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Vegan Gluten-Free Funfetti Birthday Cake

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Vegan Gluten-Free Funfetti Birthday Cake. This classic birthday cake is a kid’s dream. It is sweet, moist, light, fluffy and is sure to impress both kids and adults at any party. Both vegan and gluten-free so anybody can enjoy it!

Vegan funfetti birthday cake with sprinkles and vanilla buttercream

*This post contains affiliate links, see my disclosure policy here.

VEGAN GLUTEN-FREE FUNFETTI BIRTHDAY CAKE

Sprinkles are always super fun. This Vegan Gluten-free Funfetti Birthday Cake has got to be one of my favorite cakes I’ve made. Not only because of the classic birthday cake flavor I created, but the texture is fabulous. Gluten-free cakes tend to have nasty textures, but this one is fantastic.

I love a classic vegan vanilla cake but this funfetti cake is so fun and the perfect excuse to break out the sprinkles! I don’t really use sprinkles, maybe once a year, if even that. They are not healthy, but since it is such a rare, rare thing I would use, I don’t stress over those small things in life. Besides, it’s cake, not exactly health food to begin with.

This cake is everything a birthday cake should be. It is perfectly moist, sweet, light, tender, fluffy and doesn’t taste healthy or vegan or gluten-free, period.

It’s also cause for a mini-celebration as I recently hit over 100k followers, a little over 102k as of this morning. I never in a million years thought that many people would be interested in my blog and recipes, so thank you so much for the support.

Vegan funfetti cake on white cake stand with yellow napkin

My daughter helped me decorate some with the sprinkles, so that’s why they are a bit messy, lol. She was going just about insane waiting for me to finish the photos so we could slice it. I tested this cake both in 6 inch pans and 8 inch, which you will see in the photos. The 6 inch of course made the cake layers taller, but they didn’t cook through as well, so 8 inch is better and a more traditional size of layers.

Remember these Fluffy Buttermilk Pancakes? Remember I said I was going to turn it into a cake? Well, when I got that request for a funfetti one around the same time, I knew it would be the perfect time to do it. I can’t even tell you how amazing it turned out! It took some adjusting of the ratios but it all worked out perfectly after a few trials.

VEGAN VANILLA BUTTERCREAM FROSTING

THIS FROSTING. Y’all, this Vegan Vanilla Buttercream Frosting is to-die-for. It’s silky smooth, creamy, buttery, perfectly sweet and so easy to make, without using oil or butter. I used a combo of my Vegan Strawberry Coconut Butter “Buttercream” Frosting and Cashew Vanilla Frosting as inspiration. I’m not a huge fan of the flavor of coconut,  yet I LOVE this frosting. The coconut flavor is very mild and it tastes freaking amazing. I rarely use powdered white sugar, but I added a small amount to help lend to that classic buttercream frosting taste and help with the structure. Remember, I want this cake to taste as close to traditional funfetti cake as possible, just healthier.

Slice of vegan funfetti cake on green plate and fork

Fork slicing into vegan funfetti cake with vanilla buttercream

Fork holding a bite of vegan funfetti cake slice on green plate

HOW TO MAKE A VEGAN FUNFETTI CAKE

For this super easy Vegan Gluten-free Funfetti Cake, you will need:

  • blanched almond flour
  • white rice flour
  • potato starch
  • baking powder
  • lite canned coconut milk
  • maple syrup
  • vanilla extract
  • vegan sprinkles

Vegan funfetti cake on white cake stand Closeup side view of vegan funfetti cake with lots of sprinkles

Since most sprinkles at the stores are not vegan, I found this Etsy shop called Sweetapolita, where this lady makes the MOST beautiful sprinkles I’ve ever seen in my life and she has a ton of vegan options.

Cut slice of double layer vegan funfetti cake

EASY VEGAN FUNFETTI CAKE IN 1 BOWL

Seriously, this cake is ridiculously easy. The cake recipe is just 8 ingredients (+ salt) and the Vanilla Buttercream Frosting is just 6 ingredients. The cake is all done in just 1 bowl too! If you have a go-to frosting you typically use for cake, then by all means, use it, but I’d highly encourage to try this one.

OTHER VEGAN GLUTEN-FREE CAKE RECIPES

  • Vanilla White Wedding Cake
  • Easy Vegan Lemon Cake (6 Ingredients!)
  • Cinnamon Caramel Bundt Cake
  • Vegan Lemon Cake
  • Chocolate Peppermint Cake
  • Gluten-free Vanilla Cake
  • Vanilla Chocolate Chip Cake
  • Gluten-free Vegan Cranberry Bundt Cake
  • Cinnamon Cream Cheese Bundt Cakes
  • Best Vegan Vanilla Cupcakes (not gluten-free)

Vegan funfetti birthday cupcakes with pink sprinkles

Update: I’ve recently just made these as cupcakes and they are SO GOOD and fast. Listed in the directions now. I did a mini version of the frosting, but added yogurt too and turned it into a glaze more than a frosting. So good!

