• About
  • Work with Me
    • Contact
  • Food Photography
  • Newsletter

Chef Janet

So good, they'll never know it's gluten-free.

  • Gluten-Free Recipes
    • Appetizers and Snacks
    • Baked Goods
    • Breakfast
    • Dessert
    • Main Course
    • Salads
    • Sauces and Dressings
    • Side Dishes
    • Soup
    • Vegan
    • Vegetarian
  • Cooking Basics
  • Gluten-Free Diet Tips
Home Β» Baked Goods Β» Moist, Fluffy Gluten-Free Carrot Layer Cake

February 22, 2023

Moist, Fluffy Gluten-Free Carrot Layer Cake

No ratings yet
Leave a Comment Jump to Recipe

This gluten-free carrot layer cake is so incredibly moist and fluffy. The easy recipe is also dairy-free and mixes up in one bowl for fast clean up.

Be sure to check out more of my gluten-free layer cake recipes including my incredibly moist gluten-free red velvet cake, luscious fluffy gluten-free vanilla cake and my personal favorite gluten-free lemon layer cake.

How to Keep Gluten-Free Cake Moist

The best way to keep gluten-free cakes moist over a few days is to use oil instead of butter. Butter has excellent flavor but it is 80% fat and about 18% water. That water evaporates and can leave a cake dry over a few days. Oil is 100% fat so it keeps the cake moist for longer.

Another benefit of using oil, is that cakes rise better and are more airy. Light and fluffy can sometimes be an issue in gluten-free cakes so oil helps quite a bit.

Gluten-free carrot cake with cream cheese frosting and carrot decoration on white cake stand. Slice being pulled away on cake server. Stack of white plates with forks on left. Wood board with fresh carrots in back right.

Ingredients

Many carrot cake recipes include ingredients like crushed pineapple and walnuts. I prefer to keep my carrot cake nut-free and replace the pineapple with applesauce.

Gluten-free flour blend – My preferred flour for gluten-free baking is King Arthur Measure-for-Measure Flour. It works consistently in almost all of my baked goods and it’s the most affordable of the gluten-free flour blends I’ve tested.

Pamela’s All Purpose Artisan Blend and Cup4Cup (contains milk powder) are two other flour blends that will work in this recipe. All of these flours are certified gluten-free. I do not test with Bob’s Red Mill one 1-to-1 because it is not certified gluten free.

I also have a DIY gluten free and rice free flour blend. It works extremely well in cupcakes muffins, quick breads, pancakes and cakes including this gf carrot cake. I’ve had a huge increase in readers looking for gluten-free recipes that are also rice-free.

Shredded carrots – I highly recommend using store-bought shredded carrots. It’s a huge timesaver and it works just as well as shredding them yourself. One of the 10 oz bags that you usually find in the grocery store will give you enough for this cake.

Otherwise, if you prefer to shred the carrots yourself, you’ll need about three medium-sized carrots.

Apple sauce adds moisture and fruity flavor to this cake without making it greasy like oil can. I use oil in this cake but If you’re not a regular user of applesauce, buy the snack size and use two for this recipe.

Brown sugar – The molasses flavor in brown sugar is so yummy with the flavor of carrot and cinnamon.

Cinnamon – You can use straight cinnamon or an equal amount of a pumpkin spice blend. If you like the flavors of cinnamon, cloves and other warm spices, the pumpkin spice blend is an easy sub.

Oil – I prefer oil over butter in gluten-free cakes. Even though butter has more flavor, oil does a much better job of making the cakes moist especially over a few days. Use a neutral flavored oil like avocado, canola, sunflower etc.

Eggs – It is best that the eggs are at room temperature. Cold eggs in the batter means that the cake will have to bake longer. A longer baking time risks the cake coming out dry.

So, before you get the other ingredients out, place the eggs in a bowl of warm water to bring them to room temperature – it takes 5-10 minutes max.

The rest of the ingredients are just the basics – sugar, vanilla, baking powder, baking soda and salt.

Slice of two layer gluten-free carrot cake with cream cheese frosting on white plate with fork. Plates with slices of cake in back left and right.

Carrot Cake Toppings

This cake is super yummy with a slathering of cream cheese frosting. But if you want to take it to the next level, here are a few toppings that will make this an even more memorable gluten-free dessert.

  • Drizzle the cake with my homemade apple caramel sauce or any prepared caramel sauce.
  • Top with my sweet and spicy candied pecans
  • For a little boozy flavor top with my brandy white chocolate sauce.
wo layer gluten-free carrot cake with cream cheese frosting and carrot decoration on white cake stand. Stack of white plates with forts on left, wood board with fresh carrots in back right.
Two layer gluten-free carrot cake with cream cheese frosting and carrot decoration on white cake stand. Slice of cake on cakes server on left. Stack of white plates with forts on left, wood board with fresh carrots in back right.

