Gluten Free Lemon Bundt Cake That Actually Tastes Like Real Cake
There’s something about a lemon cake that just feels like sunshine in dessert form—bright, fresh, and a little nostalgic. And if you’ve ever baked gluten-free, you know the struggle… dry, crumbly, or worse—gritty. This gluten free lemon donut bundt cake is the opposite of all that.
It’s soft, moist, and packed with real lemon flavor thanks to fresh zest, lemon juice, and a little trick that makes a big difference (don’t skip it). It’s the kind of cake you can serve to anyone—gluten-free or not—and they won’t know the difference. Some other great gluten free dessert recipes are Gluten Free Maple Peach Cake, Gluten-free Cinnamon Sugar Zucchini Donuts, and Gluten Free Banana Crumb Cookies.
Why This Gluten Free Lemon Donut Bundt Cake Works
Most gluten-free cakes fall flat because the flour doesn’t hydrate properly. That’s where this recipe is different.
Here’s what makes it better:
- Bob’s Red Mill 1:1 flour → gives structure without dryness
- Buttermilk + sour cream → adds richness and moisture
- Oil + butter combo → best of both worlds (moist + flavor)
- Lemon zest rubbed into sugar → boosts citrus flavor naturally
- 15-minute batter rest → eliminates that gritty texture
That last step? It’s the secret. Don’t skip it.
Ingredients You’ll Need for this gluten free lemon cake
Cake
- 1 ¾ cups Bob’s Red Mill 1:1 Gluten-Free Baking Flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- Zest of 2 lemons
- ¾ cup buttermilk (room temp)
- ¼ cup sour cream (room temp)
- 2 large eggs (room temp)
- ½ cup + 1 tablespoon neutral oil (canola or avocado)
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (or use the juice from the lemons)
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon lemon extract (optional, but recommended for extra flavor)
How to Make Gluten Free Lemon Donut Bundt Cake
1. Prep
Preheat oven to 350°F.
Grease your bundt pan very well—gluten-free cakes are more delicate and tend to stick.
2. Boost the Lemon Flavor
In a bowl, combine the sugar + lemon zest.
Rub it together with your fingers until fragrant.
This step releases the oils and makes the lemon flavor pop.
Whisk together in a separate bowl:
- flour
- baking powder
- salt
3. Mix the Wet Ingredients for this gluten free lemon cake
In a large bowl, whisk together:
- buttermilk
- sour cream
- eggs
- oil
- melted butter
- lemon juice
- vanilla
- lemon extract
4. Combine
Gradually add dry ingredients to wet.
Mix until just combined.
The batter will be slightly thick and a little lumpy—that’s exactly what you want.
5. Let the Batter Rest (Don’t Skip!)
Let the batter sit for 15 minutes.
This allows the gluten-free flour to fully hydrate so your cake turns out soft—not gritty.
6. Bake
Pour into prepared bundt pan.
Bake at 350°F for 45–55 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Let cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes, then carefully invert onto a wire rack.
Make the lemon glaze for bundt cake
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
Whisk and drizzle over cooled cake.
Tips for the Best Gluten Free Donut Lemon Cake
- Grease your pan extra well → bundt pans + GF batter = sticking risk
- Use room temp ingredients → helps everything blend smoothly
- Don’t overmix → keeps the cake tender
- Resting the batter = game changer
- Add lemon extract if you want bakery-level flavor
When to Serve This Cake
This cake fits basically every occasion:
- Spring brunch
- Easter dessert
- Baby or bridal showers
- Weekend baking when you want something light but still indulgent
Or honestly… just with coffee on a random Tuesday.
Storage Tips
- Store covered at room temp for 2–3 days
- Refrigerate up to 5 days
- Freezes well (slice first for easy grab-and-go)
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been disappointed by gluten-free baking before, this is the recipe that changes your mind.
It’s soft, flavorful, and actually feels like a real cake—not a “gluten-free version” of one.
And that lemon flavor? Bright, fresh, and exactly what you want.

Gluten Free Lemon Donut Bundt Cake
Ingredients
- Cake
- 1 ¾ cups Bob’s Red Mill 1:1 Gluten-Free Baking Flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- Zest 2 lemons
- ¾ cup buttermilk room temp
- ¼ cup sour cream room temp
- 2 large eggs room temp
- ½ cup + 1 tablespoon neutral oil canola or avocado
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice or use the juice from the lemons
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon lemon extract
- Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 Tbsp lemon juice
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Grease your bundt pan very well—gluten-free cakes are more delicate and tend to stick.
- In a bowl, combine the sugar + lemon zest, and Rub it together with your fingers until fragrant.
- Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt
- In a separate bowl, whisk together sour cream, melted butter, eggs, oil, lemon juice, lemon extract and vanilla.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet, and Mix until just combined.
- The batter will be slightly thick and a little lumpy—that’s exactly what you want.
- Pour into prepared bundt pan and Bake at 350°F for 45–55 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes, then carefully invert onto a wire rack.
- Make the Glaze:
- Combine powdered sugar and lemon juice until it makes a thick glaze, then pour over cooled cake.


Leave a Reply