Do I Need Weighing Scales To Bake Your Gluten
In short yes, yes and yes! And I wouldnt advise attempting any my recipes without them.
A lot of work went into fine tuning ratios and quantities and for me, baking is all about consistency and precision. I want you to make this recipe and for it to turn out EXACTLY like mine did.
Id recommending using digital cooking scales like these so you know youre getting an accurate measurement and replicating my recipe as accurately as poss.
The Best Recipe For Gluten Free Carrot Cake
I love carrot cake. In fact, I think it ranks in my top five cake flavors ever! I love the delicate, moist crumb, and the rich spicy flavor. And Im obsessed with cream cheese frosting, which is pretty much required. With Easter and Mothers Day just around the corner, I am excited to finally be sharing my time-tested recipe for Gluten Free Carrot Cake with you!
This delicious gluten free carrot cake is perfect for spring holidays, but equally appropriate for Christmas or Thanksgiving. And dont forget birthdays! Ive requested carrot cake as my birthday cake more than any other cake .
Im a bit of a purist when it comes to add-ins so this recipe has only shredded carrots. But if youre feeling wild , you can always stir in chopped nuts, raisins, and/or shredded coconut.
Use A Food Processor To Quickly Grate Your Carrots
You should always grate your carrots fresh, rather than used a prepared bag of grated carrots, for carrot cake. The prepared grated carrots are almost always quite thick, and they’re too dry.
That doesn’t mean you necessarily have to grate your carrots by hand, though, on a box grater. Try making quick work of the job by grating them in your food processor with the grater plate or blade.
Read Also: Primal Palate Apple Pie Spice
How Can I Decorate These Carrot Cake Cupcakes
Ive added a delicious vanilla cream cheese frosting to these cupcakes. If you dont have a piping bag, use a Ziploc bag instead, adding the cream cheese frosting and then cutting the corner of the bag off.
In addition to the frosting, consider adding some chopped walnuts, orange zest, or grated carrot to the top of the frosting.
Cinnamon can also be added to the cream cheese frosting for added spice to these cupcakes.
Can I Make This Recipe Using Other Gluten
Theres a big difference between gluten-free plain/self-raising flour and a *singular* type gluten-free flour. When I say gluten-free plain or self-raising flour in a recipe, I mean a BLEND of gluten-free flours, not just one, singular flour.
Most gluten-free flour you buy in the supermarket typically contains a blend of rice flour, potato flour, maize flour, tapioca flour AND buckwheat flour. Thats a lot of different flours!
In gluten-free self-raising flour, theres usually even a little baking powder and xanthan gum in it too which always helps. So to replace it with just one specific type of flour thats not going to cut it at all. Definitely go for a gluten-free flour blend.
Don’t Miss: Keys Fisheries Key Lime Pie
Flour For A Gluten Free Carrot Cake
The reader request was for a carrot cake recipe that specifically used my Gluten Free Alchemist Rice Free Blend B. Blend B is a home-mixed blend which uses a balance of protein-rich flours balanced with white starches, but without any rice flour. There is some evidence that rice contains concerning levels of arsenic, particularly where it has not been washed out. The difficulty with this is that many gluten free foods contain large amounts of rice flour and thus Coeliacs and gluten-avoiders are likely to be consuming greater amounts of arsenic than the wheat-eating population. Where possible therefore, we increasingly bake with my rice-free blend B, which is still incredibly versatile and healthy, without tasting too much like a health-food!
If you dont mix your own flours, then this recipe should work equally well with other flour blends, including popular commercial brands found in the supermarket. If you would like to try blending your own flours though, theres a handy guide on my Gluten Free Flour and Flour Blending Page.
Making My Gluten And Dairy Free Carrot Cake
I created this gluten and dairy free carrot cake as a traditional sandwich cake.
I used two 20cm tins for the sponge and made enough cream cheese frosting for a thick layer in the middle and on top.
However, you could make this recipe with one-and-a-half-times the measurements for the icing, and you’d be able to coat it completely.
Because you’re using dairy free spread in place of butter, the icing can be a bit soft, so once coated it helps to put the cake in the fridge for half an hour-or-so, to firm it up a little.
If you’re not dairy free, then you could substitute the spread for unsalted butter, and use normal, full-fat cream cheese instead.
I was so pleased with how this gluten free carrot cake turned out, and it’s super simple to make.
It would be perfect for a coffee morning, or paired with a nice cuppa for afternoon tea.
It’s definitely one to share with your friends and family, so get baking and share the love.