Vegan Gluten-Free Funfetti Birthday Cake

Brandi Doming
This classic funfetti cake is both vegan and gluten-free, but out-of-this-world delicious. It is lacking in nothing and full of everything we love in a party cake. Sweet, moist, light, delicious and topped with a wonderful sweet frosting. This one kids, and adults, will love!
4.95 from 39 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 25 minutes mins
Total Time 35 minutes mins
Course Dessert
Cuisine American, Gluten-free, Vegan
Yields 2 layer 8 inch cake

Ingredients

For the Cake

  • 1 1/2 cups (168g) blanched almond flour (See below NOTE)
  • 1 1/2 cups (240g) white rice flour, I use Bob's Red Mill (brown rice flour does not work here, the white is crucial for structure and taste)
  • 3/4 cup (120g) potato starch, not potato flour (THIS CANNOT BE SUBBED or the texture will be ruined)
  • 4 teaspoons double-acting baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 1 1/4 cups (400g) pure maple syrup
  • 1 1/4 cups (300g) canned "lite" coconut milk, shaken first (highly recommend Thai Kitchen for best results, it's 100% creamy and never chunky)
  • 2 tablespoons (30g) vanilla extract
  • 8 tablespoons (80g) vegan sprinkles

VANILLA BUTTERCREAM (This has a slight coconut taste. Use my regular buttercream below if you want it traditional.)

  • 2 cups (460g) melted liquid coconut butter (this is simply pureed coconut)I highly recommend buying this instead of making your own, as it is much smoother. I recommend Maranatha brand or Dastony from Whole Foods. Make sure the only ingredient is coconut.
  • 1 cup (240g) plant milk (I used "lite" coconut milk)
  • 1 cup (320g) pure grade A maple syrup (grade B will make the frosting darker)
  • 6 tablespoons (96g) RAW cashew butter (NO added oil)
  • 8 tablespoons (60g) vegan powdered sugar
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla powder (I use this white powder instead of extract to keep the frosting whiter.)
  • Use this frosting if you prefer a traditional style buttercream

NOTE

  • Always use a scale for accuracy when baking, following MY gram weights listed. You never need cups, just the scale and bowl and make sure to zero out in between each ingredient.
  • I use this scale.

Instructions
 

  • This cake is best made the day of the party so it is moist and has the best structure, but will still be delicious if made the night before, just leave covered well at room temperature. The frosting can be made the day before, just remove it from the fridge an hour or so before needing to frost the cake. 
  • Preheat your oven to 350°F and lightly spray two 8 inch round cake pans (with 2 inch tall sides) and line with a round piece of parchment paper just on the bottoms. I used coconut oil nonstick spray. OR, to make as cupcakes, line 20 paper liners in a muffin pan.
  • To a very large bowl, weigh each flour (zeroing out in between) and add to the bowl the almond flour, rice flour and potato starch. If you absolutely must use measuring cups, scoop the flours out with the cup and lightly pat down each flour making sure there are no gaps, then level off. Add the baking powder and salt and whisk really well.
  • To the same bowl, add the syrup, milk and vanilla. Whisk again for at least a minute until it becomes completely smooth and thickens a bit. It is a thin batter, not a thick one. Stir in the sprinkles. Pour the batter evenly among the 2 pans. Give it a jiggle to smooth out.
  • Bake both cakes on the same rack with a couple inches in between them for best results for 25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out totally clean. For cupcakes, they are done in 20-22 minutes. You don't want any wet batter. Should be clean, a couple of DRY crumbs are ok. Leave in the pan for 30 minutes (10 for cupcakes), no exceptions, or it can crack if removed too early. Place a piece of parchment paper on a cooling rack and invert it over the cake pan and flip the cake over and release. Leave to fully cool 1 hour.

FOR THE FROSTING

  • Make sure all the ingredients are at room temperature. Otherwise, the coconut butter can harden if your other ingredients are cold. If your coconut butter is hardened, melt it to a complete runny liquid, like an oil consistency. Heat it in the microwave for 15-30 seconds and stir to get it thoroughly mixed and smooth, be very careful not to burn it. 
  • Add it to the food processor and quickly add the remaining ingredients. Process until completely smooth. It will be VERY runny at this step, but will firm up in the freezer. Pour into a bowl and place in the freezer for 20-30 mins until it's firm enough to whip.
  • If it gets too hard, just let it sit at room temperature until it softens back up. Whip just a few minutes until fluffy. Spread a thick layer onto the top of the bottom cake, place the next cake on top and frost the top and sides as desired.

Notes

  • It's crucial to use a superfine blanched almond flour because it is what makes the cake so moist and light and fluffy. I do not have luck with Bob's Red Mill, but love King Arthur, Honeyville, Wellbees, Nature's Eats, Heb brand (in TX) all work well.
  • I tested this cake both in 6 inch pans and 8 inch, which you will see in the photos.  The 6 inch of course made the cake layers taller, but they didn't cook through as well, so 8 inch pans yield a much better texture and a more traditional size of layers.
  • Nutrition stats do not include frosting since different frostings are suggested. Nutrition based off of 12 slices. per cake slice (without frosting) based off 12 slices.
Keyword vegan funfetti cake, vegan gluten-free funfetti cake, vegan birthday cake

Filed Under: Cake, Dessert, Gluten Free Tagged With: almond flour, Best, Birthday, Buttercream, Cake, Frosting, funfetti, Gluten-free, Icing, Oil free, Potato starch, Rice flour

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Comments

  1. Rebecca @ Strength

    July 28, 2016 at 2:06 pm

    O but didn’t you know? Funfetti calories don’t count…EVER! 😉

    Reply
  2. Maddie

    July 28, 2016 at 4:26 pm

    Love this recipe! I’ll definitely have to try it for a friend who is allergic to gluten.

