Everyone loves a moist & fluffy cupcake! These healthy Gluten-Free Carrot Cake Cupcakes with Vegan Cream Cheese Frosting are allergy-free (no nuts!), sugar-free, and perfectly flavored! The best carrot cake cupcake recipe you'll find using simple and real ingredients! A fantastic Spring, Easter, or any holiday dessert!
If you're new to Strength and Sunshine then you get a pass if you didn't know that carrot cake is my favorite flavor of cake! Even over Funfetti and good 'ole chocolate! Carrot cake seems to be a flavor that you either love or hate, and if you fall in the latter, just give me a few minutes to change your mind! These gluten-free carrot cake cupcakes have all the goodness of sweet carrots, a small dose of chewy raisins, a splash of pineapple, and a perfect combination of cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg!
Why do they call it carrot cake?
My friend, carrot cake is all about making the humble orange root even more delicious than it naturally is! Carrot cake if chockful of freshly grated carrots and the natural sweetness they impart when raw or cooked! Carrot cake is presumed to have stemmed from the Medieval times in Europe from a popular dessert of carrot pudding. I don't know about you, but I'm glad that pudding turned into a cake...and not cupcakes...making the treat infinitely better! Carrots were actually a popular sugar substitute that was much more affordable and readily available. Even back in the day, people were trying to be healthy and sneaky with the veggies 😉
So is carrot cake healthier than other cakes?
I guess that's up for debate, but these gluten-free carrot cake cupcakes are sugar-free besides natural sugars and don't contain heavy fats and oils, well, except for the vegan cream cheese frosting! Besides made zucchini bread, there aren't many baked goods and cakes that can tout a very veggie vibe!
How to make gluten-free carrot cake cupcakes
Not only are these cupcakes gluten-free, but they're top 8 allergen-free as well. You won't find the typical walnuts or pecans in these nut-free cupcakes! When it comes to carrot cake, I always opted for nut-free anyway. Nut-free is ALL desserts, please! I don't like the random hard crunch! These carrot cake cupcakes only have the essentials: gluten-free all-purpose flour, baking powder, vegan egg replacement, fresh carrots, carrot puree, erythritol (sugar-free sweetener), vanilla, spices, some raisins, crushed pineapple, and a touch of dairy-free milk! These cupcakes are super moist too! No dry gluten-free baked goods here! Why...?
How to make moist carrot cake
My little nifty "secret ingredient" that we thoroughly love here on Strength and Sunshine. BABY FOOD! Aka, carrot puree! Single ingredient baby food jars are a godsend for keeping baked goods nice and moist, as well as acting as an egg replacement in certain situations! From apple, squash, and of course CARROT! All that baby food jar contains is the fruit or veggie and some water, if that! Plus, a single jar is only a few cents, making them perfect to keep in the food allergy home's pantry for all your baking needs! I love Beech-Nut sweet carrot puree, which has only carrot and water! The tiny 4-ounce jar is the perfect amount too!
How to make vegan cream cheese frosting
Carrot cake is nothing without the cream cheese frosting! Don't try to get fancy, the classic cream cheese frosting is a must on all carrot cake! So how do we make it dairy-free and vegan? Just like traditional cream cheese frosting, you'll need all the same 4 ingredients, just your favorite dairy-free versions! Plain vegan cream cheese, vegan butter, powdered sugar (erythritol), and a splash of vanilla! If you think you don't like carrot cake, just wait till this frosting hits your taste buds. The cream cheese frosting combined with the carrot cake is one of the most delicious classic cake and frosting combinations known to man! I'm not even a big frosting person, but when it comes to cream cheese frosting...nothing compares!
How to store cream cheese frosted carrot cake cupcakes
Although these are dairy-free, when it comes to a cream cheese frosting, you MUST keep it chilled and in the fridge. While the gluten-free cupcakes are cooling from the oven, this is prime time to whip up your vegan cream cheese frosting. When the cupcakes are cool, you'll frost the cupcakes, add some flaked coconut and allergy-free natural sprinkles, and then refrigerate. They'll last about a week stored in an airtight container in the fridge. Keeping them in the fridge lets the cupcakes keep well for longer too. Before you serve the cupcakes, bring them to a slightly chilled room temperature, which is much easier than managing and slicing a whole cake!
Can you freeze frosted cupcakes?
You'll need to freeze the cupcakes in a single layer, wrap them once fully frozen, and then easily store them in a container from there. They'll be best eaten within 3 months. To thaw them, defrost them in the fridge and then bring to a slightly chilled room temperature as usual before consuming.
Gluten-Free Carrot Cake Cupcakes with Vegan Cream Cheese Frosting
Gluten-Free Carrot Cake Cupcakes with Vegan Cream Cheese Frosting (Allergy-Free)
Everyone loves a moist & fluffy cupcake! These healthy Gluten-Free Carrot Cake Cupcakes with Vegan Cream Cheese Frosting are allergy-free (no nuts!), sugar-free, and perfectly flavored! The best carrot cake cupcake recipe you'll find using simple and real ingredients! A fantastic Spring, Easter, or any holiday dessert!
