Just because someone is gluten-free does not mean their birthday cakes can’t be exceptional! This delicious collection of Gluten-Free Birthday Cakes (20 Recipes and Cool Tips) will definitely are you with great recipes and ideas to make all gluten-free birthday celebrations extraordinary!
It’s birthday season in our household which means I need to gear up to bake gluten-free birthday cakes galore! Most gluten-eaters do not realize the luxury of ordering a birthday cake from a local bakeshop or grocery store. For some who are gluten-free, there are local bakeries offering gluten-free options (though often very expensive) but usually cakes need to be baked at home. This collection of gluten-free birthday cakes will ensure any homemade GF cakes are extraordinary!
My family has been gluten-free for almost 9 years. My son was 2 when we found out we needed to remove gluten from our diets and my daughter was just starting first grade. There was no way I was going to sacrifice the whimsy of whatever they fancied for their celebrations, and though not a cake decorator by experience I learned quickly and did not skip a beat.
We’ve traversed many types of cakes over the years. Mainstream layer cakes, made both from scratch and from gluten-free mixes. Eccentric, whimsical cakes such as an authentically smoking Volcano Cake using dry ice. Cakes made special by elaborate decorating touches such as my daughter’s Rose Cake from last year. Rose-flavored filled cupcakes. Owl cupcakes for school birthday treats. Requests for cakes that have struck fear in my heart such as last year’s request for a Lumpy Space Princess cake from the TV show Adventure Time. Mickey Mouse, Elmo, Disney Princesses have all been in the mix as well. Just because we cannot eat gluten does not mean we need to compromise on our birthday cakes!
PRO TIPs for Gluten-Free Birthday Cakes
Along the way I’ve picked up some great recipes as well as some tips that make it all a bit easier:
Fun Cake Pans Make the Most Simple of Cakes Special. For kids, Wilton makes fantastic character cake pans complete with instructions on how to decorate them. One year we had Bowling Alley parties and I found a cake pan with bowling pins that I was able to decorate using a simple star cake tip and purchased gluten-free frosting. It looked professional, the kids loved it (the gluten-eaters as well). Their pans may be purchased new online, as well at craft or baking supply stores. I’ve also found them on eBay when scouring for a particular character or theme, and thrift stores, where they are very affordable. Additionally Nordicware has wonderful themed pans which are sturdy and non-stick; beehives, hungry animals, castles, trains and many more.
It Doesn’t Have to Be From Scratch. Even Betty Crocker has gluten-free mixes now. There are times when pulling all the party details together that baking from scratch just isn’t possible. Use a trustworthy mix and don’t think twice about it.
The Internet is your Best Friend. I firmly believe any gluten-free recipe, decorating technique, decorating accents and supplies can be found on the internet. Fortunately with gluten-free awareness being so at the forefront of the food industry, it’s very easy to find out if the sprinkles you love or other edibles are ‘safe’. Quality mixes can be purchased from online from stores like Amazon.com where they are often less expensive and save you time running around looking for what you want and need.
Though my husband is not gluten-free he gets a gluten-free cake as well so we can all eat it. A favorite has been these versions of flourless Chocolate Decadence cakes from David Lebovitz. They are amazingly simple making me question why I spend $$$ buying them at the store. Well I don’t any longer, I make them myself.
Chocolate Idiot Cake {David Lebovitz} thusly named from his belief even an idiot couldn’t mess up this cake….
Chocolate Orbit Cake {David Lebovitz courtesy Scharffenberger}
We love a layer cake, don’t we? There is something quintessentially ‘birthday’ in a layer cake and here are some wonderful options for kids and adults alike:
Happy Day Cake with Strawberry Whipped Cream Frosting
The Best Hummingbird Cake (the most popular recipe on BoulderLocavore.com!)
Gluten-Free Strawberry Vanilla Layer Cake {MarlaMeridith.com}
Gluten-Free Birthday Cake {Lifetime Moms}
Sometimes, especially for kids, a little bit of whimsy and the unexpected is called for. Here are some ideas on that front:
Gluten-Free Flower Cake (and an Adventure Time Cake)
Pinata Cake {this cake was originally made for Halloween but the same approach can be used for other three dimensional pans}
Lastly, cupcakes. Not everyone wants a full birthday cake, or maybe cupcakes would be easier for a party or school treats:
Drunken Sailor Rum Cupcakes with Pineapple Frosting {best for adults due to the rum in the cupcakes}
Chocolate Sundae Cupcakes {Gluten Free Canteen}
Gluten free Shirley Temple Cupcakes {Simply Gluten-Free}
Ice Cream Sandwich Chocolate Wafer Cookies {Gluten-Free on a Shoestring}
This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Udi’s Gluten Free. The opinions and text are all mine.
