Gluten Free Carrot Cake: The Easiest Recipe EVER!

Gluten free carrot cake is a dessert that brings back warm memories of my grandmother's kitchen. The warm spice notes, the tender crumb, and the creamy frosting were always comforting. This version is a delicious twist on a classic, offering the same delightful flavors without any gluten. Sharing good food that's accessible to everyone is what gotastyrecipes.com is all about, and this gluten free carrot cake embodies that perfectly.

Growing up, carrot cake was a staple at family gatherings, and creating a gluten free version that lives up to that nostalgic flavor has been a labor of love. It’s a testament to the fact that dietary restrictions don't have to mean sacrificing taste. This gluten free carrot cake is proof!

Why You Will Love This gluten free carrot cake Recipe

This gluten free carrot cake recipe is a guaranteed crowd pleaser for so many reasons. First, it’s incredibly moist and tender, thanks to the combination of carefully selected gluten free flours and the natural moisture from the carrots. It’s also surprisingly easy to make, even if you’re new to gluten free baking. The warm spices create a comforting flavor profile that pairs perfectly with the sweet cream cheese frosting.

I often find myself craving a slice of this cake along with a warm coffee, especially on a cozy Sunday afternoon. The joy in baking this cake is that you can share with everyone since it's completely gluten free. It means that no one in the family or friend group will miss out on enjoying a delicious spiced cake. Plus, cleanup is a breeze because the recipe is straightforward and forgiving. If you love easy gluten free desserts, you should check out my recipe for Easy Gluten Free Cupcakes!

Ingredients Needed for This gluten free carrot cake Recipe

Here’s what you’ll need to bake this amazing gluten free carrot cake. For the best results, use high quality ingredients and measure carefully.

For the Cake:

• 1 ½ cups gluten free all purpose flour blend (with xanthan gum)
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ¾ cup packed light brown sugar
• ¾ cup vegetable oil
• 4 large eggs, at room temperature
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups grated carrots
• 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons milk or heavy cream

How to Make This gluten free carrot cake Recipe

Follow these step by step instructions for perfect gluten free carrot cake every time.

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan. If you only have round pam, see my other Gluten Free Carrot Cake version!
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the gluten free flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vegetable oil. Beat with an electric mixer until well combined.

4. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
6. Fold in the grated carrots and chopped nuts (if using).
7. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.

8. Bake for 3035 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely.
10. While the cake is cooling, prepare the cream cheese frosting. In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
11. Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until well combined. Stir in the vanilla extract and milk or heavy cream until the frosting reaches your desired consistency.
12. Once the cake is completely cool, frost the top with the cream cheese frosting. You can decorate with extra chopped nuts or carrot shavings, if desired.

How to Serve This gluten free carrot cake Recipe

This gluten free carrot cake is delicious all on its own, but here are some ideas to elevate your serving experience. Consider adding a sprinkle of cinnamon or chopped walnuts on top for visual appeal. A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream adds a delightful contrast in textures and temperatures.

Pair it with a warm cup of coffee, tea, or even a cold glass of milk. For a more sophisticated presentation, consider slicing the cake into individual portions and adding a drizzle of caramel sauce or a sprinkle of sea salt. Get even more ideas from my other post Gluten Free Carrot Cake 2.

How to Store This gluten free carrot cake Recipe

Proper storage will help retain the cake’s moisture and flavor.

• Refrigeration: Store leftover gluten free carrot cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The frosting will help keep the cake moist.
• Freezing: For longer storage, you can freeze the cake. Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer safe bag or container. Frozen cake can last up to 23 months.
• Reheating: Thaw frozen cake in the refrigerator overnight. Let it come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.
• Shelf Life: At room temperature, this cake is best enjoyed within 12 days.

Tips to Make This gluten free carrot cake Recipe

Here are some tips to ensure your gluten free carrot cake turns out perfectly.

• Ingredient Swaps: If you don’t have walnuts or pecans, you can substitute with other nuts like almonds or macadamia nuts. You can also use raisins or dried cranberries for a different flavor profile. The oil can be swapped for melted butter or coconut oil.
• Success Tips: Make sure your cream cheese and butter are softened to room temperature before making the frosting. This will ensure a smooth and creamy texture. I recommend sifting the flour too!
• Common Mistakes to Avoid: Overmixing the batter can result in a tough cake. Mix until just combined.
• Pro Tips: For an even more moist cake, add a tablespoon of applesauce to the batter. Toast the nuts before adding them to the cake for enhanced flavor.

Helpful Notes for This gluten free carrot cake Recipe

A few extra details to keep in mind for the best results:

• Gluten Free Flour Blend: Using a good quality gluten free all purpose flour blend is essential. Look for one that contains xanthan gum, as this helps to bind the ingredients together and provides structure to the cake.
• Grated Carrots: Use freshly grated carrots for the best flavor and moisture. Avoid using pre shredded carrots, as they tend to be dry.
• Equipment Recommendations: A stand mixer or hand mixer is helpful for creaming together the wet ingredients and making the frosting. A good quality 9×13 inch baking pan is also important for even baking.

Variation of This gluten free carrot cake Recipe

There are many ways to customize this gluten free carrot cake.

• Seasonal Twists: Add pumpkin spice to the batter in the fall for a festive twist. In the summer, add a touch of lemon zest for a bright, citrusy flavor.
• Optional Versions: Consider adding cream cheese filling between layers for an decadent upgrade.
• Creative Modifications: Use pineapple tidbits in the batter for a tropical flavor.

Follow us on Pinterest for more delicious gluten free recipes and baking inspiration!

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

I hope you’re inspired to try this gluten free carrot cake recipe. It’s a delightful way to enjoy a classic dessert without any gluten. Baking a gluten free treat that is as satisfying as non gluten one is such a win! If you have any questions or feedback, please feel free to leave a comment below. Happy baking and enjoy every slice of this delicious gluten free carrot cake!

Gluten Free Carrot Cake: The Easiest Recipe EVER!

This gluten-free carrot cake is moist, flavorful, and easy to make. Perfect for anyone avoiding gluten without sacrificing taste!

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 12 servings
Category: Dessert
Cuisine: American

Nutrition:

Calories: 350
Protein: 4g
Carbs: 45g
Fat: 18g

Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups gluten free all purpose flour blend (with xanthan gum)
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ¾ cup packed light brown sugar
• ¾ cup vegetable oil
• 4 large eggs, at room temperature
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups grated carrots
• 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
• \n
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons milk or heavy cream

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the gluten free flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vegetable oil. Beat with an electric mixer until well combined.
4. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
6. Fold in the grated carrots and chopped nuts (if using).
7. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
8. Bake for 3035 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely.
10. While the cake is cooling, prepare the cream cheese frosting. In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
11. Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until well combined. Stir in the vanilla extract and milk or heavy cream until the frosting reaches your desired consistency.
12. Once the cake is completely cool, frost the top with the cream cheese frosting. You can decorate with extra chopped nuts or carrot shavings, if desired.

Notes

• For best results, use a high-quality gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum. This helps to bind the ingredients and gives the cake a better texture.
• Adjust the baking time based on your oven. Check for doneness by inserting a wooden skewer into the center of the cake; it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
• Store leftover cake in the refrigerator to maintain its moisture and freshness.