Easy Gluten-Free Carrot Cake Recipe

Whip up a delicious and nutritious Gluten-Free Carrot Cake using ingredients from Wasteless Pantry. This recipe combines health-conscious elements with the convenience of gluten-free baking, perfect for those with dietary restrictions or anyone looking to reduce gluten intake. Here’s a simple guide to making a moist and flavorful carrot cake that’s sure to delight.

Ingredients:

500g Gluten-Free Banana Bread Mix
2.5 tbsp Mixed Spice
1 tbsp Cinnamon
1 tsp Vanilla Extract
2 tsp Nutmeg
200g Grated Carrot
3 Eggs or 3 Tbsp flaxseed meal mixed with 6 Tbsp water for a vegan option
1 tbsp Maple Syrup
1 tbsp Oil
1 cup Milk of choice (adjust if batter is too thick)

Instructions:

Mixing: Combine all ingredients in a mixing bowl. Start on low speed for 1 minute, then scrape down the sides and continue mixing for another 4 minutes.
Baking: Transfer the batter to a greased loaf or slice pan. Bake at 170°C for 55-65 minutes, checking for doneness with a toothpick inserted into the center.
Serving: Let the cake cool before slicing. Serve as is or with a light dusting of powdered sugar or your favorite frosting.

Why Shop at Wasteless Pantry? Buying ingredients from Wasteless Pantry not only ensures that you’re getting high-quality, fresh products but also supports sustainable shopping practices. By choosing a bulk food store, you can buy exactly what you need, reducing food waste and packaging. Wasteless Pantry’s commitment to sustainability makes it an excellent choice for eco-conscious consumers looking to impact their cooking and the environment positively.

This gluten-free carrot cake is more than just a treat; it’s a testament to the delicious possibilities of mindful baking. Enjoy creating this cake that promises to be a hit at any gathering or a comforting snack at home!

Package free Easter

Well, it’s almost that time of year again for a Package Free Easter… Time for Chocolate Easter Eggs and Hot Cross Buns, package-free of course!

Any day now we will have your favourite milk and dark (vegan-friendly) chocolate Easter eggs available. Locally made, palm-oil free, and absolutely delicious!!

But why bother forgoing the packaging and shopping at Wasteless Pantry? Isn’t cardboard and foil recyclable?

Whilst cardboard is recyclable (so long as you don’t rip it into little pieces), it needs to be transported far and wide to be recycled. With the cost of fuel going up, the value of this recycling may go down. As for the foil, you need to get enough together to make a fist-sized ball otherwise it may get lost in the sorting machine at the Materials Recovery Facility. Then there is palm oil, which many cheaply made chocolates contain, that has negative impacts such as rainforest deforestation. And I think we all understand how important buying local is nowadays.

Make a better choice and grab your Easter eggs at your local Wasteless Pantry.

Pop your package-free, plastic-free Easter eggs into a jar that you’ve decorated with ribbons and Easter-themed decals. Then organize your own Easter hunt!

Waste Free Easter Hot Cross Buns Your Way

There are so many ways to have a Waste Free Easter. A fun one is to make zero waste Hot Cross Buns. Some recipes are worth taking a little more effort to collect ingredients, others have few ingredients and are easy to make, some people don’t like dried fruit, others need to go gluten free. Whichever way you like them, we have all the ingredients in the quantity you need at Wasteless Pantry for plastic free Hot Cross Buns and a waste free Easter. Plus, if you give us a little notice we can even put together the ingredients for you so you can just get on with the baking!

Traditional Hot Cross Buns

Ingredients

4 cups plain flour
14g dried yeast
1/4 cup caster sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons mixed spice
pinch of salt
1 1/2 cups currants
40g butter
300ml milk
2 eggs, lightly beaten

Flour paste

1/2 cup plain flour
4 to 5 tablespoons water

Glaze

1/3 cup water
2 tablespoons caster sugar

Warm butter and milk, combine with eggs and dry ingredients
Knead on floured surface until smooth, place into oiled bowl covered with a damp tea towel and set aside for 1-1.5 hours until dough doubles
Punch down dough and knead for 30 seconds. Divide into 12 even ball-shaped portions and place on a greased tray 1cm apart. Cover and set aside for 30 minutes to double in size. Preheat oven to 170C
Make flour paste by mixing together ingredients and pipe over buns to form cross. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until cooked through
Make glaze by mixing ingredients over low heat until sugar dissolves, boil for 3-4 minutes and brush warm glaze over warm hot cross buns. Enjoy!

