Easy Gluten Free Carrot Cake
This easy gluten-free carrot cake is soft, moist, and warmly spiced with cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. Made with a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend and plenty of freshly grated carrots, it delivers the classic flavor and texture of traditional carrot cake—topped with rich, tangy cream cheese frosting.
Ingredients
Carrot Cake
- 2 cups 1-to-1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend with xanthan gum
- 1.5 cups granulated sugar
- 0.5 cup light brown sugar packed
- 2 tsp baking soda
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 0.5 tsp ground nutmeg
- 0.5 tsp ground ginger
- 1 tsp salt
- 4 large eggs
- 1.25 cups neutral oil canola or vegetable
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 cups carrots finely grated
- 1 cup walnuts or pecans chopped, optional
Cream Cheese Frosting
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- 0.5 cup unsalted butter softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar sifted
- 1.5 tsp vanilla extract
- pinch salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch cake pans with gluten-free flour or line with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the gluten-free flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt.
- In another bowl, whisk the eggs, oil, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Do not overmix. Fold in the grated carrots and optional nuts.
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool the cakes in the pans for 15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing on low until incorporated. Add vanilla and salt, then beat on medium-high for 2–3 minutes until light and fluffy.
- Place one cake layer on a serving platter and spread about one-third of the frosting on top. Add the second layer and frost the top and sides with the remaining frosting.
- Refrigerate the cake for at least 30 minutes before slicing so the frosting can set.
Notes
Ensure cream cheese and butter are fully softened for smooth frosting. Use finely grated carrots so they blend well into the cake. For the most accurate flour measurement, weigh it with a kitchen scale or use the spoon-and-level method.
