When I was a kid, carrot cake wasn’t just a dessert—it was a moment. My mom used to bake it for every family gathering, and it always reminded me of her warm, loving spirit.
Now, I’ve taken that nostalgia and given it a modern twist: carrot cake pops.
These bite-sized treats are not only gluten-free but also packed with real, fresh carrots and wholesome ingredients.
Perfect for parties, kids’ snacks, or just because you deserve something sweet that feels like a hug.
Variations and Substitutions
- Dairy-Free: Use a dairy-free cream cheese alternative and vegan chocolate for coating.
- Nut-Free: Substitute almond flour with an equal amount of gluten-free all-purpose flour and skip the nuts for decoration.
- Spices: Add a pinch of ground ginger or cardamom for extra flavor.
Serving and Presentation Tips
Serve the cake pops in a mason jar or decorative stand for parties. Wrap them individually in cellophane bags with ribbons for a cute gift idea!
PrintGluten-Free Carrot Cake Pops
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 18 cake pops 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Bite-sized gluten-free carrot cake treats coated in sweet white chocolate, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Cake Base
- 1 cup fresh carrots, finely grated (about 2 medium carrots)
- 1 cup almond flour
- 1/2 cup gluten-free oat flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- Pinch of salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1/3 cup maple syrup or honey
- 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Frosting
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Coating
- 1 cup white chocolate chips or gluten-free candy melts
- 1 teaspoon coconut oil (optional, for smoother melting)
Optional Decorations
- Shredded coconut
- Chopped nuts
- Sprinkles (check labels to ensure gluten-free)
Instructions
Prepare the Cake Base:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together almond flour, oat flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- In another bowl, beat eggs, maple syrup, coconut oil, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Combine the wet and dry ingredients, then gently fold in the grated carrots.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool completely.
Make the Frosting:
- Beat the cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until fluffy. Set aside.
Form the Cake Balls:
- Crumble the cooled cake into fine crumbs in a large bowl. Add the frosting a little at a time until the mixture holds together when pressed (you may not need all the frosting).
- Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls and place them on a lined baking sheet. Chill in the freezer for 15-20 minutes.
Coat the Cake Pops:
- Melt the white chocolate chips or candy melts with coconut oil (if using) in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring each time, until smooth.
- Dip the tip of a lollipop stick into the melted chocolate, then insert it halfway into a cake ball. Repeat for all balls and chill for 10 minutes to secure the sticks.
- Dip each cake pop into the melted chocolate, letting the excess drip off. Decorate with shredded coconut, nuts, or sprinkles before the coating sets.
Set and Serve:
- Let the cake pops harden completely by placing them upright in a styrofoam block or cake pop stand. Serve them as a fun, handheld dessert!
Notes
Use fresh, organic carrots for the best flavor. Can be stored in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cake pop
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 55mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg