Gluten‑free cake making goes beyond substitutions – it’s about creating textures and flavors that feel indulgent and familiar, even without wheat or dairy.
These 20 recipes demonstrate how to bake beautifully tender, moist cakes using nourishing ingredients like almond flour, gluten‑free blends, applesauce, and plant milk.
Whether you’re planning a birthday party or just want a sweet treat anytime, these cakes are plant‑based, gluten‑free, and designed to delight.
1. Vegan Gluten-Free Chocolate Cake (One-Bowl)
A rich and moist chocolate cake made in one bowl using simple pantry ingredients. Perfect for birthdays or any occasion that calls for chocolate without any fuss.
Ingredients:
- 1½ cups gluten-free flour blend
- ½ cup cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ¼ cup oil
- ¼ cup maple syrup
- 1 cup plant milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F / 175°C.
- Whisk all ingredients together until smooth.
- Pour into a greased cake pan and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool completely before serving.
2. Flourless Chocolate Almond Cake
Dense and fudgy, this cake uses almond flour and melted chocolate for a rich and naturally gluten-free dessert. It’s decadent, easy to make, and elegant enough for special occasions.
Ingredients:
- 1½ cups almond meal
- ½ cup dark vegan chocolate, melted
- ¼ cup maple syrup
- 3 tbsp cocoa powder
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Stir all ingredients together until well combined.
- Pour into a lined cake pan and bake for 25–30 minutes, until just set.
- Cool fully before slicing.
3. Vegan Wacky Cake (Gluten-Free)
A classic one-bowl cake that uses no eggs or dairy. Leavened naturally with baking soda and vinegar, it’s light, simple, and dependable.
Ingredients:
- 1½ cups gluten-free flour blend
- ¼ cup cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ¼ cup sugar
- ¼ cup oil
- 1 tbsp vinegar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup water
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- In one bowl, whisk together dry ingredients.
- Stir in oil, vinegar, vanilla, and water.
- Pour into a cake pan and bake for 30 minutes or until the center springs back.
4. Gluten-Free Vegan Olive Oil Cake
A light loaf-style cake scented with lemon or orange, with tender crumb from olive oil and almond flour. Elegant, simple, and sweet without heaviness.
Ingredients:
- 1¼ cups gluten-free flour blend
- 1¼ cups almond flour
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 1 cup plant yogurt or milk
- ¼ cup maple syrup
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 tsp baking powder
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a cake pan.
- Mix dry ingredients, then stir in wet ingredients until smooth.
- Pour into the prepared pan and bake for 30 minutes.
- Cool before slicing.
5. Chickpea Chocolate Cake (Flourless)
A creative cake using cooked chickpeas for structure and cocoa for flavor. Naturally gluten-free, protein-rich, and delightfully fudgy.
Ingredients:
- 1 can (~15 oz) cooked chickpeas, drained
- 1 cup melted vegan chocolate
- ½ cup maple syrup
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Blend all ingredients until smooth.
- Pour into a lined pan and bake for around 40 minutes.
- Let cool completely before slicing.
6. Easy Vanilla Vegan Gluten-Free Cake
Soft, fluffy vanilla cake using almond and gluten-free flour blends. Minimalist and crowd-pleasing, with no dairy, eggs, or complicated steps.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups almond flour
- 2 cups gluten-free flour blend
- 1¾ cups sugar or maple syrup
- 2 cups almond milk
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp baking powder
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Whisk wet and dry ingredients separately, then combine.
- Pour into a greased pan and bake for 35–40 minutes.
- Cool fully before serving.
7. One-Bowl Gluten-Free Vegan Vanilla or Matcha Cake
A versatile one-bowl cake that works with vanilla or matcha flavor. Uses simple ingredients for a tender crumb and an adaptable base for frostings or berries.
Ingredients:
- Gluten-free blend mixed with starch flours
- Plant milk and vinegar
- Applesauce or oil
- Maple syrup
- Vanilla or matcha powder
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Combine all ingredients in a bowl until smooth.
- Pour into the pan, bake until springy on top (~40 min).
- Cool completely before slicing or adding toppings.
8. Vegan Gluten-Free Lemon Cake
Bright and citrusy, this cake combines lemon juice, zest, and plant-based ingredients for a moist, tangy dessert. Ideal for light celebrations or afternoon tea.
