Looking for a vegan gluten free cake that is foolproof, moist, and fluffy every time? You’ve found it! This master guide provides a perfect base recipe with four simple variations, so you’ll never need another cake recipe. Made in just one bowl with easy-to-find ingredients, this cake delivers an unbelievably delicious result that’s perfect for any occasion.
Why This is the Last Cake Recipe You’ll Ever Need
One Perfect Base, Endless Possibilities: This recipe is designed with flexibility in mind. The base is perfect on its own, but you can easily customize it to create a variety of cake flavors.
Foolproof & Forgiving: Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned baker, this recipe is easy to follow and delivers consistent, amazing results every time.
Unbelievably Moist & Fluffy: Say goodbye to dry, dense gluten-free cakes. This recipe ensures that your cake will be soft, moist, and light, giving you the best texture possible.
Simple, Accessible Ingredients: You won’t need to hunt for obscure ingredients. This recipe uses everyday items that are easy to find, making it simple and stress-free.
Ingredients Needed for Vegan Gluten Free Cake
For the Cake:
- 2 cups almond flour
- 2 cups gluten-free all-purpose flour (such as King Arthur brand)
- 1¾ cups granulated sugar (or coconut sugar for a healthier option)
- 2 tablespoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups almond milk (or any plant-based milk of your choice)
- 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
- 1½ tablespoons pure vanilla extract
For the Simple Vanilla Icing:
- 2 tablespoons softened vegan butter (optional; omit if you prefer oil-free)
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 2 to 3 tablespoons almond milk
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- Sprinkles (optional, for decoration)
These ingredients are simple, easy to find, and come together to create a fluffy, moist, and delicious vegan gluten-free cake. If you’re new to vegan baking, these components are a great starting point, as they don’t require specialty items that might be hard to track down.
How to Make Vegan Gluten Free Cake
- Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease two 8-inch round cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper to ensure easy removal after baking. - Prepare Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the almond flour, gluten-free all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Make sure the ingredients are well combined for an even texture. - Add Wet Ingredients
Pour in the almond milk, apple cider vinegar, and vanilla extract. Stir gently until the ingredients are just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can affect the texture of the cake. - Bake the Cake
Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared cake pans. Place them in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. To test for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of the cakes. If it comes out clean, the cakes are ready. - Cool the Cakes
Allow the cakes to cool completely in the pans. Once cooled, carefully remove them from the pans and place them on a wire rack to cool further. - Prepare the Icing
In a medium bowl, mix the softened vegan butter (if using), powdered sugar, almond milk, and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth, adjusting the consistency with more milk or powdered sugar if needed. - Assemble the Cake
Once the cakes are completely cool, spread a layer of icing evenly on the top of one cake. Place the second cake on top and frost the entire cake. If desired, decorate with sprinkles for a festive touch.
Easy & Delicious Flavor Variations
For a Rich Chocolate Cake
To make a rich chocolate version of this cake, reduce the gluten-free all-purpose flour by ½ cup and add ½ cup of unsweetened cocoa powder. For an extra depth of flavor, you can include 1 teaspoon of espresso powder to enhance the chocolate without it tasting like coffee.
For a Zesty Lemon Cake
To create a bright, citrusy lemon cake, add the zest of 2 lemons to the batter. Replace 2 tablespoons of the almond milk with fresh lemon juice to intensify the flavor. This variation gives the cake a refreshing, tangy taste that’s perfect for spring or summer occasions.
For a Funfetti Birthday Cake
For a festive funfetti cake, add an extra ½ teaspoon of vanilla or almond extract to enhance the flavor. Gently fold in ¾ cup of vegan, gluten-free sprinkles just before baking. This cake is ideal for birthdays or celebrations and adds a pop of color to the classic recipe.
For a Spiced Carrot Cake
To make a spiced carrot cake, fold in 1 cup of finely grated carrots to the batter. You can also add ½ cup of raisins or walnuts for added texture, although these are optional. Include 1 teaspoon of cinnamon and ¼ teaspoon of nutmeg for the perfect warm spice flavor.
Foolproof Frosting Recipes
Classic Vegan Buttercream
For a smooth, creamy frosting, this simple 4-ingredient vegan buttercream is the perfect choice. Combine 2 tablespoons of softened vegan butter with 3 cups of powdered sugar, 2 to 3 tablespoons of almond milk, and 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth and fluffy. If you prefer a thicker consistency, simply add more powdered sugar. For a lighter version, add a bit more almond milk until it reaches your desired texture.
