The Best Gluten-Free Vanilla Cake
What's a birthday without the BEST gluten-free vanilla cake #21birthday
Twenty-one-years old?! Wow, it feels surreal! If you were to ask me five years ago where I thought I would be at twenty-one, I would’ve never pictured myself openly talking about my food allergies online.
Growing up, I hated my food allergies and tried to hide them at all costs. But once I embraced my allergies and started sharing allergy-friendly content online, my life changed! I’m no longer embarrassed about my allergies and live my life unapologetically. I find so much joy in empowering those with food allergies and creating delicious recipes that those with food allergies and those without can enjoy alike. So let’s bake the best gluten-free vanilla cake to celebrate!
What is Dairy-Free Buttermilk?
Buttermilk is fermented milk that has a tangy flavor. It helps balance the sweetness of the sugar in the recipe. And it reacts with the leavening agents to help the cake rise. Buttermilk is simply to make at home by adding a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar to a cup of dairy-free milk. As you let the mixture sit for 5 -10 minutes, the non-dairy milk will curdle. It will kind of look weird and clumpy; This is a great sign. If you don’t have apple cider vinegar, you could use lemon juice or white vinegar.
Why Add Sour Cream to a Cake?
Although sour cream is usually used in savory dishes, it is a great additive to the cake batter. The high-fat content of the sour cream makes the cake moist and adds a rich flavor. The acidity also helps balance the sweetness of the sugar. My favorite dairy-free sour cream is Kite Hill. It’s made with a base of almond milk and coconut oil. If you’re looking for a nut-free option, I also like Tofutti sour cream, made with a soy base. Make sure to check the current cross-contamination protocols to make sure it is safe for your allergies.
Can I Make This Recipe Into Cupcakes?
Yes, you can make cupcakes instead of layer cake. This recipe makes two 8” layers of cake or about 24 cupcakes. Below are some cupcakes I made for a Valentine’s Day party and everyone “fell in love” with them!
To make cupcakes, follow the recipe below. But instead of greasing and filling two 8” pans, line two 12 cupcake pans. Cupcake liners are essential so the cake doesn’t stick to the pan. Fill the lines 3/4 of the way with batter and bake for about 18-20 minutes.
So with the most-popular questions answered, let’s get to the step-by-step recipe for the best gluten-free vanilla cake! And if you have additional questions feel free to reach out via the comments section or email.
The Best Gluten-Free Vanilla Cake
Dry Ingredients
2 ½ cups gluten-free flour
1 ¼ cup sugar
1 ½ teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
Dairy-Free Buttermilk
1 cup dairy-free milk
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
Wet Ingredients
⅔ cup dairy-free sour cream
½ cup dairy-free butter melted
3 large eggs
2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dairy-Free Buttercream
1 cup dairy-free butter
4 cups powdered sugar
1 tablespoon dairy-free milk
1-2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
In a large bowl, sift the dry ingredients. Set aside.
In a small bowl, combine the dairy-free milk and apple cider vinegar to made buttermilk. Set aside for at least 5 minutes to curdle.
In another bowl, combine the wet ingredients. Then, pour the mixture into the dry ingredients. Gently fold together. Then, fold in the buttermilk. Place the batter in the refrigerator to chill for 20 minutes.
Preheat the oven to 350F° and grease two 8" pans. Pour the batter into the pans and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until cooked through.
While the cakes are baking, make the buttercream. Mix the butter until smooth. Then, add the powdered sugar. Add the vanilla extract and dairy-free milk. Color it to your preference.
Remove the cake from the pans and cool completely on a cooling rack. Frost the cake with the buttercream, and enjoy!
If you liked this recipe, check out my other sweet treat recipes like this pumpkin spice crumb cake.
If you try this recipe out, tag me on Instagram @sarahandspices and hashtag it #sarahandspices so I can see your delicious re-creations! And as always, I love it when you share your reviews in the comments below. Sarah
