MOIST Vegan Carrot Cake Recipe with Cream Cheese Frosting

This MOIST Vegan Carrot Cake Recipe with Cream Cheese Frosting is truly a delight that everyone will love, even those who aren’t vegan! It’s perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or just a cozy dessert night at home. With its rich flavors and soft texture, this cake stands out as a unique treat. Plus, it’s a one-bowl recipe and can easily be made gluten-free. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this scrumptious cake!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The blend of spices and sweet carrots creates an irresistible taste.
• Easy to Make: With simple steps and minimal equipment, anyone can bake this cake.
• Versatile: Perfect for any occasion—birthdays, potlucks, or just a sweet treat after dinner.
• Dairy-Free Delight: Enjoy all the creaminess of traditional frosting without any dairy.
• Gluten-Free Option: Easily swap in gluten-free flour to cater to dietary needs.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into this delightful cake recipe, gather your tools to ensure a smooth baking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Stand mixer or hand mixer
• Three 8-inch cake pans
• Parchment paper

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients efficiently.
• Stand mixer or hand mixer: Helps achieve the perfect consistency for the batter and frosting without much effort.

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!

• 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
• 1 batch vegan cream cheese frosting

How to Make MOIST Vegan Carrot Cake Recipe with Cream Cheese Frosting

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line three 8-inch cake pans with cooking oil and parchment paper.

Step 2: Prepare the Vegan Buttermilk

Mix together the dairy-free milk with apple cider vinegar in a bowl to create the vegan buttermilk.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another large bowl, whisk together the following dry ingredients:
All-purpose flour or cake flour
Baking powder
Baking soda
Ground cinnamon
Ground ginger
Nutmeg
Cardamom
Sea salt

Step 4: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a separate large bowl, whisk together the melted vegan butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until well combined. Add in the dairy-free yogurt and vanilla extract. Mix until just combined.

Step 5: Create Batter

Gradually add in the dry mixture in increments while alternating with the vegan buttermilk. Be careful not to over-mix; stop once there are no dry streaks left. Gently fold in the grated carrots.

Step 6: Bake Cakes

Divide the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans. Bake for about 28–30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Step 7: Cool Cakes

Allow cakes to cool in their pans for 10 minutes before transferring them onto a cooling rack. Wait until they are completely cool before frosting.

Step 8: Prepare Frosting

In a mixing bowl, cream together vegan butter and vegan cream cheese. Gradually sift in powdered sugar while mixing until smooth. If needed, add dairy-free milk for desired consistency.

Step 9: Frost the Cake

Once cooled, apply about 1/3 cup of frosting between each layer of cake. Coat the sides generously with remaining frosting. For decorative piping on the sides, reserve some frosting and color it as desired.

Step 10: Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days or freeze for up to three months.

How to Serve MOIST Vegan Carrot Cake Recipe with Cream Cheese Frosting

Serving this MOIST Vegan Carrot Cake is just as delightful as making it. Whether it’s for a birthday, holiday, or simply a sweet treat, here are some fun ways to enjoy your cake.

Layered with Fresh Fruits

• Berries: Top each slice with fresh strawberries or blueberries for a burst of freshness.
• Banana Slices: Add thin slices of banana for extra sweetness and a lovely visual appeal.

Accompanied by Beverages

• Herbal Tea: A warm cup of chamomile or mint tea pairs beautifully with the spices in the cake.
• Coffee: Enjoy a slice with your morning brew; the flavors complement each other perfectly.

With Additional Toppings

• Nuts: Sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans on top of the frosting for a crunchy texture.
• Coconut Flakes: Add toasted coconut flakes for an exotic twist and added flavor.

How to Perfect MOIST Vegan Carrot Cake Recipe with Cream Cheese Frosting

Perfecting your MOIST Vegan Carrot Cake can elevate it from great to unforgettable. Here are some tips to ensure your cake turns out spectacular every time.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Always use fresh carrots and check expiration dates on your baking ingredients for the best flavor.
• Measure Carefully: Accurate measurements are key. Use a kitchen scale if possible to ensure precision, especially with flour.
• Don’t Overmix: Mix just until combined to avoid a dense texture. Overmixing can lead to tough cakes.
• Cool Completely Before Frosting: Allow layers to cool fully before applying frosting to prevent melting and slipping.
• Experiment with Spices: While cinnamon is classic, feel free to add more spices like allspice or cloves for an extra layer of flavor.
• Chill Your Frosting: If the cream cheese frosting is too soft, refrigerate it for 15-20 minutes before frosting the cake for better spreading consistency.

Best Side Dishes for MOIST Vegan Carrot Cake Recipe with Cream Cheese Frosting

Pairing side dishes with your delicious carrot cake can enhance its flavor profile. Here are some complementary options that go well with this dessert.

1. Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds brightness and balances the sweetness of the cake.
2. Vegan Ice Cream: A scoop of dairy-free vanilla ice cream provides a creamy contrast that makes each bite heavenly.
3. Spiced Chai Latte: The warm spices in chai perfectly match the flavors in carrot cake, creating a cozy experience.
4. Roasted Nuts: A bowl of mixed roasted nuts offers crunchiness and savory notes that complement the sweetness.
5. Veggie Sticks and Hummus: Lighten up dessert time with crunchy veggies and rich hummus—an unexpected but refreshing pairing.
6. Coconut Yogurt Parfait: Layer coconut yogurt with granola and fruit for another exciting dessert option alongside your cake.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making the MOIST Vegan Carrot Cake Recipe with Cream Cheese Frosting can be a breeze, but it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some tips to help you avoid them:

• Skipping the vegan buttermilk: This ingredient is crucial for moisture and flavor. Always combine dairy-free milk with apple cider vinegar for the best results.

• Overmixing the batter: Overmixing can lead to a dense cake. Mix just until combined; a few lumps are okay.

• Not letting the cake cool completely: Frosting a warm cake can cause the frosting to melt. Ensure your layers are completely cool before icing.

• Using cold ingredients: Room temperature ingredients mix better and create a fluffier texture. Always let your vegan butter and yogurt reach room temperature before use.

• Ignoring ingredient measurements: Accurate measuring is key in baking. Use a kitchen scale for precision when measuring flour and sugars.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store the frosted cake in an airtight container.
• It will last for up to 4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing MOIST Vegan Carrot Cake Recipe with Cream Cheese Frosting

• Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap, then place in an airtight container.
• The cake can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating MOIST Vegan Carrot Cake Recipe with Cream Cheese Frosting

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm slices for about 10 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for about 20-30 seconds or until warm.
• Stovetop: Place slices in a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm gently for a few minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes this carrot cake vegan?

This recipe uses no eggs or dairy, relying instead on vegan butter, dairy-free yogurt, and vegan buttermilk for moisture and flavor.

Can I make this MOIST Vegan Carrot Cake Recipe with Cream Cheese Frosting gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute all-purpose flour with a certified gluten-free flour blend to enjoy this delicious cake gluten-free.

How do I know when my carrot cake is ready?

Insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, your cake is done baking.

Can I customize this carrot cake recipe?

Absolutely! You can add nuts, raisins, or even pineapple for extra flavor and texture. Experiment with spices like allspice or clove too!

Final Thoughts

This MOIST Vegan Carrot Cake Recipe with Cream Cheese Frosting is not only delicious but also versatile. Perfect for any occasion, it appeals to vegans and non-vegans alike. Feel free to customize it by adding nuts or different spices to make it your own. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy the delightful flavors!