Gluten Free Red Velvet Cake with Dairy Free Frosting
Can you think of anything more classic and iconic than red velvet cake? There’s something both so happy but also elegant about that vibrant slice of cake crowned in a fluffy cloud of cream cheese frosting. This Gluten Free Red Velvet Cake with Dairy Free Frosting is sure to become a new favorite in your home.

When it comes to reinventing a classic, especially a dessert so beloved, and making it both Gluten Free and Dairy Free, it always takes multiple tries and tweaks. I am excited to share this recipe with you.
Texture and Taste
Tender, moist, decadent, and rich…each of these words perfectly describe Gluten Free Red Velvet Cake with Dairy Free Frosting. There’s something about sinking your fork into that first bite and just feeling how soft it is as the crumbs cling to the prongs. You know you’re in for a bite of pure bliss.
Part of what makes this cake so unique is its color. Yes, part of that is thanks to the addition of red food coloring, but it’s also due to the chemical reaction between vinegar and cocoa powder. Not only does the vinegar draw out the natural red from the cocoa, it also lends to that tender moist bite.
While some recipes call for buttermilk for that balance of tang and acid, I am using Dairy Free sour cream in this cake. Not only does it provide flavor, it helps give this cake the most incredible texture.
When it comes to red velvet cake the frosting is just as important as the cake itself. We’re sticking with the classic cream cheese frosting but updating it making it Dairy Free. Creamy, silky, and a little tangy, it’s the perfect accent to the sweet cake.
Baking Up Your Gluten Free Red Velvet Cake with Dairy Free Frosting
Skip the box mix because this cake is just as easy. Crack a couple eggs, mix up a little batter, and you will be waiting in anticipation to frost this crimson confection.
- Make sure your Dairy Free butter is at room temperature. This is true for both the cake itself and the frosting. In addition have your Dairy Free cream cheese at room temperature when mixing your frosting. This will allow everything to come together easily and smoothly, keeping it lump free.
- Preheat your oven to 350 and spray your 8″ round pans with nonstick baking spray.
- Mix your sugar, butter, eggs, vanilla, shortening, and sour cream well. You want everything fully combined and smooth.
- Add your remaining ingredients and mix until just combined.
- Divide your batter between the two cake pans. Bake for 25=30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Always allow your cakes to come to room temperature before frosting them.
Are you looking for more classic recipe updates? Make sure to check out my recipe for Gluten and Dairy Free Chocolate Bumpy Cake. Now let’s bake a Gluten Free Red Velvet Cake with Dairy Free Frosting!

Gluten Free Red Velvet Cake with Dairy Free Frosting
Equipment
- Mixing Bowl
- 2 8" round cake pans
Ingredients
Red Velvet Cake
- 2 1/2 cups Gluten Free 1.1 flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 cup Dairy Free butter, room temperature
- 2/3 cup shortening
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup Dairy Free sour cream
- 3 tbsp cocoa powder
- 1 tsp white vinegar
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 oz red food coloring
Cream Cheese Frosting
- 16 oz Dairy Free cream cheese, room temperature
- 1 cup Dairy Free butter, room temperature
- 5 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
Red Velvet Cake
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray 2 8" round cake pans with nonstick baking spray and set aside.
- Add your eggs, sugar, butter, sour cream, shortening, and vanilla extract to a bowl and mix well until everything is fully combined.
- Add your remaining ingredients and mix until just combined.
- Divide the batter between the two prepared cake pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Allow to cool completely before frosting.
Cream Cheese Frosting
- Add all of the ingredient to a mixing bowl. Mix until creamy and smooth.
- To assemble the cake, add a layer of frosting to the top of the first cake. Stack the second cake on top and add the remaining frosting on top. Smooth over the top and down the sides.
- Slice and enjoy!