Gluten Free Carrot Cake: The BEST Easy Recipe!

Gluten free carrot cake. The very words conjure up images of warm spices, moist crumbs, and a tangy cream cheese frosting. But let’s be honest, finding a truly delicious gluten free carrot cake can be a challenge. Many end up dry, bland, or with a gritty texture.

This recipe? It’s none of those things. This gluten free carrot cake is everything you want in a perfect carrot cake: moist, flavorful, packed with carrots and spice, and topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting. This recipe is inspired by my grandmother’s unwavering embrace of simple yet delicious home cooking. Let’s get baking!

Why You Will Love This gluten free carrot cake Recipe

This isn’t just any gluten free carrot cake; it’s a hug in cake form. This recipe is easy enough for a weeknight bake (yes, cake for dinner is sometimes warranted!), and flavorful enough to wow at your next gathering. It’s that perfect balance of comfort and deliciousness. I’ve spent years perfecting this recipe, tweaking the ratios and testing different gluten free flour blends to achieve the ultimate texture and taste.

What makes this recipe special? Well, beside the fact that it’s entirely gluten free, this cake boasts a blend of warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger that create the perfect cozy flavor. The moist crumb, thanks to the grated carrots and a touch of applesauce, ensures that every slice is a delight. And, of course, the tangy cream cheese frosting ties it all together. Follow us on Pinterest for more delicious gluten free recipes! This cake is also a great base for other recipes, like the ones found in Gluten Free Carrot Cake 5, Gluten Free Carrot Cake 6 and Gluten Free Carrot Cake 7.

Ingredients Needed for This gluten free carrot cake Recipe

For the Cake:

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

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

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

How to Make This gluten free carrot cake Recipe

1. 1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan. You can also use two 9-inch round cake pans.

1. 2. In a large bowl, whisk together the gluten free flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt.

1. 3. In a separate bowl, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Beat until well combined.

1. 4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

1. 5. Fold in the grated carrots, applesauce, and chopped nuts (if using).

1. 6. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.

1. 7. Bake for 30 35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.

1. 8. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely.

1. 9. While the cake is cooling, prepare the cream cheese frosting. In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.

1. 10. Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating until well combined.

1. 11. Stir in the vanilla extract. If the frosting is too thick, add milk or cream, tablespoon by tablespoon, until you reach your desired consistency.

1. 12. Once the cake is completely cool, frost the top and sides with the cream cheese frosting.

How to Serve This gluten free carrot cake Recipe

This gluten free carrot cake is delicious on its own, but you can elevate it with a few simple additions! Consider adding a sprinkle of chopped walnuts or pecans on top of the frosting for added texture and visual appeal.

For a more decadent dessert, serve each slice with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. If you’re feeling fancy, drizzle caramel sauce over the top. Pairing this cake with a warm cup of coffee or tea is also a delightful option.

How to Store This gluten free carrot cake Recipe

To keep your gluten free carrot cake fresh, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will last for up to 5 days.

If you want to freeze the cake, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

To reheat, there is no need! This cake is best served cold from the fridge.

Tips to Make This gluten free carrot cake Recipe

• Use a high quality gluten free flour blend: Not all gluten free flours are created equal. Look for a blend that contains xanthan gum, which helps bind the ingredients and create a better texture.

• Don’t overmix the batter: Overmixing can result in a tough cake. Mix the wet and dry ingredients until just combined.

• Grate the carrots finely: Finely grated carrots will help ensure that they are evenly distributed throughout the cake and that the cake is moist.

• Use room temperature ingredients: Room temperature ingredients will blend together more easily and create a smoother batter.
• Let the cake cool completely before frosting: Frosting a warm cake will cause the frosting to melt and slide off.

Helpful Notes for This gluten free carrot cake Recipe

For the gluten free flour blend, make sure it contains xanthan gum. If it doesn’t, add 1/2 teaspoon of xanthan gum to the dry ingredients.

Using full fat cream cheese is essential for a rich and creamy frosting.

Variation of This gluten free carrot cake Recipe

Want to add a seasonal twist? Try adding a teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice to the batter in the fall.

For a tropical version, add ½ cup of crushed pineapple to the batter and top with coconut flakes.

To make it vegan, substitute the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water per egg). Use a vegan cream cheese alternative for the frosting.

Conclusion

I hope you enjoyed this recipe for gluten free carrot cake! I’m confident you’ll find it as delicious and satisfying as I do. The joy of creating something so flavorful and shareable truly embodies the spirit of gotastyrecipes.com. So please, step into the kitchen and bake your own masterpiece today. You might be surprised at what you can achieve. Your family and friends will thank you for this unforgettable gluten free carrot cake.

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