Finding delicious gluten free cake recipes doesn’t have to be a challenge. Whether you’re gluten-intolerant, have celiac disease, or just want to enjoy lighter, gut-friendly desserts, there are plenty of ways to bake cakes that are moist, fluffy, and full of flavor—without wheat flour.
In this guide, we’ll share five irresistible gluten-free cake recipes that are easy to make, use accessible ingredients, and are sure to impress at any gathering. From rich chocolate cake to light lemon drizzle, you’ll find a recipe to satisfy every sweet craving.
Let’s get baking!
1. Gluten Free Chocolate Fudge Cake
If you’re craving something indulgent, this gluten free chocolate cake is the perfect dessert. It’s rich, moist, and has that classic fudgy texture that chocolate lovers adore.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups almond flour
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 3 large eggs
- ½ cup coconut sugar (or brown sugar)
- ½ cup melted coconut oil (or butter)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup brewed coffee (or water)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9-inch round cake pan with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk together almond flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, beat eggs, sugar, oil, and vanilla until smooth.
- Slowly mix dry ingredients into wet ingredients, then stir in the coffee for a smooth batter.
- Pour batter into pan and bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let cool completely before frosting with your favorite gluten free chocolate buttercream.
Why it works: Almond flour keeps the cake moist and rich, while coffee enhances the chocolate flavor.
2. Flourless Almond Orange Cake
This Mediterranean-inspired cake is naturally gluten free and has a wonderfully fragrant citrus flavor. It’s perfect for spring and summer gatherings.
Ingredients
- 2 large oranges
- 6 large eggs
- 1 ¼ cups almond meal
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Boil the oranges (whole, unpeeled) in water for 1 hour until soft. Drain and cool.
- Cut oranges, remove seeds, and blend into a smooth purée.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a springform pan.
- Beat eggs and sugar until pale and fluffy.
- Stir in orange purée, almond meal, and baking powder until well combined.
- Pour into pan and bake for 50–60 minutes until golden and set.
- Cool before removing from pan, then dust with powdered sugar.
Tip: This cake keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days and actually tastes better the next day.
3. Gluten Free Lemon Drizzle Cake
For a lighter, tangy option, this gluten free lemon cake is a refreshing treat. The lemon glaze makes it perfectly zesty.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups gluten free all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¾ cup sugar
- ½ cup softened butter
- 3 large eggs
- 2 tbsp lemon zest
- ¼ cup lemon juice
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
Lemon Drizzle:
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan and line with parchment.
- Beat butter and sugar until creamy, then add eggs one at a time.
- Mix in lemon zest, juice, and yogurt until smooth.
- Whisk dry ingredients and fold into wet ingredients until just combined.
- Pour into pan and bake for 40–45 minutes.
- Cool slightly, then drizzle glaze over warm cake.
Serving Idea: Pair with fresh berries for a bright summer dessert.
4. Gluten Free Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
This gluten free carrot cake is moist, spiced, and topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting—just like the classic version.
Ingredients
- 2 cups gluten free flour blend
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp nutmeg
- ½ tsp salt
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup brown sugar
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups grated carrots
- ½ cup crushed pineapple (drained)
- ½ cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup butter
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 8-inch cake pans.
- In one bowl, whisk dry ingredients.
- In another bowl, beat eggs, sugar, oil, and vanilla.
- Stir in carrots, pineapple, and walnuts.
- Fold dry ingredients into wet mixture until just combined.
- Divide batter into pans and bake 25–30 minutes.
- Cool completely, then frost with cream cheese frosting.
Pro Tip: Chill the cake for 30 minutes before slicing for perfect layers.
5. Flourless Chocolate Lava Cake
End your gluten free baking journey with this decadent, restaurant-style dessert.
Ingredients
- 8 oz dark chocolate (gluten free)
- ½ cup butter
- 3 large eggs + 3 yolks
- ½ cup sugar
- 2 tbsp cocoa powder
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) and grease 4 ramekins.
- Melt chocolate and butter together, stirring until smooth.
- In a bowl, whisk eggs, yolks, sugar, and vanilla until pale.
- Fold in melted chocolate and sifted cocoa powder.
- Divide batter among ramekins and bake for 10–12 minutes until edges are set but center is soft.
- Invert onto plates and serve immediately.
Serving Suggestion: Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or fresh raspberries.
Tips for Baking the Best Gluten Free Cakes
- Use a trusted gluten free flour blend: Look for one that includes xanthan gum to mimic the structure of wheat.
- Don’t overmix the batter: Over-mixing can make gluten free cakes dense.
- Check for doneness early: Gluten free cakes can dry out quickly if overbaked.
- Let cakes cool completely: They are more delicate and need time to set before slicing.
- Store properly: Most gluten free cakes taste best within 1–2 days but can be refrigerated or frozen to extend freshness.
Final Thoughts
These 5 gluten free cake recipes prove that living without gluten doesn’t mean missing out on delicious desserts. From fudgy chocolate cake to zesty lemon drizzle and indulgent lava cakes, there’s something here for every occasion.
Next time you’re hosting a party or just want a treat for yourself, try one of these recipes—you’ll be amazed at how flavorful and satisfying gluten free baking can be.