Oh my goodness, let me tell you about this vegan gluten free carrot cake! It’s an absolute dream come true for anyone who loves a moist, flavorful slice of cake without any of the guilt. Seriously, the combination of fresh grated carrots and warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg makes every bite feel like a cozy hug. And the best part? It’s super easy to whip up! I love how the almond flour adds a lovely nuttiness, while the maple syrup gives just the right amount of sweetness. You won’t believe how deliciously moist this cake is—it practically melts in your mouth! Trust me, whether you’re vegan or not, this cake is going to be a hit at your next gathering. Get ready to share the joy of this scrumptious dessert with everyone!
Ingredients for Vegan Gluten Free Carrot Cake Recipe
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 2 cups grated carrots
- 1 cup almond flour
- 1 cup gluten free all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
- 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
How to Prepare the Vegan Gluten Free Carrot Cake Recipe
Preheat the Oven
First things first, let’s get that oven ready! Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). This step is super important because a properly heated oven ensures your cake bakes evenly and rises just right. So, don’t skip this part!
Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the grated carrots, almond flour, gluten free all-purpose flour, and, if you like, toss in the chopped walnuts. Give it a good stir to make sure everything is well mixed. I usually use a whisk for this—it’s quick and gets everything combined nicely. You want those carrots evenly distributed to ensure every slice bursts with flavor!
Combine the Wet Ingredients
Now, in another bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, melted coconut oil, and unsweetened applesauce until it’s all blended smoothly. It should look like a deliciously glossy mixture! Make sure everything is well incorporated—this is the sweet base of your cake, and we want it perfect!
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Time to bring it all together! Pour the wet mixture into the bowl of dry ingredients. Gently fold everything together with a spatula or wooden spoon. Don’t overmix—just combine until you can’t see any dry flour. This helps keep the cake light, fluffy, and super moist!
Add Baking Agents and Spices
Next, sprinkle in the baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Mix gently again, just enough to evenly distribute the spices and leavening agents. You’ll notice the fragrance of the spices start to fill the air—yum!
Bake the Cake
Now it’s showtime! Pour the batter into a greased cake pan, spreading it out evenly. Pop it into the oven and let it bake for about 30-35 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. It should have a lovely golden-brown top that’s calling your name!
Cooling and Serving
Once baked, take it out of the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully transfer the cake to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps it set perfectly! When you’re ready to serve, you can enjoy it plain or with a dollop of vegan cream cheese frosting for that extra indulgence. Trust me, you won’t want to miss out on that!
Nutritional Information
Curious about what’s packed into this delicious vegan gluten free carrot cake? Here’s a general breakdown of the nutritional values per slice (estimated from the entire recipe yielding 8 servings):
- Calories: 210
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Sugar: 10g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 3g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Cholesterol: 0mg
These values are estimates, of course, but they give you a good idea of the wholesome goodness in each slice. Enjoying a piece of this cake feels like a treat without any of the guilt, thanks to its nourishing ingredients!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to prepare—whip it up in just 15 minutes!
- Moist and flavorful, it’s a cake that everyone will love.
- Made with wholesome ingredients that feel good to eat.
- Vegan and gluten-free, perfect for many dietary needs.
- Great for celebrations or just a cozy night in.
- Leftovers (if there are any!) stay fresh and delicious.
- Can easily be topped with your favorite vegan frosting or enjoyed plain!
Tips for Success
Let me share some of my favorite tips to make sure your vegan gluten free carrot cake turns out absolutely fabulous every time!
- Use fresh carrots: Freshly grated carrots bring a natural sweetness and moisture to the cake. Plus, they add a lovely texture!
- Don’t skip the spices: The combination of cinnamon and nutmeg is what makes this cake feel warm and cozy. Feel free to experiment with a pinch of ginger or allspice for an extra flavor boost!
- Measure ingredients accurately: For the best results, use a kitchen scale or measuring cups to ensure your dry and wet ingredients are spot on. This can really affect the texture!
- Let the cake cool completely: I know it’s tempting to dive in right after it comes out of the oven, but letting it cool completely allows the flavors to meld beautifully and the texture to set perfectly.
- Try different add-ins: If you want to mix things up, consider adding raisins, pineapple, or shredded coconut for a fun twist! Just make sure to adjust the wet ingredients slightly if you add something that has extra moisture.
- Top it off: A thick layer of vegan cream cheese frosting or a sprinkle of powdered sugar can elevate this cake to heavenly status. Get creative with toppings—fresh fruit or nuts make for a beautiful finish!
- Store properly: Keep any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for a day or two, or in the fridge if you want them to last longer. Just be sure to bring them back to room temperature before serving for the best texture!
With these tips in your back pocket, you’ll be on your way to baking the most scrumptious vegan gluten free carrot cake that everyone will rave about!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
So, you’ve made this amazing vegan gluten free carrot cake, and now you’re wondering how to keep it fresh for those later cravings? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered!
First off, if you have any leftovers (which can be a big “if,” let’s be honest), let the cake cool completely before storing it. This helps prevent that dreaded sogginess! Place the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If you want it to last a bit longer, you can pop it in the fridge, where it’ll stay fresh for about a week.
Now, if you’re like me and want to enjoy it even later, freezing is a fantastic option! Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. This way, you can grab a slice whenever the craving strikes! Just make sure to eat them within two months for the best flavor.
When you’re ready to enjoy a slice from the freezer, simply take it out and let it thaw in the fridge overnight. If you can’t wait that long, you can also leave it at room temperature for a couple of hours. No need to reheat—this cake is delicious enjoyed chilled, but if you prefer it warm, you can pop a slice in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. Just be careful not to overdo it, as you want to keep that lovely moist texture!
With these storage and reheating tips, you can savor every bite of your vegan gluten free carrot cake just as much on day two or three as you did on the first! Enjoy!
For more delicious recipes, check out our all recipes page!
For more information on the health benefits of carrots, visit Healthline.
And if you’re interested in vegan baking tips, you can find great resources at Vegan Baking.
Print
Vegan Gluten Free Carrot Cake Recipe: 7 Reasons to Indulge
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Description
A delicious vegan gluten free carrot cake that is moist and flavorful.
Ingredients
- 2 cups grated carrots
- 1 cup almond flour
- 1 cup gluten free all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
- 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, mix grated carrots, almond flour, gluten free flour, and chopped walnuts.
- In another bowl, combine maple syrup, melted coconut oil, and applesauce.
- Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients.
- Mix in baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- Pour the batter into a greased cake pan.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool before serving.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Can be topped with vegan cream cheese frosting.
- Use fresh carrots for best flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: vegan gluten free carrot cake recipe