Gluten-Free Carrot Cake

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 4 eggs
• 1 cup vegetable oil (or oil of choice)
• 2 teaspoons gluten-free vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose gluten-free flour blend
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon gluten-free baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon all spice
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 2 cups freshly grated carrots
• Optional: 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
• 8 oz. cream cheese, room temperature
• 1/2 cup butter (1 stick), room temperature
• 2 teaspoons gluten-free vanilla extract
• 4 1/2 cups powdered sugar
• 1/2 cup butter (1 stick), room temperature
• 1 1/2 teaspoons gluten-free vanilla extract
• 4 1/2 cups powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup milk

Instructions

1. 1

   Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Position the oven...: Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Position the oven rack in the center of the oven. Line two 9” round cake pans with parchment paper (cut out circles for the bottom of the pan), and spray with oil; set aside.

2. 2

   In a large mixing bowl, cream sugar and...: In a large mixing bowl, cream sugar and eggs. Add oil and vanilla; beat just until smooth.

3. 3

   Combine flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon,...: Combine flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and cloves in a separate medium mixing bowl.

4. 4

   Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients...: Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until combined.

5. 5

   Stir in grated carrots. Optional: Stir in chopped...: Stir in grated carrots. Optional: Stir in chopped nuts.

6. 6

   Spoon batter evenly into the baking pans.

7. 7

   Bake for 36–40 minutes or until a toothpick...: Bake for 36–40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the middle of the cake comes out clean. Start with the lowest time and watch for doneness from there.

8. 8

   Remove from oven and let cool in the...: Remove from oven and let cool in the pan for 5–10 minutes, then remove from pan and let cool on a rack.

9. 9

   Frost with your favorite frosting. For a layer...: Frost with your favorite frosting. For a layer cake, place a little frosting in the center of your cake plate. Place a layer on top, and frost the top. Add the second layer and frost the top. If desired, frost the sides.

10. 10

    Store this gluten-free carrot cake in the refrigerator...: Store this gluten-free carrot cake in the refrigerator for up to 5 days and in a sealed container in the freezer for up to 3 months.

11. 11

    For the cream cheese frosting - In a...: For the cream cheese frosting - In a medium mixing bowl, beat together cream cheese, butter, and vanilla until light and fluffy. Gradually add powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating well. You can store the frosting in the refrigerator in a sealed containerfor up to a week.

12. 12

    For the buttercream frosting - In a medium...: For the buttercream frosting - In a medium mixing bowl, beat together butter and vanilla until smooth and creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating well. Alternate one cup of powdered sugar and 1 tablespoon of milk until all ingredients are blended. Beat in additional milk if needed to obtain desired constancy. You can store the frosting in the refrigerator in a sealed container for up to a week.