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Easy Gluten Free Carrot Cake Recipe That Always Turns Out Perfect ⭐ - Soft, Moist, and Foolproof

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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • Dry Ingredients: Gluten-free all-purpose flour blend (with xanthan gum) – 2 cups (260 g)
  • Baking powder – 2 teaspoons
  • Baking soda – 1/2 teaspoon
  • Fine sea salt – 1/2 teaspoon
  • Ground cinnamon – 2 teaspoons
  • Ground nutmeg – 1/4 teaspoon (optional)
  • Wet Ingredients: Light brown sugar – 3/4 cup (packed)
  • Granulated sugar – 1/2 cup
  • Large eggs – 3
  • Neutral oil (avocado, canola, or light olive) – 3/4 cup
  • Plain yogurt or sour cream – 1/2 cup
  • Vanilla extract – 2 teaspoons
  • Fresh carrots, finely grated – 2 cups (about 3–4 medium)
  • Optional Mix-Ins: Crushed pineapple (well drained) – 1/2 cup
  • Chopped walnuts or pecans – 1/2 cup
  • Raisins – 1/2 cup
  • Cream Cheese Frosting: Cream cheese, softened – 8 oz (225 g)
  • Unsalted butter, softened – 1/2 cup (115 g)
  • Powdered sugar – 2 to 2 1/2 cups
  • Vanilla extract – 1 teaspoon
  • Pinch of salt

Method
 

  1. Prep: Heat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 8-inch round pans or one 9x13-inch pan with parchment. Lightly grease the parchment.
  2. Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg until evenly combined.
  3. Mix wet ingredients: In another bowl, whisk brown sugar, granulated sugar, eggs, oil, yogurt, and vanilla until smooth and slightly thick.
  4. Combine: Pour wet into dry. Stir with a spatula until just combined. Do not overmix.
  5. Fold in carrots and mix-ins: Add grated carrots and any extras (pineapple, nuts, raisins). Fold gently until evenly distributed.
  6. Bake: Divide batter between pans. Bake 22–28 minutes for rounds or 30–35 minutes for a 9x13. The cake is done when the center springs back and a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs.
  7. Cool: Let cakes cool in the pan 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
  8. Make frosting: Beat cream cheese and butter until fluffy. Add powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt. Beat until smooth and spreadable.
  9. Frost: For layers, spread frosting between the layers and over the top and sides. For a 9x13, frost the top generously. Chill 15–20 minutes to set clean slices.