Let’s take a trip down memory lane and recall the dark days of gluten-free baking. Those were the times when flourless, grainy, or sad-tasting cakes were the norm.
Of course, there were some redeeming recipes made with ground almonds that actually tasted great. But for the most part, it was a limited selection. Fortunately, more bakers have come to realize that gluten-free is no longer just a passing trend, and they’ve dedicated countless hours in the kitchen perfecting these recipes.
The Very Best Gluten-Free Vanilla Cake Recipe
Observing closely, you’ll notice that this gluten-free cake appears just as light and airy as any other vanilla cake, which can be quite deceiving at first glance. To achieve a tender crumb, it’s essential to begin with room temperature ingredients and take the time to cream the sugar and butter until they’re thoroughly lightened and fluffy. This process should involve at least 5 minutes in the mixer, allowing for optimal incorporation of air.
Ultimately, gently sift the gluten-free flour blend and add it to the butter mixture slowly, alternating with buttermilk as you go, and cease mixing once the flour is fully incorporated.
Easy Gluten-Free Chocolate Cake
Often described as a decadent delight, flourless chocolate cake is dense and fudgy in texture. However, its richness and intensity mean that it’s not ideal for creating layered masterpieces. On the other hand, gluten-free chocolate cake offers a delightful contrast with its light and fluffy consistency, allowing for more creative possibilities when it comes to presentation.
Owing to its unique properties, gluten-free flour is significantly more absorbent than traditional flours, which requires careful measurement to avoid inconsistencies. One effective way to achieve accurate measurements is by spooning the flour into the measuring cup rather than scooping and packing it in, as this can lead to over- or under-measuring.
Opting for a similar approach with other ingredients is also essential – adding hot water to help activate the cocoa powder is crucial, while substituting it with hot coffee can intensify the flavor even further.
Strawberries and Cream Gluten Free Cake Recipe
Harnessing the power of egg whites is essential to achieving a pure white color in this cake. To ensure success, follow the recipe’s brand suggestions for gluten-free flours, as different blends can behave uniquely. In this case, Bob’s Red Mill 1-to-1 Gluten-Free Baking Flour has been chosen due to its reliable performance. The reason for selecting this specific blend is that it contains xanthan gum, a key ingredient in many gluten-free flour mixes, which aids in moisture retention and texture.
If the recipe doesn’t specify xanthan gum, it’s likely included in the mix, and substituting with a different blend without it may compromise the cake’s consistency.
Gluten-Free Birthday Cake
Typically, when it comes to birthday cakes, I have a clear preference for Funfetti. The charm of this particular type of cake lies in its versatility, as it can be paired with any flavor filling and frosting over a vanilla base. While there are various sprinkles that could complement the sponge, I find that rainbow sprinkles work particularly well because they provide a more vibrant visual effect due to their larger size.
Although nonpareils can also be used successfully, it’s essential to keep in mind that adding sprinkles to the batter should be done swiftly to prevent color bleeding and an unappealing appearance. To avoid this issue altogether, it’s best to hold off on adding them until you’re ready to bake.
Gluten-Free Chiffon Cake
Generally considered a hybrid between regular and angel cakes, chiffon cakes combine the best attributes of both. On one hand, they share similarities with angel cakes in that they rely on egg whites for leavening, but unlike traditional angel cakes, chiffon cakes also incorporate egg yolks into their batter. To achieve this delicate balance, you’ll need to whip your egg whites until they become light and airy before gently folding them into a mixture of egg yolks, oil, and maple syrup.
By retaining the rich, deep flavor provided by the egg yolks, chiffon cakes offer an exceptionally indulgent taste experience.
The Best Gluten-Free White Cake
Very often, gluten-free cakes require experimentation with recipes to find the perfect combination that suits your taste buds. I’ve been guilty of revisiting classic vanilla cake recipes multiple times, only to be disappointed by the results. This is not because the original recipe was flawed, but rather due to the fact that people’s preferences and tastes vary greatly. If you didn’t quite enjoy the white cake recipe we shared earlier, don’t give up just yet!
Try this alternative recipe instead and see if it fares any better with your palate.
Easy Gluten-Free Carrot Cake
Happily, carrot cake is one of the easiest baked goods to make gluten-free due to its inherent characteristics. The presence of fruit and nuts not only adds flavor but also helps to mask any potential texture differences that might arise from using a gluten-free flour blend. One important note in this recipe is the addition of xanthan gum, which is necessary because some gluten-free flours don’t contain it naturally.
Experimentation with ingredients can lead to great results, as I discovered when I substituted mashed bananas for applesauce since it was all I had on hand, and surprisingly, the outcome was excellent. Another creative twist I employed was incorporating tea-soaked raisins into the recipe – simply pour hot tea over about one and a half cups of raisins and let them absorb the moisture before adding them to the batter.
