There’s something about the sight of carrot cake that makes people’s eyes light up. Perhaps it’s the promise of a moist and tender crumb, or the sweet taste of carrots enrobed in warm cinnamon and sugar. Whatever the reason, this gluten-free carrot cake won’t disappoint. It’s fork-ready and flavorful, with the perfect touch of indulgence.
You can serve this gluten-free carrot cake at birthday parties, summer potlucks (with fresh-from-the-garden carrots!), or for the holidays. It’s a natural dessert for Easter, but my family also loves it at Thanksgiving and Christmas. Of course gluten-free apple pie and pumpkin pie should be served, but we think a cake dessert is also a must.
Gluten-Free Carrot Cake
And don’t worry if there isn’t a big date coming up on the calendar. You don’t need an excuse to make this decadent gluten-free dairy-free carrot cake. It’s worthy of a spontaneous celebration on its own. Maybe you want to savor time with a friend or to revel in a rare sliver of silence. Bake it, slice, and enjoy … just don’t forget the coffee!
What Makes this Dairy-Free Carrot Cake Special
Carrot cake evolved out of the middle ages in Europe, but it didn’t take off in the U.S. until the mid-twentieth century. That’s when we began layering it, tossing in more ingredients, and slathering it with cream cheese frosting. My gluten-free and dairy-free carrot cake recipe is definitely an American version, but I’ve added a few of my own twists, which have been very well received.
- More Spices – Cinnamon is liberally sprinkled into most carrot cake recipes, but I like to include some nutmeg and ginger too. These two spices add a little more depth and elevate this gluten-free carrot cake to holiday worthy.
- Lower in Fat – Carrot cake is usually very heavy in oil. I reduce the oil quite a bit, but add applesauce for moisture. There is still enough fat to keep the cake tender, but it’s lighter on the stomach.
- Less Sugar – You can’t reduce the sugar in carrot cake too much, but I’ve lowered it just enough to keep it from being too sweet (particularly when frosted!) and to let more of the carrot flavor shine.
- Vanilla Frosting – I forgo the cream cheese alternatives, and make a fluffy vanilla frosting that literally melts in your mouth. It’s a delicious compliment to moist carrot cake without overwhelming the flavor. And it’s optionally dairy-free!
- Gluten Free – I’ve swapped out the flours, and yet, all of my family members love it – even the ones who eat wheat. In fact, no one will ever know this carrot cake is gluten-free unless you specifically tell them!
Gluten-Free Carrot Cake Options
I’ve got almost all variations covered with these quick notes and substitution suggestions. Let me know if you have any other questions!
One or Two Layer Cake
As noted in the recipe, you can bake this as a traditional two-layer, 9-inch round cake, or go more casual with a single-layer, 9×13-inch rectangular cake. Keep in mind that any change in pan size will affect how this gluten-free carrot cake bakes. I’ve tested both of these pan sizes, and have included the baking times for each. But if you choose another pan size, it can affect the baking time, and it’s possible that the cake won’t set up fully in the middle.
Cupcakes
I’ve never made this recipe as gluten-free carrot cake cupcakes, but it should work great. I recommend filling paper-lined cupcake tins about ⅔ full. Bake at the same temperature, but begin checking the cupcakes for doneness at 14 minutes.
Pineapple Option
For some people, it isn’t proper carrot cake without pineapple. You can stir one drained 8-ounce can of crushed pineapple in with the carrots and nuts. Keep in mind that the pineapple will add some moisture to the cake, even if it’s fully drained. This might cause the cake to be just a smidgen denser.
Nut and Nut-Free Options
My family prefers pecans, but walnuts are also delicious in this best gluten-free carrot cake. If you don’t like nuts or are allergic, you can simply omit the nuts or you can substitute raisins. The raisins will absorb a little bit of moisture as the cake bakes, resulting in a slightly fluffier cake. But if you decide to add pineapple too, it should offset any minor moisture change.
