Gluten-Free Small-Batch Red Velvet Sheet Cake w/ Fluffy Cream Cheese Icing

Name: Small-Batch Red Velvet Sheet Cake w/ Cream Cheese Icing
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 1, 9x9 Square
Ingredients: 1 1/2 c. gluten-free flour blend, spooned and leveled (I use Bob's RedMill 1:1); 1 Tbsp. cocoa; 1 1/2 tsp. baking powder; 1/4 tsp. baking soda; 1/2 tsp. salt; 1/4 c. unsalted butter, room temperature and soft; 2 Tbsp. oil; 1/2 c. sugar; 1/2 c. brown sugar, packed; 2 large eggs, room temperature; 2 tsp. vanilla; 1 tsp. vinegar; 1-2 tsp. no-taste red gel food coloring; 1/2 c. sour milk (add 1 1/2 tsp. vinegar to a measuring cup and fill it up the rest of the way to the 1/2 c. line with milk - let sit for 5 minutes); 1/4 c. sour cream, room temperature; 2 Tbsp. white chocolate chips, melted; 1/2 c. cream cheese, room temperature; 1/4 c. unsalted butter, room temperature; 1/4 c. vegetable shortening or Crisco; 2 c. powdered sugar; 1/2 tsp. vanilla; 1/2 c. marshmallow fluff; Pinch of salt

Desserts

Jan 30

Written By Kali Terry

When it comes to baking, few desserts manage to evoke the same level of excitement and adoration as a red velvet cake. The striking red hue, the tender crumb, and a perfectly tangy cream cheese icing make this cake a true classic. But what happens when you need a gluten-free version? Can you still achieve that signature flavor and texture without the gluten? The answer is a resounding yes! In this post, we'll dive deep into creating our GLUTEN-FREE SMALL-BATCH RED VELVET SHEET CAKE topped with the FLUFFIEST CREAM CHEESE ICING ever!!

square slice of red velvet cake with fluffy cream cheese icing and red and pink sanding sugar

Jump to Recipe

forkful of red velvet cake with cream cheese icing

There’s something inherently magical about a red velvet cake. The way its velvety crumb melts in your mouth, the rich, slightly tangy flavor that dances on your taste buds, and the contrast between the deep red color and the luscious white cream cheese frosting—it’s a dessert that never fails to leave an impression. But what makes this small-batch red velvet sheet cake with fluffy cream cheese icing better than any other? It's all about the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and visual appeal that will make anyone who tastes it go back for seconds.

At the heart of this cake is a beautiful marriage of flavors—subtle cocoa, sweetness, and a tangy edge from the cream cheese frosting. Red velvet cake has a unique flavor profile that's difficult to describe but impossible to forget. The cocoa powder brings a deep, chocolatey richness without overwhelming the cake’s other flavors, while the slight tang from the sour milk and vinegar cuts through the sweetness, creating a balance that’s both indulgent and refreshing.

A Texture That’s Almost Too Perfect 😍

There’s something about the texture of a red velvet cake that sets it apart from other cakes. The crumb of this cake is incredibly soft, yet it holds its shape well enough to slice neatly. It’s moist and light, with a slight airiness that makes it melt in your mouth without feeling heavy or dense. This is the kind of cake that’s tender but not too delicate, with just enough structure to allow you to cut clean slices without it falling apart.

The cream cheese frosting, while fluffy, adds an indulgent richness that elevates the whole dessert. When paired with the lightness of the cake, the frosting provides the perfect textural contrast. It’s soft and smooth, so when you take a bite, the layer of cake and frosting blend together effortlessly, creating a satisfying mouthfeel that’s both creamy and crumbly in the best way possible. The cake is dense enough to feel substantial, but still light and airy, ensuring that it doesn’t feel overwhelming despite its richness.

Every bite of this cake feels like a little moment of luxury—whether you're savoring the tender crumb or enjoying the light and fluffy frosting, it’s a dessert that delivers on texture as much as it does on flavor.

Serving Suggestions: A Slice for Every Occasion

This red velvet sheet cake is incredibly versatile when it comes to serving. The small-batch nature of this recipe makes it the perfect dessert for intimate gatherings. Whether you're hosting a family dinner, a birthday celebration, or a casual afternoon get-together, this cake offers the ideal portion size without the risk of excess. Each slice is perfectly satisfying on its own—moist and flavorful with just the right amount of frosting—so you can easily serve this to a handful of guests without leftovers.

If you’re serving this cake for a more festive occasion, like a birthday or special event, it also makes for a stunning centerpiece. Imagine placing a tray of this vibrant cake at the center of the table, the thick frosting forming a smooth white blanket over the top, with a sprinkle of decorative accents for added flair. It’s the kind of cake that demands attention and invites conversation.

While it’s perfect for any occasion, this cake is especially suited to those moments when you want to impress with something that’s not only delicious but also visually striking. The vibrant red of the cake and the white cream cheese frosting make it particularly fitting for Valentine’s Day, Christmas, or any other celebration where you want to add a pop of color and elegance.

This cake can easily be dressed up or down, depending on the occasion. Keep the frosting simple and the decoration minimal for an elegant look, or add some festive touches like colored sprinkles, edible flowers, or a sprinkle of cocoa powder to elevate it for a more formal event. You can even serve it alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for an extra layer of indulgence.

Let the baking begin!

TIPS AND TRICKS:

- Always preheat your oven.

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

- To make sour milk, put 1 1/2 tsp. vinegar to a measuring cup and then fill it up the rest of the way to the 1/2 c. line with milk.

This gluten-free small-batch red velvet sheet cake topped with fluffy cream cheese icing is simply irresistible. It’s a dessert that’s as pleasing to the eyes as it is to the taste buds. From the deep, rich flavor of the cake to the light, tangy frosting, every bite is an experience. The cake’s soft, tender crumb paired with the fluffy frosting creates the perfect textural contrast, making each mouthful a delicate indulgence.

Whether you’re looking to impress guests at a celebration or simply treat yourself to something extraordinary, this cake delivers on every front. It’s more than just a cake—it’s a moment of decadence, a slice of sweetness that will have you savoring every bite and coming back for more.