Easy & Vegan Hot Cross Buns

Bread base:

500g Crusty or Wholemeal Bread Mix

7g dried yeast

250g lukewarm water

65g sultanas

65g currents

10g mixed spice

Mix together bread base with dried fruit and spice until a smooth dough forms
Cover with a damp tea towel and allow to proof for 10 minutes
Knock down the dough and form into 6-8 buns approximately 1cm apart on a greased tray
Cover with a damp tea towel and allow to proof for 40-60 minutes
Make flour paste for cross by mixing 1/2 cup plain flour with 4 to 5 tablespoons of water and piping across buns
Bake until golden brown for approximately 20 mins in 180-190C oven
Brush with sugar glaze made by mixing 1/3 cup water with 2 tablespoons of sugar whilst buns are still warm

Enjoy!

Alternative Flavours Hot Cross Buns

For something a bit different, swap out the dried fruit and mixed spice from the Traditional or Easy & Vegan recipes above for…

Chocolate lovers:

25g cocoa powder

50g choc chips

* use melted chocolate for the cross

Choc Cherry:

25g cocoa powder

50g choc chips

65g glace cherries

Apricot & Almond:

125g diced apricots

125g sliced almonds

Date & Walnut:

125g chopped dates

125g walnuts

7g ground cinnamon

Gluten Free Hot Cross Buns

It is pretty easy to make your own gluten free hot cross buns. Simply swap the Plain Flour in the Traditional recipe above for Gluten Free Plain Flour, or swap the Bread Mix for our Gluten Free Crusty Bread Mix in the Easy & Vegan recipe above! That’s it!

Zero Waste Easter Tips

Holiday celebrations like Easter can be filled with excess. Too much packaging, too much food, and novelty items that don’t last long before ending up in a bin.

Celebrating can be done waste-free with minimal effort!

Foil packaging, cardboard boxes, and plastic Easter egg packaging all look pretty. However, they waste valuable resources, often end up in landfill, or contaminate our recycling. And that is not pretty at all.

Instead opt for package-free Easter Eggs, like the ones we have at Wasteless Pantry. As an added bonus they are locally sourced, palm-oil free, and absolutely delicious!

You can easily make your own ‘packaging’ with repurposed glass jars, felt egg gift bags, cloth bunny bags, or even decorated paper bags. There are so many ideas to give it a try.

When thinking about entertaining this Easter, buy your food package free and plan your portion sizes to minimize food waste. Think about how ‘leftover friendly’ your meals are to really get the most out of your food budget this Easter.

Hot cross buns are best straight out of your own oven!

Often the best parts of celebrations are the traditions. This is a great year to make hot cross buns together! It takes just a little while, especially if you pick up a bag of hot cross bun mix from your local Wasteless Pantry. Just enough time to have a chat before you pull them out of the oven warm and mouth-watering to enjoy together over a cup of tea.

Need recipe inspiration? Check out these, with something to suit everyone!

Zero Waste Entertaining

The festive season is all about celebrating with good food and great company. As much as I love the idea of preparing a feast, I prefer meals that can be made ahead of time so I can spend more time connecting with guests and less time in the kitchen. With a little planning, you can entertain in a sustainable way by reducing waste and creating delicious, zero-waste meals. Here’s a simple, tried-and-true meal plan for your next gathering.

Starters

Dukkah, olive oil, and chunks of crusty bread
Zero waste tip: BYO containers to Wasteless Pantry for the dukkah and oil. Bring your reusable bread bag to the bakery for plastic-free bread, or better yet, make your own!
Soya crisps, Nordic crackers, corn chips, and smashed avocado
Add a little lemon juice to the avocado for a quick and tasty dip, and serve with rice cracker salad or mixed nuts.
Zero waste tip: BYO containers for snacks from Wasteless Pantry and use a reusable produce bag for the avocado. Serve the snacks in wide-mouthed upcycled jars—just pop the lid back on if they’re not finished, and nothing will go stale.

