No Refined Sugar! Gluten Free! Healthy Carrot Cake Recipe
Today we want to share with you a special post:
Gluten-Free Carrot Cake Recipe with Cream Cheese Frosting
Carrot cake is a classic dessert loved for its moist texture, warm spices, and sweet cream cheese frosting. However, if you’re following a gluten-free diet, finding a good carrot cake recipe can be challenging.
The good news is that you don’t have to miss out on this delicious treat!
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In this blog post, we'll share a gluten-free carrot cake recipe with cream cheese frosting that's easy to make and full of flavor. With just a few simple adjustments, you can enjoy a fluffy, moist carrot cake without any gluten.
Why Choose a Gluten-Free Carrot Cake?
Gluten-free baking can often feel daunting, especially when it comes to achieving the right texture and flavor. But this gluten-free carrot cake recipe proves that you can have it all—a moist, flavorful cake with the perfect crumb.
Whether you're gluten-intolerant, have celiac disease, or just want to try something new, this cake is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth while keeping things gluten-free.
Plus, it's topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting that adds a tangy, creamy finish to every bite!
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the gluten-free carrot cake:
- Gluten-free flour blend – 2 cups (make sure it contains xanthan gum)
- Baking powder – 1 teaspoon
- Baking soda – 1 teaspoon
- Ground cinnamon – 2 teaspoons
- Ground nutmeg – 1/2 teaspoon
- Salt – 1/2 teaspoon
- Granulated sugar – 1 cup
- Brown sugar – 1/2 cup
- Vegetable oil – 3/4 cup
- Eggs – 3 large
- Vanilla extract – 1 teaspoon
- Grated carrots – 2 cups (about 4-5 medium carrots)
- Chopped walnuts or pecans (optional) – 1/2 cup
- Crushed pineapple, drained (optional) – 1/2 cup
For the cream cheese frosting:
- Cream cheese, softened – 8 oz (1 package)
- Unsalted butter, softened – 1/2 cup
- Powdered sugar – 2 cups
- Vanilla extract – 1 teaspoon
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat Your Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans with gluten-free flour or line them with parchment paper.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the gluten-free flour blend, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Set aside.
- Prepare the Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vegetable oil. Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Combine and Add Carrots: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Fold in the grated carrots, and if using, add the chopped nuts and crushed pineapple.
- Bake the Cakes: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting: While the cakes are cooling, make the cream cheese frosting. In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until well combined and smooth. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Frost the Cake: Once the cakes are completely cool, spread a layer of frosting over the top of one cake. Place the second cake on top and frost the top and sides. For a decorative finish, sprinkle extra chopped nuts on top or add a dusting of cinnamon.
- Serve and Enjoy: Slice and serve your delicious gluten-free carrot cake with a generous helping of cream cheese frosting. Enjoy with a cup of tea or coffee for the perfect dessert experience!
Tips for a Perfect Gluten-Free Carrot Cake
- Use a Quality Gluten-Free Flour Blend: Not all gluten-free flour blends are created equal. Look for a blend that includes a binder like xanthan gum, which helps mimic the elasticity of gluten and ensures a better texture in your cake.
- Grate Your Carrots Finely: For the best texture, grate your carrots finely using a box grater or food processor. This ensures they blend seamlessly into the batter and keeps the cake moist.
- Add Extra Moisture with Pineapple: Crushed pineapple is optional, but it adds a wonderful moistness to the cake without making it too dense. Be sure to drain it well before adding it to the batter.
- Don’t Overmix the Batter: Once you combine the wet and dry ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to a denser cake.
- Chill the Frosting: If your cream cheese frosting is too soft to spread, refrigerate it for about 15 minutes. This will make it easier to work with and help it hold its shape on the cake.
Making a gluten-free carrot cake at home doesn't have to be complicated. With the right ingredients and a bit of patience, you can create a delicious dessert that everyone will love, regardless of dietary restrictions.
The combination of a moist, flavorful cake and rich cream cheese frosting is a crowd-pleaser, perfect for any occasion.
So go ahead and give this recipe a try—you'll be amazed at how easy it is to enjoy a homemade, gluten-free treat that tastes just as good as the classic version!
Enjoy this Easy video tutorial about Carrot Cake
Source: From Scratch Fast
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