Gluten-Free Red Velvet Cake

Recipe by King Arthur Test Kitchen
15 Reviews 3.5 out of 5 stars

This mildly chocolate layer cake is moist, tender ... and a bright burgundy red, its color being its most memorable aspect. Buttercream frosting adds a nice touch of richness. 

We know you’ll love this gluten-free version of our Red Velvet Cake recipe, a long-time favorite here on our site. Substituting Gluten-Free Measure for Measure Flour for the flour in that original yields a high-rising, tender, flavorful layer cake that’s sure to be a hit with friends and family following a gluten-free diet. Enjoy!

Prep
45 mins
Bake
30 to 35 mins
Total
1 hr 35 mins
Yield
one 8" round cake, 2 layers high
Gluten-Free Red Velvet Cake - select to zoom
Gluten-Free Red Velvet Cake - select to zoom
Gluten-Free Red Velvet Cake

Instructions

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  1. To make the cake: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly grease two 8" pans, then line the bottom with parchment rounds, and lightly grease the parchment.

  2. Beat the butter and sugar until well combined. Add the eggs one at a time, beating after each addition.

  3. Stir in the food color, cocoa, salt, baking soda, and vinegar.

  4. Beat in the flour alternately with the buttermilk or yogurt, beginning and ending with the flour. The point is to keep the mixture smooth, which is more easily accomplished if you add the flour and yogurt in portions.

  5. Scoop the stiff batter into the pans; wet your fingers or a rubber spatula, and spread it to cover the bottom of the pans, smoothing the top a bit in the process.

  6. Bake the cakes for 30 to 35 minutes, until the tops feel set and a toothpick or cake tester inserted into the center comes out clean.

  7. Remove the cakes from the oven, and allow them to cool for 10 minutes before turning them out of the pans onto a rack to cool completely.

  8. To make the frosting: Beat together the butter and shortening until fluffy. Stir in the salt and vanilla.

  9. Add the confectioners' sugar and milk, and beat thoroughly.

  10. Scrape the sides and bottom of the bowl. Adjust the consistency of the frosting as needed by adding more sugar or milk. If you're not going to use the frosting right away, keep it at room temperature, covered, to prevent it from developing a crust.

  11. When the cake is cool, place one layer on a serving plate, and spread it generously with frosting. Top with the second layer, and frost the top. We like to show off the lovely contrasting colors of this cake by frosting only the top, not the sides, but feel free to frost the entire cake if you like.

  12. Serve cake in wedges. Store any leftovers, well wrapped, at room temperature for a day or two; freeze for longer storage.

Tips from our Bakers

  • While most agree on the recipe for the cake itself — yes, red food coloring is a key element — red velvet cake's frosting is another matter. Some say the traditional frosting was based on a cooked flour-and-water paste, to which sugar and butter are added. Some say only cream cheese frosting will do. Since this is such a '50s cake, we've chosen to offer it with good old-fashioned buttercream icing, the type supermarket cakes are frosted with. If none of these three icing suggestions floats your boat, select your own favorite.

  • Be aware: Some of your baking ingredients can be a hidden source of gluten. Learn more at our blog post: For gluten-free baking, think beyond just flour. For additional information on King Arthur-produced products, read the complete details of our allergen program, including our contact-prevention practices.

Baker’s Resources