The Best Gluten Free Carrot Cake

Is carrot cake a spring dessert or a fall classic? Honestly, it’s so good, I’ll take a slice any time of year! This moist and fluffy gluten-free carrot cake is packed with fresh carrots, warm flavors, and a rich cream cheese frosting that makes every bite irresistible. Whether you’re baking for Easter, a birthday, or just because, this easy gluten-free carrot cake recipe is a must-try. It’s easy to make, can be made dairy-free, and is sure to be a hit with everyone!.

Carrot cake is one of those classic desserts that seems to bring about instant nostalgia. The combination of spiced cake and tangy fluffy cream cheese frosting made us all know why Bug’s was so protective of those carrots. This carrot cake packs a punch of flavors and textures and updates a classic.

Parsnips, Carrot’s Feistier Relative

Not only does this Gluten Free Spiced Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting overflow with shredded carrots, it also has an equal amount of parsnips. While parsnips are closely related to carrots, with that natural sweetness, they also have a slight earthy and spicy flavor.

The combination of cinnamon, allspice, and cloves not only pairs well with the carrots, but also the parsnips. The delicate sassy flavor from the parsnips both amplifies and is enhanced by the spice. It adds to the moisture in this fully loaded cake.

Parsnips aren’t the only boosts of flavor in this decadent cake. Walnut oil adds an extra touch of nuttiness that echoes the crunchy walnuts in each bite. Chewy sweet raisins bring their own flavor and texture to the party.

How to Make The Best Gluten Free Carrot Cake with Dairy Free Cream Cheese Frosting

Creating a homemade cake offers a delightful and empowering experience. You have full control over every ingredient, in stark contrast to boxed mixes where mystery ingredients lurk. The best part? It’s as effortless as the boxed alternative

1. Pregame: Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray 2 8″ or 1 9×13 cake pan with nonstick baking spray.
2. Wet Ingredients: In a bowl add your eggs, oil, sugars, and vanilla. Mix for 3 minutes until sugar is dissolved and eggs are a little frothy.

3. Dry Ingredients: Add your remaining ingredients and mix until everything is just incorporated and evenly distributed. Don’t over mix!

4. Baking: Evenly pour into your two round cake pans, or 9×13 cake pan. Smooth out the top.

5. Bake and Frost: Bake for 35-45 minutes. A toothpick should come out clen. Allow to cool completely before frosting.

Easy Tips for Spiced Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

If you’ve read some of my other cake recipes, such as Gluten Free Raspberry Cake with Chocolate Buttercream, you know I like to set you up for tips to make baking both easy and fun.

As with any cake, regardless of if it’s Gluten Free or not, you never want to over mix any of the ingredients. Be gentle when stirring in your flour and mix until just combined.

Check the date on your spices. If you only pull out that allspice around Thanksgiving, chances are it’s expired. Spices play a big part in the flavors of this cake and you want to ensure they’re fresh.

For smooth and creamy frosting, let your dairy free butter and cream cheese come to room temperature. This will ensure that they mix together evenly and give you that luxurious texture.

Now that I know you’re craving a slice of cake, let’s get baking!

Adjusting the recipe for a smaller portion

If you’re looking to make a smaller portion of this cake, you’re in luck. You can easily cut the ingredients in half and prepage it in a 8” round cake pan