Vanilla (Gluten-Free) GF Cake Recipe
For those with dietary restrictions, finding a delicious cake recipe can be a challenge. Whether you’re gluten intolerant, have celiac disease, or are avoiding dairy, this vanilla (gluten-free) gf cake recipe is perfect for you. This gf cake recipe is light, moist, and has a tender crumb. It’s designed to be as delicious as traditional cakes, often surprising those who don’t eat gluten-free with its quality. It’s simple to make and sure to impress your family and friends.
This gluten-free vanilla cake is perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or any occasion where you want to enjoy a delicious dessert without worrying about gluten or dairy. It’s light, fluffy, and full of vanilla flavor, making it a hit with everyone, regardless of dietary restrictions.
Key Elements for Success For Gf Cake Recipe
- Flour Blend: Use a specific gluten-free all-purpose flour like Bob’s Red Mill 1:1 Baking Flour or Better Batter.
- Mixing Technique: Sift the flour well, and beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for proper blending.
- Ingredients: Combining butter and oil creates a moist texture, while a good amount of vanilla enhances the flavor.
By following these steps, you can make a gluten-free cake that’s perfect for any celebration, topped with a smooth vanilla buttercream. This cake’s soft and airy texture makes it a favorite, even among those who normally eat gluten.
Ingredients For Vanilla GF Cake Recipe
For Cake
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 cups gluten-free all-purpose flour blend: Ensure your blend contains xanthan gum for the best texture.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and moisture to the cake.
- 2 tsp baking powder: Helps the cake rise and become fluffy.
- 1/2 tsp baking soda: Works with the baking powder to give the cake a good rise.
- 1/2 tsp salt: Enhances the flavor and balances the sweetness.
Wet Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup unsweetened soy milk: Provides moisture and a bit of protein; can be substituted with almond milk, coconut milk, or any other dairy-free milk.
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil or melted coconut oil: Keeps the cake moist. Coconut oil adds a subtle flavor.
- 3 large eggs: Add structure and richness to the cake.
- 1 tbsp pure vanilla extract: Essential for that classic vanilla flavor.
For the Vanilla Buttercream Frosting
- 1 cup unsalted butter or dairy-free margarine, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar: Adds sweetness and structure to the frosting.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor of the frosting.
- 2-4 tablespoons dairy-free milk (such as almond milk or coconut milk), as needed
Instructions For Gluten-Free (GF) Vanila Cake Recipe
For Cake
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare two 8-inch round cake pans by greasing them and dusting them with gluten-free flour, or line them with parchment paper to ensure easy removal.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the gluten-free flour blend, baking powder, baking soda, and salt, ensuring even distribution of the leavening agents within the flour.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar and eggs until they are light and fluffy. This step incorporates air into the mixture, which helps to create a light and airy cake texture. Add the oil and vanilla extract, then mix until thoroughly combined.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the soy milk. Start by adding the dry ingredients first and end with them, mixing just until combined after each addition. Be cautious not to overmix, as it can lead to a dense cake.
- Bake: Divide the batter evenly between the cake pans that have been prepared. Smooth the tops with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The cakes should have a golden brown color and bounce back when lightly pressed.
- Cool: Let the cakes cool in the pans for about 10 minutes, then carefully transfer them onto a wire rack to cool completely. Make sure the cakes are fully cooled before frosting to avoid the frosting from melting.
For the Vanilla Buttercream Frosting
- Creaming Butter: In a large bowl, using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat the softened butter until creamy and smooth, about 2 minutes.
- Adding Sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition until smooth and fluffy.
- Vanilla Extract and Milk: Add the vanilla extract and 2 tablespoons of dairy-free milk. Beat on medium-high speed for about 3-5 minutes until the frosting is light and fluffy. Add more milk, 1 tablespoon at a time, if needed to reach desired spreading consistency.
Assembly
- Frosting the Cake: Once the cakes are completely cooled, frost the top of one cake layer with a generous amount of vanilla buttercream frosting.
- Layering: Place the second cake layer on top and frost the entire cake with the remaining vanilla buttercream frosting. Use an offset spatula or knife to smooth the frosting evenly over the top and sides of the cake.
- Decorating: Decorate the cake as desired with sprinkles, fresh berries, or edible flowers.
- Serve: Slice and serve your delicious vanilla (gluten-free) gf cake recipe with vanilla buttercream frosting. Enjoy!
Tips for Perfect GF Cake Recipe
- Use a good gluten-free flour blend like Bob’s Red Mill 1:1 Baking Flour or King Arthur Flour Gluten-Free Measure for Measure Flour for best results.
- Make sure your eggs and buttermilk (or dairy-free option) are at room temperature before mixing. This helps them blend well into the batter.
- Mix the batter just until everything is combined. Mixing too much can make the cake dense.
- Adjust the consistency of the frosting with additional milk for spreading or piping, depending on your preference.
