9 Amazing Carrot Cake Recipes with Zero Gluten or Dairy? Yes, Please!

Love carrot cake? Think beyond the typical with these cinnamon-spiced carrot cake donuts, cupcakes, breads and even energy bites!

How do you like your carrot cake? We like ours decadently sweet and rich, loaded with texture from carrots, nuts and raisins – topped off with an endlessly creamy, tangy and sweet frosting. Oh, and Paleo! These recipes prove that perfect carrot cake comes in many Paleo-friendly forms.

It can be tricky to make our favorite sweets Paleo-friendly, and more than that, a healthier option overall. This is true for all baked treats, and carrot cake is no exception. Typically packed with multiple types of refined sugar, gluten-laden flours, low-quality oils and tummy-troubling cream cheese, carrot cake – despite its healthy, beta-carotene-packed namesake ingredient – is not a clean eating option.

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That doesn’t always have to be the case, though. There are several healthy swaps that make carrot cake a Paleo-friendly treat, like sweeteners low on the glycemic index or even sweet fruit such as dates, Paleo-friendly flours like almond and coconut flour, and coconut-based products in place of dairy-filled cream cheese. Beyond that, it always helps to get creative. Some of these recipes think outside the box and offer up a taste of carrot cake without the guilt. Take, for example, carrot-laced carrot cake donuts with a decadent coconut cream frosting. For simpler, bite-sized and ever-snackable treats, try carrot cake energy balls or spiced date, carrot and coconut bites.

If you’re still craving a tried and true carrot cake recipe, we’ve got you covered. We’ve got some classic carrot cakes – even a totally sweetener-and-grain-free recipe. Bonus: If you need a sweet treat that you don’t want to share, we’ve got a quick carrot mug cake recipe, too!

Carrot Cake Donuts

A coconut cream frosting sends these carrot-laced donuts over the top.

Recipe: PaleoHacks | Carrot Cake Donuts

Paleo Carrot Cake Cupcakes

Perfectly portioned cupcakes allow you to easily dole out individual servings of Paleo carrot cake.

Recipe: Primally Inspired | Paleo Carrot Cake Cupcakes

Carrot Cake Bites

Carrots, dates, coconut and spices come together in a quick, easy and delicious bite.

Recipe: PaleoHacks | Carrot Cake Bites

Healthy One-Minute Paleo Carrot Cake

All you need is a few minutes in the oven for this healthy, Paleo-friendly carrot mug cake.

Recipe: The Big Man’s World | Healthy One-Minute Paleo Carrot Cake

Paleo Carrot Cake Energy Balls

These balls are so snack-worthy they rival all other energy ball recipes.

Recipe: Physical Kitchness | Paleo Carrot Cake Energy Balls

Paleo Pumpkin and Carrot Muffins

These lovely little treats are the ideal cross between pumpkin muffins and carrot cake.

Recipe: Nom Nom Paleo | Paleo Pumpkin and Carrot Muffins

Pineapple Carrot Cake Bread

The addition of pineapple sweetens this Paleo carrot cake bread, drizzled with a creamy coconut butter glaze.

Recipe: Paleo Running Momma | Pineapple Carrot Cake Bread

Paleo Carrot Cake with “Cream Cheese” Frosting

The secret behind the “cream cheese” frosting in this classic carrot cake? Cashews!

Recipe: My Natural Family | Paleo Carrot Cake with “Cream Cheese” Frosting

Sugar-Free, Grain-Free, Gluten-Free Carrot Cake

If you’re avoiding sugar, this primal-inspired carrot cake is the way to go. Tip: Swap the butter in the frosting for coconut butter to keep it dairy-free, too!

Recipe: The Merrymaker Sisters | Sugar-Free, Grain-Free, Gluten-Free Carrot Cake

(You’ll Also Love: 33 Cupcake Recipes You Won’t Believe Are Gluten Free AND Paleo)