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/ Last Modified On August 7, 2023This gluten-free spice cake is a warm and comforting dessert that's perfect for fall, winter, and any time of the year too! It's a delicious blend of warm spices of cinnamon, ginger, and pumpkin pie spice combined with the nutty flavor of almond flour. The cake has a tender crumb and is topped with a rich cream cheese frosting, making it the perfect dessert for any occasion.
If you're looking for delicious gluten-free cakes to try, you must check out these recipes. This gluten-free pumpkin cake is a perfect fall treat, then this gluten-free chai coffee cake is another must-try, with a unique combination of chai spice and coffee flavors. And if you're a fan of bananas, you'll love the gluten-free banana cake, which has a tender crumb and a rich banana flavor.
Udemy has some great gluten-free cooking courses! Upskill your kitchen game with them now!
Gluten-Free Spice Cake Recipe
This gluten-free spice cake recipe is perfect for anyone looking for a warm and comforting dessert to enjoy during the fall and winter months.
One of the great things about this cake is that it's easy to make and requires only a few ingredients. This cake has both a moist and tender crumb, while the brown sugar and spices add a depth of flavor that's hard to resist. The cream cheese frosting is also easy to make and can be whipped up in just a few minutes. It adds a rich and creamy layer that perfectly complements the spice flavors.
Overall, this gluten-free spice cake recipe is a crowd-pleaser. Whether you're looking for a dessert to serve at a gathering or simply want to enjoy a slice with your coffee or tea, this cake is a perfect choice.
Why You’re Going to Love This Gluten-Free Spice Cake
Unique and Warm Flavors - This gluten-free spice cake recipe is the perfect blend of warm spices such as cinnamon, ginger, and pumpkin pie spice that give it a unique and comforting flavor profile. These spices complement each other perfectly, making this cake a perfect treat to enjoy on a chilly day.
Easy to Make - This cake is incredibly easy to make and requires only a few simple ingredients. Even if you're not an experienced baker, you can follow the recipe easily and create a delicious dessert that will impress your family and friends.
Moist and Tender Crumb - The combination of gluten-free plain flour and almond flour gives this cake a moist and tender crumb that is hard to resist. The cake is not overly sweet, which allows the spices to shine through, making it a perfect dessert for those who prefer a subtle sweetness.
Ingredients in Gluten-Free Spice Cake
For The Cake
Flour - 1 cup gluten-free plain flour and 1 cup almond flour. These make a moist and tender crumb.
Sugar - ⅓ cup brown sugar.
Baking powder - 1 ½ tsp baking powder.
Seasoning and spices - 1 tsp cinnamon, ½ tsp ground ginger, 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice, and ⅓ tsp salt. This combination makes up the spice profile of the cake.
Butter - ½ cup melted butter that is unsalted.
Eggs - 2 eggs at room temperature.
Vanilla paste - 1 tsp vanilla paste.
For The Cream
Cream cheese - ½ cup cream cheese.
Sugar - 3 tbsp powdered sugar.
Cream - ½ cup whipping cream.
Equipment Needed for This Gluten-Free Spice Cake
Mixing Bowls - You'll need at least two mixing bowls, one for the dry ingredients and one for the wet ingredients.
Whisk or Hand Mixer - You'll need either a whisk or a hand mixer to combine the wet and dry ingredients together. Mixing the ingredients well ensures that the cake has an even texture and is fully combined.
Baking Dish – Use a 9x13-inch baking dish.
Spatula or Spoon - You'll need a spatula or a spoon to spread the cream cheese frosting onto the cake. A silicone spatula is ideal for this task because it allows you to spread the frosting smoothly.
Piping bag and star nozzle - The piping bag and star nozzle can be used to create beautiful designs and swirls on top of the cream cheese frosting. This adds a decorative element to the cake and makes it look even more impressive.
If you have any questions about making Gluten-Free Spice Cake, please leave a comment, and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
How to Make Gluten-Free Spice Cake
- Preheat the oven to 380F. Pour all dry ingredients into a bowl and mix.
- In another bowl, mix melted butter, eggs, and vanilla paste.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients bowl and mix to fully combine, and you get a smooth cake batter.
- Put the batter in a baking dish and put it in the oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes. Then let it cool for 20-30 minutes.
- When the cake is almost ready, make the cream. Pour cold cream into a bowl, and add the cream cheese and powdered sugar.
