Easy gluten free loaf cake: the words bring back memories of Sunday afternoons spent in my grandmother's kitchen. The aroma of vanilla and warm batter filled the air, a comforting scent that signaled love and togetherness. This easy gluten free loaf cake recipe is my attempt to recreate that magic, making a classic treat accessible to everyone. I know you'll love this easy gluten free loaf cake!
Table of Contents
Why You Will Love This easy gluten free loaf cake Recipe
This recipe isn’t just about baking a cake; it’s about creating moments. This recipe is incredibly simple and surprisingly quick. Sometimes, you just need a sweet treat and don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. This gluten free loaf cake delivers on both fronts.
What makes this recipe stand out is its moist crumb and delicate vanilla flavor. It's tender, buttery (or dairy free, if you prefer), and perfectly sweet. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile! You can add chocolate chips, berries, or a simple glaze to customize it to your liking. And those with gluten sensitivities can enjoy a comforting bake. My grandmother always said, “Good food is the best medicine,” and I think this cake comes pretty close. If you are looking for some smaller treats, check out my Easy Gluten Free Cupcakes recipe for some inspiration.
Ingredients Needed for This easy gluten free loaf cake Recipe
Here's what you'll need to create this delicious gluten free loaf cake:
- Gluten free all purpose flour: 2 1/2 cups (300g), plus extra for dusting
- Granulated sugar: 1 cup (200g)
- Baking powder: 2 1/2 teaspoons
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon
- Eggs: 2 large
- Milk: 1 cup (240ml), dairy or nondairy
- Vegetable oil: 1/2 cup (120ml)
- Vanilla extract: 2 teaspoons
- Optional glaze: 1 cup powdered sugar, 2-3 tablespoons milk, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
How to Make This easy gluten free loaf cake Recipe
Follow these easy steps to bake your very own gluten free loaf cake:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and lightly flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan with gluten free flour. Make sure to get into the corners!
In a large bowl, whisk together the gluten free flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. This ensures that the baking powder is evenly distributed, which is critical for a good rise.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Make sure everything is well combined, as this will help create a smooth batter.
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix! Overmixing can lead to a tough cake.
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread evenly.
Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top of the cake starts to brown too quickly, you can loosely cover it with aluminum foil. Baking can vary based on the oven, just keep an eye on it!
Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Be patient; this helps the cake set properly.
If making a glaze, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Pour over the cooled cake. For a richer flavor, you can also bake some Easy Gluten Free Brownies.

How to Serve This easy gluten free loaf cake Recipe
This gluten free loaf cake is wonderful served warm or at room temperature. A simple dusting of powdered sugar can elevate the presentation.
Try pairing a slice with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or fresh berries. For a cozy afternoon treat, enjoy it with a cup of hot tea or coffee. Get creative with toppings like chocolate shavings, chopped nuts, or a drizzle of caramel sauce. You could even serve it with a light lemon curd for a tangy contrast.
Follow us on Pinterest for more delightful dessert ideas!
How to Store This easy gluten free loaf cake Recipe
To keep your gluten free loaf cake fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can refrigerate it for up to a week.
For longer storage, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, and freeze it for up to 2 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before serving. Reheat individual slices in the microwave for a few seconds if desired.
Tips to Make This easy gluten free loaf cake Recipe
For the best results, use a high quality gluten free all purpose flour blend that contains xanthan gum. This helps to bind the ingredients and create a structure similar to traditional wheat flour.
If you don't have milk, you can substitute with equal parts of yogurt or sour cream. Make sure your baking powder is fresh; old baking powder can lead to a flat cake. Don’t open the oven frequently as it’s baking, as this can lower temperature. Try adding a teaspoon of lemon zest for a bright, citrusy flavor.
Helpful Notes for This easy gluten free loaf cake Recipe
The baking time may vary depending on your oven, so keep a close eye on the cake towards the end of the baking time. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean when done.
Make sure all of your ingredients are at room temperature for the best results, this will help the ingredients combine evenly. If you are avoiding dairy, ensure your milk is nondairy like almond milk!
Variation of This easy gluten free loaf cake Recipe
Get creative with this recipe! Try adding chocolate chips, blueberries, or raspberries to the batter for a fruity twist. You could also swirl in a spoonful of jam or nut butter for added flavor.
During the fall, consider adding pumpkin puree and spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves for a seasonal treat. You might also enjoy Gluten Free Carrot Cake 2 during the holidays. For a richer cake, replace some of the vegetable oil with melted butter.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes this loaf cake gluten free?
This loaf cake recipe uses a gluten-free flour blend instead of traditional wheat flour, making it suitable for individuals with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease. Be sure to use a blend specifically designed for baking.
Can I use different flavors in this easy gluten free loaf cake?
Yes! You can easily customize the flavor by adding citrus zest, chocolate chips, or different extracts like almond or lemon. Consider adding a glaze to further enhance the flavor profile.
How do I store the gluten-free loaf cake?
Store the cooled loaf cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also freeze slices of the cake for longer storage; wrap them individually before freezing.
What kind of gluten-free flour works best?
A blend of gluten-free flours specifically formulated for baking works best. Look for a blend that contains xanthan gum or add it separately as it helps to bind the ingredients and provide structure to the loaf cake.
Conclusion
I hope this easy gluten free loaf cake becomes a staple in your kitchen, just like it is in mine. Baking is therapy, a way to connect with our ancestors, and a beautiful way to show love. Whether you're gluten free or not, this cake is sure to impress. So go ahead, give this easy gluten free loaf cake a try and let me know how it turns out. Happy Baking!
Easy Gluten Free Loaf Cake: Your New Go-To Recipe!

A simple and delicious gluten free loaf cake, perfect for afternoon tea or a sweet treat. Easy to make and customize with your favorite flavors!
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 55 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Yield: 10 servings
Category: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free
Nutrition:
Protein: 3g
Carbs: 40g
Fat: 12g
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups (300g) gluten free all purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup (240ml) milk, dairy or nondairy
- 1/2 cup (120ml) vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- Optional glaze: 1 cup powdered sugar, 2-3 tablespoons milk, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the gluten free flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread evenly.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- If making a glaze, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Pour over the cooled cake.
Notes
- For best results, use a gluten free all purpose flour blend that contains xanthan gum. Baking time may vary depending on your oven. Adjust as needed. Store in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator.
