Our gluten free pumpkin cake is moist, tender, and loaded with holiday flavor. Rich pumpkin cake studded with cranberries and topped with cream cheese frosting? Yes, you'll love it!
Recipes like our super-moist and tender gluten free pumpkin cake, Starbuck pumpkin cream cheese muffins, and nut free brownies are always perfect for the holidays.
This delicious cake is easy to make and hard to stop eating. Get ready to fall in love!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Festive Flavor: The pumpkin cake, dried cranberries, and cream cheese frosting create a dessert perfect for the fall and holiday season.
- So Moist and Tender: This cake is so moist and tender, with the perfect texture.
- Perfect for Mixed Company: This cake is both gluten free and dairy free, making it perfect for everyone to enjoy.
- Limited Ingredients: Both the cake and the frosting only require a few simple ingredients found in your kitchen or grocery store.
- A Great Make-Ahead Option: The cake is freezer-friendly, so you can make extra for future use. Just make a batch of frosting after you thaw the cake.
Jump to:
Key Ingredients
You'll find a complete list of ingredients and their exact amounts in the recipe card at the end of the post.
- Pumpkin Puree: Pumpkin puree gives the cake its moist, tender texture and all that wonderful pumpkin flavor.
- Cranberry Extract and Dried Cranberries: Cranberry extract adds a tart cranberry note, and dried cranberries add pops of cranberry flavor.
- Spices: A blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger adds a warm fall flavor to the cake.
Variations
- Sweet Potato Cake: Use sweet potato puree to create another delicious fall cake.
- Less Cranberry Flavor: Omit the cranberry extract for a more pumpkin-focused cake.
- Cranberry Extract: If you can't find cranberry extract, just add another half cup of dried cranberries.
- Add Nuts: Chopped pecans or walnuts add more classic flavor and a nice crunch.
- Traditional Ingredients: You can use all-purpose flour in the same amounts if you prefer. You can also make the dairy free frosting with traditional ingredients.
How to Make This Gluten Free Pumpkin Cake
- Mix the wet cake ingredients in a large bowl.
- Mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined. Then, fold in the cranberries with a rubber spatula.
- Pour the batter into a prepared 9x13 pan and gently even it out with a spatula.
- Bake at 350°F until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Cool the cake for a few minutes in the pan, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Make the dairy free cream cheese frosting according to the directions.
- Frost the fully cooled cake, slice, and enjoy!
Expert Tips
- Be sure to buy pumpkin puree, not pie filling. They're often sold near one another.
- Make certain your baking soda is fresh. Expired leaveners won't give your cake the rise it needs.
- Mix your cake batter ingredients until just combined to avoid a dense cake.
- Bring your eggs to room temperature for easier, more complete incorporation.
- Add an extra hour to your cooling time if you plan to cool the cake in the pan.
- We used a dark pan for this recipe. If you use a light color or glass pan, check your cake for doneness about 10 minutes early.
Gluten Free Pumpkin Cake FAQs
Can I make this gluten free pumpkin cake without cranberry extract?
Yes, you can. If you don't have cranberry extract, simply add an extra half cup of dried cranberries.
Can I use fresh cranberries in this gluten free pumpkin cake recipe?
Yes, you can. Using fresh cranberries adds extra tartness. Just be sure to thoroughly drain and dry your berries before adding them to the batter.
How do you free gluten free pumpkin cake?
Wrap a whole, unfrosted cake in a double layer of plastic wrap and a layer of foil and freeze for up to three months.
More Delicious Holiday Desserts
If you loved this recipe, please leave a rating and a comment and let us know. We always love hearing from our readers!
📖 Recipe
Gluten Free Pumpkin Cake with Cranberries
Our gluten free pumpkin cake is moist, tender, and loaded with holiday flavor. Rich pumpkin cake studded with cranberries and topped with cream cheese frosting? Yes, you'll love it!
