Easy gluten free cupcakes are a delightful treat, perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or just because you deserve something sweet. These aren't your average dry, crumbly gluten free desserts; they're moist, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make. I remember baking dozens of cupcakes with my grandmother when I was little, the kitchen filled with the sweet scent of vanilla and sugar. Those memories inspired me to create this recipe for easy gluten free cupcakes that everyone can enjoy, regardless of dietary restrictions. This recipe creates a deliciousness that can be found anywhere!
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Why You Will Love This easy gluten free cupcakes Recipe
You'll adore these easy gluten free cupcakes because they're delightfully simple to whip up. Forget complicated instructions and long ingredient lists! This recipe uses readily available ingredients and straightforward steps, making it perfect for beginner bakers and busy families. The taste is simply divine, boasting a tender crumb and a rich vanilla flavor that will have everyone asking for seconds.
What makes this recipe especially special is that nobody will ever guess they're gluten free. The texture is light and airy, just like traditional cupcakes. It’s the perfect way to indulge without sacrificing flavor or catering to specific dietary needs. Plus, the customizable sprinkles make it fun for any occasion!
Follow us on Pinterest for more gluten free baking inspiration!

Ingredients Needed for This easy gluten free cupcakes Recipe
For the Cupcakes:
- 1 ½ cups gluten free all purpose flour blend (with xanthan gum)
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¾ cup buttermilk
For the Frosting:
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- ¼ cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Sprinkles, for decoration
How to Make This easy gluten free cupcakes Recipe
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12 cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the gluten free flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agents for a better rise.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This step is crucial for creating a tender crumb.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. Be sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is properly combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Do not overmix, as this can lead to tough cupcakes. If you are looking for information on easy gluten free cupcakes check this out!.
- Fill each cupcake liner about ¾ full.
- Bake for 18 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cupcakes cool in the muffin tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- While the cupcakes are cooling, prepare the frosting. In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add the milk and vanilla extract, mixing until the frosting reaches your desired consistency. Add more milk if needed.
- Once the cupcakes are completely cool, frost them with the vanilla frosting and decorate with sprinkles. Enjoy your easy gluten free cupcakes! Consider how these compare to Easy Gluten Free Cupcakes 2.
How to Serve This easy gluten free cupcakes Recipe
These easy gluten free cupcakes are fantastic on their own, but you can easily elevate them for any occasion. Serve them with a scoop of your favorite ice cream for an extra special treat, or pair them with a cup of hot coffee or tea.
For a festive touch, try drizzling the cupcakes with melted chocolate or caramel. You can also get creative with the toppings, adding fresh berries, chopped nuts, or even edible glitter. Don't forget to check out Easy Gluten Free Cupcakes 3 for further inspiration!.
How to Store This easy gluten free cupcakes Recipe
To keep your easy gluten free cupcakes fresh and delicious, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for up to 5 days.
If you want to freeze the cupcakes, wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then store them in a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. To thaw, simply unwrap the cupcakes and let them sit at room temperature for a few hours.
Tips to Make This easy gluten free cupcakes Recipe
- Ingredient Swaps: If you dont have buttermilk, you can easily make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice to ¾ cup of milk. Let it sit for a few minutes until it curdles slightly.
- Success Tips: Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature for best results. This will help the ingredients combine more evenly and create a smoother batter.
- Common Mistakes to Avoid: Overmixing the batter is a common mistake that can lead to tough cupcakes. Mix until just combined, and dont worry about a few small lumps.
- Pro Tips for Best Results: For extra moist cupcakes, you can add a tablespoon of applesauce or sour cream to the batter.
Helpful Notes for This easy gluten free cupcakes Recipe
When choosing your gluten free flour blend, make sure it contains xanthan gum, which helps to bind the ingredients together and create a texture similar to that of traditional cupcakes. If your blend doesn't contain xanthan gum, you can add ½ teaspoon to the dry ingredients.
I like to use a stand mixer for making the frosting, but you can also use a hand mixer or even a whisk, as long as your butter is soft enough.
Variation of This easy gluten free cupcakes Recipe
- Seasonal Twists: Add pumpkin spice to the batter for a fall inspired treat, or peppermint extract for a festive holiday cupcake.
- Optional Versions: Try adding chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit to the batter for extra flavor and texture.
- Creative Modifications: Get creative with the frosting! Try different flavors like chocolate, strawberry, or lemon. You can also add food coloring to create colorful cupcakes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I make gluten free cupcakes moist?
Using ingredients like applesauce, sour cream, or oil can help keep gluten free cupcakes moist. Be careful not to overbake them.
What is the best gluten free flour for cupcakes?
A blend of gluten free flours, including rice flour, tapioca starch, and potato starch, often works best for achieving the right texture. Look for a blend specifically designed for baking.
Can I use regular frosting on gluten free cupcakes?
Yes, most frosting recipes are naturally gluten-free, but be sure to check the ingredient labels to ensure there are no hidden gluten-containing additives.
How do I prevent gluten free cupcakes from being crumbly?
Adding xanthan gum to your gluten free cupcake batter can help bind the ingredients together and prevent them from crumbling. Also, make sure your wet and dry ingredients are well combined.
Conclusion
These easy gluten free cupcakes are a foolproof way to satisfy your sweet cravings without the gluten! So, grab your baking supplies, follow the simple steps, and create a batch of these delicious treats for your next gathering. Let me know how your easy gluten free cupcakes turn out in the comments below!
Easy Gluten Free Cupcakes: The Ultimate Guide!

Moist and delicious gluten free vanilla cupcakes with a creamy vanilla frosting. These easy cupcakes are perfect for parties or everyday treats!
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 12 cupcakes
Category: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Diet: gluten-free
Nutrition:
Protein: 3g
Carbs: 32g
Fat: 12g
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups gluten free all purpose flour blend (with xanthan gum)
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¾ cup buttermilk
- For the Frosting:
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- ¼ cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Sprinkles, for decoration
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12 cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the gluten free flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
- Fill each cupcake liner about ¾ full.
- Bake for 18 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cupcakes cool in the muffin tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- While the cupcakes are cooling, prepare the frosting. In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add the milk and vanilla extract, mixing until the frosting reaches your desired consistency. Add more milk if needed.
- Once the cupcakes are completely cool, frost them with the vanilla frosting and decorate with sprinkles.
Notes
- For extra moist cupcakes, add a tablespoon of applesauce or sour cream to the batter. \nIf you don’t have buttermilk, you can substitute it with 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice added to ¾ cup of milk. Let it sit for a few minutes until it curdles slightly.
