Vegan Gluten-Free Carrot Cake Recipe: Dairy-Free

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Who doesn’t love a moist and fluffy gluten-free carrot cake? Especially when it’s vegan and dairy-free too! This delicious dessert is perfect for any occasion, whether you want to celebrate a birthday, a holiday, or just treat yourself to a slice of heaven. You won’t believe how easy it is to make this gluten-free carrot cake recipe with simple ingredients and no fancy equipment. Plus, it’s packed with wholesome goodness like carrots, walnuts, and coconut oil. You’ll be amazed by the rich and creamy vegan cream cheese frosting that takes this cake to the next level. Trust me, this is the best vegan gluten-free carrot cake you’ll ever taste!

Homemade Gluten-Free Carrot Cake

a slice of vegan gluten-free carrot cake with carrots

You won’t believe how easy and delicious this gluten-free carrot cake recipe is! It’s moist, fluffy, and packed with flavor. Plus, it’s vegan and dairy-free, so you can enjoy it without any guilt.

Ingredients

To make this amazing gluten-free carrot cake, you’ll need the following ingredients:

2 cups of gluten-free flour (I use Bob’s Red Mill 1-to-1 Baking Flour)
2 teaspoons of baking soda
1 teaspoon of salt
2 teaspoons of cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon of ginger
1/4 cup of vegetable oil
1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce
1 cup of brown sugar
1/4 cup of maple syrup
1/4 cup of non-dairy milk (I use almond milk)
2 teaspoons of vanilla extract
2 cups of grated carrots
1/2 cup of chopped walnuts (optional)

Instructions

The instructions are simple and straightforward:

Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
In a large bowl, whisk together the gluten-free flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.
In another bowl, whisk together the oil, applesauce, brown sugar, maple syrup, non-dairy milk, and vanilla extract.
Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until well combined.
Fold in the carrots and walnuts if using.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly.
Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Let the cake cool completely before frosting with your favorite vegan cream cheese frosting.

Enjoy your homemade gluten-free carrot cake with a cup of tea or coffee. It’s the perfect treat for any occasion!

More Gluten-Free Dessert Recipes

If you enjoy delicious gluten-free desserts, you’ll want to explore these other gluten-free dessert recipes too:

Gluten-Free Pizza Dough: Whether you’re craving a savory pizza or calzone, this gluten-free pizza dough recipe will be your go-to. It’s easy to make and results in a perfect, crispy crust.
Gluten-Free Cornbread: Savory and gluten-free, this cornbread offers a perfect balance of flavors and a delightful texture.
Gluten-Free Brownies: Dive into the world of rich, fudgy gluten-free brownies that will please any brownie lover without the gluten.
Gluten-Free Puff Pastry: Create a variety of sweet and savory treats with this gluten-free puff pastry. This versatile pastry adds a flaky and delicious touch to your gluten-free baking repertoire.
Gluten-Free Lemon Bars: These zesty lemon bars have a buttery, gluten-free crust and a tangy lemon filling. They’re a refreshing treat for citrus enthusiasts.

These gluten-free dessert recipes are simple to prepare and taste just as good as their traditional counterparts. Enjoy them without missing the gluten!

Perfecting the Frosting

You’ve baked your vegan gluten-free carrot cake and it smells amazing. But what’s a cake without frosting? You don’t need dairy to make a creamy and delicious frosting for your vegan carrot cake. All you need are some simple ingredients and a blender.

Here’s how to make dairy-free frosting for your vegan carrot cake:

Soak 1 cup of raw cashews in water for at least 4 hours or overnight. Drain and rinse them well.
Add the cashews, 1/4 cup of maple syrup, 1/4 cup of coconut oil, 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt to a blender. Blend until smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides as needed.
Transfer the frosting to a bowl and refrigerate for at least an hour to thicken.
Spread the frosting evenly over your cooled vegan gluten-free carrot cake. Enjoy!

This dairy-free frosting is so rich and decadent, you won’t believe it’s vegan. It pairs perfectly with the moist and fluffy carrot cake, creating a heavenly dessert that everyone will love. Try it today and see for yourself!

Health Benefits of Vegan Gluten-Free Carrot Cake

Who says you can’t have your cake and eat it too? With this vegan gluten-free carrot cake recipe, you can enjoy a delicious treat that is also good for your health. Here are some of the health benefits of vegan gluten-free carrot cake:

Carrots are rich in beta-carotene, a powerful antioxidant that can protect your eyes, skin, and immune system. They also contain vitamin A, which is essential for vision and growth.
Vegan cake nutrition is higher than regular cake nutrition, because it uses plant-based ingredients that are lower in saturated fat, cholesterol, and calories. Vegan cakes also provide more fiber, protein, and minerals than animal-based cakes.
Gluten-free flours are better for people with gluten intolerance or celiac disease, as they do not cause inflammation or digestive problems. They also tend to be more nutrient-dense than wheat flour, as they are made from whole grains, nuts, seeds, or beans.
Walnuts are a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, which can lower your risk of heart disease and stroke. They also have anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties, and can improve your brain function and mood.

Variations and Customization

One of the best things about baking your own vegan gluten-free carrot cake is that you can make it exactly how you like it. Whether you want to add some nuts, raisins, pineapple, or coconut, there are endless ways to customize your cake and make it your own. Here are some of our favorite carrot cake variations and tips for customizing vegan carrot cake.

For a nutty crunch, add some chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds to the batter. You can also sprinkle some on top of the frosting for extra texture and flavor.
For a fruity twist, stir in some raisins, dried cranberries, or chopped dates to the batter. They will add some natural sweetness and chewiness to your cake. You can also use fresh or canned pineapple for a tropical touch.
For a coconut lover, add some shredded coconut to the batter and the frosting. You can also use coconut oil instead of vegan butter for a more coconutty flavor. Coconut milk can also be used to make the frosting creamier and richer.
For a spicy kick, add some ground ginger, nutmeg, cloves, or cardamom to the batter. They will enhance the warm and cozy flavor of your cake and make your kitchen smell amazing. You can also use fresh ginger for a more zingy taste.
For a chocolate lover, add some vegan chocolate chips or chunks to the batter. You can also drizzle some melted chocolate over the frosting for a decadent finish. Chocolate and carrot cake may sound like an odd combination, but trust us, it’s delicious.

Unleash your creativity and have fun with your vegan gluten-free carrot cake. There are no rules when it comes to personalizing your cake and making it suit your taste buds. Experiment with different ingredients and flavors and enjoy the results. Happy baking!

FAQs

Is carrot cake gluten-free?

No, traditional carrot cake is not gluten-free. It is typically made with wheat flour, which contains gluten. However, you can make a gluten-free carrot cake using alternative flours.

What is vegan carrot cake made of?

Vegan carrot cake is made from plant-based ingredients. It includes grated carrots, gluten-free flour, dairy-free milk, sugar, oil, baking powder, and a variety of spices. It’s free from animal products like eggs and dairy.

Can gluten-free carrot cake be frozen?

Yes, you can freeze gluten-free carrot cake. Ensure it’s completely cooled, wrap it well to prevent freezer burn, and store it in an airtight container. Thaw in the fridge before serving.

Is gluten-free carrot cake healthy?

Gluten-free carrot cake can be a healthier option compared to its traditional counterpart. It often uses gluten-free flours and may have less sugar. However, like any cake, it should be enjoyed in moderation as an occasional treat.