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 18 mins
- Total Time: 28 mins
- Yield: 10-12 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- Carrot Cake Cupcakes:
- 2 Cups Gluten-Free All-Purpose Flour
- 1 Tsp Baking Powder
- 1 Prepared Bob's Red Mill Egg Replacement
- 1 Cup Granulated Erythritol (or preferred granulated sweetener)
- ½ Cup Shredded Carrot (about 1 large carrot)
- ¼ Cup Carrot Puree
- ¼ Cup Unsweetened Raisins
- 1 Tsp Pure Madagascar Bourbon Vanilla Extract
- 1 Tsp Cinnamon
- 1 Tsp Ground Ginger
- ½ Tsp Ground Nutmeg
- 2 TB Crushed Pineapple
- ¼ Cup Unsweetened Non-Dairy Milk
- Vegan Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz Plain Vegan & Allergy-Free Cream Cheese (softened)
- 1 Stick Vegan & Allergy-Free Butter (softened)
- 4 Cups Powdered Erythritol (or preferred powdered sweetener)
- 1 Tsp Pure Madagascar Bourbon Vanilla Extract
- Toppings:
- Unsweetened Shredded Coconut
- Allergy-Free Natural Sprinkles
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- In a large mixing bowl combine the cupcake batter ingredients together, in order, and mix well to thoroughly combine.
- Line or grease a standard 12-cup cupcake pan and measure about ¼ cup of cupcake batter into the cupcake molds. You should have enough for 10-12 cupcakes.
- Bake the cupcakes in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes. Remove and allow to cool completely on a wire rack.
- To make the frosting, combine the softened cream cheese and butter in a stand mixer or a large bowl if you only have a hand mixer. Beat the cream cheese and butter together until combined.
- Slowly add in the vanilla and powdered sweetener, whipping the frosting together until fully combined.
- Place the finished frosting in a pastry gun and frost the cooled cupcakes as desired.
- Top the cupcakes with unsweetened shredded coconut and natural sprinkles.
- Store the completed cupcakes in an airtight container in the fridge.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1
Whether you're making these gluten-free carrot cake cupcakes for a yummy Easter dessert or just to celebrate the Spring season, carrot cake is 100% a year-round delight! Birthday-worthy, random Tuesday in September worthy...you know, carrot cake, especially in cupcake form, you perfect for any occasion! I mean, it's the healthiest cake out there...right?
More gluten-free vegan cupcakes:
So tell me:
+ What are your favorite carrot cake add-ins? Are you #TeamCreamCheeseFrosting?
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Kim
I’ve shared this recipe with another vegan. Sounds delicious.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thanks, great.
ginia
Hey. I have always wanted to try a carrot cake recipe and now I definitely will.One question is can I use homemade carrot puree?
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
If you want to dirty pots, a blender, and waste time, sure!
Debbie E
Great pics. I wanted to reach right onto my screen and eat one. They look delish!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Well that's a good thing!
Of Goats and Greens
These look great!! I have some gluten-free friends visiting in the near future, I'll keep these in mind. (And, personally, I have to be nut-free, although I recently discovered my intolerance doesn't extend to almonds). But these seriously don't appear to need ANY nuts!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
I personally don't like my carrot cake with nuts to begin with.
Regina
I am definitely team cream cheese! Carrot cake is my favorite but I hardly get to enjoy it because my family doesn’t like it! (sad face)
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
That just means more for you!
Ciara
These look and sound delicious. Great that they're gluten free!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Always here!
The Southern Thing
This looks delicious! I will be saving this recipe!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
I hope you make them this spring!
Dani
You got me at gluten free. 🙂 I will have something new to try on weekend. The photos just made me hungrier.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
I'm glad! Carrot cake is the best!
Cindy
I’m excited to try these. I never would have thought of using baby food! Perfect.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
A pantry essential to stock up on!
Megan @ MegUnprocessed
These are perfect for easter! I wish I had one now!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
They sure are!
susan | the wimpy vegetarian
I would love to make these for my stepson. He's going through a doctor-ordered diet that's egg-free and dairy-free, and this is perfect. Thanks!!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
No need to miss out on the classics!
Helen
Yum! These look SO tasty. I love having carrot cake at Easter so I definitely want to make these.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Springtime = ALL the carrot cake!
Rosie Doal
Oh wow this looks so delicious x
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thanks!
Amber
Great post! I love carrot cake. Though I've never tried a gluten-free allergen free one yet. I might try this!
P.s. as I write this I realize I'm eating peanuts. 😂💖
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
So?
Indya | The Small Adventurer
I haven't had carrot cake and cream cheese frosting in FOREVER, and that needs to change! I loved this kind of cake as a kid, but haven't made a GF free version since having to cut out gluten. Definitely adding this to the "to make" list ☺️
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
It is literally my favorite!
Patricia @ Grab a Plate
These look and sound amazing -- all of these cupcakes -- but I gotta say I'm dreaming about that frosting! YUM!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Nothing beats that classic cream cheese frosting!
Leigh Suznovich@yahoo.com
Oh my gosh, these look wonderful and I LOVE the use of baby food here! It's genius.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
It is the BEST!
Elizabeth | Tired Mom Supermom
Oh i love that this is vegan and allergy free! Great recipe, pinning for later for sure!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thank you, Elizabeth.
Robin Daumit
This recipe is INGENIOUS! Many of my children and their friends are gluten-free and will love this!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Cupcakes for all!
Tara
These look amazing. My brother-in-law is gluten free. I will have to make these for Easter this year. Thanks!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
I'm sure he'll appreciate it.
Marna Altman
These look so delicious and quite easy. My cousin is gluten free and can’t wait to make them for her the next I visit.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Super simple and easy!
Tiffany Montgomery
Oh this looks so yummy! This must be the time of year for carrot cake! I have been struggling with glutton free flour. Can you share how to get it to taste... well, more like reg flour.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
What?
Marissa|Marissa's Teachable Moments
Is carrot cake healthier than other cake? My vote is yes 🙂 These look delicious!!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Haha, right? The HEALTHIEST 😉
Lydia
Wow, these cupcakes look good. Thanks for sharing the recipe for them.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
I hope you enjoy!
Under Flowery Sky
Looks lovely and vegan. Simple little delight.
Thanks.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
You got that right!