Don’t Miss: What Is In Shepherds Pie
Can I Leave Out The Crushed Pineapple Raisins Shredded Coconut Or Pecans
This gluten-free carrot cake can be easily modified. I have made the carrot cake without the raisins and the pecans, but not the shredded coconut.
The crushed pineapple is one of the reasons this cake is so moist. I have never tried this recipe without it.
If you leave out the coconut, you may want to add more shredded carrots. If you try it that way, please let me know how it turns out.
Can I Freeze Your Gluten
Of course! Ive frozen it for up to 2-3 months no problem. Ideally, slice up the cake first before freezing that way you can simply defrost slices as and when you need them.
Plus, itll thaw a lot quicker. When you want to eat it, each slice should take around 3 hours to defrost at room temperature.
Recommended Reading: Gluten Free Vegan Pie Crust
The Best Dairy Free Cream Cheese Frosting
Making dairy free cream cheese frosting is actually really simple and it tastes just as good as the real deal!
To make the cream cheese frosting for this cake I used:
- 220g dairy free cream cheese
- 50g dairy free spread
- 55g icing sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
If you’re not dairy free, you can use a normal full fat cream cheese and unsalted butter.
Just use these in the same quantities and it will work just as well.
More Favorite Almond Flour Recipes
Its worth buying a bag of almond flour! You can use it in any of these almond flour recipes. Here are a few delicious recipe picks to get your started:
I had originally hoped to bake this gluten free carrot cake recipe for my family at Easternone of whom have a dietary restriction but all of whom love a good carrot cakebut were putting our get-together on hold for the time being. Ben and I will be having a quiet Easter brunch at home to ourselves. While I thought baking an entire carrot cake might be a bit excessive for just two the two of us, I honestly dont think Ill be able to resist!
This cake saves well and tastes so magnificent, I know well be delighted to enjoy the leftovers in the days and weeks that follow.
I hope this carrot cake brings a sense of peace, comfort, and optimism to your table too.
Also Check: Key West Key Lime Pie Delivery
Tips For Success And Faqs:
Without gluten, your cake does not have the strength of regular wheat-based flour. This can cause some cakes to sink in the middle but, I have several tips to avoid this happening.
First, if you have a ring tin, use that the cake will cook evenly as there is no centre to sink. Cakes sometimes sink as too much air has been incorporated. Be sure to not overbeat the mixture. And, always fold in the flour gently. Always put the cake in the oven as soon as the mixture is ready, and be sure to not open the door before the cake mixture has set.
One of the most common reasons that cakes sink in the middle is that the cake has not cooked long enough. Be sure to check it carefully.
If you have used a springform tin and the cake has sunk slightly in the middle, turn it upside down. This way, you will have a flat base on which to apply your cream cheese frosting.
Am I able to make this cake a day in advance?
Yes, you certainly can. This is a very moist cake which lends itself to being made a day ahead. As well, you can make the frosting a day in advance and store it in the fridge until ready to use. You will need to return it to room temperature so that it is spreadable. If it is difficult to spread, dip your knife into a glass of hot water to help spread the frosting.
How do I store the Gluten-Free Carrot Cake?Can I use low-fat cream cheese for the frosting?How do I make gluten-free cakes moist?
How Do You Know When Carrot Cake Is Done
Carrot cake should have a spring texture when done. Pull it out of the oven and gently give the top a tap with your finger. If it springs back when touched, its done. If its still jiggly, or if the imprint of your finger remains, give it a little more time.
If the cake is starting to pull away from the sides, thats another good sign its done.
You May Like: Asos Pork Pie Hat In Camel With Diamond Crown
Can I Make This Gluten Free Carrot Cake With Cream Cheese Frosting Ahead Of Time
As described above, you can make the carrot cake layers even weeks ahead of time by wrapping them tightly and freezing them. Defrost in the refrigerator before frosting and serving.
The cake is moist enough, in fact, that you can even store it at room temperature, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap, up to 1 whole day in advance. Don’t refrigerate it, though, as the refrigerator tends to dry out baked goods.
The frosting can also be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for a few days. It will be solid, though, once fully chilled, so you’ll need to let it warm up for about an hour, and then mix it again with your mixer until you reach the proper consistency for spreading or piping it.
Equipment Used At Gluten Free Alchemist For Making Gluten Free Carrot Cake
- Measuring Spoons : like these Tala ones.
- A Good Grater : With lots of carrots to grate, you need a good grater. I am really lucky and have a Zyliss Grater bought by hubbie. To be honest, I dont use it that often, but it was a godsend for this cake. You can also get a hand-held version, which works on the same principle and looks a lot more practical from a storage perspective.