Believe it or not, nut free brands of imitation almond extract, or almond flavoring, are available. But if you can’t find one, you can omit the almond extract from the frosting.
Coconut-Free Option
I use coconut oil because it provides a richer finish. If needed, you can substitute another oil that fits the flavor profile, like olive oil.
You can substitute your favorite coconut-free, dairy-free milk beverage for the coconut milk, but add it slowly and only as needed. Canned coconut milk is much richer, and helps the frosting retain its fluffiness. If you add too much milk beverage, it can thin the frosting instead.
Paleo Carrot Cake Option
If you’re looking for a Paleo/grain-free option, try my Paleo Carrot Cake Muffins.
Other Dietary Notes (Eggs and Flour Blends)
Some of you are probably wondering about egg-free options. Eggs are an integral ingredient in gluten-free carrot cake, and are difficult to swap out. If you must, you can try aquafaba (I haven’t tested this), but additional recipe adjustments might be needed. For example, aquafaba doesn’t provide fat (it’s more akin to egg whites), so you might also need to increase the oil to applesauce ratio.
I don’t recommend substituting the starches and flours for a gluten-free flour blend. The ratios of the blend might not work well in this cake, and if the blend has any binders in it, it could dramatically affect the texture. If you do opt to try a gluten-free flour blend, choose one without any binders since this recipe already contains a specific amount of xanthan gum.
More Gluten-Free Cake Recipes
Gluten-Free Blueberry Lemon Bundt Cake (also dairy-free)
Easy Flourless Black Forest Cake from Scratch from Faithfully Gluten Free
Gluten-Free Yellow Cake with Chocolate Fudge Frosting from Flippin’ Delicious
Vegan Gluten-Free Chocolate Sheet Cake (top-8 allergen free) from Allergy Awesomeness
Gluten-Free Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake (also dairy-free)
Vegan Gluten-Free Pumpkin Apple Pie Cake (top-8 allergen free) from Go Dairy Free
You can also enjoy my popular Coconut Layer Cake recipe in my e-book, Gluten-Free Baking from Scratch.
I hope you enjoy this gf carrot cake as much as my family does!
xo,
Mēgan
Did you make this recipe? Tag me on Instagram @allergyfreeak and use the hashtag #allergyfreealaska.
Gluten-Free Carrot Cake Recipe:
Gluten Free Carrot Cake
This Gluten Free Carrot Cake is tender and moist, with a fluffy vanilla frosting that literally melts in your mouth. Everyone loves this recipe!
Ingredients
For the Carrot Cake:
- 1 cup tapioca starch
- ½ cup sorghum flour or millet flour
- ½ cup brown rice flour
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon xanthan gum
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- 1 cup organic cane sugar
- 1 cup unsweetened applesauce, at room temperature
- ⅓ cup coconut oil, just melted
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 4 large eggs, at room temperature
- 2 ½ cups grated carrots
- ½ cup chopped pecans (or walnuts), plus more for sprinkling on top
For the Fluffy Vanilla Frosting:
- ½ cup palm shortening
- ¼ cup ghee or vegan butter
- 1 lbs organic powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon almond extract
- 3-5 tablespoons canned coconut milk
Instructions
To make the Carrot Cake:
- Grate the carrots and chop the pecans and set them aside.
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees (F).
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the tapioca starch, sorghum flour, brown rice flour, baking soda, baking powder, ground cinnamon, xanthan gum, ground nutmeg, ground ginger, and sea salt. Set aside.
- In the bowl of an electric mixer, mix together the organic cane sugar, unsweetened apple sauce, coconut oil, honey, and vanilla extract.
- Whisk in the eggs until well blended.
- Add half of the dry ingredients to the wet and stir until combined.
- Stir in the remaining half of the dry ingredients and stir again until just combined. Use a spatula to scrape down the sides of the bowl, and stir again, just long enough to incorporate the remaining flour mixture from the sides of the bowl into the batter.
- Stir in the grated carrots and the chopped pecans.