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 can pumpkin puree
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 4 eggs room temperature
- 1 teaspoon cranberry extract
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups gluten free flour
- 2 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 teaspoon cinnamon
- ¾ teaspoon nutmeg
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ginger
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- dairy free cream cheese frosting
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and lightly brush the bottom and sides of a 9x13 baking dish with coconut oil. Line the bottom of the pan with parchment paper.
- Mix the pumpkin puree, vegetable oil, both sugars, eggs, vanilla extract, and cranberry extract in a large mixing bowl.
- Then, mix in the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and ginger with a rubber spatula until just combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and even it out with a spatula. Then, bake for 45 to 55 minutes until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool the cake for 10 minutes in the pan. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Alternatively, cool the cake in the pan. This will take an extra hour.
- Mix the dairy free cream cheese frosting ingredients per the directions.
- Frost the fully cooled cake with the frosting, slice, and enjoy!
Notes
Tips
- Be sure to buy pumpkin puree, not pie filling. They're often sold near one another.
- Make certain your baking soda is fresh. Expired leaveners won't give your cake the rise it needs.
- Mix your cake batter ingredients until just combined to avoid a dense cake.
- Bring your eggs to room temperature for easier, more complete incorporation.
- Add an extra hour to your cooling time if you plan to cool the cake in the pan.
- We used a dark pan for this recipe. If you use a light color or glass pan, check your cake for doneness about 10 minutes early.
Nutrition
Calories: 275kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 3gFat: 13gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 7gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 33mgSodium: 137mgPotassium: 67mgFiber: 3gSugar: 26gVitamin A: 3356IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 28mgIron: 1mg
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
Liz says
Such a delicious autumnal dessert! I love the combination of pumpkin and cranberries!
Nicole Kendrick says
So perfect for that fall pumpkin craving we all have every year! Thanks for the 5 stars!
Liz says
Such a delicious combination of autumnal ingredients! Such a lovely cake.
Nicole Kendrick says
Thanks for giving this easy pumpkin cake recipe a try! Enjoy!
Jai says
This looks like the ultimate cozy autumn cake! It's great to have a delicious gluten-free pumpkin recipe. The texture looks wonderfully moist. Saving this one for my next fall baking session!
Nicole Kendrick says
A perfect texture if you ask me! I think you will really love this one!
Maria says
Such an underrated combo. I think this is a new family tradition.
Nicole Kendrick says
Yay!! I love helping people create new memories! I hope you all love the time spent together!
Mary says
This gluten- free pumpkin bread is so good, a perfect treat any day. Thanks for sharing this. I am going to make it again.
Nicole Kendrick says
I am so glad this was 5 star worthy! Enjoy the lovely treat!
Raluca says
I baked this last weekend, and it was a hit! The cranberries add a nice tart touch to the soft pumpkin cake — so good!
Nicole Kendrick says
I love to hear this success! Thanks for trusting in our high quality recipes!
Mimi says
Another delicious pumpkin recipe form you - I've tried a bunch already this season. Perfectly spiced, moist, and with pockets of cranberries. Will make again soon.
Nicole Kendrick says
So glad I could help conquer your pumpkin cravings! Enjoy!
Reny says
Gluten-free pumpkin cake is delicious. I have made it, and my kids have enjoyed it. Great fall bread.
Nicole Kendrick says
Perfect for fall! Thanks for the review!!!
Jess says
This came out so well! We had some gf people at our friendsgiving, and I wasn't sure what to make and I was so relieved to find such an easy, delicious recipe
Nicole Kendrick says
Oh I am so glad to hear we could help make friendsgiving such a success. Thanks for trusting in The Busy Kitchen!
Kiely says
This gluten-free pumpkin cake is moist, tender, and full of holiday flavor. The tart cranberries and creamy frosting make every bite irresistible.
Nicole Kendrick says
The tart flavor pairs perfectly with the sweet cream cheese frosting! Thanks so much!
Swathiii says
This gluten free cake is so delicious and easy to put together, thanks for sharing with me.
