Gluten Free Carrot Cake Dairy Free Sponge Recipes

GLUTEN FREE CARROT CAKE (DAIRY FREE SPONGE)

Steps:

• To toast the pecans, spread on a baking tray and place in the oven at 180 C/350 F/Gas 4 for about 10 minutes, turning a couple of times during toasting.
• Allow to cool completely and rough-chop to desired size. Set aside.
• While the pecans are toasting : Coarse-grate the pre-peeled and trimmed carrots. Set aside.
• Zest the orange and set aside with the carrots.
• Weigh and mix together the flour, almonds, xanthan gum, salt, baking powder, bicarbonate of soda, and spices. TIP : Weigh into an airtight container and shake vigorously to mix. Set aside.
• Preheat the oven to 170 C/325 F/Gas 3.
• Base-line two 8 inch (20 cm), non-stick, round baking tins with baking paper.
• Weigh the sugar, eggs, oil, carrot puree and vanilla extract into a large mixing bowl.
• Beat thoroughly for at least 3 to 4 minutes using an electric whisk until well blended, smooth, silky and beginning to pale.
• Add the carrots and zest to the bowl and gently fold through.
• Add the chopped pecans and dry flour-spice mix and gently fold through until just combined and even.
• Divide the mixture between the two cake tins evenly and smooth the tops.
• Bake for 30 to 40 minutes until a skewer inserted comes out clean and the tops are firm.
• Remove the cakes from the tins and transfer to a wire rack to cool, placing a clean tea towel over the top.
• Once completely cool, layer and decorate with cream cheese frosting (see separate recipe sheet).
• You may also wish to decorate with some caramelised chopped pecans and caramelised carrot. See NOTES below