- Place the cake batter into a well greased 9x13” cake pan, or divide the dough evenly between 2 well greased and parchment paper lined 9-inch cake rounds.
- *For the 9x13” cake pan:* bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick, when inserted into the center of the cake, comes out clean.
- *For the 9-inch cake rounds:* bake for 25-32 minutes, or until a toothpick, when inserted into the center of the cake, comes out clean.
- Cool completely before frosting. Sprinkle the top of the cake with chopped pecans.
To make the Fluffy Vanilla Frosting:
- In the bowl of an electric mixer, mix all of the ingredients on low until just blended.
- Use a spatula to scrape down the sides of the bowl, and then whip on medium-high speed for 2-3 minutes (continue to scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed), or until the frosting is light and fluffy.
Notes
This recipe is fairly versatile. Feel free to add up to 1 cup of crushed pineapple (just make sure you drain it first), and/or ½ cup of raisins if you'd like.
Recommended Products
We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
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Nutiva Organic, Steam Refined Coconut Oil from non-GMO, Sustainably Farmed Coconuts, 15 Fluid Ounces -
Mott's Unsweetened Applesauce, 46 Ounce Jar (Pack of 8) -
Spectrum Naturals Organic Shortening, All Vegetable, 24 oz -
Wholesome Sweeteners, Inc., Organic Powdered Confectioners Sugar, 16 oz (454 g) - 2pcs
We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
Sally says
It’s not dairy free if you use eggs. SMH….. SMDH
Megan says
Eggs are not considered dairy. From the Huffinton Post:
“Dairy is a product of the mammary gland of mammals. Basically, it refers to milk and anything made from milk, like cheese, butter and yogurt. And eggs are not made from milk. They don’t even come from a milk-producing animal.”
Monika says
My favorite answer is “Cows don’t lay eggs!”
Minette says
Can’t wait to make this! Sounds wonderful. Thank you for all the great recipes. 🙂 ♡
Babs says
Thank you for helping to clarify that eggs are not dairy. We have had countless problems with this misunderstanding.
Michelle @My Gluten-free Kitchen says
Hey Sally,
Here’s your PSA – Eggs aren’t dairy! Maybe you were SMH but we’re all scratching our heads that you somehow missed the fact that eggs aren’t dairy!
Since you are confused, how about you check this out: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/10/14/eggs-not-dairy-are-they_n_5976814.html
Bea says
Huh??? Eggs are NOT dairy!!! They come from poultry ?
Lynn Paul says
Eggs are from chickens, no dairy (milk!!) involved!
Thebakingbabe says
No. It’s not Vegan if it has eggs. But for people like me who are very allergic to milk (dairy) this cake is perfect. Especially sense I am also allergic to gluten.
Greta says
Eggs are definitely not dairy lol
coll says
sorry, I got a real giggle out of that. Eggs are not dairy…they did not come from a cow 🙂
Virginia Sissom says
WRONG.
Charlotte Moore says
WOW!! This looks so moist and like a gluten filled cake. We are not GF but I cook some for GF family members. Now we have a GF,DF person. This would be great.
Julia says
Wow! One of the prettiest carrot cakes I’ve seen! It does not look gluten free!
Vicky says
Lovely cake Megan and yes, eggs aren’t dairy, well not in my world!
Cassidy @ Cassidy's Craveable Creations says
This cake looks SO beautiful Megan and I’m sure it tastes just as good 🙂
Eliza says
Thank you so much for supplying this recipe. I made the cake recipe just as you described. I was really happy to see the honey – that is an addition I find makes the cake particularly delicious. The recipe works perfectly and the cake is right now cooling on my baking racks! Thank you!
My son’s 13th birthday is tomorrow, he’s away at a camp – will be surprised to see his favourite cake! He has eosinophilic esophagitis and at least 8 food allergies including wheat. Thanks for the recipe.