- Beat with a mixer for 30-40 seconds until a thick, lush cream is obtained.
- When the cake has cooled down, you can spread it with the cream.
- Use a spatula or spoon to spread the cream. You can also make a little more cream and apply it with a piping bag with a curly nozzle to decorate it for a special occasion.
Tips for Making the Best Gluten-Free Spice Cake
Ensure the ingredients are at room temperature - Ensure the eggs, butter, and cream cheese are at room temperature.
Don't overmix the batter - Always mix the ingredients so they are combined and then stop, or else the batter will not have a soft crumb.
Let the cake cool - Ensure it has cooled completely before icing it. If it is still warm, the icing will melt.
Add the cream cheese frosting - The cream cheese frosting balances the flavors.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do I Store Gluten-Free Spice Cake?
Store the GF spice cake for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Use an airtight container.
Can I Freeze Gluten-Free Spice Cake?
Yes, you can freeze gluten-free spice cake. Wrap it first and then place it in a freezer-safe container. It can be stored for 3 months.
Can You Make This Gluten-Free Spice Cake Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can. I like to make the GF spice cake and cream a day ahead of time. The following day I then frost it had serve it.
What Substitutions / Replacements Can I Make in This Gluten-Free Spice Cake?
Vegan - In order to make this cake vegan, you will need to replace the eggs, butter, cream cheese, and whipping cream with vegan alternatives. I have not tried this.
Egg-free - Try an egg replacer.
Pumpkin Pie Spice - If you don't have pumpkin pie spice, you can make your own by mixing cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and allspice in equal proportions.
What Pan Do You Use For This Gluten-Free Spice Cake?
I have used a 9x13-inch baking dish. You can also use two 8" round cake pans.
What Makes Up A Spice Cake?
A spice cake typically has warm spices that create a comforting and flavorful cake. These spices are cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, allspice, and cloves. Some spice cakes may also include dried fruit, nuts, or chocolate chips for added texture and flavor.
What's The Difference Between Gluten-Free Spice Cake And Carrot Cake?
The main difference is that carrot cake has, you guessed it grated carrots added to it. The spices in the carrot cake are usually cinnamon and nutmeg.
Can I Use This Gluten-Free Spice Cake Mix Recipe To Make Cupcakes?
Yes, you can. But this is so easy to make from scratch I do not feel it is necessary and worth the expense.
How Do I Know When My GF Spice Cake Is Ready?
Insert a toothpick or cake tester into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with a few crumbs attached, the cake is done. Or you can gently press the center of the cake with your finger. If it springs back, it's done.
How Do You Keep Gluten-Free Cake Moist?
Gluten-free cakes are prone to drying out, so it's important to store them properly to keep them moist. One way to do this is to wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store it in the refrigerator. Another way is to brush the cake with a simple syrup or flavored syrup before frosting it, which will help keep it moist
Gluten-Free Spice Cake
This gluten-free spice cake is a warm and comforting dessert that's perfect for fall, winter, and any time of the year too! It's a delicious blend of warm spices.
Ingredients
For The Cake
- 1 cup gluten-free plain flour
- 1 cup almond flour
- ⅓ cup brown sugar
- 1 ½ tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground ginger
- 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
- ½ cup melted butter
- 2 eggs
- ⅓ tsp salt
- 1 tsp vanilla paste
For The Cream
- ½ cup cream cheese
- 3 tbsp powdered sugar
- ½ cup whipping cream
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 380F. Pour all dry ingredients into a bowl and mix.
- In another bowl, mix melted butter, eggs, and vanilla paste.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients bowl and mix to fully combine, and you get a smooth cake batter.
- Put the batter in a baking dish and put it in the oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes. Then let it cool for 20-30 minutes.
- When the cake is almost ready, make the cream. Pour cold cream into a bowl, and add the cream cheese and powdered sugar.
- Beat with a mixer for 30-40 seconds until a thick, lush cream is obtained.
- When the cake has cooled down, you can spread it with the cream.
- Use a spatula or spoon to spread the cream. You can also make a little more cream and apply it with a piping bag with a curly nozzle to decorate it for a special occasion.
Notes
- It is better to store the cake in the refrigerator so that the cream doesn't melt.
- Be sure to use large eggs. The butter and eggs (60g each) combined should equate to one cup of liquid. The batter is like a pancake batter but slightly thicker.
