Home All Vegan Recipes Vegan Carrot Cake – Watch Learn Eat

Vegan Carrot Cake – Watch Learn Eat

July 21, 2023

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This vegan carrot cake is classic, timeless and so delicious! After years of baking this cake for family and friends, I finally added it to this site. This is a beloved family favorite! This cake is moist, soft, airy and pleasant. My family looks forward to this homemade cake every Easter!

This vegan carrot cake recipe is spiced with heat, cozy and so delicious! The texture is soft, airy and moist. The classic flavors are so delicious and satisfying. Make this cake for birthdays, Easter, Mother’s Day and other fun occasions!

preparation time 20 subtlety

Cooking time 30 subtlety

Total time 50 subtlety

Why you’ll love this recipe

This vegan carrot cake is easy to make!
Mix the cake batter together in one mixing bowl.
It omits eggs and dairy products, which makes it lower cholesterol and saturated fat.
The carrot adds nutrients, vitamins and minerals.
This recipe is great for those with allergies.
It is naturally vegan, without eggs and without dairy products. You are welcome to use gluten-free flour to make a gluten-free vegan carrot cake.
Just like the traditional version, this cake is spiced with warmth and so comforting!
Check it Vegan chocolate cake For another favorite dessert recipe.

Ingredients you will need

Get all the details on these simple ingredients in the vegan carrot cake Recipe card at the bottom of the post.

Finely grate the carrot. In addition, they are grated fresh. This makes the cake extra moist!

Use all-purpose or gluten-free flour. Both work well. For a paleo version, check this out Almond flour carrot cake!

Granulated sugar adds sweetness. I have not tried this recipe using keto sweetener or coconut sugar. Coconut sugar should work well.

Unsweetened applesauce replaces the eggs. In addition, it adds natural sweetness.

Vegetable oil replaces the need for butter. You are welcome to use avocado oil or olive oil with a light taste. Furthermore, melted coconut oil works well.

Non-dairy milk adds moisture. It also helps to thin out the cake batter. To keep this recipe nut-free, use oat milk.

Vanilla extract adds a classic home flavor.

Both baking powder and baking soda help whip up this vegan carrot cake.

Cinnamon and nutmeg add warmth. You are welcome to slightly adjust these amounts to your personal preference.

Finally, add a pinch of sea salt to the cake batter. It helps balance the sweetness.

For the coating, use softened vegan cream cheese and softened butter. They bond together much easier if they are at room temperature.

After that, powdered sugar adds the creaminess.

Vanilla extract gives it a delicious taste!

Decorate the baked cake with chopped nuts if desired.

taste and texture

Vegan carrot cake maintains the special moist and soft texture of the signature recipe. The vegan cream cheese frosting is silky smooth and creamy!

The mixture of aromatic spices such as cinnamon and nutmeg give each bite a warm and comforting taste.

This vegan carrot cake is absolutely sweet. It’s not too sweet. The natural sweetness from the carrots and applesauce add the most delicious taste.

How to Make

Level 1

First, preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Lightly grease two 8-inch round cake pans.

level2

In a large mixing bowl, mix the grated carrot, flour, sugar, applesauce, oil, milk and vanilla. Mix until a uniform mixture is obtained.

Step 3

Then, add the baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt to the bowl. Mix until fully incorporated.

Step 4

Divide the batter evenly between the two greased cake pans. Smooth the top with a spatula.

Two round cake pans with carrot cake batter.

Step 5

Bake in a preheated oven for 30 to 33 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center of the cake comes out clean.

Step 6

Take the cakes out of the oven. Let them cool for 10 minutes. After that, transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 7

While the cakes are cooling, prepare the frosting. Beat the vegan cream cheese and the vegan butter in a mixer bowl until creamy.

Step 8

Gradually add the powdered sugar to the bowl, and mix well after each addition. Continue whipping until the frosting is light and airy.

Step 9

Mix in the vanilla until a uniform mixture is obtained.

Step 10

After the cakes have cooled completely, place one layer on a serving plate or cake stand. Spread a generous layer of frosting evenly on top of the cake.

Step 11

Carefully place the second cake layer on top. Then, spread the rest of the frosting on the top and sides of the cake.

Step 12

Sprinkle chopped nuts on top of the vegan carrot cake if desired.

Step 13

Finally, slice and serve!

Top tips

Grate the carrot finely for a smoother texture in the cake.

Sieve the dry ingredients to ensure uniform distribution and a lighter crumb.

Do not overmix the batter. Gently fold the ingredients until they come together to avoid a dense cake.

Toast the nuts before adding them to the top for a nuttier, richer flavor profile.

Vegan cream cheese frosting

A classic vegan cream cheese frosting is a great choice to elevate your carrot cake!

Make sure the ingredients are full cream. Use room temperature cream cheese and room temperature butter. Otherwise, they will not join completely.

My favorite vegan cream cheese brands are Daiya, So Delicious and Kee Hill. I buy and use these brands regularly.

Flavor variations and toppings

While this vegan carrot cake is already a hit, feel free to get creative and add your own personal touch with these delicious variations and toppings.

Zesty twist: combine a spoonful of orange zest or lemon zest into the batter for a citrus punch.
Nut goodness: Mix in chopped pecans, walnuts or almonds to add a delightful crunch to the cake. You can add them straight into the cake batter or add them on top.
Pineapple Paradise: Add crushed pineapple for a tropical twist that complements the natural sweetness of carrots. This will affect the overall moisture in the cake. I recommend using half a cup of crushed pineapple and reducing the milk to only 2 tablespoons.
Raisin Magic: If you’re a raisin lover, throw a handful into the batter for a burst of chewy flavor.
Tropical touch: add some coconut flakes to the cake batter. It adds delicious flavor!

Common questions

What is a vegan carrot cake made of?

Vegan carrot cake made from traditional cake ingredients such as flour, sugar, baking powder and baking soda. Instead of eggs and butter, this recipe uses oil and applesauce.

Is carrot cake the healthiest cake?

Carrot cake contains vegetables, unlike most cakes. However, it does contain the usual amount of sugar and icing.

Does it taste like carrots?

No, this cake does not have a strong carrot flavor. It has a delicious warm cinnamon flavor.

Can you make it gluten free?

Sure! Replace the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour. Bob’s Red Mill and King Arthur Flour are my favorite choices for gluten free flour.

Can I make cupcakes or muffins?

Sure! Use a muffin tin. Lined with paper liners. Bake for only 15 to 18 minutes. Frosting is added to the cupcakes. For muffins, omit the frosting.

Can you make a cake without eggs?

Yes, you can make a cake without eggs. This vegan cake uses applesauce and oil instead.

dose

Serve this vegan carrot cake in generous slices with a cup of hot tea or coffee. This is a favorite treat for gatherings, birthdays, or any event worth celebrating.

storage

To store the leftovers, keep the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate the cake and ensure it stays delicious for up to a week.

Equipment needed

8 inch cake pans: These cake pans are perfect for this recipe!

KitchenAid stand mixer: I love this stand mixer for creaming frosting.

hand mixer: This manual mixer is easy to use and convenient.

Pyrex 3 glass mixing bowls: These are my favorite mixing bowls for any baking I do.

Pyrex glass measuring cups: Use the glass measuring cups to measure the cake ingredients.

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