Moist, Fluffy Gluten-Free Carrot Cake

Author: Janet Harlow
Course: Baked Goods, Dessert
Cuisine: American
Servings: 12 slices
ο»ΏThis gluten-free carrot layer cake is so incredibly moist and fluffy. The easy recipe is also dairy-free and mixes up in one bowl for fast clean up.
No ratings yet
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 mins
Cook Time 45 mins

Recommended Products

  • King Arthur Gluten-Free Measure for Measure Flour

Ingredients
  

  • 4 large eggs, room temperature1
  • Β½ c oil – avocado, sunflower, canola or other neutral flavored vegetable oil
  • Β½ c unsweetened applesauce
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract, powder or bean paste
  • ΒΎ tsp salt
  • 1 c sugar
  • ΒΎ c light brown sugar
  • ο»Ώ2Β½ c gluten-free flour blend2 gluten-free rice-free flour option
  • 1Β½ tsp baking powder
  • Β½ tsp baking soda
  • ο»Ώ3 c (about 8 ounces) shredded carrots, store bought shreds work well or use about 3 medium sized carrots

Instructions
 

  • This cake can easily be mixed by hand with a silicone/rubber spatula and a wire whisk or with an electric mixer.
    Overhead view of glass mixing bowl with rubber spatula and wire whisk on right.
  • Preheat the oven to 350Β°F. Parchment line and grease two 8 or 9 inch round cake pans. The parchment is optional but will make removing the baked cake much easier.
    Overhead view of greased cake pans with parchment liner.
  • In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs, oil, apple sauce, vanilla and salt.
    Overhead view of glass mixing bowl with eggs, oil, applesauce, vanilla and salt being mixed with a whisk.
  • Add the sugars and beat until smooth.
  • Add the flour, baking powder and baking soda. Fold in the dry ingredients with a silicone spatula (or beat on low if using electric).
    Overhead view of glass mixing bowl with liquid ingredients and dry ingredients added on top. Wire whisk on right.
  • Scrape down the sides of the bowl. Then switch to a whisk to to smooth it out or mix on high with electric mixers for 10-15 seconds.
    Overhead view of glass bowl with gluten free carrot cake batter being mixed with a whisk.
  • Fold in the shredded carrots.
  • Divide the batter evenly between the 2 pans. Use a spatula to smooth out the top. For super even layers, use a measuring cup and use just over 2Β½ cups batter per pan.
  • Bake 42-47 minutes for 8" layers and 35-40 minutes for 9" layers or until the top is set and bounces back from a very gentle tap. If it leaves an indent, keep baking.
  • Cool the layers in the pan for 10 minutes. Then invert them onto a wire rack and allow to cool completely before frosting with my cream cheese frosting.
    Overhead view of gluten-free carrot cake layers cooling on wire racks.

Notes

  1. Place cold eggs in a bowl with warm water to bring them to room temperature. It takes 5-10 minutes.
  2. Add 1 tsp xanthan gum only if you are using a flour blend that does not contain xanthan gum, guar gum or inulin. All of the 1-to-1 flour blends like Cup4Cup, King Arthur Measure for Measure, Pamela’s All Purpose Artisan Blend, Bob’s Red Mill 1-to-1 and Namaste Perfect Gluten-Free Flour already contain one of these ingredients.
Did you make this recipe?Let me know how it was! Tag @chefjanetk on Instagram.
  • Share
  • Tweet
  • Email

Posted In: Baked Goods, Dessert · Tagged: cake, layer cake

Leave a Comment & Rate this Recipe Cancel reply

If you love this recipe, please consider leaving a star rating and review when you post a comment. Star ratings help people discover my recipes online. Your support means a great deal to me.

Thank you!
Janet

Recipe Rating




This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

About Me
Hi, Welcome! I'm Chef Janet and I create gluten-free recipes that everyone will love, gluten-free or not.

Set up a customized lesson with me to learn basic cooking techniques, gluten-free, menu planning and kitchen tips to make your life easier. Follow me on instagram to keep up with my latest and let me know how I can help.

