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    Home » Recipes » Gluten Free Baking

    Published: Aug 10, 2020 · Modified: Sep 6, 2023 by Jen Wooster

    Gluten-Free Spice Cake (Dairy-Free Option!)

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    Glute free spice cake on a cake plate.
    Glute free spice cake on a cake plate.
    gluten free spice cake recipe for pinterest

    A moist homemade gluten-free spice cake that is filled with comforting spices and the rich flavor of molasses. This easy cake recipe doesn’t require a mixer, just follow my step-by-step guide.

    Gluten Free spice cake decorated with oranges and powdered sugar.

    Please read the entire post for tips and tricks to ensure a perfect recipe every time. And don't forget to tag @peelwithzeal on Instagram so we can admire your creation!

    This post may include affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.

    If you haven't had spice cake before, you are in for a treat! Making it from scratch is easier than you think, no need for a boxed cake mix. 

    This GF cake is fantastic with a dusting of sugar, a glaze, or a creamy frosting. It’s going to be your new favorite winter and holiday cake. Perfect for cold weather days and elegant enough to be served as a Christmas dessert along with a glass of mulled wine.

    Jump to:
    • 📖Why This Recipe Works
    • 🧾Ingredient Notes
    • ⏲️How to Make Gluten-Free Spice Cake
    • 🎂 GF Spice Cake Tips
    • 🍰 How to Store Your Cake
    • 🧁 More Gluten-Free Cake Recipes
    • 💭 Frequently Asked Questions
    • 📖 Recipe
    • ⭐Reviews

    📖Why This Recipe Works

    Bold Flavor- To be fair some might call this a molasses cake. And others will swear it is a gingerbread cake. I think this delicious spice cake recipe is where the Venn diagram of those three cakes intersect. It is the perfect cake to make when you can't decide between a spice cake, a molasses cake, and a gingerbread cake.

    The molasses gives the cake a deep, almost fudgy, flavor. And if that is your thing, definitely check out my special GF gingerbread men. 

    Easy to Make Dairy-Free- You might notice in the pictures that I made this cake free from dairy for the photoshoot. This recipe will work dairy-free and I highly recommend it. 

    Double Levening Agents- To get the proper rise and fluffy crumb you need both baking soda and baking powder in this recipe. 

    🧾Ingredient Notes

    This cake may be rich and intensely flavored but there are no hidden surprises when it comes to the ingredients.

    gluten free spice cake ingredients on a table.

    Gluten-Free Flour Glend- Any blend will do as the base of this cake is fairly basic.  I suggest buying a blend like Pillsbury's all-purpose GF flour blend or Bob's Red Mill that already includes the xanthan gum. Single flours, like almond flour or oat flour do not work in this recipe. 

    Xanthan gum- Must be added to all gluten-free baked goods to mimic the structure of gluten.

    Baking Powder and Baking Soda - Yes, you must use both, no substitutes. 

    Spices -We use all ground dried spices in this cake including ginger, cinnamon, and clove.  If you don't have the individual spices you can use 3 ½ teaspoons of pumpkin pie spice. 

    Sugar- I typically always bake with coconut sugar not just for its lower glycemic index but also for its earthy flavor. Any granulated sugar works in this recipe. A 1:1 ratio. I don't recommend brown sugar in this recipe. 

    Molasses- Using blackstrap molasses is going to make the cake less sweet overall. If you want a sweeter less exotic cake, try old-fashioned molasses. It is delicious either way!

    Butter- WNot dairy-free? Regular unsalted butter can be used in this recipe.

    Eggs- Let your eggs sit at room temperature while you prep the remaining ingredients. 

    Milk- Any type works. 

    Vanilla Extract- Or use vanilla powder or vanilla paste.

    Garnishes- All garnishes are optional. I prefer powdered sugar and our candied orange slices but without the chocolate. Other options include whipped cream, cream cheese frosting, ice cream, or even a dark chocolate drizzle.

    Gluten-Free Dairy-Free Spice Cake Variation

    You only need to replace the milk and butter. I use vegan butter from Earth Balance but any dairy-free butter will work. I like almond milk in this recipe. 

