The Best Gluten-Free Butter Cake Recipe: Moist, Rich, and Easy to Make
About the Recipe
Rich, buttery, and incredibly tender, this Gluten-Free Butter Cake is a timeless dessert that delivers classic bakery-style flavor without any gluten. Made with simple pantry ingredients, this moist gluten-free cake has a delicate crumb, a rich buttery taste, and a soft texture that rivals any traditional cake. Whether you serve it as a simple everyday dessert, dress it up with fresh fruit and whipped cream, or transform it into a holiday centerpiece, this versatile gluten-free butter cake recipe is one you will make again and again.
The combination of white rice flour and oat flour creates a balanced texture that is light yet sturdy enough for layer cakes, Bundt cakes, and special occasion desserts. Yogurt adds moisture and richness while helping create a beautifully tender crumb. This recipe also includes two delicious variations: a bright Orange Butter Cake and a festive Holiday Pound Cake with Bourbon Glaze.
Perfect for birthdays, holidays, afternoon tea, or family gatherings, this easy gluten-free cake recipe proves that gluten-free baking can be every bit as delicious as traditional baking.
If you are looking for a classic gluten-free butter cake that is every bit as soft, moist, and flavorful as the traditional version, this recipe delivers outstanding results. Made with a carefully balanced blend of gluten-free flours, creamy yogurt, and real butter, this cake has a delicate crumb and rich buttery flavor that everyone will love. Whether you bake it as a beautiful layer cake, an elegant Bundt cake, or simple cupcakes, this versatile recipe is perfect for birthdays, holidays, afternoon tea, or any special celebration. It is easy to prepare, freezes well, and serves as a delicious base for countless frostings, glazes, and fillings.
About the Recipe If you are looking for the ultimate rich, moist, and decadent gluten-free chocolate Bundt cake, this recipe has you covered. Whether you prefer baking completely from scratch, using a simple pantry recipe, Measure for Measure flour, or starting with a gluten-free cake mix, these four delicious options deliver bakery-quality results every time. Each version creates a tender crumb with deep chocolate flavor that is perfect for birthdays, holidays, family gatherings, or whenever a chocolate craving strikes. Prep Time 20 minutes Bake Time 50 to 55 minutes Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes Servings 12 to 16 servings
About the Recipe Bake the perfect gluten-free vanilla cake with four easy options. Choose from a homemade gluten-free flour blend, gluten-free all-purpose flour, Measure for Measure flour, or a gluten-free cake mix. This moist, fluffy vanilla cake is perfect for birthdays, weddings, holidays, cupcakes, and every celebration. There is something truly timeless about a classic vanilla cake. Soft, tender, buttery, and delicately flavored with vanilla, it has been the centerpiece of celebrations for generations. From birthdays and weddings to baby showers, anniversaries, graduations, and holiday gatherings, a beautiful vanilla cake has a way of bringing people together. Its simple elegance allows it to pair beautifully with fresh fruit, rich buttercream, colorful sprinkles, edible flowers, chocolate ganache, and countless other decorations that make every celebration unique. One of the greatest misconceptions about gluten-free baking is that cakes cannot be as light and tender as traditional cakes. Fortunately, that could not be further from the truth. With quality ingredients, accurate measurements, and a few simple baking techniques, a gluten-free vanilla cake can have an incredibly soft crumb, rich flavor, and beautiful rise that rivals any bakery cake. At Culibloom, every recipe is thoughtfully developed to make gluten-free baking approachable, dependable, and delicious. Whether you are baking for someone with celiac disease, gluten sensitivity, or simply choosing a gluten-free lifestyle, everyone deserves desserts that taste just as wonderful as their traditional counterparts. This recipe collection was created to give you the flexibility to bake with the ingredients you already have while producing exceptional results every time. Instead of sharing only one recipe, this collection features four reliable methods for baking a delicious gluten-free vanilla cake. The first recipe is a bakery-style cake made completely from scratch using individual gluten-free flours. Sweet rice flour, white rice flour, brown rice flour, and tapioca flour combine to create an exceptionally moist cake with a delicate crumb and outstanding flavor. This option is perfect for bakers who enjoy crafting recipes from the ground up. The second recipe uses a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, making preparation faster while still producing a cake with excellent texture and structure. It is a dependable everyday recipe that is equally suited for birthdays, holidays, and special occasions. The third recipe uses Measure for Measure gluten-free flour. Because this flour already contains the starches and binders needed for successful baking, it offers one of the easiest ways to prepare a consistently delicious vanilla cake. It is an excellent choice for beginner bakers or anyone looking for a simple, dependable recipe. The fourth recipe begins with a gluten-free vanilla cake mix. With a few homemade upgrades, including pure vanilla extract, sour cream, and rich homemade buttercream frosting, a simple boxed mix transforms into a beautiful celebration cake that tastes freshly baked from scratch. It is the perfect option for busy schedules without sacrificing flavor or presentation. Each cake pairs beautifully with the homemade vanilla buttercream frosting included in this collection. Light, creamy, and perfectly balanced, this frosting spreads smoothly, pipes beautifully, and creates a professional finish whether you are decorating an elegant layer cake, festive cupcakes, or a simple sheet cake. No matter which option you choose, these recipes are designed to help you bake with confidence. Whether you prefer measuring individual gluten-free flours, using an all-purpose blend, relying on Measure for Measure flour, or starting with a quality cake mix, you will have everything you need to create a moist, fluffy, bakery-quality vanilla cake that family and friends will request again and again. Prep Time 30 minutes Bake Time 20 to 35 minutes Cooling Time 45 minutes Total Time 1 hour 50 minutes Yield 8 to 12 servings
