Gluten Free Carrot Cake: Easiest Recipe EVER!

Gluten free carrot cake. Yes, you read that right! Perfectly moist, subtly spiced, and topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting, this gluten free carrot cake will have everyone reaching for seconds. Baking, for me, has always been therapy. It started with watching my grandmother effortlessly whip up family favorite recipes and learning how patience and simple ingredients can create something truly special. This particular gluten free carrot cake recipe is an ode to those lessons and, more importantly, proof that you don’t need gluten to create an extraordinary dessert.

This recipe was born out of a desire to recreate the classic carrot cake experience for those with gluten sensitivities. I wanted a cake that wasn’t just “good for gluten free” but genuinely delicious. I’ve tweaked and tested so many variations over the years and am happy to share this definitive take!

Why You Will Love This gluten free carrot cake Recipe

This gluten free carrot cake recipe is a game changer. I especially love the incredible flavor and texture, but there’s so much more to love about this recipe. It’s incredibly moist, thanks to the combination of oil and applesauce, and the spice blend creates a warming, comforting flavor profile. The cream cheese frosting is the perfect tangy counterpoint to the sweet cake. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to make! This recipe is perfect for any occasion, and your friends and family won’t even realize it’s gluten free!

This recipe represents a sweet spot in my life, connecting my passion for baking and desire to share delicious treats with everyone. It’s a crowd pleaser and will quickly become a favorite in your home.

Ingredients Needed for This gluten free carrot cake Recipe

Here’s what you’ll need for this amazing gluten free carrot cake:

For the Cake:

• 2 cups gluten free all-purpose flour blend (with xanthan gum)
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 4 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups grated carrots, packed
• 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
• 1/2 cup raisins (optional)

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 4 tablespoons milk or cream, as needed

How to Make This gluten free carrot cake Recipe

Ready to bake? Here’s how to make this delicious gluten free carrot cake:

1. 1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan.
2. 2. In a large bowl, whisk together the gluten free flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt.
3. 3. In a separate bowl, combine the sugar, oil, applesauce, eggs, and vanilla extract. Beat until well combined.
4. 4. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, or the cake may be dense.
5. 5. Fold in the grated carrots, nuts (if using), and raisins (if using).
6. 6. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. 7. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely.
8. 8. While the cake is cooling, prepare the frosting. In a large bowl, beat together the cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
9. 9. Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating until smooth.
10. 10. Stir in the vanilla extract. Add milk or cream, one tablespoon at a time, until the frosting reaches your desired consistency.
11. 11. Once the cake is completely cool, frost it with the cream cheese frosting.
12. 12. Enjoy every delicious bite!

I find that using a fine grater for the carrots yields a super moist and tender cake, so give that a shot! Follow us on Pinterest for more delicious gluten free recipes and baking inspiration! You won’t be disappointed!

How to Serve This gluten free carrot cake Recipe

This gluten free carrot cake is fantastic on its own, but here are a few ideas to elevate your serving experience!

• Classic Slice: Simply cut a slice of cake and enjoy the moist texture and creamy frosting.
• With Coffee or Tea: Pairs perfectly with a warm cup of coffee or tea.
• Garnished: Sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans over the frosting for added texture.
• With a scoop of vanilla ice cream: This is a family favorite in my home!

How to Store This gluten free carrot cake Recipe

Proper storage is key to maintaining the cake’s moisture and flavor.

• Refrigeration: Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 2 months.
• Reheating: Thaw frozen cake in the refrigerator overnight.
• Shelf Life: At room temperature, the cake will stay fresh for about 2 days, as long as it’s properly covered.

Tips to Make This gluten free carrot cake Recipe

Here are some helpful tips that I’ve found useful over the years to ensure your gluten free carrot cake turns out perfectly every time:

• Ingredient Swaps: You can substitute the vegetable oil with melted coconut oil for a slightly different flavor. Feel free to substitute pineapple for carrot, too!
• Success Tips: Make sure your baking powder and baking soda are fresh for the best rise.
• Common Mistakes to Avoid: Overmixing the batter can result in a tough cake, so mix until just combined.
• Pro Tip: Toast the nuts before chopping and adding them to the batter for an even richer flavor.

Also, make sure you read the labels on all your products (especially your flour!) to ensure they are, indeed, gluten free.

Helpful Notes for This gluten free carrot cake Recipe

Here are a couple of things that I think are important to note:

• Gluten Free Flour: Be sure to use a gluten free all purpose flour blend that contains xanthan gum. This helps to provide structure and prevent the cake from being crumbly.
• Carrot Preparation: Grate the carrots finely for a more even texture. If you prefer a chunkier cake, you can coarsely grate the carrots.
• Did you now that you can find additional baking instructions, tips and tricks at Gluten Free Carrot Cake 7?

Variation of This gluten free carrot cake Recipe

Want to mix things up? Here are some creative variations!

• Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the batter for a subtle kick.
• Cream Cheese Frosting Variations: Add lemon zest to the frosting for a tangy flavor or mix in a spoonful of peanut butter for a chocolatey twist.
• Optional Additions: Add shredded coconut, crushed pineapple, or dried cranberries to the batter.
• If you want more cake variations, you can find them at Gluten Free Carrot Cake 5.
• And of course, if you are still craving more cake, Gluten Free Carrot Cake 6 is sure to please.

Conclusion

This gluten free carrot cake is more than just a recipe; it’s a celebration of flavors, textures, and the joy of baking. It’s a testament to the fact that gluten free desserts can be just as delicious and satisfying as their traditional counterparts. I hope you enjoy making and sharing this gluten free carrot cake with your loved ones as much as I do. Happy baking, friends!

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