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Perfect Gluten-Free Red Velvet Flag Cake

gluten-free red velvet cake - featured image

A moist and tender gluten-free red velvet cake with cream cheese frosting, perfect for patriotic celebrations and everyday indulgence.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1¾ cups (210g) gluten-free all-purpose flour blend (recommended Bob’s Red Mill 1-to-1)
  • 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder (Dutch-processed recommended)
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk, room temperature (or dairy-free milk with 1 tablespoon lemon juice for vegan option)
  • ½ cup (120ml) vegetable oil
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon distilled white vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons red food coloring (gel-based preferred)
  • 8 ounces (225g) cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 cups (360g) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 8-inch cake pans with gluten-free flour or line with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, sift together gluten-free flour blend, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
  3. In a medium bowl, whisk sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, vanilla extract, vinegar, and red food coloring until fully blended.
  4. Alternate adding dry ingredients and buttermilk to the wet ingredients in three parts, beginning and ending with dry. Mix gently after each addition until smooth and thick but pourable.
  5. Divide batter evenly among prepared pans. Tap pans lightly to release air bubbles.
  6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Avoid opening oven frequently.
  7. Cool cakes in pans for 10 minutes, then invert onto wire racks to cool completely.
  8. Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and beat until light and fluffy. Add vanilla and salt, mix again.
  9. Assemble cake by spreading frosting between layers and over the top and sides. Decorate with flag pattern using frosting and food coloring as desired.

Notes

Use gluten-free flour blends containing xanthan gum or add ½ teaspoon separately for structure. Use room temperature eggs and buttermilk for best results. Avoid overmixing batter to prevent dense texture. Chill frosting if too warm before spreading. Level domed cake layers with serrated knife for professional finish. Bake layers back-to-back if only one oven pan is available.

Nutrition

Keywords: gluten-free, red velvet cake, cream cheese frosting, patriotic cake, Fourth of July dessert, dairy-free option, vegan option