Healthy Cashew Cream Frosting (Oil-Free)
For a healthier, oil-free alternative, try this cashew cream frosting. Start by soaking 1 cup of raw cashews in water for at least 4 hours or overnight. Once softened, blend the cashews with 3 tablespoons of almond milk, 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until smooth and creamy. This frosting is not only vegan but also free from refined sugar, making it a lighter option for those seeking a healthier dessert.
Conclusion
This vegan gluten-free cake recipe is a true game-changer. It offers a perfect base that can be easily customized into a variety of delicious flavors. Whether you opt for chocolate, lemon, funfetti, or carrot cake, you’re guaranteed a moist, fluffy texture every time. Plus, the simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps make it accessible for both beginners and seasoned bakers alike.
If you’ve tried this recipe, I’d love to hear your thoughts! Please leave a comment and a star rating to let me know how it turned out for you. Don’t forget to share your creation on social media – Pinterest and Facebook are great places to inspire others. What variations did you try? Let us know in the comments below!
Vegan Gluten Free Cake
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 2 cups almond flour
- 2 cups gluten-free all-purpose flour such as King Arthur brand
- 1¾ cups granulated sugar or coconut sugar for a healthier option
- 2 tablespoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups almond milk or any plant-based milk of your choice
- 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
- 1½ tablespoons pure vanilla extract
For the Simple Vanilla Icing:
- 2 tablespoons softened vegan butter optional; omit if you prefer oil-free
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 2 to 3 tablespoons almond milk
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- Sprinkles optional, for decoration
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven
- Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease two 8-inch round cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper to ensure easy removal after baking.
- Prepare Dry Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the almond flour, gluten-free all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Make sure the ingredients are well combined for an even texture.
- Add Wet Ingredients
- Pour in the almond milk, apple cider vinegar, and vanilla extract. Stir gently until the ingredients are just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can affect the texture of the cake.
- Bake the Cake
- Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared cake pans. Place them in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. To test for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of the cakes. If it comes out clean, the cakes are ready.
- Cool the Cakes
- Allow the cakes to cool completely in the pans. Once cooled, carefully remove them from the pans and place them on a wire rack to cool further.
- Prepare the Icing
- In a medium bowl, mix the softened vegan butter (if using), powdered sugar, almond milk, and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth, adjusting the consistency with more milk or powdered sugar if needed.
- Assemble the Cake
- Once the cakes are completely cool, spread a layer of icing evenly on the top of one cake. Place the second cake on top and frost the entire cake. If desired, decorate with sprinkles for a festive touch.
Notes
- Calories: 322 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 59 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Sodium: 202 mg
- Potassium: 152 mg
- Fiber: 3 g
- Sugar: 45 g
- Vitamin A: 67 IU
- Calcium: 144 mg
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can a cake be vegan and gluten-free?
Yes, a cake can definitely be both vegan and gluten-free! The key is to replace ingredients that traditionally contain animal products and gluten with suitable alternatives. For example, almond flour and gluten-free all-purpose flour provide the structure, while ingredients like almond milk and apple cider vinegar replace dairy and eggs.
How do I make my cake more moist?
To ensure your cake is moist, be sure not to overmix the batter. Overmixing can result in a dense texture. Additionally, using moist ingredients like almond milk and apple cider vinegar helps retain moisture, while ensuring the cake cools completely before frosting will also prevent it from becoming too dry.
What ingredients replace gluten in cake?
In gluten-free baking, ingredients like almond flour, gluten-free all-purpose flour, and rice flour are commonly used to replace gluten. These flours help provide structure and texture while keeping the cake soft and tender.
What is the trick to gluten-free baking?
One important trick to successful gluten-free baking is using the right combination of flours. Also, adding a little xanthan gum or guar gum helps provide structure, as gluten-free flours tend to be more fragile. Don’t forget to avoid overmixing the batter to keep the texture light and airy.
Is it hard to bake gluten-free vegan?
It may seem challenging at first, but once you become familiar with gluten-free and vegan baking techniques, it’s easier than you think. The key is understanding how to use the right substitutes for flour, eggs, and dairy. This recipe is simple and foolproof, even for beginners.
Is vegan okay for celiac?
Yes, vegan diets are often a good option for those with celiac disease, as they naturally exclude gluten. However, it’s important to ensure that all ingredients are truly gluten-free, as some plant-based foods may still contain gluten. This recipe is specifically designed to be both vegan and gluten-free, making it safe for people with celiac disease.
