Tuesday, August 13, 2013

Gluten Free Carrot Cake

Istock Photo
I haven't posted a recipe for awhile but thought I'd let you know how my first experiment with gluten free baking turned out. A couple of my co-workers are gluten intolerant and I wanted to be sensitive to this when bringing a cake to celebrate my boss' birthday. Her favorite dessert is carrot cake so I checked out several gluten free carrot cake recipes and settled on this one. I purchased a bag of gluten free flour at my local store and thought all was good.
 
However, when I finally got around to starting the cake at 10 last night I realized the instructions on the bag recommended adding a teaspoon of xanthum gum. Huh? Apparently I could also use guar gum. Well, since I had neither and was already in my jammies I sent DH to the grocery store where he was able to find a bag of xanthum gum after only one phone call home. The cake came out of the oven just before midnight, I frosted it this morning and here is the finished result.
 
I have to admit that, after tasting the dough and finding it had a somewhat unpleasant after-taste I was afraid I'd have to toss the cake and buy something else. However after the cake was baked and frosted I really couldn't tell the difference and it went over well at work. So if you happen to be looking for a gluten free carrot cake recipe, I would recommend this recipe. Just be sure you also have xanthum or guar gum on hand!

The plants in my front porch urn succumbed to the summer heat and I have been patiently waiting to replant for fall. While shopping for the gluten free flour last night I came across some lovely small mums at Lowes (I kind of got distracted) and couldn't resist. Tonight I repotted the urn and added a new millet plant, a tropical plant from my deck and a sweet potato vine from the garden that has been limping along. In a couple of weeks I'll add a little fall color with a small faux pumpkin. 
Yay! We're ready to welcome fall!

4 comments:

Robin at The Primitive Hutch said...

Roberta ~ the cake looks yummy!!!
I have no idea what those ingredients are ~ and where in the heck to find them??? Your hubby is a sweetie for going to the store to get you some ~ my hubby would of had a fit!!!
Oh ~ I love the way you planted up your urn ~ looks lovely!
Prim Blessings
Robin

Trace4J said...

Oh my that's cake looks amazing.
I love carrot cake.
I am on lo carb diet and noticed a lot of recipes calling for the x gum.
Your plant is fall beautiful.
Woolie Hugs

My Colonial Home said...

I have a cousin who has 3 children and herself that need gluten free products - she has really done well with this.
The cake looks wonderful and what a dear husband to do this for you - I do believe mine would have done it as well. Aren't they wonderful to have!!!
Lovely planted urn. My plants just are struggling this season.
Blessings
Karen

Raymond Homestead said...

The cake looks so yummy! I love carrot cake!