By Wendy Stoltz / Last Modified On March 27, 2023
A tender, sweet and spicy Gluten-Free Gingerbread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting.
This gluten free gingerbread cake recipe is easy to whip up and is perfect with a dusting of powdered sugar, cream cheese frosting, or vanilla buttercream frosting.
This gingerbread cake recipe was inspired by my Gluten Free Pumpkin Cake. If you like this gingerbread cake, you'll also love this Gluten-Free Spice Cake.
For more recipe ideas check out my Gluten Free Desserts.
Gluten Free Gingerbread
I'm super excited to share my newest cake recipe with you! This gluten free gingerbread cake is incredibly tender and has the perfect balance of spices and molasses.
This gluten-free gingerbread cake recipe only uses one bowl, a few measuring cups and spoons, a whisk, and a 9×13 baking pan.
It takes less than 15 minutes to whip up and it bakes in about 30 minutes, making it simple with minimal cleanup.
As mentioned, you can dust this gluten free gingerbread cake with powdered sugar, frost it with a smooth cream cheese frosting (recipe below) or frost it with a rich buttercream frosting.
All three work really well with the flavors.
Is Molasses Gluten Free?
Yes, molasses is gluten free. Always double check ingredients. Some brands of molasses may add extra ingredients and formulas may change.
Working with Gluten-Free Flours
When working with or measuring gluten-free flour, spoon the flour into the measuring cup and level. Do not scoop your measuring cup into the gluten-free flour.
The best method really is to weigh the gluten-free flour but I don't have the ingredient weights for all my recipes yet.
How to make gluten free gingerbread cake
- Measure out dry ingredients and add them to a large mixing bowl. Whisk until combined.
- Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients.
- Whisk until combined and all the ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Pour your gluten free gingerbread cake batter into a 9×13 pan and level with the back of a rubber spatula.
- Bake as directed, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Don’t over-bake.
- Frost and serve.
For the full list of ingredients in this gluten free gingerbread cake, please see the recipe below.
Cream Cheese Frosting
For this easy gluten free gingerbread cake recipe, I’ve included the recipe for my cream cheese frosting.
Most cream cheese frosting recipes are similar, but I tend to use less cream cheese and more butter in mine, giving the frosting a lighter texture.
You can use my cream cheese frosting recipe, or your favorite cream cheese frosting recipe.
I’ve testing this gluten free molasses cake with my Gluten Free Flour Blend and Bob’s Red Mill 1-to-1 gluten Free Flour Blend (not the all purpose gluten free flour blend, it doesn't work in my recipes).
Can I make this gingerbread cake dairy-free?
Yes, you can make this gluten free gingerbread cake dairy-free. Use a dairy-free milk in the cake batter and top it with a dairy-free frosting.
If you want to make a dairy-free cream cheese frosting try this Vegan Cream Cheese Frosting.
Can I substitute the eggs?
I haven't tried substituting the eggs in this gluten free gingerbread cake recipe. If you do, please come back and let me know how it turned out.
More Gingerbread Recipes
Gluten Free Gingersnaps - Perfectly spicy, and not too sweet, these Gluten Free Ginger Snaps are perfect for the holidays.
Gluten Free Gingerbread Donuts - Tender, fluffy donuts with hints of ginger, cinnamon, and cloves - the ultimate gingerbread treat. These gingerbread donuts are super simple to make and they are incredibly delicious.
Gluten Free Gingerbread Cake - This gluten free gingerbread cake recipe is easy to whip up and is perfect with a dusting of powdered sugar, cream cheese frosting, or vanilla buttercream frosting.
Gluten Free Gingerbread Coffee Cake - This tender, flavorful, Gluten-Free Gingerbread Coffee Cake will warm you from the inside out. The rich flavors of cinnamon, ginger, and molasses give this gingerbread coffee cake it's delicious flavor.
Chocolate Gingerbread Bars - Gluten-Free Chocolate Gingerbread Bars are a fun way to enjoy traditional gingerbread, but with a chocolaty twist. These gluten free gingerbread bars are tender, flavorful, and perfectly sweet.
No Bake Gingerbread Cheesecake - Gluten-Free No-Bake Gingerbread Cheesecake that's simple to make and full of gingerbread flavors.
If you're more of a cookie person you'll want to make these Gluten Free Gingerbread Chocolate Chip Cookies.
Did you make this gluten free gingerbread cake? Please stop back by and let me know what you thought. Leave a comment below and a starred rating.
Gluten-Free Gingerbread Cake
A tender, sweet and spicy Gluten-Free Gingerbread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting. This gluten free gingerbread cake recipe is easy to whip up and is perfect with a dusting of powdered sugar, cream cheese frosting, or vanilla buttercream frosting.
Ingredients
For the Gingerbread Cake:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose gluten-free flour (I used Bob's Red Mill 1:1 Gluten Free Baking Flour)
- 2 teaspoons gluten-free baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 cup canola oil (or oil of choice)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup dark brown sugar, packed
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 cup molasses (fancy or regular works best)
- 1 ½ teaspoon gluten-free vanilla extract
- ½ cup milk
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 4 ounces full-fat cream cheese, room temperature (½ block)
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature
- 3 ½ cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2-4 tablespoons milk
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan; set aside.
- Add dry ingredients to a large mixing bowl. Whisk until combined.
- Add the remaining ingredients to the dry ingredients.
- Whisk until combined and all the ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Pour cake batter into your prepared pan.
- Bake for 30-32 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- For the cream cheese frosting: add room temperature cream cheese and room temperature butter to a large mixing bowl. Beat on medium speed with an electric beater until smooth and creamy. Add in powdered sugar one cup at a time, alternating with the milk. Add in remaining powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla and continue to mix until the frosting is smooth and creamy.
