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4.3 from 183 votes

Gluten Free Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

This Gluten Free Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is made with almond flour for a rich, moist texture and amazing flavor!

Prep Time
25 mins
Cook Time
25 mins
Total Time
1 hr
Servings: 16 servings
Calories: 754 kcal
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

For the carrot cake
  • 7 large eggs
  • 1 3/4 cup dark brown sugar
  • 1.5 tsp vanilla extract
  • 4 1/2 cups almond flour
  • 2 tsp salt
  • 1.5 tsp baking powder
  • 3/4 tsp baking soda
  • 1.5 tsp cardamom
  • 1.5 tsp cinnamon
  • 1.5 tsp ginger
  • 1 pound about 5 medium-large carrots, shredded
  • 1 cup shredded coconut
  • 1 cup walnuts finely chopped
  • 3/4 cup vegetable oil
For the cream cheese frosting
  • 12 ounces cream cheese room temperature
  • 3/4 cup butter room temperature
  • 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla
For the topping
  • 1/4 cup shredded coconut
  • 1/4 cup walnuts finely chopped

Instructions

For the cake
    Cup of Yum
  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F
  2. Prepare two 9-inch cake pans by buttering the sides and placing a circle of parchment paper at the bottom of each tin.
  3. With an electric mixer, beat the eggs with the sugar for several minutes on medium-high speed until very light and the mixture holds a thin ribbon when drizzled. This will take about 5 minutes.
  4. Beat in the vanilla extract.
  5. In a separate bowl, whisk together the almond meal, salt, baking powder, baking soda, cardamom, cinnamon, and ginger. Set aside.
  6. In another bowl, mix together the shredded carrot, shredded coconut, chopped walnuts, and vegetable oil.
  7. Add part of the almond flour mixture to the eggs, and alternate with the carrot mixture, mixing on low to incorporate into the eggs with each addition.
  8. Divide the batter into the two prepared cake pans, and bake for about 35-45 minutes. The carrot cakes should be set in the middle, and spring back when poked gently. They will be a deep color, but if they start to get too brown on top while baking, place a small sheet of foil over them.
  9. Allow to cool for about 15 minutes before carefully removing from the cake pans, and allow to cool fully on a baking rack.
For the cream cheese frosting
  1. With an electric mixer, beat together the cream cheese and the butter until very smooth. Add the powdered sugar about a half cup or a cup at a time, and beat for a few minutes until fully incorporated and smooth. (Still have small lumps? See the tips below for a suggestion!)
  2. Frost the cake by placing one of the carrot cake layers on a flat surface. Spread about 1/2 of the frosting in a thick layer over the cake, allowing it to go slightly over the edge. Place the second cake layer on top, and spread the rest of the frosting in a thick layer of the top.
  3. With an offset spatula, or a board scraper, carefully spread the excess frosting in between the two layers around the outside of the cake for a "naked" effect.
  4. For a swoopy look on top of the cake, use the back of a large metal spoon to make small, curling motions. Wipe the excess frosting off the spoon between each swipe.
For the topping
  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F
  2. Spread the shredded coconut and chopped walnuts on a baking sheet
  3. Bake for about 10-15 minutes, checking frequently so they don't burn.
  4. Allow to cool slightly, and sprinkle around the outside edge of the cake.

Notes

  • Recipe adapted from Bon Appetit

Nutrition Information

Calories 754kcal (38%) Carbohydrates 66g (22%) Protein 13g (26%) Fat 52g (80%) Saturated Fat 16g (80%) Polyunsaturated Fat 11g Monounsaturated Fat 8g Trans Fat 0.4g Cholesterol 126mg (42%) Sodium 554mg (23%) Potassium 291mg (8%) Fiber 5g (20%) Sugar 56g (112%) Vitamin A 5.408IU (0%) Vitamin C 2mg (2%) Calcium 160mg (16%) Iron 2mg (11%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 16servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 754

% Daily Value*

Calories 754kcal 38%
Carbohydrates 66g 22%
Protein 13g 26%
Fat 52g 80%
Saturated Fat 16g 80%
Polyunsaturated Fat 11g 65%
Monounsaturated Fat 8g 40%
Trans Fat 0.4g 20%
Cholesterol 126mg 42%
Sodium 554mg 23%
Potassium 291mg 6%
Fiber 5g 20%
Sugar 56g 112%
Vitamin A 5.408IU 0%
Vitamin C 2mg 2%
Calcium 160mg 16%
Iron 2mg 11%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

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