Main Course

Brown Rice Salad
Super easy to make in about 20 minutes, this salad is perfect for lunch leftovers in the days following your event. Soaking the rice overnight will reduce cooking time.
Zero waste tip: BYO containers for rice, seeds, currants, oil, and soy sauce. Use what you have on hand—swap red onion for shallots or sultanas for currants to minimize waste.
Roasted Vegetables
Roast whatever veggies you have available, even if they’re looking a bit limp.
Zero waste tip: Use reusable produce bags when shopping, and skip the peeling—just wash and roast. Reusable baking liners or a lightly oiled tray will eliminate the need for disposable baking paper.
Roasted Meat or Chicken Wings
Choose smaller cuts of meat to reduce cooking time and energy consumption, and serve with a variety of roasted vegetables.
Zero waste tip: Take your own container to the butcher to avoid plastic packaging. Encourage your guests to fill up on veggies for a healthier, lower-impact meal.

Dessert

Christmas Cake
This long-lasting cake (up to 3 months!) ensures you’ll always have something on hand for unexpected visitors.
Fruit Platter or Grilled Stone Fruit with Cinnamon Sugar
Zero waste tip: Buy in-season, local fruit to reduce food miles. Leftovers can be used for smoothies or fruit salad. Grab your cinnamon sugar from Wasteless Pantry in a reusable container—it’s a perfect match for grilled fruit.
Bliss Balls
These can be made ahead and frozen in batches, so you’re always prepared for last-minute gatherings.
Zero waste tip: Get creative with the ingredients—use up what’s already in your pantry, whether it’s macadamia nuts, sunflower seeds, or dried apricots. Roll them in coconut or dip them in chocolate for an extra treat!

Final Thoughts

This zero-waste meal plan is customizable, simple, and delicious! It’s also an opportunity to showcase how easy it is to entertain sustainably. By sourcing ingredients from Wasteless Pantry and using reusable containers and produce bags, you’ll reduce packaging waste and food waste while enjoying a festive feast with friends and family.

Practical Gift Giving Guide

Do your Christmases and birthdays often involve exchanging plastic, over-packaged trinkets and novelty gifts that are quickly forgotten? Maybe you’ve even been the recipient of such gifts. It’s so easy to get swept up in the consumerism of the festive season and make rushed purchases, but thoughtful, practical gift-giving can make all the difference.

As someone passionate about living with less waste, I understand the temptation to buy things during the holidays. Who doesn’t love doing nice things for others? But doing something thoughtful doesn’t always mean buying just to give. It’s important to consider the life of the gift you’re purchasing.

Ask yourself these questions when selecting a gift:

Will this gift bring joy for years to come?
If yes, then it’s a great choice! If not, perhaps just share the fun story of what you found instead.
Does the person have space for it?
If yes, fantastic! If not, consider consumable gifts that won’t take up room in their home.
Does this gift align with the person’s values or lifestyle?
If yes, it’s a thoughtful gesture. If not, you may want to reconsider and support them in becoming the person they want to be.

Choosing the perfect gift is challenging, but don’t forget to ask yourself: Does this person even want a gift from me? Sometimes your time, a helping hand, or a kind gesture can be more meaningful than a physical present.

Practical Gift Ideas from the Wasteless Pantry team:

If you feel you must give something, here are a few low-waste, thoughtful ideas:

Handmade Tea Blends: Create a custom tea blend using herbs like lemongrass, peppermint, hibiscus, or chamomile. Package it in a reusable container.
Fragrant Bath Bags: Fill a soap nut bag with Epsom salts, bicarb soda, and dried herbs for a soothing bath soak.
Homemade Soaps: Palm oil-free soaps make a great gift for eco-conscious friends.
Chocolate Bars and Rocky Road: Make your own chocolate bark by melting chocolate and adding toppings like nuts, seeds, and dried fruit.
Reusable Items: Support friends aiming for a zero-waste lifestyle with reusable coffee cups, shopping bags, baking liners, or stainless steel drink bottles.
Recipe Jars: Assemble the ingredients for a favorite recipe in a jar, with instructions attached for easy cooking.

