Strawberry Layer Cake

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This strawberry layer cake is a super fresh summery recipe to please any crowd!

This strawberry layer cake is so versatile and adaptable for dairy free and gluten free dietary requirements but it’s also great with an option for normal diets too.

Gluten and Dairy Free Strawberry Layer Cake

DF: Dairy Free

GF: Gluten Free

Recipe Tips

Strawberry layer cake with gluten free and dairy free recipe option

Strawberries: These fresh berries are so delicious and even better when freshly picked from a local farm. Why not make it a whole day event baking this cake and go out strawberry picking first? I guarantee the effort will result in a super tasty fresh and sweet cake.

How to Make the Strawberry Layer Cake

To start, the cake batter comes together easily with a few simple steps. Whisking together caster sugar and margarine creates a light and fluffy base, while incorporating eggs one at a time ensures a smooth and creamy texture with a spoon of dry ingredients per incorporated eggs. Mixing in the dry ingredients, including gluten-free flour (or regular flour for the non-gluten-free option), cornflour, baking powder, and xanthan gum (if needed), gives the cake structure and stability. The addition of finely chopped strawberries adds a fresh burst of sweetness.

Once the batter is mixed, it’s poured into two greased and lined 6-inch cake tins and baked until it is golden brown. While the cake bakes, use my vegan buttercream recipe to make a delicious strawberry frosting.

The result is a moist and flavourful strawberry layer cake that’s sure to impress any croud. With its versatile recipe options, including gluten-free and dairy-free alternatives, it’s a dessert that can be enjoyed by all. So go ahead, slice yourself a piece of this delicious strawberry goodness and savour every bite!

Here are some simple tips for using gluten-free flour:

Plain or self-raising flour? I always opt for plain flour, whether gluten-free or not. This choice allows me to control the amount of raising agent, ensuring I add only what’s necessary. Additionally, it means I only need one type of flour in my pantry, saving space and reducing the risk of bacteria growth from flour sitting too long. This is why consuming raw cookie dough is not advisable!

Cornflour: When substituting gluten-free flour for regular flour, I typically use about 10% less gluten-free flour and add 10% cornflour or cornstarch. Cornflour doesn’t add flavor to the cake batter but offers significant benefits. It thickens the batter and stabilizes the eggs, helping to hold the cake together. While gluten-free flour can sometimes make cakes crumbly, cornflour helps mitigate this issue and eliminates the grainy texture that gluten-free flour can impart. Additionally, it contributes to making the cake light and fluffy.

Xanthan gum: Similar to cornflour, xanthan gum is a thickening agent. In baking, it is often used with gluten-free flour to bind the cake and prevent it from falling apart. A small amount goes a long way, as too much can make the cake heavy. However, even a tiny bit can make a significant difference! If you’re using regular flour, you don’t need to add xanthan gum. Also, check the ingredients of your gluten-free blend, as xanthan gum is sometimes already included, particularly in gluten-free self-raising flour.

Liquid: Sometimes, gluten-free flour absorbs more moisture, making the batter slightly dry. If this happens and your batter feels stiff, simply add a splash of milk or dairy-free milk to loosen it up a bit.

Why I use margarine instead of butter in my cakes

Margarine: Using margarine instead of butter in baking can yield distinct results due to differences in fat content and composition. Margarine, often made from vegetable oils, contains less saturated fat and can be a suitable substitute for butter in many recipes. It tends to produce a softer, more tender crumb in baked goods because of its higher water content compared to butter. This can be advantageous for cakes, creating a lighter texture.

Margarine also has the added benefit of being dairy free, meaning the cakes can also be enjoyed by people needing dairy free diets.

Try the Gluten and Dairy Free Strawberry Layer Cake

This recipe is adaptable for dairy free, vegan and gluten free dietary requirements but it’s also great with an option for normal diets too.

Rebecca K.

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