MOIST Vegan Carrot Cake Recipe with Cream Cheese Frosting
This MOIST Vegan Carrot Cake Recipe with Cream Cheese Frosting is sure to impress everyone, even those who typically shy away from vegan desserts. Perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or just a cozy afternoon treat, this cake stands out with its rich flavor and delightful texture. Plus, it’s made in one bowl, making cleanup a breeze! The luscious vegan cream cheese frosting adds a touch of indulgence that everyone will love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: This cake is so delicious that non-vegan friends will be asking for seconds!
- Easy One-Bowl Preparation: Simplify your baking process with minimal cleanup involved.
- Versatile Occasion Fit: Perfect for birthdays, holidays, or just a special treat any day.
- Naturally Vegan and Gluten-Free: Enjoy the delightful taste without compromising dietary preferences.
- Moist and Tender Texture: Grated carrots ensure each bite is soft and flavorful.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the baking process, gathering your tools will make everything smoother. Here are some essential items you’ll need to create the best vegan carrot cake!
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Stand mixer or hand mixer
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Parchment paper
- 8-inch cake pans
Importance of Each Tool
- Stand mixer or hand mixer: These help achieve a light, fluffy batter by thoroughly mixing ingredients without overworking them.
- Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and ensures easy removal of the cakes from the pans.
- Whisk: Ideal for evenly combining dry ingredients before adding them to wet ingredients.
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 a creamy dairy-free cream cheese frosting. Soon to be your favorite cake recipe ever!
- 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 substitute neutral oil)
- 2/3 cup (150 g) dairy-free yogurt, room temperature
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 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-inch cake pans by lining them with parchment paper and lightly greasing them with cooking oil.
Step 2: Create Vegan Buttermilk
Mix together the dairy-free milk with apple cider vinegar in a small bowl to create your vegan buttermilk. Set this aside for later use.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, add all the dry ingredients at once or pre-mix them if preferred:
Whisk together the flour, spices, baking powder, baking soda, and sea salt until well combined.
Step 4: Prepare the Batter
In another large bowl:
1. Whisk together the melted vegan butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar until combined.
2. Add in the dairy-free yogurt and vanilla extract; mix just until combined.
3. Gradually fold in the dry mixture along with the vegan buttermilk in about three increments. Be careful not to overmix.
4. Finally, fold in the grated carrots gently until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Step 5: Bake the Cake
Divide the batter evenly among the prepared cake pans. Bake for about 28–30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 6: Cool Completely
Allow cakes to cool in their pans for about 10 minutes. Then carefully transfer them to a cooling rack to cool completely before frosting.
Step 7: Make Cream Cheese Frosting
While cakes cool:
1. In a mixing bowl, cream together vegan butter and dairy-free cream cheese using either a stand mixer or hand mixer until smooth.
2. Sift in powdered sugar gradually while beating until well mixed; add dairy-free milk as needed for desired consistency.
Step 8: Assemble Your Cake
Once cakes are completely cool:
1. Frost between layers using about one-third cup of frosting per layer.
2. Coat the top and sides of the cake uniformly with remaining frosting.
3. For decorative piping on sides of cake, reserve half cup of frosting colored with vegan food coloring if desired.
With these steps complete, your MOIST Vegan Carrot Cake Recipe with Cream Cheese Frosting is ready to dazzle at any occasion! Enjoy every slice!
How to Serve MOIST Vegan Carrot Cake Recipe with Cream Cheese Frosting
Serving your MOIST Vegan Carrot Cake Recipe with Cream Cheese Frosting can elevate any occasion, from casual family gatherings to festive celebrations. Here are some delightful suggestions for serving this delicious cake.
Classic Slice
- Serve a generous slice of the carrot cake on its own, allowing the rich flavors and moist texture to shine through.
With Fresh Fruits
- Pair the cake with seasonal fruits like strawberries or blueberries. The freshness of the fruits complements the sweetness of the cake beautifully.
Ice Cream Delight
- Add a scoop of dairy-free vanilla ice cream on top of a warm slice for an indulgent dessert experience that everyone will love.
Afternoon Tea
- Enjoy this vegan carrot cake alongside a cup of herbal tea. The spices in the cake harmonize perfectly with various tea flavors.
Festive Decorations
- Decorate slices with edible flowers or a sprinkle of chopped nuts for added flair and a touch of elegance when serving at special occasions.
Cake Pops
- Transform leftover cake into fun cake pops by crumbling it and mixing it with frosting, then rolling into balls and coating them in melted chocolate.
How to Perfect MOIST Vegan Carrot Cake Recipe with Cream Cheese Frosting
To achieve the perfect MOIST Vegan Carrot Cake Recipe with Cream Cheese Frosting, consider these helpful tips:
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Ensure your carrots are fresh and grated just before use for maximum moisture and flavor.
- Don’t Overmix: Mix the batter just until combined to keep the cake light and fluffy; overmixing can make it dense.
- Check Oven Temperature: Use an oven thermometer to ensure your oven is at the right temperature, as this affects baking time and texture.