    Do you have any recipes that are nut free, in addition to vegan and/or gluten free?

    Reply
    • brandi.doming@yahoo.com

      July 28, 2016 at 5:53 pm

      Hi Maddie! As far as cakes or desserts in general? I have many! But, here is my other really popular nut-free cake!

      https://staging.thevegan8.com/2016/06/29/vegan-gluten-free-vanilla-chocolate-chip-cake/

      Reply
  3. Leta

    July 28, 2016 at 4:54 pm

    Where did you find the fork? I love it/ I gotta have it

    Reply
    • brandi.doming@yahoo.com

      August 3, 2016 at 3:23 am

      Hi Leta! Here is where I ordered it 🙂 You can customize anything you want. I have many pieces and love them. http://forsuchatimedesigns.com/

      Reply
  4. Natalie | Feasting on Fruit

    July 28, 2016 at 5:19 pm

    You don’t even know how excitedly I’ve been waiting to see a sprinkle-filled email in my inbox from you. It is absolutely perfect! I would’ve been right there with Olivia–can we cut it yet pleassseeeee!?!? Plus the inside is so pretty and colorful, just like the funfetti from a box. If only the pancake batter had worked, that would be the most versatile batter ever ha. But I can still see many similarities in ingredients and definitely a similarity in big time fluff factor. And this frosting. Oh man, I know I could gain five pounds off that! I really love the way you decorated it too. And that fork is taunting me. I want to fork, you have no idea how much I really want to!!! lol 😀 Beautiful creation, you are on a cake roll!

    Reply
    • brandi.doming@yahoo.com

      August 4, 2016 at 4:57 pm

      Thank you so much Natalie!! You are so sweet! Cakes are my favorite to make of course, lol. Yes, that frosting is super fattening, but oh boy is it incredibly delicious!!

      Reply
      • Name*

        June 27, 2017 at 3:32 pm

        Can you make your funfetti cake into cup cakes?

        Reply
  5. Annie

    July 28, 2016 at 6:08 pm

    Any kid would go wild for that cake, Brandi! It just says “celebrate” and “eat me” :-)!! Love the bright splashes of color in the cake.

    Reply
    • brandi.doming@yahoo.com

      August 4, 2016 at 4:58 pm

      Thank you so much Annie!

      Reply
  6. Jenn

    July 28, 2016 at 6:10 pm

    Awww, you made me a birthday cake – how sweet! 🙂 My birthday is next week (the big 4-0) and I think this will be just perfect! Haha! Seriously, looks amazing, Brandi!

    Reply
    • brandi.doming@yahoo.com

      July 30, 2016 at 6:05 pm

      Haha! Oooh happy early birthday girl!! Perfect way to celebrate, thank you Jenn 😉

      Reply
  7. Becky

    July 28, 2016 at 6:21 pm

    What a gorgeous cake, Brandi! And I love the video.

    Reply
    • brandi.doming@yahoo.com

      July 30, 2016 at 6:04 pm

      Thank you Becky!

      Reply
  8. Mandy

    July 28, 2016 at 6:42 pm

    OMG!!!!!! Over 100k?!?! Congratulations, girl!! ❤️❤️❤️ I am SO proud of you and love your outlook – followers is such an icky word to me, so it’s nice to hear how you view the number. But this cake…it’s GORGEOUS!!! And tell Olivia that we think she did an awesome job with those beautiful sprinkles ? I remember during all of the trials for Willow’s birthday cake and gaining weight from all the calories! Haha!! I absolutely cannot wait to try this recipe! Oh! I just recently found King Arthur’s almond flour and it’s become my favorite!!! Congrats, again, my friend!!! Definitely something to be proud of. Your blog is beautiful and this cake is just amazing!! XO

    Reply
    • brandi.doming@yahoo.com

      July 28, 2016 at 8:16 pm

      Thank you so much my sweet friend!! You are so kind! Yes, I hate the word followers too, prefer to call them readers and even friends, and yes, it’s totally about the overall picture of how many more people are transitioning to eating more vegan/cruelty-free food! Thank you so much Mandy! I love King Arthur almond flour, so good!

      Reply
  9. Angela @ Canned Time

    July 28, 2016 at 8:11 pm

    Fabulously bright and cheery! I love how th e sprinkles look on the white icing and I’m sure they taste as good as they look!

    Reply
    • brandi.doming@yahoo.com

      July 30, 2016 at 6:04 pm

      Thank you Angela! I love thow they look too, sprinkles are just too much fun and make you feel like a kid again!

      Reply
  10. Florian @ContententednessCooking

    July 28, 2016 at 9:08 pm

    Brandi, you’ve outdone yourself! This is such a beautiful cake to celebrate! Now I’m totally craving funfetti cake, deal! Big congrats to you to reach the over 100 K followers so happy and excited for you! You do an amazing job my friend, love seeing all your new and fantastic creations!