And normally, I’d not comment but I see the post above said, “SDM” which means “shaking my head”. So: yes, indeed – eggs are from chickens. eggs and chicken are NOT dairy. Dairy foods are foods produced from the milk of mammals, particularly cows. Last time I looked, chickens were birds and chickens do not have mammary glands that produce milk. So, yes, I’m now shaking my head at anyone who would think an Egg is Dairy.
Eliza says
Just wanted to confirmed- this recipe is SUPERB! Thank you again for sharing it. I followed recipe as I said above – to the letter – turned out perfectly. The texture is very moist. I think this recipe will become a birthday cake staple. 🙂
Megan says
Yay!!! You are SO welcome, Eliza! Thank you for taking the time to come back and leave me a comment with your review. I’m so happy you enjoyed it! 😉
Dee says
Can flax meal with water replace the eggs?
Megan says
Hi Dee,
No, I’m sorry, but 4 eggs is too many to try to replace in this recipe. You might want to looks for a gluten-free vegan recipe instead. Best of luck!
Bethany says
Yum! This cake looks perfect!!
Raia says
I just want to reach through my screen and grab a piece! It looks amazing! Thanks o !such for sharing it with u at Allergy Free Thursdays, Megan! I’m going to be featuring it at this week’s party. Hope to see you there! 🙂
G Davis says
Carrot cake is my favorite and I’ve missed this so much!
Im also a country girl and to SMH:
Cows go moooooo and they have calves (veal) you can object to eating veal (baby calves)
Chickens lay eggs…..pretty much everyday. They go bwaaaak bwaaaak.
Wonder if they covered that in “Everything I needed to know, I learned in Kindergarten “? ?
Nancy says
I’m allergic to egg whites. Can I use an Egg Replacer? The white stuff in the box that you get from the Health Store.
Megan says
Hi Nancy,
No, I don’t recommend using egg replacer in this recipe, as there are too many eggs to replace. I would suggest searching for a vegan (will not contain eggs) carrot cake recipe instead.
Colette says
Is there a suitable substitute for the coconut oil?
Megan says
You could try olive oil, I’m sure it would be fine, but just know I haven’t tried it myself. 😉
Hannah Hoogland says
Could I substitute a flour mix for your tapioca starch, and the two flours?
Kristen says
This is beautiful!
Do I need to refrigerate it if I make it the night before serving it?
Megan says
I would! 😉
Kristen says
Thank you so much! It turned out amazing.
I was going to make it again as Cupcakes- Do you see any issues with that?
Megan says
Hi Kristen,
That’s a GREAT question… it’s been a while since I’ve made this recipe. BUT, from what I remember, I think you’ll be fine (granted, I haven’t made these into cupcakes). Please come back and let us know how they turn out!
Michelle Weidenkopf says
I made this cake today and substituted bananas for the carrots. It turned out delicious!! I had 3 frozen bananas (thawed/pored the excess water into the sink) and one non-frozen ripe one. I blended them in the food processor. I ended up not adding 1/4 of the pureed banana because I thought it would be too much. I added the puree in with the wet ingredients. Other than that I did not change thing. I love every recipe of yours that I have made, Megan! I make your hamburger buns every time we make burgers. Thanks for sharing.
Megan says
Michelle, what an awesome and flattering compliment! Thank you so much! I’m so happy to hear everything you’ve tried has been a success. 🙂 Thank you for letting me (and all of us) know your substitutions. It always helps many when you do that!
QBall says
An absolutely amazing recipe! A keeper for sure!! The cake is so delicious, even without the frosting!!
Megan says
Thank you so much! 🙂 I’m very happy you like it!
Mike says
This is not 100% dairy free if you use the icing recipe.
The recipe says to use (1/4 cup ghee or vegan butter)………..
Ghee Is Clarified Butter….
Which last time i checked is dairy.
the butter comes from solidifying milk fat , the ghee comes from removing milk solids
and water .
what is left is clarified butter oil ..(Ghee).
