Gluten-Free Swirl Cake Recipe
Introduction
This Gluten-Free Swirl Cake offers a delightful combination of vanilla and chocolate flavors in a moist, tender crumb. Perfect for those avoiding gluten but still craving a classic Bundt cake treat. The beautiful swirls make it an eye-catching dessert for any occasion.

Ingredients
- 8 tablespoons (113g) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 tablespoons (25g) vegetable oil
- 1 package King Arthur Gluten-Free Yellow Cake Mix
- 4 large eggs
- 2/3 cup plus 2 tablespoons (180g) milk, divided
- 1/4 cup (21g) Dutch-process cocoa
- 1/4 cup (28g) confectioners’ sugar
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a 10-cup Bundt pan thoroughly.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened butter and vegetable oil together until combined. Add half of the cake mix and beat until smooth.
- Step 3: Reduce the mixer speed to low. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to ensure they’re fully incorporated.
- Step 4: With the mixer still on low, pour in about 1/3 cup (76g) of the milk. Then add the remaining cake mix and beat until the batter is smooth. Mix in another 1/3 cup (76g) of milk.
- Step 5: Transfer about 3 cups of the vanilla batter into a separate bowl and set aside.
- Step 6: Sift together the cocoa powder and confectioners’ sugar. Stir this mixture into the remaining batter along with the last 2 tablespoons (28g) of milk. Mix until uniform and smooth.
- Step 7: Spoon alternating scoops of vanilla and chocolate batter into the prepared Bundt pan. Rotate the pan as you layer to create an even swirl pattern. Fill the pan about two-thirds full. Tap the pan gently on the counter a few times to settle the batter.
- Step 8: Bake for 45 to 48 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a long skewer; it should come out clean. The cake’s internal temperature should read about 205°F with a digital thermometer.
- Step 9: Remove the cake from the oven. Let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes before carefully inverting onto a rack to cool completely.
- Step 10: Serve once cooled, or store leftovers well wrapped at room temperature for several days. For longer storage, freeze the cake.
Tips & Variations
- Use Dutch-process cocoa for a richer chocolate flavor in the swirl.
- Try adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the vanilla batter for extra aroma.
- To make it dairy-free, substitute the milk with a plant-based milk and use dairy-free butter alternatives.
- Ensure the Bundt pan is well greased to prevent sticking and preserve the intricate swirl pattern.
Storage
Store the leftover cake wrapped tightly at room temperature for up to 3 days to keep it moist. For longer storage, wrap well and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw completely at room temperature before serving. Reheat slices gently in the microwave if desired.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a different gluten-free cake mix?
Yes, you can substitute with another high-quality gluten-free yellow cake mix, but baking times and textures may vary slightly. Always follow package instructions as a reference.
How do I know when the cake is fully baked?
The cake is done when a skewer inserted into its center comes out clean or with a few dry crumbs. A digital thermometer should register about 205°F in the cake’s center for perfect doneness.
PrintGluten-Free Swirl Cake Recipe
This Gluten-Free Swirl Cake features moist vanilla and rich chocolate batters swirled together in a beautiful Bundt pan design. Using a gluten-free yellow cake mix combined with cocoa powder, butter, and eggs, it’s baked to a perfect tender crumb with a visually stunning marble effect. This cake is perfect for anyone seeking a gluten-free dessert that doesn’t compromise on flavor or texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 10 to 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert, Cake
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Cake Batter
- 8 tablespoons (113g) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 tablespoons (25g) vegetable oil
- 1 package King Arthur Gluten-Free Yellow Cake Mix
- 4 large eggs
- 2/3 cup plus 2 tablespoons (180g) milk, divided
Chocolate Swirl Mixture
- 1/4 cup (21g) Dutch-process cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup (28g) confectioners’ sugar
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Grease a 10-cup Bundt pan thoroughly to ensure the cake releases easily once baked.
- Mix butter and oil: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened butter and vegetable oil together until well combined and creamy.
- Add half the cake mix: Add half of the gluten-free yellow cake mix to the butter and oil mixture, beating until smooth and fully incorporated.
- Incorporate eggs one at a time: Reduce the mixer speed to low. Add the eggs one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully mixed in before adding the next to maintain a smooth batter.
- Add milk and remaining mix: With the mixer on low, add about one-third cup (76g) of the milk, then the rest of the cake mix. Beat until smooth. Follow by mixing in another one-third cup (76g) of milk until batter is well blended.
- Separate vanilla batter: Transfer 3 cups of the batter to a separate bowl and set aside for the vanilla portion of the cake.
- Prepare chocolate batter: Sift together the Dutch-process cocoa powder and confectioners’ sugar. Add this to the remaining batter along with the last 2 tablespoons (28g) of milk. Mix until smooth and uniform.
- Layer the batters: Alternate spoonfuls of the vanilla and chocolate batters into the prepared Bundt pan, turning the pan as you go to evenly distribute the batter. Fill the pan about two-thirds full. Tap the pan gently on the counter two to three times to settle the batter and remove air bubbles.
- Bake the cake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 45 to 48 minutes, until a long skewer inserted into the center comes out clean and a digital thermometer reads 205°F (96°C) at the thickest part of the cake.
- Cool the cake: Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then invert it onto a wire rack and allow it to cool completely before slicing.
- Storage: Store leftover cake well wrapped at room temperature for several days or freeze to keep longer. Thaw frozen cake at room temperature before serving.
Notes
- Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for better batter consistency.
- Use Dutch-process cocoa for richer chocolate flavor and smooth texture.
- Greasing the Bundt pan thoroughly is crucial to prevent sticking and to preserve the beautiful swirl design.
- If you don’t have a digital thermometer, the skewer test is reliable to check doneness.
- For a dairy-free variation, substitute milk and butter with suitable alternatives, but texture may vary.
Keywords: Gluten-Free Cake, Swirl Cake, Bundt Cake, Chocolate Vanilla Cake, Gluten-Free Baking, Dairy Cake

