Ingredients:

For the Cake:

• 2 cups gluten-free all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ½ teaspoon ground ginger
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup coconut sugar (or other granulated sweetener of choice)
• ½ cup unsweetened applesauce
• ½ cup coconut oil, melted
• 4 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 3 cups grated carrots
• 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

For the Dairy Free Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 1 (8 oz) package dairy-free cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup dairy-free butter or margarine, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 9-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the gluten free flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt until well combined. Set aside.
3. In another bowl, whisk together the coconut sugar, applesauce, melted coconut oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
4. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Fold in the grated carrots and chopped nuts (if using) until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
5. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans, spreading it out evenly with a spatula. Tap the pans gently on the counter to remove any air bubbles.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the centre of the cakes comes out clean. Remove from the oven and allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
7. While the cakes are cooling, prepare the dairy free cream cheese frosting. In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened dairy free cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
8. Once the cakes have cooled completely, frost the top of one cake layer with a generous amount of dairy free cream cheese frosting. Place the second cake layer on top and frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining frosting.
9. Optional: Garnish the top of the cake with additional chopped nuts or grated carrots for decoration.
10. Slice, serve, and enjoy your gluten free and dairy free carrot cake with a cup of your favourite dairy free beverage!

With this delectable gluten free and dairy free carrot cake recipe in your arsenal, you can indulge in a slice of sweetness without worrying about dietary restrictions. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or simply treating yourself to a well-deserved dessert, this cake is sure to delight your taste buds and satisfy your cravings. So go ahead, savour each bite, and revel in the joy of guilt free indulgence!