Pink Champagne Birthday Cake

This gluten-free Pink Champagne Birthday Cake recipe is a complete showstopper! Made with a blend of gluten-free flour, almond flour, and Nozeco rosé; this cake is moist and fluffy fit for any special occasion. The bright pink hue, thanks to natural food coloring, and a creamy vegan buttercream frosting make it perfect for any celebration. Whether you’re gluten-free, vegan, or just love a great vanilla cake, this recipe is for you!

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Gluten-Free Birthday Cake

My 50th birthday is around the corner and yes I am making my own birthday cake. You know what they say – if you want something done right you just have to do it yourself! I for one am absolutely okay with doing it myself and this birthday is a total testament to that! This year, my birthday looks a little different. Turning 50 is no small feat, and while life has thrown its challenges my way, I’m choosing to celebrate with gratitude, love, and of course, cake!

As you know, I’ve been sober for over a decade and I’ll be celebrating 13 continued years of sobriety at the beginning of January! That is quite a chunk of time; I remember when I first got sober a lady I met in “the rooms” told me that time flies. She at the time was over 6 years sober and I thought WOW. I couldn’t imagine being 6 days let alone 6 years and now look at me. Chuffed to say the least, especially given what I’ve recently gone through. Nothing feels as good as sober; which brings me to this cake. Some of you might be thinking “pink champagne cake?? Here is where you need to trust me because this cake is an absolute dream come true. 

This gluten free vanilla cake is also pink, fluffy, vegan and you’d never know (aside from the pink part!) I made it several times both with and without gluten and my goodness – this gluten free version’s texture is spot on! I love adding applesauce to add moisture (instead of banana; some of you reallllly don’t like bananas!) and it was just perfect. I went vegan on this one to align with many versions of myself but also because Nozeco prides itself on being a vegan company and I love supporting businesses that embrace a plant-based ethos. Nozeco is absolutely my first choice when I want to celebrate and hey, you only get to be 50 once!!! This gluten-free birthday cake recipe is a celebration in itself. Whether you’re marking a milestone birthday like me or simply indulging in a special treat, this cake is sure to impress. Happy baking and celebrating! 

Ingredients for This Pink Champagne Gluten-Free Birthday Cake

Dry Ingredients

  • Gluten-Free Flour Blend: This forms the base of the cake, providing structure while keeping it light. Look for a high-quality blend with xanthan gum to mimic the elasticity of regular flour. I love the Bob’s Redmill flour it truly is a step above the rest!
  • Almond Flour: A key ingredient in gluten-free cakes, almond flour adds moisture and a subtle nuttiness. It pairs beautifully with the vanilla and champagne flavors.
  • Granulated Sugar: Essential for sweetness, sugar also helps create a soft and tender crumb in the cake.
  • Baking Powder: This leavening agent ensures the cake rises properly, giving it a fluffy texture.
  • Salt: A small pinch of salt balances the sweetness and enhances the flavor of the cake.

Wet Ingredients

  • Flax Eggs: Made with ground flaxseed and warm water, these act as a vegan binder in the cake. If you’re not vegan, substitute with two regular eggs.
  • Nozeco Rosé: A non-alcoholic pink champagne that adds subtle fruity notes and a light, celebratory touch to the cake.
  • Soy Milk: A dairy-free milk that blends seamlessly into the batter, keeping the cake moist and vegan-friendly. You can substitute with any milk of your preference.
  • Olive Oil: Adds richness and moisture to the cake without making it heavy. It’s a healthier alternative to butter in dairy-free cake recipes.
  • Applesauce: A secret weapon in gluten-free baking! Applesauce keeps the cake moist and tender while adding natural sweetness.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances the delicate vanilla flavor in the cake, making it the perfect gluten-free vanilla cake.
  • Fuchsia Food Coloring: Gives the cake its vibrant pink hue, perfect for a festive birthday cake. Technically you can use any colour you’d like!

Pink Buttercream Ingredients

  • Vegan Butter: Softened to room temperature, vegan butter creates a smooth and creamy frosting. If not vegan, regular butter works just as well.
  • Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the frosting and gives it the classic buttercream texture.
  • Soy Milk: Thins the frosting to the perfect spreadable consistency.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds warmth and depth to the frosting’s flavor.
  • Jam (Optional): A layer of jam between the cake layers adds a burst of fruity flavor and complements the champagne notes.
  • Fuchsia Food Coloring: Enhances the frosting with a playful pink color.
  • Pinch of Salt: Balances the sweetness in the frosting and highlights the vanilla flavor.

How to Make This Pink Champagne Gluten-Free Birthday Cake

Preparing the Cake Batter

Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease two 8-inch springform pans. Mix the flaxseed and warm water to create flax eggs. Set aside. Combine the dry ingredients; gluten-free flour, almond flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt into a stand mixer. In a separate bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients: Nozeco rosé, soy milk, olive oil, applesauce, vanilla, and food colouring. Slowly pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients, including the flax eggs, and mix until smooth.

Baking the Cake

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Place the pans on a cookie sheet and bake for 35-37 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Making the Buttercream Frosting

Beat the softened vegan butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, soy milk, vanilla, and food colouring, and mix until light and fluffy.