Nicole Kendrick says
Of course! Enjoy the cake with friends and family!!
Nora says
This looks absolutely irresistible! I love how moist and tender the crumb looks, and the combo of pumpkin, cranberries, and cream cheese frosting is just pure holiday perfection. Such a cozy bake for this time of year!
Nicole Kendrick says
The flavor combo is perfect and really gets you in the holiday spirits!
Scott says
This gluten-free pumpkin cake is beautifully moist and festive. Studded with cranberries and topped with cream-cheese frosting, it's a comforting fall bake made for sharing.
Nicole Kendrick says
The cream cheese frosting is obviously my favorite part! I am glad you enjoyed it too!
Medeea says
Tried this frosted gluten-free pumpkin cake with cranberries—so moist and tasty!
Nicole Kendrick says
How could you not love that frosting!!! Thanks for stopping by The Busy Kitchen!
Sasha says
Loving this pumpkin cake recipe! Has all the festive feels. Tried it on the weekend and will be making it for the Christmas season too when I'm brining a plate!
Nicole Kendrick says
I couldn't agree more! This one hits you in all the best feels!
Carmen says
The cranberry addition is such a genius idea. Everyone loved this festive cake--bonus that it's gluten-free!
Nicole Kendrick says
So festive but it also works for any old Sunday! Thanks for giving this gluten-free treat a try!
Juliet says
This year I have guests that go gluten free, so I made this pumpkin cake for them... and we ALL loved it! Now, I'll bake this instead of the classic one. It's so good!
Nicole Kendrick says
It is so nice to see you accommodating for them! I hope you all enjoy this holiday classic!
Jeraijah says
What a lovely fall dessert! A gluten-free pumpkin cake that looks this moist and tender is a huge win. The spices and the cream cheese frosting sound incredible together!
Nicole Kendrick says
This one is calling your name! I am glad you are enjoying it how it is meant to be!!
Jill says
This was so delicious! Love that it's gluten free. I was able to bring it to a friendsgiving without worrying too much about food restrictions.
Nicole Kendrick says
I am so happy to hear this was a hit! Enjoy the cake!
Lilly says
Finally a recipe me (lactose intolerant) and my friend (celiac) can both enjoy! I'll certainly make this pumpkin cake for our next tea time together!
Nicole Kendrick says
I am all about catering to allergies. We have so many amazing options for you to try!
Jenny says
The perfect winter time treat! So delicious!
Nicole Kendrick says
I so so agree! Thanks!
Nora says
This pumpkin cake is so moist and festive! The cranberries add such a lovely pop of flavor. Do you prefer it chilled before serving, or served at room temperature?
Nicole Kendrick says
I love the cranberry flavor as well! Thanks for your kind words.
Joy says
Yummmmm! I never would've though to do cranberries with a pumpkin cake, but it completely rocked!
Nicole Kendrick says
Such a fun and creative way to mix up a classic pumpkin cake!
Marie says
This looks incredibly moist and tender! It’s often hard to get that perfect crumb with gluten-free baking, but you’ve clearly mastered it here. Great recipe!
Nicole Kendrick says
Thank you soooo much! I really appreciate you stopping by to leave a review!
Niko says
I baked this frosted gluten free pumpkin cake with cranberries the other day, and it came out soft and really easy, with little pops of cranberry in every bite.
Nicole Kendrick says
I love this cake. Perfect for a summer day or a festive winter party! It works so many different ways!
Jill says
This gluten free pumpkin cake is soft, tender, and packed with rich pumpkin flavor. The cranberries and cream cheese frosting add the perfect finishing touch.
Nicole Kendrick says
Nothing beats that soft cake and rich pumpkin flavor!!
Lara says
Lovely cake, super moist with delicious frosting. Will try it with frresh cranberries for a more tart flavour as well next time!
Nicole Kendrick says
Yes!! I have herd great things with fresh cranberries. Let me know how it goes!