    Vegan Spice Cake Variation

    To make this recipe vegan make the adjustments for dairy and substitute flax eggs.

    Combine one tablespoon of ground flaxseed meal with three tablespoons of water. This is for one flax egg so you will need to double for this recipe.

    ⏲️How to Make Gluten-Free Spice Cake

    This spice cake is a basic gluten-free cake recipe. Dry ingredients, and wet ingredients, combine and rest. But with a twist.

    We are going to warm our wet ingredients to dissolve the sugar in the molasses.

    For the cake pans, you can use 2 regular 8-inch round cake pans to make a layer cake, a bundt cake pan, or a 9x13 pan to make a sheet cake. Just adjust the times slightly. 

    I use a springform pan to make getting it out easy.

    greased springform pan on a counter

    Start by preheating your oven to 350 F degrees and lightly grease a springform pan.

    dry ingredients mixed together in white bowl

    Combine all the dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl. Set aside.

    whisking butter into warm molasses mixture

    Place a medium-sized saucepan over low to medium heat. Add the molasses and sugar, whisking constantly until sugar has melted. Whisk in butter one tablespoon at a time. Remove from heat to cool for a few minutes. 

    Adding butter to molasses mixture, off heat

    Add the milk, eggs, and vanilla to a small bowl. Whisk to combine. Pour the milk mixture into the warm sugar mixture. Whisking constantly to prevent the eggs from scrambling.

    combining wet and dry ingredients

    Slowly pour the warm mixture into the dry ingredients. Fold the batter until no lumps remain. The batter will be thick. Allow the cake batter to rest for 15 minutes to hydrate the flour.

    batter in pan before baking

    Pour the batter into your cake pan and evenly spread. The cake is done when your cake tester (i.e. a toothpick) comes out clean. Usually 35 to 40 minutes.

    Cake resting in the pan on a wire rack.

    Cool on a wire rack in the pan.

    cooled cake

    Carefully remove the cooled cake from the pan and garnish or frost as desired. 

    🎂 GF Spice Cake Tips

    • This cake comes together quickly, pre-measure all your ingredients before starting.
    • Don't skip resting the batter. Gluten-free cakes benefit from rehydrating the flour before cooking.
    • Allow the cake to completely cool in the pan. This could take a couple of hours.
    • For an extra gingery cake, add ⅓ cup diced candied ginger to the batter.

    🍰 How to Store Your Cake

    This cake is gluten-free and dairy-free. As long as it is not frosted, the cake can be kept at room temperature for 3 to 5 days. Cover with cake cloche or loosely cover with plastic wrap.

    If the cake is frosted store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

    A piece of gluten-free spice cake on a fork.

    🧁 More Gluten-Free Cake Recipes

    • slice of chocolate cake with white frosting on a blue plate.
      Gluten-Free Dark Chocolate Cake
    • Carrot cake cut into slices.
      Healthy Carrot Cake (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free)
    • gluten free banana cake on a plate
      Gluten-Free Banana Cake (Dairy-Free)
    • Chocolate cake on a cake plate, cut into pieces.
      Chocolate Souffle Cake (Flourless)

    💭 Frequently Asked Questions

    Can this spice cake be made egg-free?

    Yes, substitute 2 flax eggs or use a commercial egg replacer. 

    Can I Use This Recipe To Make GF Cupcakes?

    Yes, just scoop the batter into lined muffin tins and reduce baking time to 20-22 minutes.

    Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment. It helps other wonderful people connect with our food.

    📖 Recipe

    Glute free spice cake on a cake plate.

    Gluten-Free Spice Cake

    Soft and moist, this gluten-free spice cake recipe has hints of ginger, cinnamon, and clove. The perfect balance of sweetness and spice. This gluten-free cake can be made dairy-free.
    Servings: 12
    Prep: 20 minutes mins
    Cook: 40 minutes mins
    Resting Time 15 minutes mins
    Total: 1 hour hr 15 minutes mins
    5 from 10 votes
    PRINT PIN SAVE

