistency.
  • Spoon batter into greased cake pans, or cupcake pan. 
  • Bake for 20-25 minutes (for the small layer cake pans) You will want to bake longer for larger pans. Use the toothpick method described below to know when your cakes are done.)
  • Remove the cake layers from the oven and allow to cool on a cooling rack. If you are making a layer cake, inspect each layer for bumps (if one area of the cake rose more)
  • Use a knife to level any bumps to make your cake layers flat.
  • Place the bottom layer of cake on a cake stand. Add frosting to the top of the layer. Place the next cake layer on top of the frosting, and frost that layer. Repeat until all layers are frosted.
  • Use a cake spatula to frost the top and sides of the cake. Decorate how you like.

Video

Notes

  1. I have tested this recipe with King Arthur Measure for Measure GF, Bob's Red Mill 1 to 1 GF blend, and Authentic Foods Multi Blend. That doesn't mean others will not work, I just have not tested other flours.
  2. If your gluten free flour blend doesn't contain Xanthan Gum, add 1 teaspoon.
  3. I used almond milk but other dairy-free kinds of milk will work but I do not recommend canned coconut milk.
  4. The cake is naturally dairy-free. To make this fully dairy-free you need to alter the frosting ingredients by substituting the butter for vegan butter and use vegan cream cheese.
  5. To test for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If the toothpick comes out clean, it is done baking. If you see batter or crumbs, the cake needs to bake longer.
  6. This cake will keep up to 4 days in an air-tight container, or up to 4 months in the freezer.

To Make This a White Cake:

  1. Use only egg whites. Save your yolks for another recipe.
  2. Whip the egg whites until they form soft peaks (not stiff!) Add the rest of the wet ingredients in and gently fold them into the egg whites.
  3. You will need ½ cup more milk to make the cake a white cake.
  4. If you want this cake pure white, use this clear vanilla extract.
  5. Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Be careful not to overmix the batter.
  6. Add to your cake pans and bake as directed.

SPECIAL NOTE

Please know that every gluten free flour blend has a different starch to grain ratio. If you use a blend I didn't test, you may need to adjust your moisture levels in your baked goods.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sliceCalories: 399kcalCarbohydrates: 48gProtein: 4gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 63mgSodium: 122mgPotassium: 113mgFiber: 2gSugar: 35gVitamin A: 391IUCalcium: 74mgIron: 1mg
Tried this Recipe? Pin it for Later!Mention @FearlessDining or tag #FearlessDining!

Nutrition Disclaimer

Nutritional information is an estimate provided to you as a courtesy. You should calculate the actual nutritional information with the products and brands you are using with your preferred nutritional calculator.

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    Recipe Rating




  1. Cheryl

    March 12, 2023 at 11:47 am

    5 stars
    I didn't imagine that a GF cake could taste this good! My husband and I both enjoyed it.

    I used the King Arthur's Measure for Measure and the avocado oil, and I used whole milk. I used three 8"-round cake pans, and baked them for 20 minutes. I made this a white cake and substituted 3T egg white powder and the recommended water on the package for the three egg whites, and added the extra milk as in your instructions. I cut back to 2 cups of powdered sugar for the frosting.

    Thanks for this recipe. I will definitely being make this cake again!

    Reply
    • Sandi Gaertner

      March 12, 2023 at 4:32 pm

      I am so glad you loved this recipe. Thank you so much for coming back to let me know that the egg white powder worked!

      Reply
  2. Kathleen Schuler

    March 07, 2023 at 2:02 pm

    4 stars
    I used the king Arthur’s Measure for Measure gluten-free flour and have used it before in your cookie recipe. The flavor of the cake was fantastic. However, it was a little dry and gritty. Wondering, like with the toll house cookie recipe, if I should let the batter sit for about 15 minutes prior to baking. Also, I used skim milk and vegetable oil. Going to give it another try with almond milk and avocado oil, like you did. Wanting your advice on the resting period … Thanks so much for these delicious recipes, they make my GF family. Very happy. 🙂

    Reply
    • Sandi Gaertner

      March 07, 2023 at 7:29 pm

      Hi Kathleen, you can definitely let the batter sit to soften up the rice flour. I usually don't notice grit with this blend. Almond milk and avocado oil shouldn't make any difference. I am really glad you loved the cake!

      Reply
      • Kathleen Schuler

        March 08, 2023 at 2:25 pm

        Thank you very much! One more question, do these need to be refrigerated in a sealed container for four days like the cookies? You stated they lasted up to four days in a sealed container so I wanted to clarify. I wondered if refrigerating mine added to the dryness. ☺️

      • Sandi Gaertner

        March 08, 2023 at 2:29 pm

        Gluten free tends to spoil very quickly, so yes, you want to store in the refrigerator.

  3. Samantha

    February 20, 2023 at 11:25 am

    How long do you cook the cake for a six inch round pan?
    And a four inch?

    Reply
    • Sandi Gaertner

      February 20, 2023 at 7:05 pm

      I haven't used either size pan with this recipe so you will need to bake it for 20 minutes and then keep checking on it.

      Reply
      • Samantha

        March 03, 2023 at 11:04 am

        5 stars
        Okay, thank you! Do you know how well the cake holds up with tiers?

      • Sandi Gaertner

        March 03, 2023 at 9:09 pm

        Hi Samantha, I assume it does. I know a few bakeries have written that they use this recipe for wedding cakes.

  4. cheryl

    November 12, 2022 at 6:43 pm

    may i ask why you do not recommend coconut milk for this recipe?

    Reply
    • Sandi Gaertner

      November 13, 2022 at 7:43 pm

      I don't recommend canned coconut milk because it seems to be heavier and as a result, it makes the cake denser.

      Reply
  5. Alissa

    June 16, 2022 at 3:19 pm

    5 stars
    Loved this cake! I used two 9 inch cake pans and it turned out perfectly! Love this recipe so much! Thank you!!

    Reply
    • Sandi Gaertner

      June 17, 2022 at 2:59 pm

      I am so glad you loved this cake recipe, Alissa! I really appreciate your coming back to give it a rating and leave a comment.

      Reply
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Welcome to my blog! I am so glad you are here. I am a cookbook author and recipe developer. My recipes are easy to make, and I test each recipe multiple times, so you can be confident that my recipes work. I have a lot of resources for anyone who is learning how to live a gluten free life. If you are looking for family-pleasing gluten free recipes that taste like the real deal, you have come to the right place!

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