Swathi says
This frosted gluten free pumpkin cake is delicious I have made it twice already so good,
Nicole Kendrick says
YUM!!! Enjoy!
Claudia says
This frosted gluten free pumpkin cake with cranberries turned out soft, sweet, and really easy to make—those little cranberry bursts were such a nice touch.
Nicole Kendrick says
The cranberries are such a fun touch and it just feels like winter!
caroline says
Truly delicious and so easy to make! Pumpkin and cranberries is such a great combo. Thanks for another epic recipe!
Nicole Kendrick says
Thank you so much for trusting in The Busy Kitchen!
Gia says
Scrumptious! My whole family loved this cake so much!
Nicole Kendrick says
Mine too!! All the best Gia. Thank you!
Chloe says
Pumpkin and cranberry is such an underrated combo. I look forward to this cake all year long, as we usually make it for Thanksgiving every year.
Nicole Kendrick says
So perfect for a Thanksgiving dinner or just time spent with friends. I hope you enjoy! -NK
AJ says
Made this because sister-in-law was in town who is gluten free. I never would have guessed they were gluten-free. Texture was perfectly moist, and the cranberries and pumpkin compliment each other well.
Nicole Kendrick says
I love surprising people with this recipe! They are always shocked when they find out it is gluten-free!
Mia says
This gluten free pumpkin cake looks incredibly moist and full of holiday flavor. The cranberries and cream cheese frosting make it feel extra special without being over the top.
Nicole Kendrick says
I absolutely love the cream cheese frosting! Enjoy!
Maggie says
Such a delicious pumpkin cake! My sister doesn't eat gluten, so I made this recipe and everyone loved it, not just her!
Nicole Kendrick says
You are the best sister to think of her like that! So glad I was able to help you two enjoy!
Lisa says
The oil made this cake so moist and tender! It was a delicious treat!!!
Nicole Kendrick says
I love to hear it turned out exactly as written! Enjoy!
Lyn says
I baked this over the weekend and the crumb was incredibly moist. You’d never even guess it was gluten-free. The warm spices are just spot on!
Nicole Kendrick says
Thanks for the feedback! So glad this was moist and perfect for you!
Ellen says
I love pumpkin desserts and the addition of dried cranberries was delicious!
Nicole Kendrick says
It has the perfect mix of sweet and spice! Enjoy!
Shelby says
The texture was remarkably close to a traditional sponge, and the pumpkin flavor came through clearly without being too sweet.
Nicole Kendrick says
I agree, the mix of cranberries helps keep the pumpkin from taking over! Thank you so much!
Leslie says
This pumpkin and cranberry flavor was incredible..especially with the cream cheese frosting. This was perfection!
Nicole Kendrick says
The cream cheese frosting is my favorite part too!
Lathiya says
This gluten free pumpkin cake was amazing. My friends with gluten free diet enjoyed and raved much about this cake.
Nicole Kendrick says
I love that this one is gluten free! Perfect for parties where food allergies are a top priority!
Swathi says
Gluten-free pumpkin cake is delicious. I have made it twice, so good. Thanks for sharing.
Nicole Kendrick says
Yes, so good indeed! Thank you so much, Swathi!
Gina says
I made this cake and it turned out absolutely amazing! It is so moist and that pumpkin flavor really comes through. The tart cranberries pair perfectly with the sweetness, and the cream cheese frosting just takes it to the next level. Will be making it for my next get-together again!
Nicole Kendrick says
The cream cheese frosting is the perfect mix with tart cranberries and sweet pumpkin! I hope you enjoy every bite!
Stefania says
Gave this a try and it turned out so good—the pumpkin and cranberries work so well together!
Nicole Kendrick says
Perfect! I am glad you were able to enjoy this recipe!
Sandi says
This is so good. The cake came out perfectly moist and the cream cheese frosting was a highlight. This is definitely getting made in the holiday season.
Nicole Kendrick says
I love this one all times of year! I am glad to hear it is going in your rotation of recipes!