    Equipment

    • Springform pan
    • Large mixing bowl

    Ingredients
      

    Dry Ingredients

    • 3 cups gluten-free flour blend
    • ¼ teaspoon xanthan gum omit if your flour already has
    • 2 teaspoons baking powder
    • 1 teaspoon baking soda
    • 2 teaspoons ground ginger
    • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
    • ½ teaspoon ground clove
    • ½ teaspoon kosher salt

    Wet Ingredients

    • 1 cup molasses I used blackstrap but old-fashion will give a lighter flavor and color
    • 1 cup granulated sugar use coconut sugar or white sugar
    • 12 Tablespoons unsalted butter see notes for dairy free
    • 2 eggs beaten
    • 1 cup milk see notes for dairy free
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
    • powdered sugar optional garnish
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Instructions
     

    • Preheat the oven to 350 F degrees. Lightly butter a 10-Inch springform pan. Or two 8-inch round pans for a layer cake
    • Combine all the dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl. Set aside.
      3 cups gluten-free flour blend, ¼ teaspoon xanthan gum, 2 teaspoons baking powder, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 2 teaspoons ground ginger, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, ½ teaspoon ground clove, ½ teaspoon kosher salt
    • Place a medium-sized saucepan over low to medium heat. Add molasses and sugar. Whisk constantly until sugar has melted. Whisk in butter one tablespoon at a time. Remove from heat.
      1 cup molasses, 1 cup granulated sugar, 12 Tablespoons unsalted butter
    • Add the milk, eggs, and vanilla to a small bowl. Whisk to combine. Pour the mixture into the warm mixture. Whisking constantly.
      2 eggs, 1 cup milk, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
    • Slowly pour the warm mixture into the dry ingredients. Whisk until no lumps remain. The batter will be thick. Rest the batter for 10 to 15 minutes.
    • Pour the batter into the springform pan and evenly spread. Bake until the center is set and a toothpick comes out clean, about 40 minutes.
    • Allow the cake to cool completely before removing from the pan. Dust with powdered sugar or frost as desired.
      powdered sugar
    Rate this Recipe

    Video

    Notes

    1. The cake can be kept at room temperature for 3 to 5 days. Cover with cake cloche or loosely cover with plastic wrap.
    2. If you frost your cake then you need to refrigerate.
    3. If you generally find blackstrap molasses too bitter use regular old-fashioned molasses. It will make for a sweeter cake. The cake will be lighter in color than my version. 
    Gluten-Free Dairy-Free Cake
    • Substitute vegan butter and almond milk. 
     

    Nutrition

    Calories: 323kcal | Carbs: 55g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 11g | Fiber: 3g
    Author: Jen Wooster
    Course:: Dessert
    Cuisine: American, British
    Keyword gluten free cake, gluten free gingerbread cake, gluten free pumpkin spice cake, gluten free spice cake, gluten-free dairy-free cake recipes, molasses cake
    Tried this recipe?Tag us @peelwithzeal so we can see your creation!

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    234 shares
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      Recipe Rating




    1. Debra says

      December 19, 2022 at 9:37 am

      5 stars
      Just wondering what size of springform pan is recommended?
      Great recipe, thx!

      Reply
      • Jen Wooster says

        December 20, 2022 at 11:40 am

        I use a 9 inch pan. But you can use a 10 inch as well.

        Reply
    2. Anna says

      February 21, 2022 at 4:40 am

      5 stars
      I really liked this, will be making it again today x

      Reply
      • Jen Wooster says

        February 21, 2022 at 7:57 am

        5 stars
        Thanks for the review, so glad you enjoyed.

        Reply
    3. Kristy says

      December 22, 2020 at 3:05 pm

      5 stars
      All flavors of Christmas in one delightful cake.

      Reply

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    Glute free spice cake on a cake plate.
    Glute free spice cake on a cake plate.
    gluten free spice cake recipe for pinterest

    Greetings!

    picture of Jen

    My name is Jen and I am the recipe developer, writer, and photographer around here. Since being diagnosed with celiac disease over 10 years ago I have been slowly curating a recipe box full of gluten-free goodness. I adore vegetables, crave chocolate, and I am always up for an adventure.

    More About Me...

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    Glute free spice cake on a cake plate.
    Glute free spice cake on a cake plate.
    gluten free spice cake recipe for pinterest

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