Carrot Kugel

Name: Carrot Kugel (GF)
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 65 min
Ingredients: 3 eggs; 1/2 cup brown sugar; 4 tbsps butter (melted); 3 tbsps flour (potato starch, all-purpose gluten-free flour, or matzo meal); 1 tbsp baking powder; 1 tbsp vanilla extract; 1 tsp cinnamon; 1/2 tsp nutmeg; 1/4 tsp kosher salt; 1 lb carrots (cooked); 1/2 cup brown sugar; 1/2 cup pecans (chopped); 2 tbsps butter (melted); 1/4 cup flour (potato starch, matzah meal, or a gluten-free all-purpose flour)

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Carrot Kugel is a warm spiced carrot dish filled with tradition and comfort. Topped with a pecan streusel, this gluten-free kugel can be baked in a casserole dish or a bundt pan. Make this dish ahead ahead of time for an effortless holiday treat or for Passover.

A piece of carrot kugel topped with pecans and brown sugar on a white plate.

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Carrot Kugel brings a touch of sweetness to the table, making it a favorite for holiday meals. Blending the carrots with cinnamon and spices creates a dish that is similar to carrot cake but with a softer, custard-like texture. A pecan streusel topping adds a bit of crunch, making every bite even more satisfying.

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Ingredients
Additions & Substitutions
Recipe Tips
Confidence Tip
What Is Kugel?
Frequently Asked Questions
What To Serve With Kugel
Carrot Kugel (GF)

This recipe is a great choice for Passover, but it works just as well for Rosh Hashanah or a weekend brunch. Baking it in a casserole dish keeps it classic, while using a bundt pan gives it a more decorative look. Since it can be made ahead of time and freezes well, it’s an easy option for any occasion.

I based this recipe on my Vegetable Kugel, a lightened up version of a potato kugel. I wanted to work with carrots and found an old family recipe that needed updating.

Roasted Heirloom Carrots are a great option for serving company and are a family favorite as are these Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Carrots for Passover or Rosh Hashanah.

Ingredients

You will need the following ingredients to make this Jewish Kugel:

Ingredient Notes

Potato Starch - This is a "must" ingredient for Passover unless you can find a Passover friendly flour. You can also substitute matzo meal but I like the texture of potato starch better. If you are serving this for Rosh Hashanah then you can use an all-purpose flour or an all-purpose gluten-free flour as well.
Vanilla Extract - Vanilla will help with ramping up the flavor of the carrots. If you prefer to add more, I would instead add a vanilla paste using the same quantity as listed in the recipe instructions. It would be delicious!

See the recipe card for quantities.

Additions & Substitutions

Additions:

Dried Fruit – Raisins or chopped dates would add some more dimension and depth to the texture and taste.
Orange - You might want to consider adding some orange zest or a tablespoon of orange juice to this recipe. While I don't think it really needs the orange flavor, it would add a citrus note to the carrots.

Substitutions:

Nuts - If you would prefer walnuts, they would help cut down on the sweetness in place of the pecans.
Dairy-Free - To make this dairy-free, swap out the butter for an oil like avocado oil or canola oil. You could also swap it for coconut oil, which would add another flavor and be delicious. If you would like to make this Pareve then use margarine.

How To Make Carrot Kugel: Step-By-Step

Here are some quick visual instructions. Remember that full instructions with the exact ingredients are in the printable recipe card:

Pureeing the carrots in a food processor along with eggs.

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375℉. Grease an 8x10 casserole dish. Set aside.

Peel and cut the carrots into 1 inch rounds. Place in a stockpot and simmer about 20 minutes until the carrots can be pierced with a fork. Drain.

Place the carrots into a food processor. Process until roughly chopped.

Pouring the mixture with all of the ingredients into a prepared casserole dish.

Step 2: Add the eggs and process until the mixture is fully combined and the carrots have processed fully.

Add the brown sugar, melted butter, flour, baking powder, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Process in the food processor until pureed.

Pour into the prepared casserole.

Step 3: In a medium mixing bowl, add the brown sugar, chopped pecans, and melted butter. Mix to combine.

Using a spoon or your hands, place the topping on the top of casserole. (Note that this topping is the same as the one I use in the Gluten-Free Sweet Potato Casserole.)

The carrot kugel after it has been baked in the oven.

Step 4: Bake for 40 minutes or until the center is done.

Recipe Tips

Don't forget to grease the casserole dish or bundt pan! It will make the casserole easier to remove!

Confidence Tip

Make sure to grate the carrots finely in the food processor. This will help with the cake-like texture of the kugel.

What Is Kugel?

Kugel is a traditional Eastern European Jewish casserole that is often served as a side dish for holidays. It can be either sweet or savory.

The most common kugels are a noodle kugel or a potato kugel. Sweet kugels typically have warm spices. Vegetable kugels typically feature onions and vegetables, including potatoes.

If you like vegetable casseroles, then you will also love the Spinach Mushroom and Corn casseroles!

Taking a piece of carrot kugel out of the casserole dish.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a Carrot Kugel and a Carrot Souffle?

While they both feature carrots, a souffle will be lighter and less pudding-like.

Can I make a Carrot Kugel ahead and freeze it?

Yes! You can make this kugel ahead and freeze it for up to two months. Gently defrost the kugel in the refrigerator and then warm it in a 250 degree oven until warm.