Gluten-Free Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Name: Gluten-Free Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Yield: 12 servings
Cuisine: Desserts
Ingredients: 260g 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour (with xanthan gum); 300g fresh carrots, finely hand-grated; 200g granulated sugar & 1 cup brown sugar; 240ml vegetable oil; 4 large eggs, room temperature; 10g baking powder, 1 tsp baking soda & 2 tsp cinnamon; 120g chopped pecans; frosting for cream cheese frosting

Jump to Recipe Step-by-Step

Baking should be a joyful, reliable experience, and this Gluten-Free Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe guarantees smiles at first bite. Combining 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour, carrots, finely hand- and granulated sugar & 1 brown sugar for a rich, balanced sweetness, it bakes into an irresistible treat that feels special enough for celebrations yet simple enough for casual afternoons.

Ingredients

12 servings

2 cups 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour (with xanthan gum)
3 cups fresh carrots, finely hand-grated
1 cup granulated sugar & 1 cup brown sugar
1 cup vegetable oil
4 large eggs, room temperature
2 tsp baking powder, 1 tsp baking soda & 2 tsp cinnamon
1 cup chopped pecans
8 oz cream cheese + ½ cup butter + 3 cups powdered sugar for cream cheese frosting

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Whisk oil, sugars, and eggs. Fold in GF flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, grated carrots, and pecans.

Divide batter between two greased 9-inch round pans. **Bake** for 32 to 36 minutes until toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely.

Beat cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Stack cake layers, frost top and sides, and top with extra pecans!

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Chef Amara’s Kitchen Secrets & Pro Tips

Use 1-to-1 GF Flour with Xanthan Gum: Xanthan gum binds gluten-free flour so carrot cake layers rise high without crumbling.
Hand-Grate Fresh Carrots: Avoid dry pre-shredded bagged carrots; hand-grating fresh carrots releases moisture for cake softness.

1. Spoon and Level Your Flour: Never scoop flour directly from the canister with your measuring cup, which packs excess volume by up to 25%. Fluff the flour with a fork, spoon it into the cup, and level the top with a knife. 2. Grate Cheese Fresh from the Block: Pre-shredded cheeses are treated with anti-caking starches that impede smooth melting. Freshly shredded cheese dissolves seamlessly into velvety sauces without graininess. 3. Chef's Kitchen Secret: Use 1-to-1 GF Flour with Xanthan Gum: Xanthan gum binds gluten-free flour so carrot cake layers rise high without crumbling.

Chef’s Cooking Guide & FAQs

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Troubleshooting & Quick Fixes

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Why Did My Gluten-Free Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe Turn Out Drier Than Expected?: Dryness usually stems from slight over-measuring of flour or keeping the pan in the oven a few minutes too long. Check for doneness slightly early—a toothpick inserted into the center should emerge with a few moist crumbs rather than dry wood.
How to Prevent Uneven Browning?: Most domestic ovens have hot spots near the back corner. Rotate your baking sheet 180 degrees halfway through the timer to ensure uniform golden browning and rise.

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Storage, Freezing & Reheating Guidelines

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Store baked items in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate up to 6 days. To freeze, wrap tightly in parchment paper and aluminum foil for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight at room temperature.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Q: Can I substitute brown sugar for white sugar? A: Yes, substituting dark or light brown sugar adds extra moisture and subtle caramel undertones due to natural molasses content.

Q: Can I make this dessert gluten-free? A: A 1-to-1 gluten-free baking blend containing xanthan gum (such as Bob's Red Mill or King Arthur) produces outstanding, nearly identical results.

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Kitchen Notes & Discussion

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Nutrition Facts

Per serving (1 of 12)

440 Calories

54g Carbs 20% DV

5g Protein 10% DV

24g Fat 31% DV

3g Fiber 11% DV

320mg Sodium 14% DV

Carbs 49% Protein 5% Fat 46%

*Percent Daily Values (% DV) are based on a 2,000-calorie reference diet (USDA FoodData Central).

Quick Info

Cuisine Desserts
Dietary Gluten-Free
Total Time 1 hr 10 min
Yield 12 servings

Chef Amara

Passionate home cook & certified chef behind YumAroma. Every recipe is tested 3+ times for perfection.

View Full Culinary Bio →

Gluten-Free Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Ingredients

Step-by-Step Instructions

Whisk Wet & Mix GF Batter (15 Min)

Bake Cake Layers (35 Min)