gluten free carrot cake invites you on a cozy journey through cinnamon-kissed memories. Imagine fluffy layers studded with grated carrots and toasted walnuts, sweetened with a hint of maple syrup and balanced by a splash of tangy coconut yogurt instead of heavy creams. Each bite hums with warm spices—cinnamon, nutmeg, and a dash of ginger—while a handful of golden raisins adds playful pops of sweetness. This cake bakes to a tender crumb, begging for a swirl of zesty orange cream cheese frosting. Perfect for sharing at brunch or sneaking a slice at midnight, it’s a celebration that everyone will savor.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This gluten free carrot cake
- Deliciously moist and flavorful, it’s a treat for everyone!
- Made with wholesome ingredients, it’s a guilt-free indulgence.
- Perfect for any occasion, from birthdays to casual gatherings.
- Easy to make, even for beginner bakers!
- Everyone will love it, gluten-free or not!
gluten free carrot cake
Equipment
- 1 8-inch round cake pan Greased and lined with parchment paper
- 1 large mixing bowl For mixing dry ingredients
- 1 separate bowl For mixing wet ingredients
- 1 Spatula For smoothing the batter
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups gluten free all-purpose flour for the cake base
- 1 teaspoon baking soda helps the cake rise
- 1 teaspoon baking powder adds fluffiness
- 1.5 teaspoons ground cinnamon for warm flavor
- 0.5 teaspoon ground nutmeg adds a touch of spice
- 0.5 teaspoon salt enhances sweetness
Wet Ingredients
- 1.25 cups granulated sugar sweetens the cake
- 3 large eggs binds ingredients together
- 0.5 cup vegetable oil keeps the cake moist
- 0.25 cup applesauce a natural sweetener
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract for flavor depth
- 2 cups grated carrots the star ingredient!
- 0.5 cup chopped walnuts optional, for crunch
- 0.5 cup raisins optional, for added sweetness
Instructions
Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8-inch round cake pan with parchment paper.
Mix Dry Ingredients
- In a large bowl, whisk together gluten free flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until well combined.
Combine Wet Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, beat together sugar, eggs, oil, applesauce, and vanilla until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix!
Add Carrots and Nuts
- Fold in the grated carrots, walnuts, and raisins until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Pour the Batter
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula for an even bake.
Bake the Cake
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool and Serve
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and enjoying!
Notes
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 250 |
| Fat | 10g |
| Protein | 4g |
| Carbs | 38g |
| Sugar | 20g |
| Fiber | 2g |
Ingredients
Here are the ingredients you’ll need to make a delicious gluten free carrot cake!
- 2 cups gluten free all-purpose flour – for the cake base
- 1 teaspoon baking soda – helps the cake rise
- 1 teaspoon baking powder – adds fluffiness
- 1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon – for warm flavor
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg – adds a touch of spice
- ½ teaspoon salt – enhances sweetness
- 1¼ cups granulated sugar – sweetens the cake
- 3 large eggs – binds ingredients together
- ½ cup vegetable oil – keeps the cake moist
- ¼ cup applesauce – a natural sweetener
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – for flavor depth
- 2 cups grated carrots – the star ingredient!
- ½ cup chopped walnuts – optional, for crunch
- ½ cup raisins – optional, for added sweetness
How to Make gluten free carrot cake
This delightful gluten free carrot cake is perfect for any occasion! With a preparation time of about 15 minutes and a cooking time of 30–35 minutes, you’ll have a delicious treat ready in no time. Allow an extra 10 minutes for cooling before slicing into this moist and flavorful cake.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8-inch round cake pan with parchment paper.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together gluten free flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until well combined.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, beat together sugar, eggs, oil, applesauce, and vanilla until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
Step 4: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix!
Step 5: Add Carrots and Nuts
Fold in the grated carrots, walnuts, and raisins until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Step 6: Pour the Batter
Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula for an even bake.
Step 7: Bake the Cake
Bake in the preheated oven for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 8: Cool and Serve
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and enjoying!
Recipe Snapshot
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Category | Dessert |
| Cuisine | American |
| Prep Time | 15 minutes |
| Cook Time | 35 minutes |
| Extra Time | 10 minutes (cooling) |
| Total Time | 60 minutes |
| Dietary | Gluten Free |
| Serves | 8 |
| Best Served | With cream cheese frosting or plain! |
Pro Tips for Making gluten free carrot cake
- Grate your carrots finely for a smoother texture.
- Use a mix of almond flour and coconut flour for the best flavor.
- Incorporate crushed pineapple for added moisture and sweetness.
- Let the cake cool completely before frosting to prevent melting.
- Experiment with spices like nutmeg and ginger for a warm kick.
How to Serve this gluten free carrot cake
- Top with a dollop of coconut whipped cream for a tropical twist.
- Serve warm with a scoop of dairy-free vanilla ice cream.
- Pair with a cup of herbal tea for a cozy afternoon treat.
- Drizzle with maple syrup for an extra touch of sweetness.
- Garnish with chopped nuts for added crunch and flavor.
- Enjoy with fresh fruit like berries or sliced oranges for a refreshing contrast.
Make Ahead and Storage
You can make this cake ahead and store it easily:
Storing gluten free carrot cake Leftovers
- Allow the cake to cool completely.
- Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap.
- Store in an airtight container.
- Keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Freezing gluten free carrot cake
- Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap.
- Place wrapped slices in a freezer-safe bag.
- Label with the date and type.
- Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.
Reheating gluten free carrot cake
- Thaw slices in the refrigerator overnight.
- Reheat in the microwave for 10-15 seconds.
- For oven, warm at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes.
- Enjoy warm for the best texture and taste!
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FAQs
Here’s a helpful FAQ about this recipe:
1. Can carrot cake be made gluten-free?
Absolutely! You can easily make a delicious gluten-free carrot cake by substituting traditional wheat flour with gluten-free flour blends. These blends often contain a mix of rice flour, almond flour, and tapioca starch, which can provide the right texture and flavor for your cake. Just be sure to check that all your other ingredients, like baking powder and spices, are also gluten-free!
2. What is the trick to gluten-free baking?
The key to successful gluten-free baking is to use a combination of gluten-free flours and starches to mimic the properties of wheat flour. Additionally, adding ingredients like xanthan gum or psyllium husk can help provide structure and moisture. It’s also important to let your batter rest for a bit before baking, as this can improve the texture of your final product!
3. What is the secret ingredient in carrot cake?
The secret ingredient that often elevates carrot cake is the addition of crushed pineapple or applesauce. These ingredients not only add moisture but also enhance the sweetness and flavor of the cake. Plus, they help keep the cake tender and delicious, making every bite a treat!
4. What is the 1234 cake rule?
The 1234 cake rule is a simple guideline for making a basic cake: use 1 cup of butter, 2 cups of sugar, 3 cups of flour, and 4 eggs. This ratio can be adapted for various cake recipes, including gluten-free versions. Just remember to adjust the flour type and add any additional flavors or ingredients, like carrots and spices, to create your perfect gluten-free carrot cake!
Final Thoughts
We hope you’re as excited to try this gluten-free carrot cake as we are! It’s a delightful treat that’s simple to make and oh-so-rewarding. Picture the warm aroma filling your kitchen and the smiles it brings to your loved ones. So grab those carrots, get baking, and enjoy every delicious bite of this nostalgic favorite!