Gluten-free Red Velvet Crumb Cake

Name: Red Velvet Crumb Cake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 1, 8x8 Pan
Ingredients: 1 c. gluten-free flour blend, spooned and leveled (I use Bob's RedMill 1:1); 1 Tbsp. cocoa; 1/4 tsp. salt; 1/2 tsp. baking soda; 1 large egg, room temperature; 1 Tbsp. oil; 3 Tbsp. unsalted butter, room temperature; 1/4 c. brown sugar, packed; 1/4 c. sugar; 1 1/4 tsp. (about 15-18 drops) of Wilton no taste red gel food coloring or Sunny Side Up Bakery (Hobby Lobby) red gel food coloring; 1/2 c. fat-free plain greek yogurt, room temperature; 1 tsp. vanilla; 1/2 tsp. white vinegar; 1 c. + 1-2 Tbsp. gluten-free flour blend, spooned and leveled (I use Bob's RedMill 1:1)***SEE TIPS AND TRICKS!!; 1/4 c. brown sugar, packed; 1/4 c. sugar; 6 Tbsp. unsalted butter, cold and cubed; 1/2 tsp. vanilla; 1/2 Tbsp. cocoa; 1 1/4 tsp. (about 15 drops) of Wilton no taste red gel food coloring or Sunny Side Up Bakery (Hobby Lobby) red gel food coloring; 1/8 tsp. white vinegar; 1/2 tsp. baking powder; 1/8 tsp. salt; 1/4 c. + 2 Tbsp. white chocolate chips

Desserts

Feb 8

Written By Kali Terry

There’s something undeniably special about a cake that combines indulgent flavors and a show-stopping appearance, and the gluten-free red velvet crumb cake does just that. With its rich, velvety crumb and a crumbly topping packed with white chocolate chips, this cake is an irresistible twist on the beloved red velvet classic. The perfect balance of moistness, tanginess, and sweetness makes this dessert a true standout, whether you're serving it at a festive holiday gathering, a casual get-together, or just treating yourself to something extraordinary. Every layer brings something unique, from the tender cake base to the crunchy, sweet topping that will leave everyone reaching for another slice.

forkful of red velvet cake gluten-free with powdered sugar

Jump to Recipe

gluten-free red velvet crumb cake with white chocolate and powdered sugar

I’ve been on a red velvet kick lately…maybe it’s because Valentine’s Day is right around the corner at the time I’m writing this. Speaking of which, why are red velvet desserts only popular during Valentine’s Day? I know it’s probably because of the red color, but there are so many more wonderful things about this flavor! The light touch of cocoa, the subtle sweetness, and the moist, tender crumb. Perfection 😍

This Gluten-Free Red Velvet Crumb Cake is all of what I described and more! The red velvet cake is so moist, it’s spectacular. It’s not too sweet, so the sweeter crumbs on top with a dusting of powdered sugar really balance the whole dessert out. The crumbs on top are actually red velvet too! - not just regular crumbs with some red food dye thrown in there for color. They have all of the signature red velvet flavor! It’s a Red Velvet explosion!!!!

The Moisture Factor: Greek Yogurt Magic

One of the standout features of this gluten-free red velvet crumb cake is its wonderfully moist texture. Achieving the ideal level of moisture in gluten-free baking can be tricky, but with the addition of Greek yogurt, this cake nails it. Greek yogurt is not only a healthy addition but also helps to provide a dense, moist crumb that’s light yet full of flavor.

What makes Greek yogurt such a great ingredient in this cake?

Adds Moisture Without Weighing It Down: The tangy richness of Greek yogurt creates a soft, tender cake without making it heavy. It keeps the texture of the red velvet crumb cake light and airy, so each bite feels satisfying but not too dense.
Enhances the Tanginess: The slight tang of Greek yogurt complements the signature tangy flavor of red velvet, which traditionally comes from buttermilk and a touch of vinegar. This addition brings a modern twist while still preserving the traditional flavor profile that makes red velvet so iconic.
Better Texture: The fat content in Greek yogurt contributes to a smooth, velvety texture that’s nearly impossible to achieve with gluten-free flours alone. It ensures that your cake stays fresh and tender for longer, without becoming dry or crumbly.

The Signature Red Velvet Flavor

If you’ve ever had a slice of classic red velvet cake, you know that it’s not just about the color—it’s about the flavor. The red velvet crumb cake stays true to this, offering a slight cocoa flavor and a subtle tang from the yogurt, paired with the rich and aromatic notes of vanilla. It’s not as intense as a chocolate cake, but it has enough depth to keep your taste buds intrigued.

The balance of flavors is key. The richness of the chocolate and the tang from the yogurt create a complex yet familiar flavor profile. Every bite of this Gluten-Free Red Velvet Crumb Cake feels like a celebration. It’s comforting but also elevated—ideal for occasions where you want something both special and familiar, like birthdays, holidays, or even a cozy afternoon tea.

