MOIST Vegan Carrot Cake Recipe with Cream Cheese Frosting
This MOIST Vegan Carrot Cake Recipe with Cream Cheese Frosting is simply the best vegan carrot cake you will ever taste! Its rich flavors and fluffy texture make it a delightful treat for birthdays, holidays, or just a sweet craving at home. Even non-vegan friends will be asking for seconds. This cake is not only egg-free and dairy-free, but it’s also easily made gluten-free. Plus, it features a luscious cream cheese frosting that brings it all together. Get ready to impress everyone with this show-stopping dessert!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: The blend of spices and grated carrots creates a rich, moist cake that everyone loves.
- Easy One-Bowl Prep: Simplify your baking with minimal cleanup—mix everything in one bowl!
- Customizable Options: Easily adapt the recipe to suit dietary needs or preferences, like making it gluten-free.
- Lush Cream Cheese Frosting: The creamy topping takes this cake to the next level, enhancing its flavor and presentation.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a birthday party or a casual gathering, this cake fits right in.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into baking, gather your tools for an easy and enjoyable experience.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Stand mixer or hand mixer
- Three 8-inch round cake pans
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Parchment paper
Importance of Each Tool
- Stand mixer or hand mixer: Ensures thorough mixing and helps create a smooth batter without lumps.
- Three 8-inch round cake pans: Ideal for baking multiple layers at once, making assembly easy and efficient.
- Mixing bowls: Having separate bowls allows you to mix dry and wet ingredients without cross-contamination.
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. Line three 8-inch cake pans with cooking oil and parchment paper.
Step 2: Prepare the Vegan Buttermilk
Grate the carrots finely. In a separate bowl, mix together the dairy-free milk with apple cider vinegar to create vegan buttermilk. Set aside.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
You can add the dry ingredients all at once; however, if you prefer mixing separately:
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, spices (cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cardamom), and sea salt. Set this mixture aside.
Step 4: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl:
Whisk together melted vegan butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar until combined.
Add in dairy-free yogurt and vanilla extract; mix just until combined.
Step 5: Combine Wet & Dry Mixtures
Gradually add in the flour mixture in about three increments while alternating with pouring in the vegan buttermilk:
Be cautious not to overmix; stir just until there are no dry streaks left.
Fold in the grated carrots gently.
Step 6: Bake the Cakes
Divide the batter evenly among prepared pans:
Bake for approximately 28–30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Step 7: Cool the Cakes
Allow cakes to cool in their pans for about 10 minutes:
Carefully transfer them to a cooling rack to cool completely before frosting.
Step 8: Make the Frosting
To prepare your cream cheese frosting:
Cream together melted vegan butter and cream cheese using a stand mixer or hand mixer.
Gradually sift in powdered sugar while mixing until well combined. Adjust consistency with dairy-free milk if needed.
Step 9: Assemble & Frost
Frost each layer with about 1/3 cup of frosting between layers:
Coat sides of the cake as desired.
If decorating creatively with piping tips, reserve some frosting for coloring.
Now you’re ready to enjoy your deliciously moist vegan carrot cake topped with creamy frosting!
How to Serve MOIST Vegan Carrot Cake Recipe with Cream Cheese Frosting
This MOIST Vegan Carrot Cake Recipe with Cream Cheese Frosting is not only delicious but also versatile when it comes to serving. Here are some creative ways to enjoy this delightful dessert.
For a Festive Occasion
- Decorative Presentation: Arrange the cake on a beautiful cake stand and garnish with fresh edible flowers or nuts for an elegant touch.
- Layered Delight: Serve each slice with an extra dollop of cream cheese frosting on top for added richness.
With a Cup of Tea or Coffee
- Afternoon Treat: Pair your cake slice with a warm cup of chai or coffee for a cozy afternoon snack.
- Tea Time Twist: Offer small bite-sized pieces alongside various teas for an inviting tea party spread.
For Celebrations
- Birthday Cake Alternative: This vegan carrot cake is perfect for birthdays, topped with colorful sprinkles or themed decorations.
- Brunch Delight: Serve it at brunch gatherings, accompanied by fresh fruit and juices for a refreshing treat.
As Dessert
- After Dinner Indulgence: Present slices after dinner as a sweet conclusion to any meal.
- Dessert Bar Option: Include in a dessert platter with other vegan treats, appealing to both vegans and non-vegans alike.
How to Perfect MOIST Vegan Carrot Cake Recipe with Cream Cheese Frosting
To ensure your carrot cake turns out perfectly moist every time, consider these helpful tips.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh carrots and high-quality vegan butter for the best flavor and texture.
- Avoid Overmixing: Gently fold the batter; overmixing can lead to a dense cake instead of the desired moistness.
