The One-Bowl Magic: My Go-To Gluten-Free Celebration Cake

Hey friends! Let's be honest, sometimes you just need a cake, right? Not just any cake, but a special cake. One that feels celebratory, tastes absolutely divine, and doesn't require you to spend half your day in the kitchen cleaning up a flour explosion. That's where this recipe comes in. This isn't just any gluten-free cake; this is my go-to, fail-proof, one-bowl wonder that has graced countless birthdays, anniversaries, and "just because" moments in my life.
I remember the first time I made this for my sister's graduation party. I was a newbie to gluten-free baking, terrified of ending up with a dense, crumbly mess. But this recipe? It was magic. Soft, moist, and full of flavor - everyone, including the self-proclaimed gluten-lovers, couldn't get enough! And the best part? It all came together in practically a single bowl. So grab your favourite mixing bowl and let's bring a slice of magic into your kitchen!
What You'll Need (aka The Ingredient Line-Up)
This recipe keeps things simple, focusing on flavor and ease. Here's what you'll need:
- 1 ½ cups gluten-free all-purpose flour blend (make sure it contains xanthan gum or add a teaspoon if your blend doesn't) - Pro Tip: I prefer blends that include rice flour and tapioca starch.
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar - Cane sugar works perfectly, feel free to adjust sweetness slightly if desired.
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened (you can also use coconut oil for a dairy-free option)
- ¾ cup milk (dairy or non-dairy, whatever you prefer)
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons baking powder - The magic ingredient that gives us that fluffy texture.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - The secret to that "bakery quality" flavor!
- ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt (makes it super moist, trust me)
- ¼ cup sprinkles, any kind you like! (optional, but highly encouraged for a celebration)
Step-by-Step: The Cake-Making Journey
Okay, buckle up because we're about to create some cake magic! Here's how it all comes together:
- Preheat & Prep: First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and lightly flour an 8x8 inch square baking pan (or a 9-inch round pan). You can also line your pan with parchment paper for easy removal—it is a lifesaver I'd never skip!
- Combine the Dry Ingredients: Grab your large mixing bowl and toss in the gluten-free flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk everything together until well combined. This step ensures everything is evenly distributed, which is key for a great cake texture.
- Add the Wet Ingredients: Now, add the softened butter, milk, eggs, vanilla extract and Sour cream or Greek yogurt. Mix on low speed until everything just comes together. Do not overmix, a few lumps are okay.
- Batter Up: Turn the mixer up to medium and beat for about 2 minutes, until the batter is smooth and creamy. This is where the magic really happens; watch the batter transform into fluffy goodness! If you choose to add sprinkles, gently fold them in now.
- Pour & Bake: Pour your batter into your prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Every oven is slightly different, so start checking around 30!
- Cooling Time: Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents it from crumbling when you remove it.
- Frost & Enjoy: Once cooled, frost with your favorite frosting. Vanilla buttercream, chocolate ganache, or even a simple glaze works wonders! (See tips below for frosting ideas). Add more sprinkles because why not! I swear, they level up any celebration dessert!. Share your cake with friends and family and watch it disappear in minutes.
Tips & Tricks: Level Up Your Celebration Cake
- Frosting Fun: Don't be afraid to experiment with frosting! For a simple yet delicious frosting, try mixing together softened butter and powdered sugar until your desired consistency, adding milk, cream or lemon juice for a lighter touch.
- Flavor Twists: Feeling adventurous? Add a teaspoon of lemon zest for a citrus twist, a dash of cinnamon for a warm spice, or even a few drops of almond extract for a sophisticated flavor.
- Layer It Up: Double the recipe and use 2 round cake pans to create a layer cake! Frost between the layers and create a showstopper.
- Dairy-Free Option: To make this dairy-free, simply use your favorite plant-based butter and milk. Coconut cream can also replace sour cream for a super moist and flavorful change.
- Make it Mini: Bake in cupcake tins for darling individual portions—perfect for a party or when you need a sweet treat in perfectly portioned sizes. Adjust bake time accordingly, starting with 18-20 minutes.
- Storage: Once cooled, cover with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. It keeps well for a few days at room temperature or in the fridge, though, honestly, it rarely lasts that long in my house. You can also freeze the cake once you let it cool completely, well wrapped.

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Recipe Card
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
Serves: 8-10
Skill Level: Easy
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups gluten-free all-purpose flour blend
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- ¼ cup sprinkles (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour (or line) an 8x8 inch baking pan.
- Whisk together dry ingredients (flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt).
- Add wet ingredients (butter, milk, eggs, vanilla extract, and sour cream/yogurt) and mix on low until just combined.
- Beat on medium speed for 2 minutes until smooth. Fold in sprinkles, if using.
- Pour batter into the pan and bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Frost and enjoy!
Product Recommendations
- For precise gluten-free baking, using a good digital kitchen scale is a game changer. It is so much more accurate than measuring cups, especially for gluten free baking which sometimes can be tricky.
- A reliable hand mixer helps blend ingredients without overmixing them – it is a great alternative if you don't have a stand mixer.
- If you want to take your game up a notch, a stand mixer will do the job in such an easy way, plus it would be a great piece of tech to have in your kitchen!

There you have it! My cherished recipe for a gluten-free celebration cake that hits all the right notes— ease, flavour and fun. I truly hope you love it as much as I do. Baking should be fun and feel good, and this one certainly delivers. So go ahead, bake that cake, add those sprinkles and celebrate! And don't forget to share your baking adventures with me! Happy Baking!
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