- When the cake cools, frost the cake, slice and enjoy.
Notes
- I’ve testing this gluten free molasses cake with my Gluten Free Flour Blend and Bob’s Red Mill 1-to-1 gluten Free Flour Blend (not the all purpose gluten free flour blend).
- Dairy-Free Option: Use a dairy-free milk in the cake batter and top it with a dairy-free frosting.
Aletha
Has anybody made the gingerbread cake and baked in a Bundt pan........
Thank you
chrystal
Hi Aletha,
I haven't tried making this into a bundt cake yet but here's what I would do.
Poor into pan. Tap sides to help it settle.
Bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool in pan for 10 minutes before removing from pan to a wire rack.
Best,
Chrystal
Lindsay
Hi Chrystal, this cake sounds delicious! I’m sure this recipe could be made into cupcakes, right?
Thanks for sharing!
Lindsay
chrystal
Hi Lindsay,
Yes! Baked them for 18-20 minutes, but start with 18 and check them. 🙂
Best,
Chrystal
Laura
So does the gluten free flour you used in this recipe have xanthan gum? Xanthan gum causes digestive issues for me. Looking for a way to make it without it.
chrystal
You can use my blend (the first or second) for this recipe. You don't' need then xanthan for this recipe.
Best,
Chrystal
Laney Bryenton
This was a delicious cake. Probably the best I have baked in 30 years of living gluten free- thanks!
chrystal
I'm so glad you loved it! Thank you for taking time to stop by and let me know.
Best,
Chrystal
TigerRainbow
Beautifully delicious! I think I’ll measure half the sugar next time... any thoughts?
chrystal
You can definitely reduce the sugar. I haven't tried only adding half the amount.
Best,
Chrystal
Brenda
Can you add fresh ginger as well to the recipe?
chrystal
Yes, you can add fresh ginger 🙂
Best,
Chrystal
Andrea Richardson
Hello. I made this delicious recipe gluten free & vegan! I followed recipe & substituted soy milk & for eggs I substitued 2Tbsp Arrowroot powder & 2 Tbsp water per egg. So it called for 4 eggs so I used 8 Tbsp Arrowroot and 8Tbsp water mixed together. Baked the same time & temp & it came out beautifully!
chrystal
I am so glad! Thank you for sharing what you used.
Best,
Chrystal
Uche
Hi,
Can I use Pamela’s gluten free all purpose flour for this recipe?
chrystal
It should work. Make sure to spoon the flour into the measuring cup and then level it.
Best,
Chrystal
Brends
Question. The top kept getting too well done. Tried turning oven down but still too brown. Any tips?
chrystal
Does your oven run too hot? You can check with an oven thermometer. You can also move the oven rack down and/or loosely cover the cake with foil half way through baking.
Best,
Chrystal
Toni
can you freeze this cake?
chrystal
Yes, it stays good in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Best,
Chrystal
Toni
Thank you very much I am going to make a few to keep for later.
Abigail Machson-Carter
Any advice on bake time if halve the recipe?
chrystal
Start with 22 minutes and then watch it from there.
Best,
Chrystal
Melanie D.
Thank you! I love Gingerbread Cake and just made this. It was very delicious!
Simone
I made this cake today and used flax eggs instead of real eggs and 1/2 cup of warm water instead of milk and it turned out so moist! Yummm!
Glo
I made the ginger bread and it was wonderful. It was fluffy and light and 2 inches high. The only change I did was to up the spices as we like a spicy ginger bread.
Kristi
Substitutions- I used 1/2c avocado oil, 1/2c applesauce or oil, reduced sugar to 1/4c honey, and used flax eggs. It turned out ok- not too sweet. Next time I will play around with spice level. I think it needs a bit more cinnamon and cloves.
Joss
Hello - I am not gluten free as a rule, but bake that way when I can since I have a lot of friends who are. (And eating GF is never a bad thing!) I agree with other posters that this is one of the best GF cake recipes I've ever tried. So now I have the reverse question, since I'm not really an experienced baker - can I use regular flour in the same proportions? I've never reversed a recipe this way. Thank you!
chrystal
Hi Joss,
I am so glad you like it. I haven't tried regular flour myself, but it should work.
Best,
Chrystal
Joss
It worked *great.* Although I must admit - I liked the GF version better!
Dóra
Dear Chrystal,
Thank you for this recipe it looks delicious, unfortunately where I live it's not easy to buy molasses, can you suggest any other substitute for it, would honey or maple syrup work? Thank you for your answer in advance.
chrystal
Hi Dora,
I don't have a good substitution at this time. You might like my chai cupcakes, it's a similar recipe but doesn't use molasses.
Best,
Chrystal
Mary
I made this gingerbread cake for our Christmas dessert tonight. Absolutely delicious. I used Caputo gluten free flour and had to bake it a little longer but it was unbelievable. I made the cake gluten and dairy free and made regular cream cheese frosting and dairy free cream cheese frosting so everyone was happy. I definitely will be making this again.
Fiona Rushworth
Can I use a Freee gluten free plain or self raising flour. I'm trying to use blend that aren't predominantly rice flour ?
chrystal
This cake recipe will work with most blends that use rice flour, tapioca, and potato flour. I haven't personally tested it with a blend that doesn't use rice flour. Oat flour might work in place of the rice flour. Do you have access to a blend that uses oatflour mixed with other gluten free flours and starches?
Best,
Chrystal
Sharon
Oh no! I failed to put in baking powder…did 2 tsp of baking soda!!
chrystal
Fingers crossed it turned out okay.
Best,
Chrystal
Kelly
Made this for my Penderwicks book club today - all the kids loved it!!! Served it with whipped cream and strawberries, just like in the book, and it was a huge hit. Thank you so much!
Wendy Stoltz
Thanks, Kelly, for sharing. How special!