Follow along on Instagram

Do you need a cake or cupcakes for a gluten-free b Do you need a cake or cupcakes for a gluten-free birthday celebration? I've got you covered with a blog post with 16 ideas for fun,  festive & yummy cakes and cupcakes.
πŸŽ‚πŸŽ‰πŸŽ‚
All are gluten free and many can be made dairy-free as well. Most use Measure for Measure flour from @kingarthurbaking.
1. GF Carrot Cake
2. GF Funfetti Cupcakes
3. GF Red Velvet Cake
4. GF Lemon Cake
5. Grain-Free Vanilla Almond Flour Cake
6. GF Vanilla Cake
7. GF Mini Cupcakes in Choc & Vanilla
8. GF Vanilla Cupcakes
9. GF Coconut Layer Cake
πŸŽ‚πŸŽ‰πŸŽ‚
Not pictured: GF Chocolate Orange Loaf Cake,
GF Chocolate Cupcakes, GF Apple Pie Cupcakes, GF Butternut Squash Cake, Gf Chocolate Mug Cake, GF Vanilla Snack Cake, and GF Carrot Cake Cupcakes.
πŸŽ‚πŸŽ‰πŸŽ‚
#glutenfreebirthdaycake #glutenfreebirthday #losangeleschef #glutenfreebaking #glutenfreecake #glutenfreecupcakes #glutenfreecarrotcake #glutenfreevanillacake #glutenfreeredvelvet #glutenfreeblog #glutenfreelemoncake
No lie, these chicken wings were baked in the toas No lie, these chicken wings were baked in the toaster oven and still came out with golden brown delicious skin. 
🌽 🌭🌽
Those mini corn dog bites are the favorite at my parties and are SUPER (pun intended) easy to make.
πŸ“πŸ—πŸ“
Link to the recipes in my profile.
🌽🌭🌽
#glutenfreesnacks #sportsnacks #glutenfreecorndogs #glutenfreerecipes #losangeleschef #glutenfreelosangeles #sportsfood #partysnacks #partyappetizers #glutenfreeparty
This gluten free red velvet cake is so moist and t This gluten free red velvet cake is so moist and tender they'll never know it's gluten free. Get the full recipe at chefjanetk.com
β™₯οΈπŸŽ‚β™₯οΈπŸŽ‚
#redvelvet #glutenfreecake #glutenfreeredvelvetcake #losangeleschef #glutenfreelosangeles #glutenfreeblog
#glutenfreebaking #glutenfreedessert #glutenfreebirthdaycake #bestglutenfreecakes #glutenfreerecipes
Thanksgiving prep has started in my kitchen! Wheth Thanksgiving prep has started in my kitchen! Whether you need a gluten-free stuffing recipe, gravy or an easy side, I've got you covered. Need a delicious, decadent dessert? I've got that too. Link in my profile to my Thanksgiving recipes.
πŸ—πŸ₯§πŸ 
You'll find tips for perfect silky, smooth gravy, moist delicious stuffing, perfect pies, simple sided dishes and more.
🍠πŸ₯§πŸ—
#glutenfreethanksgiving #thanksgivingrecipes #thanksgivingdesserts #glutenfreestuffing #glutenfreegravy #losangeleschef #glutenfreeblog #glutenfreepiecrust #glutenfreedessert
Pie and cupcakes are my favorite desserts so I put Pie and cupcakes are my favorite desserts so I put them together in one. These gluten-free apple pie cupcakes make for an awesome autumn dessert. Link to the recipe in my profile.
🍎 πŸ₯§πŸ§
These cupcakes have a fluffy cinnamon spiced cake, traditional apple pie filling and an apple cinnamon buttercream frosting.
🍎πŸ₯§πŸ§
#glutenfreecupcakes #glutenfreedessert #glutenfreeapplepie #losangeleschef #cinnamonbuttercream #glutenfreelosangeles #holidaydessert #glutenfreeholidays #autumndesserts #applepiecupcakes
Nothing says holiday brunch more than cranberry or Nothing says holiday brunch more than cranberry orange muffins. Link to the recipe in my profile.
🎈🍊🎈
#cranberryorangemuffins #glutenfreemuffins #holidaybrunch #glutenfreebaking #losangeleschef #glutenfreechef #glutenfreeblog #cranberryorange
This Sweet Potato Frosting is the perfect holiday This Sweet Potato Frosting is the perfect holiday topping for cupcakes, cakes muffins and anything your heart desires. There's just four ingredients and no cane sugar. Link to the recipe in my profile.
 🍠 🧁🍠
Sweet potato puree, cream cheese, butter and maple syrup are all you need for this amazing frosting. Amazing on carrot cake, spice cake, vanilla cake and so much more.
🧁🍠🧁
#sweetpotatofrosting #cakefrosting #glutenfreeholiday #holidaydesserts #glutenfreeblog #losangeleschef #glutenfreelosangeles #sweetpotatodessert #sweetpotatorecipe #cupcakefrosting #glutenfreecupcakes
Do you like your gluten-free pumpkin bread slather Do you like your gluten-free pumpkin bread slathered in a rum icing or a straight up?? Get the recipe - link my profile.
πŸŽƒπŸŽƒπŸžπŸŽƒπŸŽƒ
This recipe is super easy and makes an incredibly moist and delicious pumpkin bread that is good enough for dessert, brunch or a little autumn snack.
πŸŽƒπŸŽƒπŸžπŸžπŸŽƒπŸŽƒ
#glutenfreepumpkinbread #pumpkinbread #glutenfreebrunch #glutenfreebaking #autumndesserts #glutenfreelosangeles #glutenfreechef #glutenfreeblog #pumpkindessert #fallbaking

Copyright © 2023 Chef Janet · Support by Foodie Digital · Privacy Policy · Accessibility Policy · Web Stories