Ingredients:
- Gluten-free flour blend
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- ¼ cup maple syrup
- ½ cup plant milk
- Oil or applesauce
- 1 tsp baking powder
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Mix wet and dry ingredients until smooth.
- Pour into pan and bake for 30–35 minutes.
- Cool before icing or slicing.
9. Gluten-Free Carrot Cake
Warm and aromatic with shredded carrot and spices, this cake is naturally sweet and vegan-friendly. Top with vegan cream cheese icing or a dust of cinnamon.
Ingredients:
- Grated carrots
- Gluten-free flour blend
- Oil or applesauce
- Maple syrup
- Cinnamon and baking powder
- Raisins (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Combine dry ingredients, stir in wet, and fold in carrots and raisins.
- Pour into the pan and bake 30–35 minutes.
- Let cool before frosting.
10. Almond Meal Coffee Cake with Fruit
Nutty and tender, this cake combines almond meal and gluten-free blend, then swirls in berries or jam. Perfect alongside tea or brunch.
Ingredients:
- Almond meal + gluten-free blend
- Maple syrup
- Plant milk
- Fresh berries or jam
- Baking powder
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Stir wet and dry ingredients, then swirl fruit jam into batter.
- Pour into the pan and bake for about 25–30 minutes.
- Cool before slicing.
11. Vegan Gluten-Free Olive Oil Loaf Cake
This tender loaf cake is soft, citrusy, and perfect for brunch or afternoon tea. Olive oil adds a rich moisture that pairs beautifully with almond flour.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup almond flour
- 1 cup gluten-free flour blend
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ cup olive oil
- ¾ cup plant milk
- ¼ cup maple syrup
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a loaf pan and set aside.
- Mix dry ingredients in one bowl and wet ingredients in another.
- Combine the two and stir until smooth.
- Pour into the loaf pan and bake for 40–45 minutes.
- Let cool completely before slicing.
12. Vegan Applesauce Spice Cake
This cozy cake is warmly spiced, lightly sweetened, and made with simple pantry staples. Applesauce adds natural moisture and a gentle sweetness.
Ingredients:
- 1½ cups gluten-free flour blend
- ½ cup almond flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- ¼ tsp nutmeg
- 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
- ¼ cup maple syrup
- ¼ cup oil
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F and grease an 8-inch round or square pan.
- Stir dry ingredients together in a large bowl.
- In a separate bowl, whisk wet ingredients until smooth.
- Combine both mixtures and pour into the pan.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool before serving.
13. Vegan Almond Olive Oil Bundt Cake
Rich, nutty, and perfectly shaped for celebrations, this bundt cake is both elegant and simple. It’s naturally gluten-free thanks to almond flour and perfect for drizzling with a citrus glaze.
Ingredients:
- 1½ cups almond flour
- 1 cup gluten-free flour blend
- ½ cup olive oil
- 1 cup plant milk
- ¼ cup maple syrup
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a bundt pan thoroughly.
- Whisk the dry ingredients in one bowl, and the wet in another.
- Combine until smooth and pour into the prepared pan.
- Bake for 40–45 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool fully before removing from the pan. Optional: drizzle with lemon glaze.
14. Date-Sweetened Gluten-Free Cake
This naturally sweetened cake is soft, rich, and perfect for snacking. It’s made without added sugar and has a wholesome texture.
Ingredients:
- 1½ cups soft pitted dates
- 1 cup almond flour
- ½ cup oat flour
- ¾ cup plant milk
- ¼ cup oil or nut butter
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp vanilla
Instructions:
- Blend dates and plant milk until smooth.
- Add remaining ingredients and blend again or stir until well combined.
- Pour into a greased loaf or square pan and bake at 350°F for 30–35 minutes.
- Cool before slicing.
15. Gluten-Free Gingerbread Cake
This warmly spiced cake is full of cozy flavor and perfect for holidays or cool-weather baking. It’s soft, fragrant, and made without refined flour.
Ingredients:
- 1½ cups gluten-free flour blend
- ½ cup almond flour
- 2 tsp ground ginger
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ¼ tsp nutmeg
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ cup molasses
- ½ cup plant milk
- ¼ cup oil
- ¼ cup maple syrup
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a square pan with parchment.
