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Easy Gluten Free Red Velvet Cake Recipe

Easy Gluten Free Red Velvet Cake Recipe

This Gluten-Free Red Velvet Cake is a showstopper with its moist, tender crumb and vibrant red color. Perfect for special occasions like Valentine’s Day or birthdays, this cake is made with gluten-free flour, cocoa powder, and red food coloring, delivering all the classic flavors you love. Topped with a rich cream cheese frosting, it’s both indulgent and easy to make. A vegan option is included, along with pro tips for achieving the best results, like using room temperature ingredients and the perfect blend of dry and wet ingredients. Impress your guests with this foolproof, crowd-pleasing recipe!
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Dessert, Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 12
Calories 350 kcal

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl and medium bowl
  • Measuring cup and spoons
  • Stand mixer or hand mixer
  • Two 9-inch cake pans or prepared pans
  • Parchment paper
  • Wire rack
  • Plastic wrap
  • Cake boards
  • Palette knife

Ingredients
  

Dry Ingredients

  • 2 ½ cups gluten-free flour a mix with brown rice flour and potato starch works best
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp xanthan gum
  • ¼ cup cocoa powder
  • ½ tsp salt

Wet Ingredients

  • 1 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
  • 2 large egg whites or flax eggs for a dairy-free option
  • 1 cup sour cream use coconut oil and lemon juice for a vegan twist
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tbsp red food coloring or beet powder for natural coloring
  • 1 tsp white vinegar
  • ½ cup hot water
  • ________________________________________

The Classic Cream Cheese Frosting

  • A gluten-free red velvet cake isn’t complete without its signature classic cream cheese frosting!

Ingredients

  • 1 cup room temperature butter
  • 8 oz vegan cream cheese or regular cream cheese
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions
 

Step 1: Prepare the Cake Pans

  • Grease your cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper. This is the best way to ensure the cake layers don’t stick.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

  • In a large bowl, whisk together the gluten-free flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, xanthan gum, and salt. These are your dry ingredients.

Step 3: Blend the Wet Ingredients

  • Using a stand mixer on medium speed, beat the vegetable oil and sugar until creamy. Add the egg whites (or flax eggs), one at a time, ensuring they’re fully incorporated. Then mix in the vanilla extract, red food coloring, and white vinegar.

Step 4: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients

  • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the hot water and sour cream. This creates a smooth cake batter that ensures a tender crumb. Be sure to scrape the bottom of the bowl to mix evenly.

Step 5: Bake the Layers

  • Divide the cake mixture evenly between the prepared pans. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (adjust the oven temperature if needed) for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.

Step 6: Cool Completely

  • Allow the cakes to cool in their pans for 10 minutes. Transfer them to a wire rack and cool completely before frosting. Wrap in plastic wrap and chill if assembling later.

Assembling the Cake

    Step 7: Frost the Cake

    • Place one cake layer on a serving plate or cake board. Spread a thin crumb coat using the classic cream cheese frosting. Stack the second layer on top and frost the entire cake with a thicker layer of frosting. Use a palette knife for a smooth finish.

    Step 8: Decorate and Serve

    • Pipe extra frosting using a piping bag, sprinkle cake crumbs on top, or use natural decorations like berries or edible flowers for a special occasion.

    Notes

    Tips for Success
    1. Use Room Temperature Ingredients
       This ensures a smooth cake batter and an even bake. Trust me, it makes a huge difference.
    2. Natural Coloring Options
       Want to skip the red food coloring? Opt for beet powder or beet juice to achieve that vibrant red color.
    3. Storing Your Cake
       Keep the cake in an airtight container for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze slices wrapped in plastic wrap.
    ________________________________________
    Vegan Red Velvet Cake Option
    To make this cake fully vegan, swap the sour cream for coconut oil and lemon juice, and the egg whites for flax eggs. Use vegan cream cheese in the frosting.
    ________________________________________

    Nutrition

    Calories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 42gProtein: 4gFat: 18g
    Keyword bob's red mill, classic cream cheese frosting, cocoa powder, easy red velvet cake recipe, gluten free red velvet cake, gluten-free birthday cake, gluten-free cake recipe, gluten-free cakes, layer cake, perfect valentine's day cookie, red velvet cupcakes, vegan cream cheese, vegan red velvet cake, xanthan gum
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!