Megan says
That’s also why the recipe states, “or vegan butter.” 😉
Annie says
I’m really excited about making this cake, Megan! I’m planning on serving it for Christmas. I’m planning to make a “Cream Cheese” Frosting by making corn-free, gluten-free, soy-free Marshmallows and adding Daiya Cream Cheese. Thanks for all you do. I LOVE your website! Marry Christmas <3
Megan says
Annie, your frosting sounds so good! Thank you so much for your sweet compliments! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Ang says
Hey I love this recipe! I’ve made it twice now but today I’m out of brown rice flour:( Do you think it would be ok to sub white rice flour? Otherwise I have some blended flour from Bob’s Red Food Mill. I’m thinking because it’s just a half a cup it would be ok. Probably not as good as the original! Thanks for the excellent recipe!!
Megan says
Hi Ang, Yes, I think white rice flour will work just fine. 😉 And you’re totally welcome!
Carmen says
Hi I am new to this gluten free. I do not have millet or sorghum flour. Can i sub for gluten free all purpose baking flour? I do have the rice flour and coconut flour as well as the xanthan gum. Thnx.
Megan says
Hi Carem, you could try an all purpose mix, but I haven’t tested the recipe using one, so you might have to experiment!
Elise says
Hi Megan,
Can you substitute arrowroot starch for tapioca starch?
Thanks!
Elise
Megan says
Hi Elise, While I haven’t tried that sub specifically in this recipe, it should work just fine!
Elise Del Rio says
Thank you! I ended up using tapioca starch. THIS CAKE IS FANTASTIC! I made it for my boyfriend’s birthday (carrot cake is his favorite). He is not GF or DF, but he’s a supporter of my restrictions. Anyway, HE ABSOLUTELY LOVED IT! Thank you so much for creating this recipe Megan, I’m making it for Thanksgiving and I believe, every birthday of my boyfriend’s going forward <3
Megan says
You are very welcome! I’m so happy you both enjoyed it! 😉 And thanks for coming back and leaving me a comment. It made my day!
Christine says
I’m planning on making this for my son’s first birthday party this next weekend. We are celebrating the weekend before his birthday and honey is not safe till one year old. I’m probably being overly cautious with him being so close, but I want to avoid honey. Do you think maple syrup will be a decent substitute? I’m making a test batch this weekend since it is a new recipe to me. I’ve loved every one of your recipes I’ve made, so I’m sure it will be divine. Just again being cautious. Don’t want anything to go sideways!
Mēgan says
Hi Christine,
Maple syrup will work just fine! 🙂 Happy Birthday to your little one!
Karen Keshishian says
I don’t have xanthum gum, Will it work without.
Mēgan says
Xanthan gum is what binds the batter together – without it, the cake will fall apart and will not bake/turn out like it should.
Sheryl says
I made this carrot cake this week, and it is amazing! You made it with flours I can have, like no coconut flour! Yeah! Usually, I have to make flour substitutions, but I didn’t have to do so with your recipe. So nice! The only change I made was adding an additional teaspoon of baking soda with 1/2 teaspoon ascorbic acid powder and omitting the baking powder as I am allergic to the cream of tartar in baking powder. It turned out great. Thank you so much!
Mēgan says
That’s wonderful, Sheryl! I’m so happy this worked for you and that you enjoyed it! 🙂
Emily @ Recipes to Nourish says
This cake is amazing – the texture and flavor is on point! My husband and little one LOVE this cake. I’ve made it many times over the years for holidays and birthdays and even when I’ve had to make substitutions, it still comes out perfect. Love this cake!
Mēgan says
I’m so happy to hear that! Thanks Emily!
Erin says
Hi Megan,
If using aquafaba to replace the eggs would you suggest whipping it first or just as is?
Thanks,
Erin
Mēgan says
Hi Erin,
Hmm… 4 eggs is a lot to replace in a recipe. I’m not sure if aquafaba will work as a replacement here? Though, if you were to try it, I’d whip it first. Best of luck! If you do try it, please come back and share your results!