Vegan Gluten-Free Carrot Cake

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Completely vegan and gluten-free

• Moist, tender texture with warm spice flavor

• Naturally sweet from fresh carrots

• Perfect for birthdays, holidays, or gatherings

• Easy to customize with mix-ins

• Pairs beautifully with dairy-free frosting

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the cake:

• 2 cups gluten-free all-purpose flour blend

• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

• 1 teaspoon baking soda

• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 cup coconut oil, melted

• 3/4 cup brown sugar

• 1/4 cup maple syrup

• 1 cup unsweetened applesauce

• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

• 2 cups finely grated carrots

• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

• 1/3 cup raisins (optional)

For the frosting:

• 1/2 cup vegan butter, softened

• 8 ounces dairy-free cream cheese

• 2–3 cups powdered sugar

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.

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

3. In a separate bowl, mix the melted coconut oil, brown sugar, maple syrup, applesauce, and vanilla extract until smooth.

4. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir gently until combined.

5. Fold in the grated carrots, nuts, and raisins if using.

6. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and smooth the tops.

7. Bake for 28–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

8. Allow the cakes to cool completely in the pans before removing.

9. To make the frosting, beat the vegan butter and dairy-free cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating until creamy and spreadable.

10. Frost the cooled cake layers and assemble. Decorate with extra chopped nuts or shredded carrots if desired.

Servings and timing

Servings: 10–12 slices

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 28–35 minutes
Cooling time: 1 hour
Total time: Approximately 2 hours

Variations

• Add crushed pineapple (well-drained) for extra moisture.

• Replace nuts with shredded coconut for a tropical twist.

• Use orange zest for a bright citrus note.

• Make cupcakes instead of layered cake and adjust baking time to 18–22 minutes.

• Reduce frosting and serve as a lightly glazed snack cake.

Storage/Reheating

Store the frosted cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

For best texture, allow slices to sit at room temperature for 20–30 minutes before serving.

Unfrosted cake layers can be wrapped tightly and frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before frosting and serving.

Reheating is not necessary, as this cake is best enjoyed at room temperature.

FAQs

What gluten-free flour works best?

A 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that contains xanthan gum works best for structure.

Can I make this oil-free?

You can experiment with replacing the oil with additional applesauce, though the texture may be slightly denser.

Why is my gluten-free cake crumbly?

Gluten-free baked goods can be delicate. Allow the cake to cool completely before slicing.

Can I skip the frosting?

Yes, the cake is flavorful enough to enjoy plain or with a light dusting of powdered sugar.

How finely should I grate the carrots?

Finely grated carrots blend more smoothly into the batter and create a tender texture.

Can I use almond flour?

Almond flour alone will not provide the same structure. It’s best to use a gluten-free flour blend.

Is this cake very sweet?

It has a balanced sweetness, but you can reduce the sugar slightly if preferred.

Can I make this as a single-layer cake?

Yes, bake in a 9×13-inch pan and adjust the baking time as needed.

How do I prevent the cake from sticking?

Always grease and line your pans with parchment paper for easy removal.

Can I prepare this cake ahead of time?

Yes, bake the layers a day in advance and frost just before serving for best results.

Conclusion

Vegan Gluten-Free Carrot Cake is a deliciously moist and flavorful dessert that everyone can enjoy, regardless of dietary preferences. With its warm spices, tender crumb, and creamy dairy-free frosting, this cake brings classic comfort with a modern twist. Perfect for celebrations or everyday baking, it’s a recipe that proves wholesome ingredients can create truly irresistible results.

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