Categories: Bakingrecipes

Vanilla Cupcakes (Gluten free & dairy free)

My simple vanilla cupcake recipe is perfect for beginners, combining an easy and fluffy vanilla sponge with creamy buttercream and topped with sprinkles. They are great for making with kids and something everyone will enjoy! If you do make this recipe I’d love to see, don’t forget to tag me in your photos over on social media.

Frequently asked questions

Which butter do you use for the the buttercream?

I use the Stork ‘perfect for baking’ 250g gold packet butter which is naturally dairy free and available in most major UK supermarkets. If you can’t get hold of this butter, it’s always best to use a hard dairy free butter block instead of a soft spread for a dairy free buttercream as soft spreads can sometimes cause the mixture to curdle.

Which flour do you use for the cake? 

For this recipe, and the majority of my bakes, I use the FREEE Gluten Free Self Raising Flour which works really well in gluten free baking.

Which sprinkles do you use?

Any sprinkles will work however make sure they do not contain any gluten as some do. For this recipe I used the Sainsburys Cake Sprinkles.

How long will they last?

These cakes will last in an airtight container for up to 4 days, however are always best on the day of making them.

Print

Vanilla Cupcakes

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Servings 12 cupcakes

Ingredients

For the cupcakes

  • 175 g caster sugar
  • 175 g dairy free butter
  • 3 medium eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 175 g gluten free self raising flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon xanthan gum (Omit if your flour blend already contains this)
  • 1 tablespoon dairy free milk

For the topping

  • 150 g dairy free butter block
  • 300 g icing sugar
  • 1 teaspoon dairy free milk
  • Sprinkles (for decoration)

Instructions

For the cupcakes

  • Pre heat your oven to 180°C and line a 12 hole cupcake tray with cupcake cases.
  • To a large bowl add caster sugar and dairy free butter, beat until creamy. Add the eggs one at a time continuing to whisk between each addition. Add the vanilla extract and whisk again.
  • Add the gluten free self raising flour, baking powder, xanthan gum and dairy free milk. Mix well until fully combined.
  • Divide the mixture between the 12 cupcake cases and level with a knife. Bake in the oven for around 15 minutes or until the cakes are golden brown and an inserted skewer comes out clean. Set aside to cool completely.

For the filling and topping

  • Make the buttercream by adding the dairy free butter block to a large bowl and beat until creamy. Gradually add the icing sugar, continuing to beat until fully combined and creamy. The buttercream will take a little while to come together so keep mixing! Add the dairy free milk and beat again.
  • Transfer the buttercream to a piping bag and pipe onto the cupcakes. Top with sprinkles.

I absolutely love seeing what you’ve created, so if you do make this recipe (or any other recipe from my website) don’t forget to tag me over on my social media pages @glutenfreealice and use the hashtag #glutenfreealice

Alice Wiggins

View Comments

    • You could add raspberries but I would toss them in some extra flour before adding them to the batter to stop them from sinking!

  • I baked these today inland they were so light and fluffy. My hubby loves to eat the cake mix batter and he remarked at how light the batter was, and delicious.
    I used my air fryer to bake them instead of heating up the house with my oven.

    Certainly will make them again. Please do not publish my email address

    • Hi Becky,
      You would just need to use the same recipe and bake for longer - if you did 2 tiers you'd be looking at 20-25 minutes of baking or until a skewer comes out clean. I do have other recipes such as victoria sponge on my website if that helps.
      Thanks,
      Alice

  • Can these be baked the night before and frosted the next day? Also how would I store them if yes please? I left out xanthum gum and the flour didn’t have it either but they turned out okay, is that alright? What role does the gym play? I don’t usually eat gluten free they just felt a bit dry is all
    Thanks Alice

    • Hi Mel, Yes they can be baked before and stored in an airtight container and frosted the next day. I always find the sponge best on the day you make it but it will last a few days. The xanthan gum is used in gluten free baking to stop the cakes from crumbling with the lack of gluten, it helps to bind the ingredients. Some gluten free flours already contain it. Alice x

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