When fall rolls around, the crisp air calls for something sweet, cozy, and celebratory. And what better way to bring everyone together than with an Easy Gluten Free Birthday Cake Recipe that’s as joyful as it is delicious?
Ciao! I’m Matteo Romano, a Tuscan-born chef now based in the U.S., and the creator of GoldenGlutenFree.com. This blog is where I share the gluten-free recipes that helped me rediscover food after discovering my gluten intolerance. I grew up in a kitchen where birthdays meant vanilla-scented air, layers of cake, and frosting from scratch. So when I went gluten-free, the birthday cake had to stay just reimagined.
This gluten-free birthday cake is soft, light, and full of nostalgic flavor. It’s made with simple ingredients, no hard-to-find flours, and it comes together quickly. Whether you’re baking for someone with dietary needs or just want a foolproof gluten-free cake that everyone can enjoy, this one is a guaranteed hit.
Easy Gluten Free Birthday Cake
Equipment
- mixing bowls
- Electric mixer or whisk
- Two 8-inch round cake pans
- parchment paper
- wire cooling racks
- rubber spatula
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups gluten-free 1-to-1 flour blend (with xanthan gum)
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp sea salt
- 3/4 cup coconut sugar or cane sugar
- 4 large eggs (room temperature)
- 3/4 cup neutral oil (sunflower or avocado)
- 1 cup almond milk or oat milk
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup dairy-free butter
- 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 2–3 tbsp almond milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (for frosting)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 8-inch round pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper. In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar.
- In a large bowl, whisk the eggs, oil, almond milk, apple cider vinegar, and vanilla. Gradually fold in the dry mixture, stirring until just smooth. Do not overmix.
- Divide the batter evenly into the prepared pans. Bake for 25–28 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
- Beat the dairy-free butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla, and almond milk. Beat until smooth and fluffy. Frost the completely cooled cake layers.
Notes
Nutrition
Ingredients: Simple and Pantry Friendly
Here’s what you’ll need to bake the perfect gluten-free birthday cake. These ingredients are commonly found in most gluten-free kitchens, and if not, you can find them easily in any major grocery store.
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 ½ cups gluten-free 1-to-1 flour blend (with xanthan gum)
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp sea salt
- ¾ cup coconut sugar or cane sugar
Wet Ingredients:
- 4 large eggs (room temperature)
- ¾ cup neutral oil (such as sunflower or avocado)
- 1 cup almond milk or oat milk
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
Frosting:
- 1 cup dairy-free butter
- 3 ½ cups powdered sugar
- 2–3 tbsp almond milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Want something extra colorful for a party? Use our gluten-free chocolate truffle pops as toppers or mix into the frosting for added fun.
Step by Step Instructions: Beginner Friendly
1. Prep the Cake
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease two 8-inch round pans and line the bottoms with parchment.
- In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar.
2. Mix the Wet Ingredients
- In a large bowl, whisk the eggs, oil, almond milk, vinegar, and vanilla.
- Slowly fold the dry mix into the wet, stirring just until smooth. Avoid over-mixing.
3. Bake
- Divide the batter evenly into the pans.
- Bake for 25–28 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Let cool in pans for 10 minutes, then move to wire racks to cool fully.
4. Frost
- Beat the dairy-free butter until creamy.
- Add powdered sugar gradually, followed by vanilla and almond milk.
- Once smooth and fluffy, frost your cooled cake.
This method is almost identical to how we make our easy gluten-free cupcakes so if you’ve made those, you’re already ahead!
Tips for a Successful Gluten Free Bake
Gluten-free cakes can be tricky if the balance is off. These pro tips make a world of difference:
- Use a quality 1-to-1 flour blend with xanthan gum already included.
- Don’t skip the vinegar it reacts with baking soda for the perfect rise.
- Let it cool completely before frosting. Gluten-free cakes can crumble if frosted too soon.
- Use room-temperature eggs and milk for a smooth batter.
If you’re a fan of banana bread, try this gluten-free banana bread recipe it’s another beginner-friendly bake with incredible moisture.
Variations to Make It Your Own
This cake is a wonderful base for different flavors and fun tweaks. Here are some easy ways to switch things up:
Chocolate Chip Birthday Cake
- Add ½ cup mini chocolate chips to the batter before baking.
Lemon Zest and Blueberry
- Add 1 tsp lemon zest and ¾ cup fresh blueberries.
Cinnamon Swirl
- Mix 2 tbsp cinnamon and 2 tbsp brown sugar, swirl into batter before baking.
For more fun ideas, these gluten-free cake pops are perfect for turning leftover cake into party treats.
Storage & Make Ahead Tips
This cake holds up beautifully whether you’re prepping ahead or storing leftovers.
To store:
- Covered on the counter: 2 days
- In the fridge: 4–5 days (especially with frosting)
To freeze:
- Freeze unfrosted layers wrapped in plastic + foil for up to 2 months
- Thaw at room temperature before frosting
Looking for a one-slice treat? Try our no-fail gluten-free brownies perfect for freezer snacking.
FAQs about Gluten Free Birthday Cakes
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes! The recipe uses almond milk and dairy-free butter, so it’s already dairy-free as written.
Can I use almond flour instead of gluten-free flour blend?
No, almond flour won’t provide the same structure. Stick with a 1-to-1 gluten-free blend for best results.
What if I only have one cake pan?
Bake the batter in two batches or make it as a single-layer cake and adjust the time slightly.
Can I use this for cupcakes?
Yes! Bake for 18–20 minutes. You can follow our full gluten-free cupcake guide for details.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Gluten Free Birthday Cake Recipe is everything a birthday cake should be moist, tender, lightly sweet, and festive. No one at the party will guess it’s gluten-free, and that’s the best compliment a baker can receive. Whether you’re planning a birthday, shower, or just want a weekend treat, this cake is a delicious, foolproof choice.
And if you’re looking to expand your gluten-free dessert game, try the gluten-free cheesecake bites or mug cake .