    Reply
    • brandi.doming@yahoo.com

      July 30, 2016 at 6:03 pm

      Thank you so much Florian, I’m so glad you like it! Thank you so much for your kind words!!

      Reply
  11. Linda @ Veganosity

    July 28, 2016 at 10:57 pm

    I’m so excited to learn that there are vegan sprinkles in the universe! So exciting!

    This cake looks delicious, Brandi!

    Reply
    • brandi.doming@yahoo.com

      July 29, 2016 at 3:42 am

      Ha! Yes, and amazing ones at that…some vegan brands are so muted and ugly and I can’t have ugly sprinkles in my cake, lol! Thank you, Linda!

      Reply
  12. Hannah

    July 29, 2016 at 1:22 am

    This is so gorgeous, and literally the cake of my dreams! I ask for a funfetti cake every year for my birthday because to me birthdays are dull without sprinkles :). Also, congrats!

    Reply
    • brandi.doming@yahoo.com

      July 30, 2016 at 5:55 pm

      You are the sweetest! Cake of your dreams? Awesome, then run and go make it! Can’t wait to hear what you think Hannah!

      Reply
  13. Anna

    July 29, 2016 at 11:00 am

    Congratulations on 100k Brandi!!! How amazing is that?!? And this cake!!! Oh holly smoke!!! Looks just prefect, everything that I would want from a birthday cake! I would also be on Olivia’s and Natalie’s side, waiting to stuff my face with some of this heavenly cake (and probably, if it was me, it would not even make it to the photo shoot! 😀 ) xxx

    Reply
    • brandi.doming@yahoo.com

      July 30, 2016 at 5:49 pm

      Aww thank you so much Anna! That many people want to eat vegan food, what is there not to celebrate? Ha! You are so sweet, so glad you like this cake! Olivia really loves this cake, but I’ve had to give her small pieces so she’s not overindulging too much, lol.

      Reply
  14. Alisa

    July 30, 2016 at 4:52 pm

    Just look at that tender crumb! I can’t believe this beautiful cake is gluten-free and vegan. And 100K readers is definitely reason to celebrate! Though I’d take a slice any day 🙂

    Reply
    • brandi.doming@yahoo.com

      July 30, 2016 at 5:48 pm

      Thank you so much Alisa! 5 trials to get that tender perfect crumb, haha! But oh boy, I’ve eaten this cake more than any other cake I’ve ever created, it is just that darn delicious!

      Reply
  15. Aimee | Wallflower Kitchen

    August 1, 2016 at 2:48 pm

    This cake is calling out my name. “Aimeeeeeeeeeeee. Aimeeeeeee!” I can’t take it, I just want to eat it all right NOW! <3

    Reply
    • brandi.doming@yahoo.com

      August 12, 2016 at 8:54 am

      Thank you Aimee! Haha!

      Reply
  16. Vegan Heaven

    August 1, 2016 at 5:24 pm

    Oh, wow! This looks like an amazing birthday cake, Brandi!! 🙂

    Reply
    • brandi.doming@yahoo.com

      August 12, 2016 at 8:58 am

      Thank you so much Sina!

      Reply
  17. Sophia | Veggies Don't Bite

    August 2, 2016 at 7:18 am

    Girl, bring on the sprinkles!! I’ve never had funfetti cake, I’m really not a huge cake person, but this cake is gorgeous and SO fun looking!! My kids would love it. Totally have to try it for a party or something! And in your honor I’ll just eat a handful of sprinkles every week just to prove that I won’t die if I indulge 😉

    Reply
    • brandi.doming@yahoo.com

      August 12, 2016 at 8:53 am

      Bahahaha, thank you for taking one for the team, lol! This is definitely a kids birthday cake, well, and mine too, haha! Thanks lady!

      Reply
  18. Bethany @ Athletic Avocado

    August 2, 2016 at 1:22 pm

    This cake is just gorgeous! The cake of my dreams, can’t believe it is vegan!

    Reply
    • brandi.doming@yahoo.com

      August 4, 2016 at 4:59 pm

      You are so sweet Bethany! Thank you so much! Yup, vegan AND gluten-free!

      Reply
  19. Holly

    August 3, 2016 at 10:16 pm

    I’m making this tonight for my daughters birthday. For the coconut milk are you using canned or boxed?
    Thanks!

    Reply
    • brandi.doming@yahoo.com

      August 3, 2016 at 10:32 pm

      Yay!! I can’t wait to hear! Yes, just use “lite” canned coconut milk and shake the can well first. 🙂

      Reply
  20. Courtney Caldwell

    August 5, 2016 at 8:22 pm

    5 stars
    WOW!!!!! These were soooooo delicious!!!!!!! My husband and son gave thumbs up (son was eating the batter). 😉 I’m personally a cake-a-holic, so a vegan recipe is right up my alley. Thank you!

    FYI, I cut the recipe in half and made cupcakes. Half of the recipe produced exactly 12 cupcakes.

    Reply
    • brandi.doming@yahoo.com

      August 5, 2016 at 10:30 pm

      Yay!! So so happy to hear that Courtney, thank you so much for the wonderful feedback!!

      Reply
  21. Molly

    August 7, 2016 at 1:15 am

    5 stars
    This cake is beautiful!!! I would like to leave out the sprinkles and add strawberry flavor and top with strawberries and chocolate drizzle. What would you recommend to add to the cake batter as a sub for the sprinkles? Would strawberry jam work?