About the Recipe If you are looking for a beautiful gluten-free dessert that is packed with warm fall flavors, this Gluten-Free Honey Apple Bundt Cake with Cinnamon Glaze is a recipe you will want to make again and again. Filled with tender cinnamon-coated apples, naturally sweet honey, and a perfectly balanced gluten-free flour blend, this cake bakes into a moist and flavorful Bundt cake that is ideal for holidays, family gatherings, brunches, afternoon coffee breaks, or simply enjoying a slice on a cozy evening. The combination of fresh apples, honey, applesauce, and apple cider creates a cake that stays soft and moist for days. Every bite delivers layers of comforting flavor, from the sweet cinnamon apples tucked throughout the cake to the rich cinnamon glaze drizzled over the top. Unlike many gluten-free cakes that can become dry or crumbly, this recipe uses a carefully selected blend of sweet rice flour, white rice flour, tapioca flour, and brown rice flour to create a tender crumb that rivals traditional wheat-based cakes. Whether you are baking for Thanksgiving, Christmas, a fall celebration, or simply searching for the perfect gluten-free apple dessert, this Honey Apple Bundt Cake is guaranteed to impress. Prep Time 20 minutes Bake Time 40 to 45 minutes Cooling Time 1 hour Total Time 2 hours 5 minutes Yield 12 to 14 servings
Ingredients
2⅔ cups white rice flour
½ cup oat flour
1¾ cups granulated sugar
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
¾ teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon xanthan gum
1 cup plain full-fat yogurt
4 large eggs, room temperature
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
Equipment
Two 9-inch round cake pans
Or one 10-inch tube pan with a removable bottom
Or one 10 to 12-cup Bundt pan
Stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment
Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Cake Pans
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Position the oven rack in the lower third of the oven.
Grease the cake pan or pans generously with butter or baking spray. If using round cake pans, line the bottoms with parchment paper for easy removal.
Step 2: Mix the Butter and Flour Base
In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine the white rice flour, oat flour, sugar, softened butter, and salt.
Mix on medium speed for about 1 minute until the mixture resembles coarse brown sugar.
Step 3: Finish the Batter
Add the baking powder, baking soda, xanthan gum, yogurt, eggs, and vanilla extract.
Beat on medium-high speed for 2 to 3 minutes until the batter becomes smooth, creamy, and fluffy.
Step 4: Bake the Cake
Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pan or pans.
Bake layer cakes for 25 to 30 minutes.
Bake a Bundt or tube cake for 45 to 50 minutes.
The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with only a few dry crumbs attached.
Step 5: Cool and Remove the Cake
Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
For layer cakes, run a thin knife around the edges before carefully inverting each cake onto the cooling rack. Remove the parchment paper and turn the cakes right side up.
For a Bundt or tube cake, gently tap the pan on the counter to loosen the cake before carefully inverting it onto a cooling rack.
Orange Butter Cake Variation
Replace the vanilla extract with 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon finely grated orange zest and ¼ cup freshly squeezed orange juice.
Bake in two 9-inch round cake pans.
Once the cakes have cooled completely, spread apricot jam between the layers and top with lightly sweetened whipped cream before serving.
Holiday Butter Cake with Bourbon Glaze
Add 2 teaspoons freshly grated nutmeg to the batter before baking.
Bake the cake in a Bundt or tube pan.
Once completely cooled, whisk together:
1 cup powdered sugar
¼ cup bourbon
Pour the glaze evenly over the cake and allow it to set before slicing.
Gluten-Free Butter Cake Cupcakes
Line a standard muffin pan with 12 cupcake liners. Place 2 additional liners into ramekins or custard cups since this recipe makes enough batter for 14 cupcakes.
Fill each liner about two-thirds full.
Bake at 350°F for 20 to 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out almost clean.
Cool completely before decorating with buttercream, cream cheese frosting, whipped cream frosting, or your favorite glaze.
Notes
Use room-temperature butter, eggs, and yogurt for the smoothest batter and best texture.
Full-fat plain yogurt creates the richest flavor and helps keep the cake exceptionally moist.
Avoid overbaking to maintain a soft, tender crumb.
This gluten-free butter cake freezes beautifully. Wrap cooled cake layers tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing for up to 3 months.
The orange variation pairs wonderfully with fresh berries and whipped cream, while the bourbon glaze makes the holiday version perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and other festive occasions.
This cake also serves as an excellent base for buttercream frosting, cream cheese frosting, fruit fillings, or chocolate ganache.
Originally published
April 2026
Updated
August 2026
Reviewed by
Culibloom