Storage Tips for Vanilla GF Cake Recipe
- Refrigeration: Refrigerate the cake in an airtight container for up to 5 days. This keeps the cake fresh and the frosting firm.
- Freezing: Wrap individual slices or whole cakes tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Allow the cake to thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
- Room Temperature: If you plan to eat the cake within 1-2 days, you can keep it at room temperature in a cool, dry place, covered with a cake dome or in an airtight container.
- Frosting Separately: If you prefer, store the cake and frosting separately. Wrap the cake layers in plastic wrap and keep the frosting in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Assemble just before serving.
FAQ’S
Can I use a different type of gluten-free flour in this gf cake recipe?
Yes, you can experiment with different types of gluten-free flour, but for best results, use a reliable gluten-free flour blend like Bob’s Red Mill 1:1 Baking Flour or King Arthur Flour Gluten-Free Measure for Measure Flour in this delicious recipe.
Can I substitute eggs in this gf cake recipe?
Yes, you can substitute eggs in this recipe with alternatives like flax eggs, applesauce, or commercial egg replacers. Follow the substitution ratios recommended on the product packaging for best results in your gf cake recipe.
Can I make this gf cake recipe sugar-free?
It’s possible to make this cake sugar-free by using alternative sweeteners such as stevia, erythritol, or monk fruit sweetener. Adjust the amount based on your taste preferences and follow recommended substitution ratios for the best outcome in your gf cake recipe.
What’s the best way to ensure my gf cake doesn’t stick to the pan?
To prevent sticking, generously grease the cake pans with oil or non-stick spray. You can also line the bottom of the pans with parchment paper before pouring in the batter. This preparation method helps ensure easy removal of the baked cake layers from the pans in your gf cake recipe.
Can I make this gf cake into cupcakes?
Yes, you can easily adapt this recipe into cupcakes. Use paper liners or silicone molds sprayed with non-stick spray and adjust the baking time accordingly. Cupcakes generally bake faster than cakes, so check for doneness with a toothpick inserted into the center, which should come out clean.
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Best Vanilla (Gluten-Free) GF Cake Recipe
Ingredients
For Cake
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 cups gluten-free all-purpose flour blend: Ensure your blend contains xanthan gum for the best texture.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and moisture to the cake.
- 2 tsp baking powder: Helps the cake rise and become fluffy.
- ½ tsp baking soda: Works with the baking powder to give the cake a good rise.
- ½ tsp salt: Enhances the flavor and balances the sweetness.
Wet Ingredients:
- ½ cup unsweetened soy milk: Provides moisture and a bit of protein; can be substituted with almond milk coconut milk, or any other dairy-free milk.
- ½ cup vegetable oil or melted coconut oil: Keeps the cake moist. Coconut oil adds a subtle flavor.
- 3 large eggs: Add structure and richness to the cake.
- 1 tbsp pure vanilla extract: Essential for that classic vanilla flavor.
For the Vanilla Buttercream Frosting
- 1 cup unsalted butter or dairy-free margarine softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar: Adds sweetness and structure to the frosting.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor of the frosting.
- 2-4 tablespoons dairy-free milk such as almond milk or coconut milk, as needed
Instructions
For Cake
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare two 8-inch round cake pans by greasing them and dusting them with gluten-free flour, or line them with parchment paper to ensure easy removal.
- In a medium bowl, combine the gluten-free flour blend, baking powder, baking soda, and salt, ensuring even distribution of the leavening agents within the flour.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar and eggs until they are light and fluffy. This step incorporates air into the mixture, which helps to create a light and airy cake texture. Add the oil and vanilla extract, then mix until thoroughly combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the soy milk. Start by adding the dry ingredients first and end with them, mixing just until combined after each addition. Be cautious not to overmix, as it can lead to a dense cake.
- Divide the batter evenly between the cake pans that have been prepared. Smooth the tops with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The cakes should have a golden brown color and bounce back when lightly pressed.
- Let the cakes cool in the pans for about 10 minutes, then carefully transfer them onto a wire rack to cool completely. Make sure the cakes are fully cooled before frosting to avoid the frosting from melting.
For the Vanilla Buttercream Frosting
- In a large bowl, using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat the softened butter until creamy and smooth, about 2 minutes.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition until smooth and fluffy.
- Add the vanilla extract and 2 tablespoons of dairy-free milk. Beat on medium-high speed for about 3-5 minutes until the frosting is light and fluffy. Add more milk, 1 tablespoon at a time, if needed to reach desired spreading consistency.
Assembly
- Once the cakes are completely cooled, frost the top of one cake layer with a generous amount of vanilla buttercream frosting.
- Place the second cake layer on top and frost the entire cake with the remaining vanilla buttercream frosting. Use an offset spatula or knife to smooth the frosting evenly over the top and sides of the cake.
- Decorate the cake as desired with sprinkles, fresh berries, or edible flowers.
- Slice and serve your delicious vanilla (gluten-free) gf cake recipe with vanilla buttercream frosting. Enjoy!