    Reply
    • brandi.doming@yahoo.com

      August 7, 2016 at 5:08 pm

      Hi Molly! That is a tough question because adding strawberry jam will be adding more liquid/moisture to the cake and the cake does not need that and it could make the cake too heavy and dense. The sprinkles are just an add-in so removing them won’t alter the cake texture in any way, so they aren’t replaceable with something like a jam. I have never put a jam in a cake before so it’s really hard to tell you what to try without testing something like that myself. My best suggestion (without having tested it) would be to puree some strawberries into a complete liquid in a food processor and sub part of the coconut milk with that. I would suggest no more than 1/2 cup, as I think too much fruit puree may make the cake too moist. You could also add some strawberry extract to increase the strawberry flavor and maybe a pinch of beetroot powder to make it more pink. Those are some suggestions to try. That is what I would try. Just do a trial run before your needed cake event. Just make sure the toothpick is clean before removing from the oven.
      Then you can top extra strawberries on top of the cake or if you want a really strawberry cake, I have a Strawberry Buttercream Recipe here: https://staging.thevegan8.com/2015/10/26/vegan-strawberry-buttercream-frosting/

      And I find this so funny you are asking, because my daughter’s birthday is in October and she specifically asked for a strawberry cake with chocolate frosting, haha! So my plan is to turn either this cake or my other vanilla cake into a strawberry one, but I just haven’t tested it yet. I will be posting it once it’s done but I’m sure you need it before I get around to that. Let me know what you try!

      Reply
  22. Melissa @ Vegan Huggs

    August 8, 2016 at 3:41 am

    5 stars
    This is the most heavenly birthday cake! I love how classic it looks. It reminds me of my childhood birthday cakes, but a much healthier version. Those sprinkles are insane, too! I must order some 🙂

    Reply
    • brandi.doming@yahoo.com

      August 12, 2016 at 8:52 am

      Thank you so much Melissa, you are so sweet!

      Reply
  23. Angie Jackson

    August 15, 2016 at 10:46 pm

    5 stars
    Finally made this today!!! Cake was amazing!!! But my icing wasn’t right. I followed the recipe but it was very dark (I used white vanilla powder) and super duper runny. Wouldn’t even stay on the cake. One thing was my weight measurements seemed off. Like the cashew butter weight equaled only 3T when it called for 6. I was confused what to do. Did you use a light maple syrup??? I just can’t figure it out! Will definitely try again!

    Reply
    • brandi.doming@yahoo.com

      August 15, 2016 at 11:49 pm

      Hi Angie! Yay, so glad you loved the cake, such great news! Oh no, that’s the first I’ve heard that about the icing, but Yes, the icing is very running until you freeze it and it firms up a ton, because coconut butter when melted is a complete liquid, but once it firms up, then it becomes thick like a buttercream frosting. Did you freeze it until it got really firm? As far as the cashew butter, 96 g is correct, so you can’t go wrong as long as you always go by the weights I have listed since we may all measure a bit differently when using cups or spoons. Did you do the 96 g? I just used a regular grade A maple syrup and the icing is light like in the photo. Are you sure you used coconut butter and not a vegan butter made from coconut oil? I’ve had some readers get those 2 confused. Lastly, I would ask if you added all the powdered sugar? That helps it a ton to thicken up as well and turn the icing a lighter color. I hope all that helps, let me know!

      Reply
  24. Brooke

    August 17, 2016 at 7:55 pm

    5 stars
    Where do I begin?! This cake is INSANELY delicious!! I made two in a matter of days! So moist, flavor that goes on for days, and completely addicting!! I honestly don’t know how you come up with these recipes but I’m so glad that you do!! This makes the best breakfast with a cup of coffee! The second one I made I skipped the sprinkles and used soy milk instead of coconut milk for the frosting and used 1/2 soy milk 1/2 coconut milk in the cake–still turned out amazing!

    Thank you, Brandi!!

    Reply
    • brandi.doming@yahoo.com

      August 20, 2016 at 10:59 pm

      Thank you so much Brooke! So darn excited you loved this cake so much and wow, 2 already?! Ha! Thank you so much for the wonderful feedback!

      Reply
  25. Molly

    August 20, 2016 at 11:12 pm

    5 stars
    Hello . I finally gathered all the ingredients for this but just realized the coconut butter destonay brand I bought will not be enough in one jar for the recipe. Is it OK if I use the second cup of coconut butter vanilla flavored? I can not locate plain coconut butter locally and do not have time to order another one. Ugh….

    Reply
    • brandi.doming@yahoo.com

      August 20, 2016 at 11:41 pm

      Hi Molly! Oh yes, definitely vanilla will work, in fact, that sounds really delicious! I have never seen vanilla-flavored coconut butter before, wow that sounds good! Can’t wait to hear what you think!

      Reply
  26. Kikki

    August 26, 2016 at 10:19 pm

    Do you think this would work with the Simple Truth blanched almond flour? You suggested that one in another recipe, and I know I can get it locally. Thanks!!

    Reply
    • brandi.doming@yahoo.com

      August 27, 2016 at 6:25 am

      Yes, definitely!

