This gluten-free Carrot Cake is a family favorite. It’s a healthy dessert for cookouts, picnics, and graduation parties. Made with almond flour, this cake is high in protein and good fat, so you won’t be left with a high-carb hangover after eating it.
I went on a gluten-free diet in 1998, when I was diagnosed with celiac disease. I went on a grain-free diet in 2001, and haven’t looked back. My digestion really improved when I gave up typical gluten-free flours like rice flour, that are high in carbohydrates. I’m so glad that I made the switch to paleo baking way back when!
If you are on a nut-free diet, try my incredible Nut-Free Carrot Cake.
Carrot Cake
Ingredients
- 3 cups blanched almond flour (not almond meal)
- 1 teaspoon celtic sea salt
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 5 large eggs
- ½ cup agave nectar or honey
- ¼ cup grapeseed oil or palm shortening
- 3 cups carrots, grated
- 1 cup raisins
- 1 cup walnuts
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine almond flour, salt, baking soda, cinnamon, and nutmeg
- In a separate bowl, mix together eggs, agave, and oil
- Stir carrots, raisins, and walnuts into wet ingredients
- Stir wet ingredients into dry
- Transfer batter into 2 well greased 9 inch springform pan
- Bake at 325°F for 35 minutes
- Cool cake for 3 hours, then remove from pan
- Serve
In other news, my spring has been filled with baseball. As I mentioned, I am coaching my son’s little league team and it is quite a hoot. We won again yesterday, though more importantly, the boys are playing as a team and have great spirit. It is somewhat amazing to see how focused 9 year olds can be and how supportive they are of each other. This coaching deal has been a real treat for me.
We like to smother this Carrot Cake with any of the healthy frosting recipes below for an incredible show stopping dessert:
ItalianCypress says
I am allergic to carrots and walnuts, and have never liked raisins. I made this recipe with zucchini, pecans and cranberries. I also added some Chinese Five Spice, a touch of molasses, and doubled the cinnamon. It is an amazing tasting cake!
Mindy says
sOUNDS SO GOOD WOULD LOVE TO COME FOR TEA
elissa says
Hi. Love these recipes! Tried the fig/rosemary crackers but substituded dried cherries…awesome! We make the banana bread all the time to, we put in dates and coconut oil instead of honey/veggie oil.
Quick question for anyone who might know…can you substitute coconut oil for grapeseed oil in the recipes and is there any pro/con to doing so?
Thanks!
Nathalie says
I tried this recipe and it was delicious! My guests said it was the best cake they even had! I frosted it with whipped coconot milk. It was a bit crumbly and didn’t hold together very well but it was all covered up my the frosting so no one noticed! I could have been me being too generous with the carrots!
sarah says
I see that many people are making this for birthdays. I thought I was the only one :) I’ve requested carrot cake for my birthday since I was a little girl, but haven’t had the pleasure of eating it since I went gluten free 2 years ago. I can’t wait to try this recipe. Thanks, Elana.
Christie says
Can I sub coconut flour for almond flour? Nut allergy in our house and I notice many baked goods call for almond flour
Amelia says
Thanks so much for sharing this delicious recipe! I made this for my birthday party and it was a huge hit. I have also been enjoying your Nutty Bread, and so have the people I share it with!
Kiran says
Would it be okay to add pineapple tidbits?
Tandra says
This looks delicious. I can’t wait to try it tomorrow. Instead of using agave or sugar in my foods, I use powdered honey. Same measurements as sugar. Not as sweet, but healthier. And my daughter doesn’t crave sweets the way her friends seem to. Sadly, my daughter has celiac and her body doesn’t digest refined sugars. I’ll let you know how it turns out..
dawna beard says
Want to make this cake but the family is on a chocolate chip cookie kick so maybe next time… I baked for my mom until she passed away now i
found I’m ciliac along with my daughter. Wish I knew a about this site when mom was around…thanks I’m digging the goodies!
Su Lee says
Dear Elana,
I know you can’t answer questions but how many calories is this??
Please Reply,
SU