Gluten-Free Oatmeal Carrot Cake
This Gluten-Free Oatmeal Carrot Cake is a wholesome and delicious dessert featuring naturally sweet shredded carrots, nutty oats, and warm spices. Moist and tender with simple pantry ingredients, it is perfect for gluten-sensitive diets and adaptable for vegan or nut-free preferences. Ideal for any occasion, it offers a comforting homemade treat everyone will love.
- Author: Mary
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Total Time: 50-55 minutes
- Yield: 8 to 10 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Main Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups gluten-free oats (ground into oat flour)
- 1 cup almond flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup maple syrup or honey
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup Greek yogurt or dairy-free alternative
- 1 1/2 cups grated fresh carrots
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Optional Variations
- Sunflower seed flour (as almond flour substitute for nut-free version)
- Flax eggs or chia eggs (to replace regular eggs for vegan version)
- Additional spices like ginger or cloves
- Raisins, shredded apple, or crushed pineapple for added fruit boost
- Dairy-free cream cheese frosting, simple glaze, or powdered sugar for topping
- Prepare Your Ingredients: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Peel and grate fresh carrots. If using whole oats, grind them into a fine oat flour in a blender or food processor for a smoother cake texture.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together oat flour, almond flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt to evenly distribute spices and leaveners.
- Mix Wet Ingredients Separately: In another bowl, beat the eggs, then add maple syrup (or honey), vanilla extract, and Greek yogurt. Stir until smooth and fully combined.
- Bring Wet and Dry Together: Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently to combine. Fold in grated carrots and chopped nuts (if using). Avoid overmixing to maintain a light, fluffy texture.
- Bake to Perfection: Pour the batter into a greased or parchment-lined cake pan. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely before serving or frosting.
Notes
- Use freshly grated carrots for best moisture and sweetness.
- Do not overmix batter to avoid dense cake.
- Ensure oat flour is finely ground to prevent gritty texture.
- Test cake doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center.
- Allow cake to cool completely to reduce crumbling and ease slicing.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/10th of cake)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 1.2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: gluten-free carrot cake, oatmeal carrot cake, healthy carrot cake, gluten-free dessert, dairy-free carrot cake option, vegan carrot cake option