      Reply
      • Kikki

        August 28, 2016 at 12:25 am

        Thank you!!

        Reply
  27. Bec

    August 27, 2016 at 12:23 am

    This cake looks amazing! I’m wondering if I could swap out the almond flour for coconut flour? I’m allergic to almonds.

    Reply
    • brandi.doming@yahoo.com

      August 27, 2016 at 6:27 am

      Hi Bec! Unfortunately, that will not work. Almond flour is crucial to the recipe for texture and moisture. Since there is no oil, it gives the cake it’s needed moisture and wonderful texture. Coconut flour has the opposite effect, making things rather dry. Since you are allergic, instead, make this other vanilla cake on my blog and swap out the chocolate chips for funfetti sprinkles. You can still use this vanilla buttercream frosting, but if you are only making a single cake, just half the frosting recipe for that vanilla chocolate chip cake here: https://staging.thevegan8.com/2016/06/29/vegan-gluten-free-vanilla-chocolate-chip-cake/

      Reply
  28. Cheri

    August 28, 2016 at 1:46 am

    I don’t have a sensitivity to gluten, so is there any other flour that can be used?

    Reply
    • brandi.doming@yahoo.com

      August 30, 2016 at 3:56 am

      Hi Cheri! You are in luck, because I am testing a regular all-purpose flour version this week because I’ve had so many requests for one made with regular flour. I’m going to be making a new post with this new recipe but will add it to this when it’s ready as well. If you like, I can email you when it’s ready? It’s best to not change this existing recipe with regular flour because it changes the whole liquids and everything since it is written based off using almond flour for the moisture, no oil, etc.

      Reply
      • Nicki

        November 2, 2017 at 11:59 pm

        Hello! Did you ever end up testing on all purpose flour? I’d be really interested to know how that went.

        Reply
  29. Khalisha

    September 8, 2016 at 8:15 pm

    Can you use regular flour instead of almond flour?? We don’t have that over here (not that I can find anyway)

    Reply
    • brandi.doming@yahoo.com

      September 8, 2016 at 8:24 pm

      Hi Khalisha! No, unfortunately that would completely change the outcome of the recipe. Almond flour is crucial to the moisture and texture of the cake. If you cannot find any, then I would make this cake instead. It is very popular with readers and does not use any almond flour. You can simply swap out the chocolate chips for funfetti sprinkles instead. You can still make this icing here though, but it does make enough for a double layer cake, so keep that in mind. Hope that helps!

      Reply
      • brandi.doming@yahoo.com

        September 8, 2016 at 8:25 pm

        Oops, here is the link to my other vanilla cake: https://staging.thevegan8.com/2016/06/29/vegan-gluten-free-vanilla-chocolate-chip-cake/

        Reply
  30. Rebecca

    March 11, 2017 at 5:12 am

    Can I use regular vanilla extract rather than the vanilla powder? Thanks!!!

    Reply
    • brandi.doming@yahoo.com

      March 13, 2017 at 4:23 am

      Yes, definitely!

      Reply
  31. Dee

    March 17, 2017 at 7:40 am

    Hi Brandi,

    Would almond milk work (instead of coconut milk) in the cake batter?

    Reply
    • brandi.doming@yahoo.com

      March 17, 2017 at 4:02 pm

      Hi Dee! I have not tried this with almond milk so I can’t say how it would affect the texture or taste. Coconut milk has more fat in it and lends a wonderful butter flavor to the cake, so I know almond milk would not yield the same, however I’m not sure how big of a difference it would make. I would try it and report back!

      Reply
  32. Sarah

    March 27, 2017 at 1:38 am

    I know you said to weigh the ingredients, but has anyone made this without weighing the ingredients? Would it totally ruin it? I don’t have a kitchen scale, and I really want to make this. It looks amazing!

    Reply
    • brandi.doming@yahoo.com

      March 27, 2017 at 8:03 pm

      Hi Sarah! You can still make it without a scale. When measuring your flours, use your measuring cup to scoop the flours and lightly pat down to make sure there are no gaps, then level off. That should give you close enough to the result. Let me know what you think of it!!

      Reply
  33. Rachael

    April 22, 2017 at 10:15 am

    5 stars
    I am so glad I found this recipe! I just made it for my sister’s birthday; she’s vegan and her boyfriend is gluten-intolerant, so it couldn’t have been more perfect. I followed the recipe to the letter (do use the scale, and if you don’t have one, you should get one!) and it turned out perfectly. It was easy to make and was very well-received. Thanks for perfecting a great recipe and sharing it with us all!

    Reply
    • brandi.doming@yahoo.com

      April 24, 2017 at 6:00 am

      Wonderful to hear Rachael!! So glad it was such a hit, love hearing this review and that it worked out perfectly!

      Reply
  34. Hannah

    June 1, 2017 at 5:04 pm

    Does anyone know what size cake pan to use for this? A few times it says a 9 inch pan, and other times the recipe indicates an 8 inch pan. The cake looks really beautiful! I am excited to try it. Thank you!