The Crumb Topping: A Sweet, Crunchy Perfection

Now, let's talk about the pièce de résistance: the crumb topping. This is where the magic happens. The crumb topping on this red velvet cake is thick and generous, adding a delightful contrast in both texture and sweetness to the soft, moist base.

But the real surprise here is the inclusion of white chocolate chips in the crumb topping. This addition elevates the cake in the most delicious way, bringing an extra layer of creamy sweetness that complements the tangy cake perfectly. The white chocolate chips melt slightly as the cake bakes, creating pockets of gooey goodness that perfectly balance the slight bitterness of the red velvet flavor. The topping itself is buttery and crisp, giving you a lovely crunch with every bite.

Texture Contrast: The crumbly topping is both soft and crunchy at the same time, offering a delightful textural contrast against the moist cake. It’s the perfect combination of tender and crunchy, adding dimension and interest to every bite.
Sweetness and Richness: The white chocolate chips bring a creamy, rich sweetness that balances out the tangy flavors of the cake. Their smooth texture melts in your mouth, making the crumb topping not only sweet but also indulgently creamy.

With every forkful, you’ll experience the symphony of flavors and textures: the softness of the cake, the tang of the yogurt, and the sweet crunch of the crumb topping. It’s the kind of cake that’s not only delicious but leaves you coming back for more, bite after bite.

Perfect for Holidays and Special Occasions

The beauty of this Gluten-Free Red Velvet Crumb Cake is that it’s perfect for nearly any occasion, from holidays to casual get-togethers. It has the festive vibrancy of red velvet, making it an ideal choice for Christmas, Valentine’s Day, or even a summer gathering. The striking color and the indulgent crumb topping give it an elegant yet approachable vibe, making it a dessert that both adults and kids can enjoy.

Why It’s Great for Special Occasions:

Visually Stunning: The vibrant red color of the cake, paired with the crumb topping, makes for a beautiful dessert that will undoubtedly be the star of the table. It's the kind of dessert that adds a touch of elegance to any event, from a Christmas dinner to a bridal shower.
Ideal for Family Gatherings: The moist texture and slightly tangy flavor are universally loved, making it a great dessert for families. Whether it’s a holiday feast or a birthday party, this cake will please a crowd of all ages.
Easy to Serve: Unlike some layered cakes that can be a hassle to slice and serve, this crumb cake is simple to cut into squares or wedges, making it a practical dessert for potlucks, picnics, or large gatherings. It’s the kind of dessert that doesn’t require much fuss but still feels like a treat.

Perfect for:

Holiday Gatherings: Think about the upcoming Christmas dinner or Thanksgiving feast. This cake is not only a showstopper on the table, but the rich, velvety texture is perfect for wintertime comfort desserts.
Valentine’s Day or Special Celebrations: Red velvet is a natural choice for romance, so it’s an ideal dessert for a romantic dinner or Valentine’s Day celebration. The vibrant red color and the sweet, indulgent flavor will surely impress your significant other.
Cookouts and Casual Get-Togethers: This cake works just as well for a relaxed summer cookout as it does for a formal event. Its versatility means you can enjoy it any time of year, and it’s easy to pack up and take to a friend’s house for a BBQ or picnic.

Effortless to Make, Impossible to Forget

One of the best things about this gluten-free red velvet crumb cake is how easy it is to make. Unlike many gluten-free cakes that can be a bit tricky or temperamental, this recipe is straightforward and simple, even for novice bakers. The Greek yogurt helps make the batter smooth and easy to mix, and the crumb topping is just the right consistency for sprinkling over the cake without a lot of effort.

Let the baking begin!

stack of gluten-free crumb cake red velvet

TIPS AND TRICKS:

- Always preheat your oven.

- All refrigerated ingredients should be room temperature unless stated otherwise.

- I recommend using no-taste red gel food coloring instead of the liquid. Gel is much more concentrated, so you won’t need to use an entire bottle/jar to achieve the bright red. The two brands we recommend is located on the bottom of the recipe card.

- You can use sour cream instead of yogurt in the cake, but I feel the yogurt gives the cake a better texture.

- If you use gel paste food coloring for the crumbs (the one that is packaged in a small jar like Wilton), use 1 Tbsp. of flour. If you use liquid gel food coloring, use 2 Tbsp. of flour. You may not need as much flour when using the gel paste due to the thickness of the food coloring.

slice of red velvet crumb cake removed from a large piece

This gluten-free red velvet crumb cake with white chocolate chips is the perfect blend of nostalgia and innovation. The cake is wonderfully moist, with just the right amount of sweetness, and the crumb topping is the ideal mix of crunchy and creamy with every bite. If you’re looking for a gluten-free dessert that will wow your friends and family—or just treat yourself to something indulgent—this is the recipe for you. So, preheat your oven and get baking—this cake is sure to become a new favorite! ❤️