Recommended Products
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Bob's Red Mill Resealable Gluten Free All Purpose Baking Flour, 22 Ounce (Pack of 2)
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Blue Diamond Almonds Blue Diamond Almond Flour, Gluten Free, Blanched, Finely Sifted, 48 oz
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Pyrex Smart Essentials 3-Piece Prepware Mixing Bowl Set, 1-Qt, 1.5-Qt ,and 2.5-Qt Glass Mixing Bowls, Dishwasher, Microwave and Freezer Safe
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OXO Good Grips 11-Inch Balloon Whisk
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Hamilton Beach 6-Speed Electric Hand Mixer with Whisk, Traditional Beaters, Snap-On Storage Case, White
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PYREX 3QT Glass Baking Dish with Blue Cover 9" x 13" (Pyrex)
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ChefAide 4 Pieces Silicone Spatula Set, Food Grade Rubber Spatula, Upgrade Strong Handle with Ergonomic Grip, Heat Resistant Up to 600°F for Nonstick Cookware, Cooking Baking Mixing
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RICCLE Disposable Piping Bags 12 Inch - 100 Anti Burst Pastry Bags - Icing Piping Bags for Frosting - Ideal for Cakes and Cookies Decoration
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Ateco Open Star Pastry Stainless Steel Cake Decorating Tubes/Nozzles/Tips, Sizes 0-9 (827)
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
8Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 269Total Fat: 21gSaturated Fat: 8gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 12gCholesterol: 79mgSodium: 345mgCarbohydrates: 16gFiber: 2gSugar: 12gProtein: 7g
This nutrition info is based on the exact ingredients and brands used at the time. It may not be 100% accurate. Please check your ingredients nutrition labels.
Karen
I am so excited to try this. I haven’t had spice cake since I was a kid. Can I use Bob’s 1-1 gf baking flour?
Wendy Stoltz
Hi Karen,
I have not tested it with baking flour. This recipe used plain(all-purpose flour) and almond flour.
Katie
Hi! I made this recipe, but I am wondering if there is another “wet” ingredient that is missing - it doesn’t create a batter… instead it’s more of a damp crumble. Thank you!
Wendy Stoltz
Hi Katie,
Apologies for the delay. I needed to confirm with the team. We are sincerely sorry for the mistake in the recipe. The correct amount of melted butter is 1/2 cup. We have rectified the recipe to reflect the accurate measurement.
Olivia
We tried this recipe and it was very dry
The batter was sticky and more like cookie or pizzele dough
Olivia
Is the recipe correct with no milk?
Wendy Stoltz
Hi Olivia,
Yes it is.
Wendy Stoltz
Hi Olivia,
Sorry to hear that the gluten-free spice cake recipe didn't turn out as expected. Dryness can be a common issue when it comes to gluten-free baking, as gluten helps provide structure and moisture to baked goods. Here are a few suggestions to help improve the texture and moisture of your cake:
Flour Blend - Ensure you're using a high-quality gluten-free flour blend specifically designed for baking. Different brands may yield different results, so it's worth experimenting with different blends to find the one that works best for you.
Mixing Technique - Be mindful not to overmix the batter, as this can result in a denser and drier texture.
Baking Time and Temperature - Check the recommended baking time and temperature for the recipe and make sure your oven is properly calibrated. Overbaking can contribute to dryness, so consider reducing the baking time slightly or lowering the oven temperature if necessary.
Remember that gluten-free baking often requires some experimentation and adjustments to achieve the desired texture. Don't be discouraged by one dry cake—keep trying, and you'll eventually find a technique that works best for you.
JULIANA
Hi, I followed your recipe and was presented with a solid loaf, not a batter. I read through the other comments and second all the comments: this was EXTREMELY dry. I have added 1 cup almond milk and 1/2 cup maple syrup and am hoping for the best.
Wendy Stoltz
Hi Juliana,
I've checked with our recipe developer and the amount of liquid in the recipe should equate to about 1 cup. Please check the size of eggs you used where large, so 60g each and the butter makes it one cup. The consistency of the batter needs to be like pancake batter or a little thicker as a guide.
Thanks
J Watson
I also found it to be very thick. We added one cup of milk and it's now more like a dense cake consistency. Also put it in a 9x9 which was perfect.
Wendy Stoltz
Hi J,
How do you measure your flour?
J
In a dry measuring cup.
Wendy Stoltz
Hi J,
Do you dip the entire cup into the flour or use a spoon and spoon it into the cup?