Gluten-Free Gingerbread Cake Recipe

This gluten-free gingerbread cake is warmly spiced, moist, and flavorful. This vegan, grain-free cake is the perfect addition to a Christmas dessert table, especially if you’re accommodating guests with various dietary requirements.

What to serve with this gluten-free gingerbread cake

if you’re serving this gingerbread cake at a holiday party dessert table, you might want to include these yummy gluten-free vegan gingerbread cookies too. They’re easy to make and perfect for Christmas.

Gluten-free gingerbread cake with two slices cut on a plate.

Main ingredients and substitutions

Blackstrap molasses gives this cake its deep, robust flavor and rich, dark color. In a pinch you could substitute maple syrup or honey, but it definitely won’t have a traditional gingerbread flavor in that case. In addition to being intensely flavorful, blackstrap molasses is also quite nutrient-rich.

Ground ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves combine to give this gluten-free gingerbread cake its warm, Christmassy flavor. Alternatively you can substitute 2 teaspoons of pumpkin pie spice instead of those spices.

One somewhat unexpected ingredient in this cake is chickpea flour. It works perfectly to give this cake a soft, moist texture. Chickpea flour is a nutritious grain-free, gluten-free flour that works beautifully in baked treats. It’s easy to find and purchase online if you have trouble finding it at your local grocery store.

I prefer to use extra virgin olive oil as the fat in this cake but you can substitute avocado oil or melted coconut oil if you prefer.

Unsweetened applesauce adds body and moistness to this cake. Either store bought or homemade is fine as long as it doesn’t contain any added sugar. Alternatively, you can substitute pumpkin purée or mashed banana.

How to make it

Start by preheating the oven, then grab a large mixing bowl. Add the unsweetened applesauce, blackstrap molasses, olive oil, salt, vinegar (or lemon juice), and spices, then mix well.

Next you’ll add the chickpea flour and baking soda, then mix until combined.

Batter in a large white mixing bowl.

Transfer the batter to a parchment paper lined medium sized loaf pan (my pan is 9.25 x 5.25 x 2.75 inches).

Raw batter in a paper lined loaf pan.

Bake for 38 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the middle of the loaf looks clean upon removal. Then let the cake cool before removing from the pan and serving.

Storage and freezing 

Store this cake in an airtight container for up to three days or freeze it for up to six months.

Giving this as a gift

This cake is the perfect homemade gift for Christmas. For a pretty presentation, place the loaf in a large cellophane bag and tie it with a ribbon. You can include a gift tag as well. Or for a more rustic presentation, wrap the loaf in parchment paper and tie it up with twine.

Optional additions 

To add an extra layer of texture and flavor to gluten-free gingerbread cake, stir in 1/2 cup each of chopped pecans and/or raisins into the batter.

Thick slices of gingerbread on a white plate.

More gluten-free Christmas recipes to try

Gluten free gingerbread cake with two slices cut on a plate.
5 from 5 votes
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Gluten-Free Gingerbread Cake Recipe

This gluten-free gingerbread cake is made with nutritious ingredients but tastes like a total treat. It's warmly spiced and perfect for the holidays. This cake is also vegan and grain free so it's perfect if you're accommodating guests with various dietary restrictions.
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 38 minutes
Total Time 48 minutes
Servings 12
Calories 184kcal

Equipment

  • Medium sized loaf pan
  • Parchment paper

Ingredients

  • 2 1/2 cups chickpea flour
  • 2/3 cup unsweetened applesauce
  • 1/3 cup blackstrap molasses
  • 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon white vinegar (or substitute lemon juice)
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • Pinch of ground cloves
  • Pinch of ground nutmeg

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Add the unsweetened applesauce, extra virgin olive oil, blackstrap molasses, vinegar, cinnamon, ginger, salt, cloves, and nutmeg to a large mixing bowl, then mix well.
  • Add the chickpea flour and baking soda, then mix until combined.
  • Transfer the batter to a medium sized loaf pan (my pan is 9.25 x 5.25 x 2.75 inches) lined with parchment paper.
  • Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 38 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the middle of the loaf looks clean upon removal.
  • Let cool before removing from the pan and serving.

Notes

  • Store this gluten-free gingerbread cake in an airtight container for up to three days or freeze it for up to six months.
  • Optional additions include 1/2 cup each of raisins and/or chopped pecans.

Nutrition

Calories: 184kcal | Carbohydrates: 23g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Sodium: 160mg | Potassium: 362mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 11g | Vitamin A: 15IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 33mg | Iron: 2mg
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