    Reply
    • brandi.doming@yahoo.com

      June 1, 2017 at 5:44 pm

      Hi Hannah! So sorry for the confusion…I just fixed my post. I tested the cake in both 8 and 9 inch round cake pans and both will work, but I felt that the 9 inch version, while delicious, was just a tad too short, so prefer the look of the 8 inch, so that is why I put that in the recipe printout. Either will work, but your cake layers will be shorter in the 9 inch. Let me know when you make it! It’s been a big hit with readers and most of them have made it in the 8 inch pans! 🙂

      Reply
      • Hannah

        June 6, 2017 at 2:27 pm

        Hello Brandi! Thank you for clearing up the cake size question.
        I made the cake yesterday and it was amazing! My family really enjoyed it. I used agave instead of maple syrup, because around here maple syrup is so expensive (we call it liquid gold!), and it worked fine. I also used a different white frosting. Thank you so much for this recipe! It is hard to find a gluten-free and oil-free cake which is this good. In fact, this is the best I have come across!

        Reply
        • brandi.doming@yahoo.com

          June 10, 2017 at 6:13 pm

          Yay! Love to hear that it was such a hit and it is the best you’ve made! Thank you so much Hannah for getting back to me with the lovely review!

          Reply
  35. Karen

    June 10, 2017 at 4:34 pm

    5 stars
    I just made these for my daughter’s birthday party this afternoon. I made 23 cupcakes with the batter, baked at 350 for 20 minutes. I tasted one without frosting – after 30 minutes cooling in the cupcake pan, but before being fully cooled – and it was fantastic! I’m so excited to share these with the kids today. Thank you so much for posting this recipe!

    I just wanted to note: I used whole fat canned coconut milk because it was all I could find, and it worked just fine.

    Reply
    • brandi.doming@yahoo.com

      June 10, 2017 at 6:14 pm

      That is so wonderful to hear Karen!! Yes, they are good even without frosting! I hope all of the kids enjoy them. Thank you for the awesome feedback!

      Reply
  36. Hannah

    September 6, 2017 at 12:40 am

    5 stars
    Hello Brandi, I am interested in making a jellyroll cake. Do you think this batter would work for that? Or do you think it wouldn’t roll well? Do you think a different cake recipe of yours would work better, or maybe even a pancake batter? I would appreciate your thoughts! Thank you!

    Reply
    • brandi.doming@yahoo.com

      September 8, 2017 at 6:42 pm

      Hi Hannah! I don’t think this would roll well to be honest. It holds together well but it is light and fluffy and not nearly as firm as a traditional jelly roll cake that has white flour and eggs. The only one I think would work because it is bound pretty well, is my bread recipe, since I created it to be much more firm, since it’s a bread. I of course don’t know how it will work, but you could try it?? Hopefully it will not fall apart if you roll it while warm!

      https://staging.thevegan8.com/2016/03/11/cinnamon-applesauce-quick-bread-vegan-gluten-free/

      You probably wouldn’t need buy maybe half the recipe? Not sure. Let me know if you try it, I’m now really curious if it would work myself, haha!

      Reply
    • brandi.doming@yahoo.com

      September 8, 2017 at 6:44 pm

      Since you mentioned a pancake batter, this spelt flour recipe holds pretty well too because it also has flax. It is not very sweet though since it is pancakes, so I would add white sugar or coconut sugar, but keep in mind the more coconut sugar added, the darker the color.

      https://staging.thevegan8.com/2016/02/01/fluffy-vegan-spelt-blueberry-pancakes/

      Reply
  37. Lucy

    September 22, 2017 at 1:53 am

    I am allergic to almonds! Anaphylactic. It sounds like a yummy cake but not one that I could consume. Any alternatives?

    Reply
    • brandi.doming@yahoo.com

      September 22, 2017 at 4:38 am

      Hi Lucy! I would make this other cake recipe of mine and sub in funfetti sprinkles instead of the chocolate chips. This is another really popular cake with readers and it has no nuts. Just coconut.

      https://staging.thevegan8.com/2016/06/29/vegan-gluten-free-vanilla-chocolate-chip-cake/

      Reply
  38. Kelsey L.

    September 25, 2017 at 5:41 pm

    5 stars
    This cake is AMAZING!!! First off, so incredibly easy to make. I needed to make 6 cakes for my daughter’s birthday party; even waiting until the morning of the party, I was able to get them all done because they are THAT easy. Brandi makes these recipes in such a way that even the non baker can’t screw it up. They turned out beautifully. I was hesitant to even tell people it was gluten free and vegan because of those “labels,” but everyone assumed it would be some sort of “health” cake coming from me. I told them not to be afraid despite the labels. It. Was. A. HIT!!!! Everyone absolutely LOVED it. They couldn’t believe it was gluten free, vegan, AND oil free. Everyone asked for the recipe, and when I say everyone, I mean EVERYONE. If you’re looking for an easy, crowd pleasing recipe, this is it! Make it… you and your guests won’t be disappointed!

    Reply
    • brandi.doming@yahoo.com

      October 16, 2017 at 6:07 am

      Oh, thank you so much Kelsey! This review is so fantastic and you really made my day! So very happy that EVERYONE loved it so much, thank you!!

      Reply
  39. Bella

    October 22, 2017 at 6:58 am

    Hello again!
    I’m excited to bake this cake for my sons birthday! For the buttercream frosting, I got Whole Foods 365 brand cashew butter which just has cashew and safflower oil. Is this “raw”? It’s brown so I wasn’t sure if this would make the frosting dark. I also may have to use vanilla essence instead of the powder and not sure if this will change the color of the frosting? Lastly, since I plan to make the frosting the day before the big event, should I just leave it in the freezer or should I transfer it to the refrigerator? Thanks again for all your help with this!