Assembling the Cake

Spread frosting on the first cake layer. Add a layer of jam if desired, then place the second cake layer on top. Frost the entire cake and decorate as you wish.

Why This is the BEST Gluten-Free Birthday Cake

This cake is totally customizable from colour to ingredients and the best part is that you can make it how you want it! I love pink and it felt like the best celebratory colour for me this year but you can absolutely use any colour you’d like. I went with all vegan ingredients and gluten free but I’ve made this cake both way and honestly it’s a winner. If you’ve never made a cake with champagne this is going to be so much fun for you because it truly does add a level of sophistication and celebration! 

Gluten-Free Pink Champagne Cake FAQs

Which gluten-free flour is best for cakes?

I recommend a high-quality gluten-free flour blend with xanthan gum for structure. My go to flour is typically Bobs Redmill

How can I customize the decorations?

Add fresh berries, sprinkles, or edible flowers for a festive touch.

Why do cakes sink in the middle?

Overmixing or opening the oven door too early can cause sinking. Follow the instructions carefully for best results.

Can I use alcoholic champagne?

Yes, but choose a sweet variety for a balanced flavor.

Can I make this with regular flour?

Absolutely! Use 2 cups of all-purpose flour and 1 cup of almond flour instead.

Can I make this not vegan?

Yes! Substitute regular eggs and butter for the vegan alternatives.

Tips for Baking This Gluten-Free Vanilla Pink Champagne Cake

  • Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for a smoother batter.
  • Don’t Overmix: Mix the batter just until combined to prevent a dense cake.
  • Level the Layers: Use a serrated knife to level the cakes for a professional look.

Did you celebrate with this cake?

Leave a rating and review below and try these cakes next:

Gingerbread Crumble Cake

Hazelnut Banana Cake

High Protein Chocolate Lava Cake

TERI ANN CARTY

Food Photographer and Recipe Developer based in Toronto, Canada. 

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Pink Champagne Birthday Cake

This gluten-free Pink Champagne Birthday Cake recipe is a complete showstopper! Made with a blend of gluten-free flour, almond flour, and Nozeco rosé; this cake is moist and fluffy fit for any special occasion. The bright pink hue, thanks to natural food coloring, and a creamy vegan buttercream frosting make it perfect for any celebration. Whether you’re gluten-free, vegan, or just love a great vanilla cake, this recipe is for you!
5 from 1 vote
Print Pin Rate
Servings: 8 servings
Author: Teri-Ann Carty
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour

Equipment

Ingredients

Dry Ingredients

  • cups gluten-free flour blend
  • cup almond flour
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tbsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp salt

Wet Ingredients

  • 2 flax eggs 2 tbsp (ground flax+ 5 tbsp warm water) 2 eggs if not vegan
  • 1 cup Nozeco rose
  • ½ cup soy milk
  • ½ cup olive oil
  • ½ cup applesauce
  • 1 tbsp vanilla
  • 3 drops fuchsia colour gel

Pink Buttercream Ingredients

  • ½ cup vegan butter room temperature regular butter if not vegan
  • cup powdered sugar
  • 1 tbsp soy milk
  • 1 tsp vanilla
  • Jam optional
  • 1 drop fuchsia food colouring
  • pinch salt

Instructions

  • Preheat oven 350 degrees. Grease 2 8" springform pans.
  • Prepare flax egg by whisking together ground flax and warm water. Set aside to gel.
  • Add dry ingredients to bowl of a standing mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Turn on standing mixer to combine ingredients.
  • Add rose, soy milk, olive oil, applesauce, vanilla and food colouring to a seperate bowl. Whisk to combine.
  • Pour wet over dry, including the flax egg. Mix to combine.
  • Use a spatula to scrape up any dry parts from the bottom of the bowl. Scrape down sides and mix again.
  • Pour batter evenly into prepared pans.
  • Place pans onto a cookie sheet.
  • Bake for 35-37 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean from the centre of the cakes.
  • Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before gently removing them. Place the cakes onto a wire rack to cool completely.
  • Add softened butter to a clean bowl. Beat butter until smooth. Add icing sugar 1/2 cup at a time. Add milk, vanilla, food colouring and salt and beat until light and fluffy.
  • Place one of the cakes onto serving plate.
  • Spread 1/3 of the frosting onto the bottom cake. If you are using jam, spread that evenly on top of the icing. Place the second cake on top. Gently press it down.
  • Finish icing the cake.

Notes

Grab your bottle of Nozeco here!
If you aren't gluten-free use 2 cups all-purpose flour and 1 cup of almond flour instead.
Check out all my baking essentials here

Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Calories: 672kcal | Carbohydrates: 87g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 35g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 14g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Sodium: 406mg | Potassium: 64mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 65g | Vitamin A: 609IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 179mg | Iron: 2mg

*Macros are provided as an estimate for convenience. Your final numbers will vary depending on ingredient brands, substitutions, and how you portion the recipe.

4 Responses

      1. Thank you! Is this cake best made and served on same day? Or if you make it a day ahead, fridge okay? Thank you.

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