MOIST Vegan Carrot Cake Recipe with Cream Cheese Frosting
This MOIST Vegan Carrot Cake Recipe with Cream Cheese Frosting is a showstopper that everyone will love, even those who usually shy away from vegan desserts. Perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or just a sweet treat at home, this cake combines the natural sweetness of carrots with warm spices and is topped with a creamy, dairy-free frosting. It’s not only delicious but also simple to make, making it a great addition to any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-bowl wonder: This recipe allows you to mix everything in one bowl, saving time on cleanup.
- Crowd-pleaser: Even non-vegans rave about this cake; its flavor is irresistible!
- Customizable: You can easily add nuts or raisins for an extra touch.
- Easily gluten-free: Substitute with gluten-free flour for a delightful gluten-free dessert.
- Deliciously moist: The combination of grated carrots and vegan buttermilk ensures every bite is soft and moist.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start baking this MOIST Vegan Carrot Cake, gather your tools and ingredients to streamline the process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Stand mixer or hand mixer
- Three 8″ round cake pans
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Cooling rack
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Stand mixer or hand mixer: These tools help achieve a smooth batter quickly and efficiently.
- Cooling rack: Ensures your cakes cool evenly, preventing sogginess on the bottom.
Ingredients
This is honestly the best vegan carrot cake you’ll ever have, and it’s a crowd favorite with even non-vegan eaters. No eggs, no dairy, one bowl, and easily gluten free, this carrot cake is topped with a super lush and creamy dairy-free cream cheese frosting. Soon to be your favorite cake recipe ever!
For the Cake
- 4 cups (360 g) grated carrots, about 6-8 large carrots
- 2/3 cup (160 mL) vegan buttermilk, room temperature
- 3 1/2 (440 g) cups all-purpose flour or cake flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp cardamom
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1 1/4 cups (250 g) granulated sugar
- 1 cup (200 g) light brown sugar or coconut sugar
- 1 cup (226 g) vegan butter, melted and cooled to room temperature (or sub neutral oil)
- 2/3 cup (150 g) dairy-free yogurt, room temperature
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
For the Frosting
- 1 batch vegan cream cheese frosting
How to Make MOIST Vegan Carrot Cake Recipe with Cream Cheese Frosting
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Prepare three 8″ cake pans by lining them with cooking oil and parchment paper.
Step 2: Prepare Vegan Buttermilk
Grate the carrots and mix together the dairy-free milk with apple cider vinegar in a bowl to create the vegan buttermilk. Let it sit while you prepare other ingredients.
Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together all dry ingredients including flour, spices, baking powder, baking soda, sea salt, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until well combined.
Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together melted vegan butter, dairy-free yogurt, and vanilla extract until blended. Gradually add in the dry mixture along with alternating portions of vegan buttermilk. Be careful not to overmix; fold in the grated carrots gently.
Step 5: Bake
Divide the batter evenly among the prepared pans. Bake for about 28-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 6: Cool Cakes
Allow cakes to cool in their pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack. Make sure they are completely cool before frosting.
Step 7: Prepare Frosting
In a mixing bowl, cream together vegan butter and cream cheese using either a stand mixer or hand mixer. Gradually sift in powdered sugar while mixing until fluffy. Add dairy-free milk if needed for consistency.
Step 8: Assemble Cake
Frost between layers with about 1/3 cup of frosting each layer. Cover the sides evenly. Optionally reserve some frosting for piping decorations using food coloring if desired.
Now your deliciously moist vegan carrot cake is ready to impress! Enjoy every slice!
How to Serve MOIST Vegan Carrot Cake Recipe with Cream Cheese Frosting
This MOIST Vegan Carrot Cake Recipe with Cream Cheese Frosting is perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s a birthday party, a holiday gathering, or just a cozy family dessert night, here are some delightful serving suggestions to elevate your cake experience.
Classic Slice
- Serve a generous slice of the vegan carrot cake on its own to showcase its rich flavors and moist texture.
With Fresh Fruits
- Pair your cake with fresh fruits like strawberries or blueberries. Their tartness complements the sweetness of the cake beautifully.
A Scoop of Vegan Ice Cream
- Add a scoop of dairy-free vanilla ice cream on the side. The creaminess balances the cake’s spiced flavors.
Drizzle of Maple Syrup
- Enhance your slice with a drizzle of pure maple syrup for an extra touch of sweetness and depth.
Coffee or Tea Pairing
- Serve alongside a cup of coffee or tea. The warm beverages enhance the cake’s spices and provide a comforting finish.
Festive Garnishes
- Top each slice with edible flowers or nuts for an elegant presentation that adds color and crunch.
How to Perfect MOIST Vegan Carrot Cake Recipe with Cream Cheese Frosting
Perfecting this recipe will ensure that your carrot cake turns out moist and flavorful every time. Here are some tips to help you achieve the best results:
- Use Fresh Carrots: Grate fresh carrots for maximum moisture and flavor. Avoid pre-packaged grated carrots as they may lack freshness.
- Don’t Overmix: Mix just until combined when adding dry ingredients to keep the cake light and fluffy.