- Mix dry ingredients in one bowl, wet ingredients in another.
- Combine and stir until just mixed.
- Pour into the pan and bake for 30–35 minutes. Let cool before serving.
16. Gluten-Free Vegan Vanilla Cupcakes
These light and fluffy cupcakes are easy to make and great for any celebration. The classic vanilla flavor pairs perfectly with vegan frosting, berries, or a dusting of shredded coconut.
Ingredients:
- 1½ cups gluten-free flour blend
- ½ cup almond flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ¾ cup plant milk
- ¼ cup oil
- ¼ cup maple syrup
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F and line a muffin tin with 12 paper liners.
- In a large bowl, whisk together all dry ingredients.
- In a separate bowl, stir together the wet ingredients.
- Combine wet and dry, then divide the batter evenly into the muffin cups.
- Bake for 18–20 minutes. Cool completely before frosting.
17. Vegan Carrot Cupcakes (Gluten-Free)
Moist and gently spiced, these cupcakes are packed with shredded carrot and perfect for topping with vegan cream cheese frosting. They’re a hit with kids and adults alike.
Ingredients:
- 1½ cups gluten-free flour blend
- ½ cup almond flour
- 1 cup grated carrot
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ¾ cup plant milk
- ¼ cup oil
- ¼ cup maple syrup
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F and prepare a muffin tray with liners.
- Combine dry ingredients in one bowl.
- Stir together wet ingredients, then mix with the dry.
- Fold in the grated carrot.
- Divide into muffin tins and bake for 20–22 minutes. Let cool before decorating.
18. Vegan Lemon Poppy Seed Mini Loaf Cakes
These bright and zesty mini loaves are bursting with lemon flavor and speckled with poppy seeds. They’re a cheerful dessert or brunch offering with just the right amount of sweetness.
Ingredients:
- 1¼ cups gluten-free flour blend
- ¼ cup almond flour
- 1 tbsp poppy seeds
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- ¾ cup plant milk
- ¼ cup maple syrup
- ¼ cup oil
- 1 tsp baking powder
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F and grease mini loaf pans.
- Mix dry ingredients together, including zest and poppy seeds.
- Whisk wet ingredients separately, then combine with dry.
- Pour into mini loaf tins and bake for 22–25 minutes. Cool and optionally drizzle with lemon glaze.
19. Flourless Chocolate Berry Cake
Rich and fudgy, this flourless chocolate cake is elevated with a topping of fresh or frozen berries. It’s perfect for special occasions or a simple weekend indulgence.
Ingredients:
- 1½ cups almond flour
- ½ cup cocoa powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ cup maple syrup
- ½ cup plant milk
- ¼ cup oil
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup fresh or frozen berries
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F and line an 8-inch cake pan.
- Stir together dry ingredients in a large bowl.
- Add wet ingredients and mix until smooth.
- Pour batter into the pan and top with berries.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes. Cool before slicing.
20. Vegan Strawberry Shortcake Loaf Cake
This cake brings together a fluffy vanilla sponge, juicy strawberries, and whipped coconut cream – all in an easy-to-slice loaf format. It’s a summer favorite and a total crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients:
- 1½ cups gluten-free flour blend
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ¾ cup plant milk
- ¼ cup oil
- ¼ cup maple syrup
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup diced fresh strawberries
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a loaf pan.
- Stir together all dry ingredients.
- Mix wet ingredients in another bowl and combine.
- Fold in strawberries, pour into the loaf pan.
- Bake for 35–40 minutes. Cool, then top with vegan whipped cream and extra berries if desired.
Final Thoughts
These 20 vegan gluten-free cake recipes prove that you don’t need traditional ingredients to bake something soft, flavorful, and satisfying.
From rich chocolate loaves and tender vanilla cupcakes to cozy spice cakes and fruit-filled favorites, there’s a cake here for every occasion – and every kind of baker.
With a few pantry-friendly swaps like almond flour, gluten-free blends, and plant-based milk, you can create show-stopping desserts that feel just as indulgent as their conventional counterparts.
So preheat your oven, grab your mixing bowl, and enjoy making cakes that everyone at the table can share and enjoy – gluten-free, dairy-free, and full of love.
