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The Best Gluten Free Dairy Free Carrot Cake Recipe ⭐ - Moist, Simple, and Crowd-Pleasing

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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • Dry Ingredients: 2 cups gluten-free all-purpose flour (1:1 blend with xanthan gum)
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • Wet Ingredients: 3 large eggs, room temperature
  • 3/4 cup neutral oil (avocado, light olive, or canola)
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2 1/2 cups finely grated carrots (about 3–4 medium)
  • Optional Add-Ins: 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
  • 1/2 cup raisins
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
  • Dairy-Free “Cream Cheese” Frosting: 8 ounces dairy-free cream cheese, slightly softened
  • 1/2 cup dairy-free butter, room temperature
  • 3–3 1/2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

Method
 

  1. Prep your pans: Heat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two 8-inch round cake pans with parchment and lightly grease the sides.
  2. Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg until well combined.
  3. Whisk wet ingredients: In another bowl, whisk eggs, oil, applesauce, and vanilla until smooth.
  4. Combine: Pour wet into dry and stir just until no dry streaks remain. Fold in grated carrots and any add-ins. Do not overmix.
  5. Bake: Divide batter between pans. Bake 25–30 minutes, until the centers spring back and a toothpick comes out clean with a few moist crumbs.
  6. Cool completely: Let cakes cool in pans 10 minutes, then transfer to a rack. Cool fully before frosting.
  7. Make frosting: Beat dairy-free butter and cream cheese until smooth. Add vanilla and salt. Beat in powdered sugar, starting with 3 cups, until fluffy and spreadable.
  8. Assemble: Place the first layer on a plate, spread frosting on top, add the second layer, and frost the top and sides. Chill 20 minutes to set if needed.