This Gluten Free Carrot Mug Cake is an incredible dessert that you can whip up in literally five minutes! No turning on the oven; quick to prep and quick to cook. This microwave carrot cake might easily become your new obsession!
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There is one thing I miss the most when it comes to a gluten free lifestyle. Desserts are a must, and it is hard to find a gluten free cake recipe that gives you the same texture and flavor as what you would hope it to taste like. Add in the challenge of cooking the cake in the microwave oven, and it can be tricky!
This is the ultimate microwave carrot cake recipe. It is gluten free and has an easy dairy-free option. You can top it with frosting, dust powdered sugar over the top, or enjoy it plain.
I am crazy excited about this recipe because it doesn't taste like it was cooked in a microwave. It is so light and fluffy!!
Check out all my easy 5 minutes or less gluten free mug cake recipes.
Made this today. Added raisins. So very good. Used grapeseed oil and oat milk due to other intolerance. Came out beautifully. Thank you."
Valerie C., Facebook User
Why this carrot cake in a mug is so good:
- This mug cake is so tender, light, fluffy, and loaded with carrots, walnuts, and raisins for the perfect hint of sweetness.
- It tastes as if you baked it! No joke, it is absolutely delicious!
- You can make the whole thing in under 5 minutes!!
- I made sure to add the right spices, so you get that warm and inviting spice mix that have you hooked with one little bite.
This recipe is easy and is so delicious. The first time I made this I drizzled with glaze. The second time I removed cake from mug and sprinkled with powder sugar! I love making the individual cake for so many reasons--first is the amount of flour etc.; no big cake to tempt eating; and with all the recipes.
Anna A., Facebook User
This is one of my favorite gluten-free flour blends for cookies, cakes, pie crust, biscuits, and muffins! (Do not use this flour blend for yeast recipes.)
Ingredient notes:
- Gluten free flour blend - I tested this recipe using Pillsbury Gluten Free Flour Blend and King Arthur's Measure for Measure Gluten Free Blend. That doesn't mean others will not work, I just have not tested other flours, and I can not guarantee the recipe will work if you use other mixes.
- Xanthan Gum - if your gluten free flour blend doesn’t contain xanthan gum or guar gum, please add 1 teaspoon.
- Baking powder - try to use aluminum-free baking powder.
- Butter - you can also use a light oil.
- Non-dairy milk - I used almond milk, but other dairy-free kinds of milk will work I do not recommend canned coconut milk.
- Nuts and raisins - these are both optional
Note my DIY Gluten Free Flour Blend works really well in all of my mug cake recipes! It is gum-free and I feel like my cakes are even better with my blend.
How to make a gluten free carrot mug cake:
Step 1: Add the dry ingredients into a mug. Mix well.
Shred the carrot. You need 2 tablespoons worth.
Step 2: In a small bowl, add the butter and cook for 30 seconds to melt it. Whisk in the rest of the ingredients. Add shredded carrot.
HINT: I highly recommend mixing the wet ingredients in a separate bowl and then pouring them into the mug. This makes sure your ingredients are completely mixed.
Step 3: Add the raisins and walnuts and mix well. Be sure to scrape along the bottom edges, so no flour pockets are missed.
Step 4: This is what your cake batter will look like. You want the batter to come no higher than ⅔ of the mug, or it can overflow like a volcano!
Step 5: Microwave the carrot cake for 90 seconds. It will rise up while cooking and then sink a little after you open the microwave door. This is normal.
Cooking time will vary slightly depending on the mug shape and depth. If the top is done, it will feel firm. The mug cake will pull away from the sides when it is cooked.
Step 6: Allow the gluten free carrot mug cake to cool completely. If you are frosting the cake, you can make the frosting. (See below for the recipe.)
Topping ideas:
In a mug, you can always add several fun toppings to this carrot cake. You can also dump the mug cake onto a plate and top it. I showed photos of both ways.
- Frosting! Make a small batch of frosting by mixing two tablespoons of soft butter with 3-4 tablespoons of powdered sugar. Add one teaspoon of water if needed to make it softer.
- Make the icing by mixing three tablespoons of powdered sugar with two teaspoons of water and drizzle over the mug cake.
- Chopped pecans or your favorite nuts.
- Caramel sauce
- Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream
The possibilities are endless! You can make this cake fit exactly what you are craving.
If you love the idea of making a cake in under 5 minutes, check out more of my delicious gluten free mug cake recipes!
Baking directions:
A reader asked if this microwave cake can be baked in the oven and yes, it can! You will need a tiny baking dish like a large ramekin.
- Mix up the cake batter and put it into a greased baking dish.
- Bake for 10-15 minutes at 350º F.