These ideas are just the start! Visit Wasteless Pantry for more eco-friendly gift options and personal advice.

Hot Cross Buns Recipe

Easter just wouldn’t be the same without the comforting aroma of freshly baked Hot Cross Buns! This traditional recipe combines all the classic flavors with a focus on sustainability. By sourcing your ingredients from Wasteless Pantry, you can enjoy your Easter baking while reducing unnecessary packaging and waste.

Ingredients

4 cups plain flour
14g dried yeast
1/4 cup caster sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons mixed spice
Pinch of salt
1 1/2 cups currants
40g butter
300ml milk
2 eggs, lightly beaten

For the Flour Paste

1/2 cup plain flour
4-5 tablespoons water

For the Glaze

1/3 cup water
2 tablespoons caster sugar

Method

In a saucepan, gently warm the 40g of butter and 300ml of milk until the butter is melted. Set aside to cool slightly.
In a large bowl, combine 4 cups of plain flour, 14g dried yeast, 1/4 cup caster sugar, 1 1/2 teaspoons mixed spice, a pinch of salt, and 1 1/2 cups of currants.
Gradually add the melted butter and milk mixture along with 2 lightly beaten eggs. Stir until a dough forms.
Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
Place the dough into a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp tea towel, and set aside in a warm spot for 1-1.5 hours until the dough doubles in size.
Punch down the dough and knead briefly (about 30 seconds). Divide the dough into 12 even portions and shape each into a ball. Place the buns 1cm apart on a greased baking tray. Cover again and leave to rise for 30 minutes until doubled in size.
Preheat your oven to 170°C.
For the flour paste, mix together 1/2 cup plain flour and 4-5 tablespoons of water to create a smooth paste. Pipe the paste over the buns to form crosses.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the buns are golden and cooked through.
For the glaze, combine 1/3 cup water and 2 tablespoons caster sugar in a small saucepan. Heat gently, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Bring to a boil and let it simmer for 3-4 minutes. Brush the warm glaze over the hot cross buns as soon as they come out of the oven.

Enjoy your warm, freshly baked Hot Cross Buns! Serve them with butter or simply as they are—either way, they’re sure to be a hit.

The Benefits of Buying Ingredients from Wasteless Pantry
At Wasteless Pantry, we make it easy to bake without creating unnecessary waste. By refilling your containers with exactly the amount of flour, yeast, sugar, and spices you need, you can cut down on packaging waste. Plus, our bulk food options allow you to buy only what you need, which helps reduce food waste. Whether you’re picking up currants or stocking up on flour, you’ll find all the ingredients for this delicious recipe in-store.

With the right ingredients and a little preparation, you can make Easter extra special—and eco-friendly—this year.

Eco Friendly Easter Guide

Our Eco-Friendly Easter Guide is just the thing if you are aiming toward a zero-waste Easter this year.

This time of year is for celebrating and unfortunately also seems to be about generating waste. An article by Pre-Waste on 6 April 2012 indicates:

Since their development in early 19th century France and Germany, chocolate Easter eggs have quickly become seasonal bestsellers. In Italy, 40 million eggs equalling 6.848 tons of chocolate were consumed in 2010. As the chocolate egg has since its first appearance developed from the simple type wrapped in paper to the beribboned variety wrapped in brightest foil and packed in a box or basket, it leads to vast amounts of packaging waste. Approximately 4.370 tonnes of card and 160 tonnes of foil waste are generated in the UK during the holiday every year. Most of the plastic packaging used is not recyclable yet, which means it ends up in landfills.

That’s a lot of waste and whilst there have been improvements in the recyclability of packaging since the article was written, it is fair to say that just because packaging can be recycled does not mean that it is being recycled.

With a little creativity, you can turn this Easter into a low or no-waste event!