- A whisk for the cake sponge : Mine is a Kenwood K-Mix Hand Whisk
- A mixing spoon/spatula : When making cakes, I always use my Zing silicone spoon. Its a spatula as well as a spoon!
- Baking Paper : Dont cut corners on this one I always use Lakeland Baking Parchment It hasnt let me down yet.
- Cake Tins : The Masterclass are non-stick and have a loose bottom to make cake removal as straight forward as possible.
- A Zester : A microplane zester is an amazing thing for zesting.
Don’t Miss: Florida Key Lime Pie Company
Ingredients In This Recipe:
Please see the recipe card further along in the post for exact quantities of ingredients and the full method.
Oil the oil adds moisture to the cake. Use a neutral flavoured oil I used grapeseed.
Caster/superfine sugar this sugar dissolves more readily than granulated sugar.
Vanilla extract use good quality which has been naturally extracted from the vanilla bean and not synthetically produced.
Eggs I use large free-range eggs.
Grated carrot adds flavour, colour and moisture to the cake. Be sure to grate your carrots fresh.
Sultanas/golden raisins these are dried, seedless, white grapes which add another flavour and texture dimension.
Gluten-free plain/all-purpose flour I have used a commercial gluten-free flour which is made from a blend of naturally occurring gluten-free flours. Our gluten-free flour blends contain either xanthan or guar gum to stabilise and provide structure to our recipes.
Gluten-free baking powder always check labels to ensure ingredients are gluten-free.
Ground cinnamon adds gentle spice which complements the creamy frosting.
Cream cheese I use full fat cream cheese which is readily available in supermarkets.
Icing/confectioners sugar I use pure icing/confectioners sugar, sometimes known as powdered sugar. If you use a blend, ensure that it is gluten-free.
How To Store And Freeze
- Store in a tightly sealed container in the fridge for up to 1 week.
- According to the FDA, cream cheese frosting must be refrigerated within 2 hours. Take it out of the fridge 30 minutes before serving to take the chill off.
- To freeze the cake, do not frost. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator until ready to frost.
- Cakes can be made one day in advance and, once cooled, kept covered at room temperature. Alternatively, once the cakes are cool, wrap and refrigerate for up to three days before frosting.
- If you have leftover frosting, transfer it to a small freezer bag, squeeze out as much air as possible, label the bag with the name and date and freeze for up to 3 months.
- Defrost frosting in the refrigeratoruse it on cupcakes or thin it with some milk or water and drizzle it over a Bundt cake or quick bread.
Also Check: Chicken Pot Pie From Scratch
To Make The Best Cream Cheese Frosting:
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten
It is gluten-free, though nobody would know just by tasting it trust me!
Bear in mind that minimising cross-contamination is hugely important if youre Coeliac or making this for someone who is. Heres some tips from Coeliac UK on minimising the risk of cross contamination:
Also, make sure that all ingredients used dont have any gluten-containing ingredients. Then make sure that they also dont have a may contain warning for gluten, wheat, rye, barley, oats , spelt and khorasan wheat .
Heres some more info from Coeliac UK on identifying safe gluten-free products.
Read Also: What Kind Of Pies Does Mcdonald’s Have
What Makes This Dairy
Carrot cake evolved out of the middle ages in Europe, but it didnât take off in the U.S. until the mid-twentieth century. Thatâs 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 Iâve 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 itâs lighter on the stomach.
- Less Sugar You canât reduce the sugar in carrot cake too much, but Iâve lowered it just enough to keep it from being too sweet and to let more of the carrot flavor shine.
- Vanilla Frosting â I forgo the cream cheese alternatives, and make a fluffy vanilla frosting that literally melts in your mouth. Itâs a delicious compliment to moist carrot cake without overwhelming the flavor. And itâs optionally dairy-free!
- Gluten Free â Iâve 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 Challenge Accepted
This gluten free carrot cake is amazing. Developed at the request of a reader who wanted carrot cake to celebrate a birthday, it needed to be good. And given that a carrot cake recipe was long-overdue for the blog, it was a challenge I took willingly.
I could of course have apologetically said I didnt have a recipe for this most iconic of cakes. Or referred her to Google to do an alternative search, but I like carrot cake. And I like challenges. I also knew , that most gluten free carrot cake recipes look either dry, or are written in American . This cake was more than a requested whim!
Recommended Reading: Is Sara Lee Honey Wheat Bread Healthy
How To Make One Bowl Gluten