A perfectly moist, healthier take on carrot cake. These bars are topped with a luscious, decadent 3-ingredient cream cheese frosting that’s too good not to lick the spoon! 

This gluten-free, dairy-free, and refined sugar-free Healthy Carrot Cake took five tries to nail, but it was absolutely worth all of the attempts. 

There’s a fine balance with carrot cake. You want the spices to be warm and comforting, yet not too bold like a spice cake. 

Carrots are also very moist, which is problematic when trying to figure out the right ratio of dry and wet ingredients. 

Some of my first attempts were too dry while others were too moist. 

These “baking fails” are all attempts that I’m happy to make on your behalf! 

Now, many may claim that the only reason to eat carrot cake is for the cream cheese frosting. 

And while I may politely disagree, this three-ingredient cream cheese frosting is so good that it’s worth making the cake just for it! 

Overall, these carrot cake bars are my healthier take on the classic.

So go ahead and give this recipe a try knowing that it will come out just right if you follow my instructions. Enjoy! 

Key Ingredients for Grain-Free Carrot Cake and Dairy-Free Frosting

Baked desserts tend to call for a lot of ingredients, however, once you buy them you can make all of the gluten-free treats that you please! Here’s what you’ll need for this carrot cake recipe. 

• Gluten-free Flour Blend: Nailing a gluten-free cake is hard, but relying on a flour blend makes it easier. I used Bob’s Red Mill Paleo Flour for this recipe. 
• Baking Powder and Baking Soda: These leavening agents ensure the cake comes out light and fluffy. 
• Spices: Because there isn’t a “carrot cake” spice blend out there yet, you’ll want to make your own! Ground cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves are the warming spices you’ll need for the OG carrot cake taste. 
• Eggs: I haven’t tried egg substitutes (such as flax eggs) yet. If you do, let me know how it turns out! 

• Nut Milk: Any type will do, even oat milk. 
• Avocado Oil: I always look to add non-inflammatory oils to my recipes, including my baked goods. You could use melted coconut oil in place of avocado oil. 
• Carrots: Obviously, a must here! Grate them on a box grater.
• Mix-Ins: Some people prefer raisins and nuts in their carrot cakes and some do not. For me, the more mix-ins the better but you can omit either of both if you choose. 

• Dairy-Free Cream Cheese: I used @miyokoscreamery for the recipe testing, but feel free to use whatever is available to you. If you aren’t dairy-free, go ahead and use regular cream cheese. 
• Maple Syrup: A natural sweetener that adds a caramel-like taste to the cake and the frosting. 
• Vanilla Extract: The perfect compliment to the simple frosting. 

Step by Step Instructions for Gluten-Free Carrot Cake With Dairy-Free Cream Cheese Frosting

Let’s start by preheating the oven to 350°F. 

Next, grease an 8-inch cake pan. I also like to line it with parchment paper so I know the cake will come out easily. 

In a small mixing bowl, add the gluten-free flour, baking soda, baking soda, salt, and spices and gently stir to combine.

Add the eggs, nut milk, avocado oil, maple syrup, and vanilla extract plus the coconut sugar to a large mixing bowl and mix until smooth.

Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix with a hand mixer until no lumps remain.

Stir in the shredded carrots, raisins, and pecans, if using.

Once incorporated, pour the carrot cake batter into your prepared cake pan.

Bake for 35 to 37 minutes until the center of the cake is springy to the touch or a toothpick comes out clean.

Place the cake on a cooling rack and let it cool completely before frosting.

To make the frosting, add the dairy-free cream cheese, maple syrup, and vanilla to a bowl and stir until smooth with a spatula. 

Once the cake has cooled, frost, slice, and enjoy!

More Healthier Remakes of Classic Desserts:

• Gluten-Free Cinnamon Swirl Coffee Cake
• Shortbread Cookies (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Refined Sugar-Free)
• Dairy-Free Peanut Butter Pie with Chocolate Cookie Crust
• Dairy-Free Chocolate Cream Pie with Chocolate Crust