- Check to see if it is done by inserting a toothpick into the middle. If the toothpick comes back clean, it is finished baking.
You can also make this Gluten Free Carrot Layer Cake for a birthday party!
Tips and Recipe FAQ:
You can use any size grater. I used a small grater and in hindsight, I think the larger shreds of carrot would have been better. The flavor is the same, but the thicker shreds show up more in every bite.
The best way to check to see if a mug cake is done is by touching the cake. Due to the microwave and how it cooks the cake, the standard toothpick test isn't as reliable.
If your mug cake has a little bounce back when you touch it, or if it isn't sticky, you are good to go.
To be honest, the answer is it varies. Depending on the power of your microwave, the size of your mug, and other variables the cooking time can vary by almost a minute.
Just make sure to stop and check on your cake as you are heating it up. That way you don't over-bake it. Or if you finish the time and it is still a bit sticky, place it back in the microwave and cook a little longer.
Craving more gluten free mug cake recipes?
- Easy Microwave Banana Mug Cake | Here is one that will give you that mix between banana bread and cake. You put a fresh banana in this cake, so it is bursting with fresh banana flavor.
- Vanilla Mug Cake | Here you have a classic vanilla cake that is a great base cake. You can add ingredients to dress it up or eat it plain. I love to add some frosting on top for the ultimate cake for one.
- Chocolate Mug Cake | Another great gluten free version to a chocolate mug cake. This recipe is so simple to whip up and you might all the essentials you need right in your pantry.
- What about a delicious fruity Cobbler Mug Cake? This one has fresh cherries, but you can use any fruit!
Also, check out my fun carrot mug cake web story! For fun, you can also cook this recipe as a Microwave Cone Cupcake!
Recipe
Gluten Free Carrot Mug Cake
Ingredients
- ¼ cup gluten free flour blend * see note
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- dash salt
- 2 tablespoons butter melted, or light oil
- 1 egg large
- 2 tablespoons milk or non-dairy
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 2 tablespoons grated carrots
- 1 tablespoon walnuts optional
Instructions
- Add the dry ingredients into a mug. Mix well.
- Shred the carrot. You need 2 tablespoons worth.
- In a small bowl, add the butter and cook for 30 seconds to melt it. Whisk in the rest of the ingredients. Add shredded carrot.
- Note: I highly recommend mixing the wet ingredients in a separate bowl and then pouring them into the mug. This makes sure your ingredients are completely mixed.
- Microwave the carrot cake for 90 seconds. It is going to rise up while cooking and then sink a little after you open the microwave door. This is normal.
- Note: Cooking time will vary slightly depending on the mug shape and depth. If the top is done it will feel firm. The mug cake will pull away from the sides when it is cooked.
- Allow the gluten free carrot mug cake to cool completely. If you are frosting the cake, you can make the frosting. See Notes section for topping ideas and a small batch frosting recipe.
Notes
- I tested this recipe with Pillsbury Gluten Free Flour Blend and King Arthur Measure for Measure.
- Xanthan Gum - If your gluten free flour blend doesn’t contain xanthan gum or guar gum, please add ½ teaspoon.
- To make this recipe dairy-free, substitute the butter for vegan butter or use light oil.
- You will know the cake is done cooking when the top is somewhat firm to the touch and the cake is lifting away from the sides of the mug.
Topping ideas:
You can always add several fun toppings to this carrot cake in a mug. You can also dump the mug cake out onto a plate and top it that way. I showed photos of both ways.- Frosting! Make a small batch of frosting by mixing 2 tablespoons soft butter with 3-4 tablespoons of powdered sugar. Add 1 teaspoon water if needed to make it softer.
- Make the icing by mixing 3 tablespoons of powdered sugar with 2 teaspoons of water and drizzling over the mug cake.
- Chopped pecans or your favorite nuts.
- Caramel sauce
- Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream
Nutrition
Nutrition Disclaimer
Nutritional information is an estimate provided to you as a courtesy. You should calculate the actual nutritional information with the products and brands you are using with your preferred nutritional calculator.
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This post was updated from an older June 2015 post with more details and easier-to-follow directions.
Jeannette Leckvold
I made it the night I saw it. I haven’t had carrot cake since I went GF and this cake did not disappoint. This will become a regular recipe for me.
Sandi Gaertner
I am so glad you were able to enjoy carrot cake again! You made my day.
pat bye
Thank you I do love carrot cake but I can't eat eggs. Is there a way to make Gluten free carrot cake egg-free?
Sandi Gaertner
Hi Pat, I haven't tested this recipe egg-free, but I do have some Bob's Red Mill Egg Replacer. I will try to test it later this weekend.