Eco Friendly Easter Gift Idea Guide

How about a refillable reusable Easter egg jar?

Repurposed jars such as the ones offered free at Wasteless Pantry are a blank canvas waiting to be decorated! Fill with lollies, chocolates, flavored almonds, sweet Easter wishes, or money. Pinterest has a great inspiration page to get your creativity flowing.

Make your own felt egg-shaped gift bag or what about a fabric bunny basket?

Make your own chocolate Easter treats!

Grab an Easter mold, and chocolate buttons (white, milk, or dark depending on your preference) from Wasteless Pantry ready to be melted into your own handmade Easter treats. Or try your hand at making your own chocolates from scratch, we have those ingredients on hand too.

Dark chocolate recipe:

Makes approximately 200 grams

100g cacao butter (also called cocoa butter)
6 tablespoons cocoa/cacao powder
1-2 tablespoons icing sugar
1/4 cup almonds or 1 Tbsp chia seeds (optional)

Step 1: Melt cacao butter in a double boiler

Step 2: Mix melted butter with sifted cacao powder and icing sugar, incorporating other fillings if used. Place in mold and allow to set in the fridge. Done! Plus it is dairy free (making it vegan friendly) and gluten-free chocolate!

Sit back and indulge in a heartfelt and personal Easter celebration befitting the spirit of this time of year while all the rest are cleaning up the commercialized rubbish.

Easy Hot Cross Buns Recipe

Hot Cross Buns are a traditional Easter favorite, but sometimes the thought of tackling a long ingredient list can be overwhelming. This Easy Hot Cross Buns recipe is perfect for those days when you want a delicious, fresh bun but don’t have the time to start from scratch. The secret? Using a bread mix as your base!

At Wasteless Pantry, we offer a variety of bread mixes—crusty or soft—and even gluten-free options for those who need them. You can customize your buns with different flavor additions to suit your cravings, making this recipe quick, easy, and perfect for everyone.

Ingredients for the Bread Base:

500g bread mix
7g dried yeast
250g lukewarm water

Optional Add-ins:

Traditional Hot Cross Buns:

65g sultanas
65g currants
10g mixed spice

Chocolate Lovers:

25g cocoa powder
50g chocolate chips
Use melted chocolate for the cross

Choc Cherry:

25g cocoa powder
50g chocolate chips
65g glace cherries

Apricot & Almond:

125g diced apricots
125g sliced almonds

Date & Walnut:

125g chopped dates
125g walnuts
7g ground cinnamon

Instructions:

Prepare the Dough: Mix the bread base ingredients—500g bread mix, 7g dried yeast, and 250g lukewarm water—until a smooth dough forms. Add any of the optional ingredients to customize your buns.
First Proof: Cover the dough with a damp tea towel and let it proof for 10 minutes.
Shape the Buns: Knock down the dough, then form it into 6-8 evenly sized buns. Place them approximately 1cm apart on a greased tray.
Second Proof: Cover the buns with a damp tea towel and let them proof for 40-60 minutes until they’ve risen.
Add the Cross: To make the flour paste for the cross, mix 1/2 cup plain flour with 4 to 5 tablespoons of water. Pipe the mixture across the top of the buns in a cross shape.
Bake: Bake the buns in a preheated oven at 180-190°C for approximately 20 minutes or until golden brown.
Glaze: Brush the warm buns with a sugar glaze made by mixing 1/3 cup water with 2 tablespoons of sugar.

Why Buy Your Ingredients at Wasteless Pantry?

When you purchase your bread mix, dried fruits, nuts, and spices from Wasteless Pantry, you’re not just making delicious Hot Cross Buns—you’re also contributing to a zero-waste lifestyle. By refilling your containers with our bulk ingredients, you help reduce packaging waste while still getting high-quality, fresh items for all your baking needs. Plus, we offer a range of gluten-free and alternative options to suit any dietary requirements.

This Easy Hot Cross Buns recipe is perfect for when you’re short on time but still want to create a delicious Easter treat. Customize it with your favorite flavors, and enjoy a batch of warm, freshly baked buns in no time!