This gluten free vanilla cupcakes recipe is a simple, reliable treat for birthdays, classroom parties, holidays, and celebrations throughout the year.

Vanilla cupcakes are one of those classic desserts that always seem to be needed at the last minute. In our house, they have become a regular part of school celebrations, birthday parties, family gatherings, and special treats for the kids. Between my daughter’s kindergarten events and the many birthday parties that pop up on the calendar, having a dependable homemade cupcake recipe has made life much easier. Now that my son has started preschool, there are some weeks when one batch of cupcakes is not enough.
When we first needed to bring home baked gluten free cupcakes to school events, it felt overwhelming. Most of the time, I would get 24 to 48 hours of notice, which was manageable. But there were also plenty of times when I found out about an in-class celebration the night before, or even just a few hours beforehand. That usually meant rushing to the grocery store, picking up ingredients, baking late, and hoping everything turned out well in time.

After doing that several times, I knew I needed a better plan. Baking a full batch for one or two cupcakes also meant we often had extras left over, and I did not want good homemade cupcakes going to waste. So I tested whether these gluten free vanilla cupcakes could be frozen and then defrosted later. They held up beautifully, which was such a relief. Now I can bake a dozen or two, serve what we need, and freeze the rest for the next surprise classroom party or last-minute celebration.
This recipe for gluten free vanilla cupcakes is also dairy free, making it a helpful option for families with multiple dietary needs. The cupcakes bake up light, fluffy, and tender, with just enough moisture to keep them soft without feeling heavy. They have a classic vanilla flavor that works well with almost any frosting, from a simple vanilla frosting to a colorful birthday topping.
Another reason we love this recipe is that it uses less sugar than many traditional cupcake recipes, while still tasting sweet and special. My kids enjoy them just as much, and they never miss the extra sugar. These dairy free gluten free cupcakes are easy to make, easy to decorate, and great to keep on hand when you need a dependable dessert for a crowd.
If you are looking for homemade gluten free cupcakes that are suitable for celebrations, school events, or everyday baking, this vanilla cupcake recipe is a wonderful place to start. It makes 24 cupcakes, freezes well, and has become one of our most-used family recipes.


Gluten Free Vanilla Cupcakes
These gluten free vanilla cupcakes are also dairy free. The recipe makes 24 soft, fluffy cupcakes that are perfect for parties, school celebrations, and family desserts.
Dessert
American
10
minutes
20
minutes
25
minutes
24
cupcakes
168
kcal
Jereann Zann – Celiac Mama
Ingredients
- 3 cups gluten free multi-purpose flour
- 4 eggs room temperature
- 2 cups sugar
- 3/4 cup coconut cream
- 1/2 cup coconut milk
- 1 cup coconut oil
- 1 tbsp vanilla
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
-
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
-
In a bowl, whisk together the gluten free flour, baking powder, and salt. Set the dry ingredients aside.
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Add the sugar and coconut oil to a mixer. Mix on low speed until well combined.
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Add the room-temperature eggs and continue mixing until the batter looks smooth.
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Mix in the coconut cream and coconut milk.
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Add the vanilla and mix until incorporated.
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Add the dry ingredients one cup at a time, mixing on medium speed until the cupcake batter is fully combined.
-
Pour or spoon the batter into a cupcake pan, filling each cup about two-thirds full. If you are not using cupcake liners, grease the pan with coconut oil or nonstick spray to help prevent sticking.
-
Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean.
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Let the cupcakes cool completely before frosting.
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Top with your favorite frosting and enjoy.
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