Gluten-Free Almond Cake with Berries on Top
Almond flour is an ideal ingredient for cakes, particularly those with a gluten-free requirement, although its use does come with a caveat: it’s not suitable for individuals with nut allergies. This is because the recipe relies on ground almonds instead of traditional gluten-free flour.
Gluten-Free Lemon Cake
Understanding the benefits of using almond meal in baking is crucial for creating moist and delicious treats. Unbeknownst to many, almond meal helps retain moisture due to its natural oils, which are present in the nuts. Unlike traditional flour, which tends to absorb moisture, almond meal merely enhances it. Additionally, it’s a nutrient-dense ingredient that is low in carbohydrates, free from grains, and suitable for a keto diet.
This versatility makes it an inclusive option for many health-conscious bakers. You can make your own almond meal by blending pre-sliced or raw almonds in a blender, but be aware that whole raw almonds will require a decent machine to blend effectively. It’s recommended to process them gradually to avoid overheating the appliance. For this recipe, we’ll combine both gluten-free flour and fine almond meal to create a sweet and nutty flavor profile that pairs perfectly with lemon.
Gluten-Free Red Velvet Cake Recipe
Tempting as it may be to skimp on the xanthan gum, it’s an essential ingredient in red velvet cake recipes. Not only does it help to create the signature tender crumb, but it also lends elasticity to the sponge, mimicking the effect of gluten. This is particularly important when working with gluten-free flours, which can be notoriously dense and dry. In addition to xanthan gum, it’s crucial to choose gel-based red food coloring, as these are significantly more concentrated than liquid colors.
Using too much liquid color can not only throw off the consistency of the batter but also result in an unappealingly bright hue.
The Best Gluten-Free Marble Cake Recipe
Making cakes is a delightful experience, especially when you get to experiment with different flavors. Marble cake, in particular, has stolen my heart because of its unique ability to cater to those who are torn between chocolate and vanilla. And I’m more than happy to share this recipe with all of you! This cake is an absolute joy to make and devour, as it’s incredibly delicious and visually appealing. The best part? You can customize the flavors to your liking!
To create the rich, velvety texture of the chocolate sponge, you’ll need to combine hot water with cocoa powder. Remember that this process activates the cocoa powder and amplifies its flavor. I personally prefer using hot coffee instead of water, as it adds an extra layer of depth to the cake. Feel free to use espresso if you have it on hand or opt for instant powder if that’s what you’ve got.
Gluten-Free Rainbow Cake
People often underestimate the joy of making homemade treats with vibrant colors. I highly recommend giving one of these projects a try – it’s a fun and rewarding experience. Although they require some time to create, the satisfaction of cutting into that first slice is well worth the effort. Just like when working with food coloring, it’s essential to use gel colors here as well.
To avoid over-mixing and preserve the delicate texture of your cake, try adding the color to a small amount of batter at a time, mixing until thoroughly blended before incorporating it into the divided batter. This will prevent you from over-working the entire batch and ending up with a dry, dense cake.
Gluten-Free Triple Chocolate Raspberry Cake
Zestfully, naked cakes have become a favorite of mine, not just because they’re easier to decorate, although that’s certainly a bonus. I love how visually appealing they are, and the fact that you can make even the layers look presentable with a simple piping bag is a huge plus. Plus, there’s no need for excessive frosting around the sides when there’s already plenty in between the layers. For this particular cake, you’ll be making a rich decadent chocolate ganache and a sweet raspberry filling.
Don’t worry about the decorative layers – it’s surprisingly easy to achieve! All you need to do is pipe blobs of frosting around the cake, fill the middle with buttercream and jam, then add the next layer on top.
Gluten-Free Tres Leches Cake
Gluten-Free Cheesecake
Understanding the gluten-free aspect of cheesecakes is often a bit misleading. Most cheesecakes are naturally gluten-free, utilizing ingredients like cornstarch to achieve the desired consistency instead of relying on traditional flour. Although some recipes may include small amounts of flour for added thickness, it’s essential to note that many popular cheesecake variations already adhere to a gluten-free diet.
In contrast, the standard graham cracker base commonly used in cheesecakes is not gluten-free by default, but there is an alternative solution available: gluten-free graham crackers. These can be easily sourced at most grocery stores and incorporated into your traditional recipe, simply by adding sugar and butter as you normally would.
Gluten-Free Confetti Cake
Baked to perfection, a traditional confetti cake relies on a white sponge as its foundation. This lighter base colour provides an ideal backdrop for the sprinkles to shine, making it essential to find a tried-and-tested recipe that yields optimal results. When creating this version of the classic dessert, you’ll need to incorporate whipped egg whites and a single yolk into the mixture.
Laura Hauser is a food writer and editor passionate about authentic, approachable home cooking.
