The Best Gluten Free Carrot Cake Recipe

There’s something so comforting about a classic carrot cake—it’s moist, perfectly spiced, and topped with dreamy cream cheese frosting. This gluten-free version is just as delicious as the traditional one, with a soft, tender crumb that no one will guess is gluten-free!

It’s packed with freshly grated carrots, warm spices, and crunchy walnuts (if you like a little texture). Whether you’re making it for a birthday, Easter, or just because you love carrot cake, this recipe will become a new favorite in your home!

What You’ll Need

For the Carrot Cake:

• 2 cups gluten-free all-purpose flour (1:1 baking blend)
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ½ teaspoon ground ginger
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup brown sugar (packed)
• ¾ cup vegetable oil (or melted coconut oil)
• 4 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups grated carrots (about 3 medium carrots)
• ½ cup crushed pineapple (drained) (optional, for extra moisture)
• ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
• ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• A pinch of salt

Pro Tips for the Best Gluten-Free Carrot Cake

✅ Use Freshly Grated Carrots – Pre-shredded carrots are too dry. Freshly grated carrots add moisture!
✅ Measure Flour Correctly – Spoon the gluten-free flour into the measuring cup and level it off (don’t pack it down).
✅ Let the Batter Rest – A 10-minute rest before baking allows the gluten-free flour to absorb liquid, making the cake less grainy.
✅ Don’t Overmix – Stir just until combined for a light, fluffy texture.
✅ Use Room Temperature Ingredients – This helps everything mix smoothly for the best cake texture.

Tools You’ll Need

• Mixing bowls
• Hand or stand mixer
• Grater (for carrots)
• Measuring cups & spoons
• Spatula
• Two 8-inch round cake pans
• Parchment paper
• Cooling rack
• Offset spatula (for frosting)

Substitutions & Variations

🥥 Make it Dairy-Free – Use dairy-free cream cheese and butter alternatives for the frosting.
🍎 No Pineapple? – Swap it for applesauce or leave it out.
🍫 Want a Fun Twist? – Add ½ cup of raisins or mini chocolate chips for extra texture.
🥜 Nut-Free Option – Simply omit the walnuts.

Make-Ahead Tips

• Bake the cake layers ahead of time and store them wrapped in plastic at room temp for up to 2 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
• Frosting can be made ahead and kept in the fridge for up to 5 days—just rewhip before using.
• Fully assembled cake stays fresh in the fridge for 2–3 days before serving!

How to Make Gluten-Free Carrot Cake

Step 1: Prep & Preheat

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

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

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

Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients

4. In a separate bowl, whisk together granulated sugar, brown sugar, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
5. Stir in the grated carrots and crushed pineapple (if using).

Step 4: Combine & Bake

6. Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture and stir until just combined.
7. Fold in chopped walnuts if using.
8. Divide batter evenly between the two cake pans.
9. Bake for 25–30 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
10. Let cakes cool for 10 minutes in the pans, then transfer to a cooling rack.

Step 5: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

11. In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth.
12. Add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and salt. Beat until creamy.

Step 6: Frost & Decorate

13. Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of frosting on top.
14. Add the second layer and frost the entire cake.
15. Garnish with chopped walnuts or a sprinkle of cinnamon.

Leftovers & Storage

• Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Freezer: Freeze slices for up to 2 months—just thaw before enjoying!

Final Thoughts

This gluten-free carrot cake is everything you want—moist, spiced, and topped with luscious cream cheese frosting. It’s so good, no one will even know it’s gluten-free!

💬 Tried this recipe? Let me know how it turned out in the comments below! 🥕🍰💕