    Reply
    • brandi.doming@yahoo.com

      October 22, 2017 at 8:39 pm

      Hi Bella! Yay, how exciting for your son! Unfortunately, that sounds like it is roasted and that’s why it’s brown. The flavor with added oil is not very good to be honest. I’ve had it before and ruined the flavor in my recipe. Also, it will make the frosting a darker color. The only ingredient should be raw cashews and it would say raw on the jar. Since raw cashew (oil-free) is rather hard to find, I always make my own. Simply add 2 cups raw, unsalted cashews to a food processor and process for anywhere from 5-10 minutes. You will have to scrape the sides several times in the beginning to break up the clumps and the sides, but keep going and it will eventually turn into a thick nut butter. But then you want to keep going and going until it is super duper smooth and soft and falls off of a spoon easily, like a buttercream frosting. Then it’s done. I have seen raw cashew butter only at Whole Foods, the Dastony brand and that’s the only good one that doesn’t have oil I’ve found. Plus, it’s too easy to make.
      I think you will be fine with the vanilla since it’s a small amount. Just store it in the fridge and the day of let it soften a bit to whip it 🙂

      Reply
  40. Jasmin

    November 4, 2017 at 6:48 pm

    Oh, no! I realized you said don’t use Bob’s Almond Blanched Flower until after I put it in the oven. Do you have any recommendations on another brand? Also, could you use regular flower?

    Reply
    • brandi.doming@yahoo.com

      November 4, 2017 at 8:05 pm

      Honeyville, King Arthur, Nuts.com blanched almond flour are all great. If in Texas, I love the HEB brand sold from the HEB stores. Hopefully your cake turns out fluffy and not gritty! No, it cannot be done with regular flour as it would totally change the result and make it very dry. The cake relies on almond flour for the moisture.

      Reply
  41. tia

    December 4, 2017 at 1:56 am

    Hi. I don’t like cashews. Is there anything else I can substitute for the cashew butter?

    Reply
    • brandi.doming@yahoo.com

      December 4, 2017 at 6:22 am

      For the icing? There is not a sub for the cashew butter in the icing without sacrificing the taste. All other nut butters will turn it brown and really change the color. But you do not taste cashews in the frosting. If you would like a much more simple vanilla icing, you can make this one instead.

      https://staging.thevegan8.com/best-vegan-vanilla-maple-cupcakes/

      Reply
  42. Mina

    December 8, 2017 at 10:50 pm

    Hi there !!! This cake tastes delicious !! I’m super impressed with how it turned out so thank you for the recipe 🙂

    One thing I encountered though was that my cake crumbled when I cut into it. It tasted great and stayed moist.. but would fall apart. I didn’t weigh my ingredients as I don’t have a scale. Is this why?

    Thank you kindy for your help !!

    Reply
    • brandi.doming@yahoo.com

      December 9, 2017 at 8:15 am

      Hi Mina! I’m so glad you loved it! Hmm, that’s odd! I’ve had hundreds of remakes and I’ve made it many times myself and never had it fall apart. Yes, my guess would be the measurements are off. Gluten-free baking can be VERY finicky. Even off a couple of tablespoons can throw off the recipe, this is why I encourage weighing ingredients so much. We all measure a bit differently with cups…some may pack more or less, so even a couple of tablespoons can affect the texture. A scale can be found either online or really, any store these days, even Walmart for around $10 or so. Very inexpensive and so very worth the investment.
      Other than that, my next question would be if you subbed any ingredient? The milk (used lite coconut?) or the flours? You used white rice flour, correct?

      Reply
  43. Janet

    December 19, 2017 at 7:04 pm

    5 stars
    Just made these as cupcakes and substituted tapioca flour for the potato starch and they are delicious without frosting. I weighed all my flours. I’m going to try freezing the cupcakes. I also used a corn free recipe for baking powder. I’m so happy I found this recipe. Whole Foods has corn free sprinkles, just FYI.

    Reply
    • brandi.doming@yahoo.com

      December 21, 2017 at 8:18 pm

      Yay! So happy to hear that Janet, thank you so much for the awesome review!

      Reply
  44. Hannah

    January 5, 2018 at 6:38 pm

    I’ve been searching for the perfect dairy free funfetti cake recipe for my one year olds birthday smash cake and this seems to be it! I haven’t made it yet, but since my daughter is okay with gluten I wanted to make this cake with regular flour. So QUESTION! Can I simply substitute regular unbleached white flour in place of the almond flour AND rice flour, or are one or both of those crucial to the outcome of the cake? Thank you in advance! <3Hannah

    Reply
  45. Hannah

    January 5, 2018 at 6:54 pm

    Also, could I use corn starch in stead of potato starch?

    Reply
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I'm Brandi, creator of this vegan blog and cookbook author of The Vegan 8 Cookbook. The majority of my recipes focus on 8 ingredients or less, not counting salt, pepper or water. I'm an expert on oil-free cooking and baking! I create delicious vegan comfort food in a healthier way. read more →

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