- Cool Completely: Allow the cakes to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting the cream cheese frosting.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Use room temperature ingredients like vegan butter and yogurt for better mixing and a smoother batter.
- Experiment with Spices: Feel free to adjust spices based on your preference; adding cloves or allspice can add depth to flavors.
Best Side Dishes for MOIST Vegan Carrot Cake Recipe with Cream Cheese Frosting
Complement your MOIST Vegan Carrot Cake Recipe with Cream Cheese Frosting with these delightful side dishes. They pair wonderfully and enhance your dessert experience.
- Vegan Chocolate Mousse: A rich, creamy dessert that contrasts well with the spiced flavors of carrot cake.
- Coconut Whipped Cream: Light and airy, this provides a tropical touch that enhances the sweetness of the cake.
- Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits adds brightness and balances out the richness of the carrot cake.
- Chia Seed Pudding: This healthy option offers a creamy texture while being light enough not to overpower your dessert.
- Roasted Nuts: A sprinkle of roasted cashews or walnuts adds crunch and complements the moistness of your cake.
- Herbal Tea Infusion: Serve alongside a fragrant cup of herbal tea, such as chamomile or mint, to cleanse the palate between bites.
- Caramel Sauce Drizzle: A warm vegan caramel sauce drizzled over each slice adds decadence and additional flavor layers.
- Vegan Cheesecake Bites: Small bites provide an excellent contrast in texture while keeping within plant-based ingredients.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making the MOIST Vegan Carrot Cake Recipe with Cream Cheese Frosting can be a breeze, but there are a few common pitfalls to watch out for. Here are some mistakes and how to avoid them:
- Skipping the vegan buttermilk: This step is essential for achieving the right moisture and flavor. Always combine your dairy-free milk with apple cider vinegar before adding it to the batter.
- Overmixing the batter: Overmixing can lead to a dense cake. Mix just until combined and no dry streaks are visible.
- Not cooling the cakes properly: Allow your cakes to cool completely before frosting. Frosting warm cakes can cause the frosting to melt and slide off.
- Ignoring ingredient temperatures: Ensure all your ingredients, like yogurt and butter, are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
- Using stale spices: Fresh spices enhance flavor. Always check that your spices are fresh before using them in this recipe.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store any leftover slices of cake in an airtight container.
- Keep it in the fridge for up to 4 days.
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 the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the cake on a baking sheet and warm for about 10-15 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat individual slices for about 20-30 seconds on medium power. Be careful not to overheat!
- Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat, covering it with a lid. Warm each slice for about 5 minutes until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about the MOIST Vegan Carrot Cake Recipe with Cream Cheese Frosting:
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
You can easily make this cake gluten-free by substituting all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend suitable for baking.
How do I store leftover vegan carrot cake?
Store leftover pieces in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze them for longer storage.
What is vegan buttermilk?
Vegan buttermilk is made by combining dairy-free milk (like almond or soy) with an acid, such as apple cider vinegar or lemon juice.
Can I customize this recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to add nuts, raisins, or even pineapple for extra flavor and texture.
How long does it take to bake this cake?
The baking time is approximately 28-30 minutes when using three 8-inch pans. Always check doneness with a toothpick!
Final Thoughts
This MOIST Vegan Carrot Cake Recipe with Cream Cheese Frosting is sure to impress everyone at your table. The combination of spices and sweetness makes it an irresistible treat perfect for any occasion. Plus, you can customize it by adding your favorite mix-ins! Give it a try and enjoy this delicious vegan dessert today!
MOIST Vegan Carrot Cake Recipe with Cream Cheese Frosting
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Makes approximately 12 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in the ultimate MOIST Vegan Carrot Cake Recipe with Cream Cheese Frosting, a delightful treat that will win over even the most skeptical dessert lovers. This easy-to-make, one-bowl recipe is perfect for any occasion—birthdays, holidays, or simply a cozy afternoon snack. The cake boasts a tender, moist texture thanks to freshly grated carrots and a deliciously rich flavor profile enhanced by warming spices like cinnamon and ginger. Topped with luscious vegan cream cheese frosting, this cake offers a perfect balance of sweetness and indulgence. With its simple preparation and minimal cleanup, baking has never been easier or more enjoyable!
Ingredients
- 4 cups grated carrots
- 2/3 cup vegan buttermilk
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup light brown sugar
- 1 cup vegan butter
- 2/3 cup dairy-free yogurt
- 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 batch vegan cream cheese frosting
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare three 8-inch cake pans with parchment paper.
- Mix dairy-free milk and apple cider vinegar to create vegan buttermilk; set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, spices, and salt.
- In another bowl, mix melted vegan butter with sugars until combined; add yogurt and vanilla.
- Alternate folding in dry ingredients and vegan buttermilk into the wet mixture. Gently fold in grated carrots.
- Divide batter among prepared pans and bake for about 28–30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool cakes completely before frosting with vegan cream cheese frosting.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Vegan
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (100g)
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 32g
- Sodium: 310mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