- Cool Completely Before Frosting: Ensure that the cakes are completely cool before applying frosting to prevent melting.
- Adjust Sweetness: Feel free to modify the sugar amounts based on your taste preferences or dietary needs.
- Store Properly: Keep leftover slices in an airtight container in the fridge to maintain freshness.
- Experiment with Spices: Feel free to adjust spices based on your preference; adding more cinnamon can enhance flavor.
Best Side Dishes for MOIST Vegan Carrot Cake Recipe with Cream Cheese Frosting
While this carrot cake is delicious on its own, pairing it with complementary side dishes can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some great options to consider:
- Vegan Chocolate Mousse – A rich, creamy dessert that contrasts beautifully with the spiced carrot cake.
- Coconut Chia Pudding – Light and refreshing, this pudding provides a tropical twist that pairs nicely.
- Fruit Salad – A colorful mix of seasonal fruits adds brightness and freshness to each bite.
- Roasted Nuts – A bowl of mixed roasted nuts offers crunch and protein, balancing out the sweetness of the cake.
- Green Salad – A crisp green salad dressed lightly can serve as a refreshing palate cleanser before dessert.
- Granola Bars – Homemade vegan granola bars make for an easy snack option alongside your cake for those who want something lighter.
These suggestions will not only enhance your dining experience but will also impress your guests when serving this MOIST Vegan Carrot Cake Recipe with Cream Cheese Frosting!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making the MOIST Vegan Carrot Cake Recipe with Cream Cheese Frosting, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some tips to ensure your cake turns out perfectly.
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Ignoring Room Temperature Ingredients: Using cold ingredients can affect the batter’s texture. Always ensure that your vegan buttermilk and yogurt are at room temperature for the best results.
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Overmixing the Batter: Mixing too vigorously can lead to a dense cake. Stir just until combined and no dry streaks remain. This keeps your cake moist and fluffy.
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Not Measuring Ingredients Accurately: Baking is a science, so accurate measurements are crucial. Use a kitchen scale for dry ingredients like flour and sugar for precision.
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Skipping the Cooling Time: Frosting a warm cake can cause the frosting to melt. Allow your cakes to cool completely before applying the cream cheese frosting.
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Using Old Spices: Fresh spices enhance flavor. Check your spice cabinet for freshness, especially cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg, as they can lose potency over time.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover cake in an airtight container.
- It will stay fresh for up to 4 days in the fridge.
Freezing MOIST Vegan Carrot Cake Recipe with Cream Cheese Frosting
- Wrap each layer tightly in plastic wrap.
- Freeze for up to 3 months for optimal freshness.
Reheating MOIST Vegan Carrot Cake Recipe with Cream Cheese Frosting
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F and warm for about 10-15 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat individual slices on medium power for 30 seconds or until warm.
- Stovetop: Place on a skillet over low heat, covering until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about the MOIST Vegan Carrot Cake Recipe with Cream Cheese Frosting:
Can I make this MOIST Vegan Carrot Cake Recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend suitable for baking.
How do I replace sugars in this recipe?
You can use coconut sugar or other natural sweeteners like maple syrup or agave syrup as substitutes.
What can I use instead of vegan butter?
Neutral oil or applesauce can be substituted, but this may slightly alter the texture of your cake.
How can I customize my vegan carrot cake?
Feel free to add nuts, raisins, or pineapple to enhance flavor and texture!
How do I store leftovers of this carrot cake?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze it for longer storage.
Final Thoughts
This MOIST Vegan Carrot Cake Recipe with Cream Cheese Frosting is not only delicious but also versatile! You can customize it by adding nuts or fruits to suit your taste. This recipe is sure to impress vegans and non-vegans alike—give it a try!
MOIST Vegan Carrot Cake Recipe with Cream Cheese Frosting
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in our MOIST Vegan Carrot Cake Recipe with Cream Cheese Frosting, a delightful dessert that will impress even the most skeptical eaters. This cake features the natural sweetness of fresh carrots, complemented by aromatic spices and topped with a rich, dairy-free cream cheese frosting. Perfect for birthdays, holidays, or a weekend treat, this one-bowl wonder is not only easy to make but also customizable to suit your taste. Add nuts or raisins for extra texture, or substitute gluten-free flour for a delicious gluten-free option. Each slice promises moistness and flavor that will have everyone coming back for seconds!
Ingredients
- 4 cups grated carrots
- 2/3 cup vegan buttermilk
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free blend)
- 1 cup vegan butter
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- Spices: cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cardamom
- 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
- Dairy-free yogurt
- Vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and prepare three 8" cake pans with oil and parchment paper.
- Make vegan buttermilk by mixing dairy-free milk with apple cider vinegar; set aside.
- In a large bowl, whisk together dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, spices, sugars, and salt.
- In another bowl, combine melted vegan butter, yogurt, and vanilla; then mix with dry ingredients along with the vegan buttermilk.
- Gently fold in grated carrots and divide the batter into prepared pans.
- Bake for 28-30 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean; cool completely before frosting.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Vegan
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (90g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