Kiwi says
When I was an office coordinator at a tech company I was responsible for getting the monthly bday cakes and taking care of a co-worker who had celic disease. I learned about the gluten allergy then and so happy there are more options for people like her who want to still enjoy dessert.
Chei Pangan says
Oh these are really cool cakes! My cousin is starting a few months ago to sell cakes for a business. She will surely love this tips!
Jocelyn @ Hip Mama's Place says
I don’t exactly follow a gluten free diet but I like trying out gluten free recipes because they’re healthy and tasty! These cakes would be awesome to try.
Veronica Solomon says
I love how creative you can get with cakes. especially for kids! They all look so yummy
Autumn Reo says
By the way, I really enjoy your gluten-free options as a person that is a diehard gluten consumer! There are a lot of health reasons for going gluten-free but I like yours just because they look tasty. 🙂
Censie Sawyer says
YUM! What a great list. So may of these cake recipes look delicious. Will be sharing with my GF friends and family.
Kristi says
The hard part is deciding which one to make first. So many great ideas. Looks like I have enough ideas to last a while, which is a good thing. Thank you.
AnnMarie John says
I’ve never made a birthday cake before but I would love to give it a try especially since gluten free cakes are better for my family than the cakes we usually buy. I had no idea there were so many recipes!
Jasmine - Stylish Cravings says
Each and every one of these look so yummy and pretty! It’s impressive the amount of gluten free options avaiblae now a days.
Our Family World says
These are all amazing gluten-free cake recipes! Our family is not on any special diet, however, I would gladly share your link with friends and family who are on a gluten-free diet.
Kelly Reci says
What?! Gluten-free birthday cakes?! The Shirley Temple one seems really delicious – they would be so great for kids parties!
Jeanine says
This looks like a delicious list! I am looking for a perfect cake to make for when I get home after having baby and am rid of Gestational Diabetes. I’m confident I’ll find one or two on this list!
Toni Dash says
Wishing you well Jeanine!
Pam says
So many great options here. My daughter has Celiac, so she has to be gluten free. That means we need gluten free cakes for most celebrations.
Amy Desrosiers says
I really love the creativity this list boasts. It is really fun, and I agree that sometimes a cupcake suffices.
Toni Dash says
Thank you! Just as long as they aren’t Lumberjack cupcakes.
Liz Mays says
I’d love to try making the chocolate orbit cake for my daughter’s birthday. It actually sounds really easy!
Toni Dash says
I’ve made it and it IS AND it’s rich and delicious.
Allison Cooper says
What awesome ideas for anyone who can’t have gluten! No one should ever miss out on delicious birthday desert!
Toni Dash says
I agree!
PAM says
I agree. It is a bummer to be at a party and not have anything available to eat.
Melissa Chapman says
The volcano cake looked amazing and I wanted to dig right in now.I am not gluten free but this is a great resource for those who are and birthdays are so important.
Reesa Lewandowski says
I love how your gluten free recipes all sound so amazing! I need to try these!
Jeanette says
That looks just delicious. A friend of mine has to be gluten-free and she always struggles with stuff that she can eat that is “normal “. With her birthday coming up I think this would be a great surprise.
Stacie says
This is such a great resource for anyone who has to avoid gluten! It’s especially hard on kids when they can’t enjoy the kinds of treats that their friends can. I love it!
robin rue says
The more creative and unique a cake is, the better. I am always super impressed when I see a cake that is more of a work of art than a delicious treat.
Melissa Chapman says
These cakes really are works of art especially that volcano. It is good to know gluten free mixes are out there too.
Mame says
King Arthur flour also has gluten free cake and cookie mixes just go to their website or get their
catalog. Some of the grocery stores carry King Arthur products, especially in New England.
If you live in Vermont visit their factory.
Toni Dash says
Thanks for that info Mame. I don’t think I’ve seen them locally in Colorado. Another brand I really like for GF mixes is Pamela’s. Bake perfect every time.
Ashley @ Wishes & Dishes says
These are such pretty cakes!! Stumbling!