- Cool Completely Before Frosting: Make sure the cakes are completely cool before adding frosting, preventing melting and sliding.
- Experiment with Add-Ins: Consider adding walnuts or raisins to enhance flavor and texture in your cake.
- Store Properly: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge to maintain moisture and freshness.
- Freeze Extra Layers: If you have leftover layers, freeze them wrapped tightly; they make excellent quick desserts later!
Best Side Dishes for MOIST Vegan Carrot Cake Recipe with Cream Cheese Frosting
When serving this delectable carrot cake, consider complementing it with these delightful side dishes. Each option adds a unique flavor profile that enhances the overall experience.
- Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits provides a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the cake.
- Coconut Whipped Cream: Serve alongside coconut whipped cream for an extra layer of creaminess that pairs beautifully.
- Vegan Ice Cream: Opt for vanilla or creamy coconut ice cream as a cold counterpart that balances the warmth of the spices in the cake.
- Chia Seed Pudding: This healthy option adds texture while providing nutritional benefits that complement your dessert.
- Spiced Nuts Mix: A crunchy spiced nut mix offers contrast in both flavor and texture, enhancing each bite of carrot cake.
- Herbal Tea Selection: Pair slices with herbal teas like chamomile or mint, which cleanse the palate between bites.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making a MOIST Vegan Carrot Cake Recipe with Cream Cheese Frosting can be simple, but a few common mistakes can lead to less-than-perfect results. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:
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Not measuring ingredients accurately – Always use a kitchen scale or proper measuring cups to ensure your ingredients are precise. This helps in achieving the perfect texture and flavor.
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Overmixing the batter – Mix just until combined to keep your cake light and fluffy. Overmixing can lead to a dense texture that isn’t desirable in a carrot cake.
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Baking at incorrect temperatures – Ensure your oven is preheated correctly. An oven thermometer can help confirm it’s at 350F before baking, preventing undercooked or burnt cakes.
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Skipping the cooling step – Allow the cakes to cool completely before frosting. This prevents melting and ensures a clean finish on your cake.
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Using cold ingredients – Make sure all liquids like vegan buttermilk and dairy-free yogurt are at room temperature. This helps the batter mix evenly, contributing to a moist cake.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store any 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 slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container.
- The cake can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating MOIST Vegan Carrot Cake Recipe with Cream Cheese Frosting
- Oven – Preheat to 350F, then warm slices for about 10-15 minutes.
- Microwave – Heat individual slices for about 20-30 seconds until warm.
- Stovetop – Use a skillet over low heat; cover it while reheating for about 5 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about our MOIST Vegan Carrot Cake Recipe with Cream Cheese Frosting that might help you while baking!
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! You can substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blends designed for baking. Ensure they include xanthan gum for structure.
How do I make vegan cream cheese frosting?
Mix vegan cream cheese with vegan butter, then add powdered sugar and dairy-free milk until you reach the desired consistency.
What can I substitute for vegan butter?
You can use neutral oil or coconut oil as an alternative. Just ensure it’s melted and cooled before mixing into your batter.
How long does this cake last?
When stored properly, the MOIST Vegan Carrot Cake will last up to 4 days in the fridge or about 3 months in the freezer.
Final Thoughts
This MOIST Vegan Carrot Cake Recipe with Cream Cheese Frosting is not only delicious but also versatile. You can easily customize it by adding nuts or raisins for extra texture. Whether it’s for a special occasion or just because, this cake is sure to impress everyone, even non-vegan friends!
MOIST Vegan Carrot Cake Recipe with Cream Cheese Frosting
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: About 12 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in the ultimate dessert experience with this MOIST Vegan Carrot Cake Recipe with Cream Cheese Frosting. Bursting with rich flavors and a fluffy texture, this cake is perfect for birthdays, holidays, or simply satisfying a sweet tooth. Even non-vegan friends will be clamoring for seconds! This delightful treat is egg-free, dairy-free, and can easily be made gluten-free. Topped with a creamy vegan cream cheese frosting, it’s sure to impress at any gathering. Get ready to elevate your baking game with this show-stopping dessert that brings joy and satisfaction to every slice.
Ingredients
- 4 cups grated carrots
- 2/3 cup vegan buttermilk
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour or gluten-free flour
- 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup vegan butter
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- Vegan cream cheese frosting
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare three 8-inch cake pans with parchment paper.
- Make vegan buttermilk by mixing dairy-free milk and apple cider vinegar; set aside.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, spices, and salt.
- In another bowl, mix melted vegan butter with sugars until combined; then add yogurt and vanilla.
- Gradually combine the wet and dry ingredients while folding in the grated carrots gently.
- Divide batter among prepared pans and bake for 28–30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let cakes cool before frosting them with vegan cream cheese frosting.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Vegan
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
