Vegan-Carrot-Cake-169

Delicious Vegan Carrot Cake Recipe with Dairy-Free Frosting

Welcome to Our Vegan Carrot Cake Journey! 🍰

Hello, fellow baking enthusiasts! We’re excited to share one of our all-time favorite desserts with you today: Vegan Carrot Cake with a luscious dairy-free frosting. This cake isn’t just a treat; it’s a celebration of flavors that even non-vegans will adore!

Carrot cake has always held a special place in our hearts. Traditionally, it’s a cake that feels a bit healthier (thanks, carrots!), and our vegan version takes that to the next level. This recipe started as a family favorite that we tweaked over time, removing dairy and eggs to embrace a plant-based lifestyle without sacrificing any of the moistness or flavor.

The Inspiration Behind the Cake 🥕

Our love for carrot cake goes way back. It was the first cake we learned to bake together when we started our culinary journey. Inspired by a classic recipe from an old family cookbook, we were determined to recreate it with vegan ingredients, ensuring everyone at our table could enjoy a slice.

Adjusting the recipe meant several trial runs (and a few funny fails), but every test batch brought us closer to perfection. The result? A moist, perfectly spiced cake that’s now a request at every family gathering!

Why Vegan? 🌿

Choosing to go vegan was a significant step for us, driven by health, ethical, and environmental reasons. Every recipe we adapt or create is a testament to our commitment to this lifestyle. Making a vegan carrot cake that rivals traditional versions felt like a challenge at first, but it’s been a rewarding adventure.

This cake uses simple, wholesome ingredients like fresh carrots, applesauce, and almond milk. These not only add to the cake’s moist texture but also its nutritional profile—making it a guilt-free indulgence!

The Secret to Moistness 😊

The secret to the irresistible moistness of this cake lies in the applesauce and oil combination. Applesauce is a fantastic egg substitute that adds moisture without the heaviness. Plus, it’s a healthier alternative to more traditional cake ingredients.

We recommend using unsweetened applesauce to control the sweetness of the cake, allowing the natural flavors of the spices and carrots to shine through.

Let’s Talk Frosting! 🎂

No carrot cake is complete without creamy frosting, and our dairy-free version is no exception. Made with vegan cream cheese and butter, this frosting is so good it might just steal the show. We’ve had friends (vegan and otherwise) ask for this frosting recipe more times than we can count!

When frosting the cake, make sure it’s completely cooled, so the frosting stays put and looks as good as it tastes.

Serving and Storing 🍴

Carrot cake is delightful year-round, but we find it especially perfect for spring gatherings and summer picnics. It pairs beautifully with a cup of tea or a cold glass of almond milk.

Store any leftovers (a rare occurrence in our house!) in an airtight container in the fridge. It stays delicious for up to 5 days, not that it ever lasts that long!

Join the Fun!

We hope this recipe brings as much joy to your kitchen as it has to ours. Baking and sharing food is a powerful way to connect with others and express creativity. We’d love to hear how your vegan carrot cake turns out, so please leave a comment, share your thoughts, and spread the cake love!

Indulge in the perfect blend of sweetness and spice with our Vegan Carrot Cake recipe, topped with a creamy dairy-free frosting. This moist, flavorful cake is packed with fresh carrots and natural ingredients, ideal for health-conscious dessert lovers. Easy to make and utterly irresistible!
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Bakery, Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 8
Calories 500 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the Cake:

  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 1/4 cup almond milk
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 tsp ground ginger
  • 2 cups grated carrots
  • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts optional
  • 1/2 cup raisins optional

For the Frosting:

  • 1/2 cup vegan cream cheese softened
  • 1/4 cup vegan butter softened
  • 2 cups powdered sugar sifted
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the Oven and Prepare Pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch cake pans.
  • Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.
  • Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, mix the sugar, applesauce, vegetable oil, and almond milk until well combined.
  • Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Add the wet mixture to the dry mixture and stir until just combined. Fold in the grated carrots, walnuts, and raisins.
  • Bake the Cake: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans. Bake for about 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  • Make the Frosting: While the cake cools, beat together the vegan cream cheese, vegan butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
  • Assemble the Cake: Once the cakes are completely cool, spread frosting on the top of one cake layer, place the second layer on top, and frost the top and sides of the cake.
  • Decorate: Optionally, sprinkle some chopped walnuts or cinnamon on top for decoration.

Notes

  • Allergy Info: This recipe contains nuts (walnuts) and wheat. Nuts are optional, and a gluten-free flour blend can be substituted for all-purpose flour if needed.
  • Storage: Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
  • Serving Suggestion: Serve this cake as is or with a dollop of vegan ice cream for added indulgence.
Keyword dairy-free frosting, easy vegan dessert, healthy cake recipe, moist carrot cake, vegan carrot cake

Frequently Asked Questions About Our Vegan Carrot Cake

🥕 Can I Make This Cake Gluten-Free?
Absolutely! You can easily substitute the all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free flour blend. Just keep an eye on the batter consistency and adjust with a little extra almond milk if it seems too thick.

🍰 Does the Cake Need to Be Refrigerated?
Yes, due to the vegan cream cheese frosting, it’s best to store your carrot cake in the refrigerator. It helps maintain the freshness and the stability of the frosting, especially in warmer climates.

🌿 Can I Use a Different Type of Oil?
Certainly! While we use vegetable oil for its neutral flavor, you can use any mild-flavored oil like canola or even melted coconut oil for a hint of coconut taste.

🍪 Can I Add Other Ingredients to the Batter?
Feel free to get creative! You can stir in nuts, like pecans or walnuts, or even mix in some shredded coconut or pineapple chunks for a tropical twist.

🎂 How Can I Make the Frosting Extra Creamy?
To ensure your frosting is creamy and smooth, make sure both the vegan cream cheese and vegan butter are at room temperature before mixing. Also, beat them well until the mixture is light and fluffy before adding the powdered sugar.

🧁 Is There a Cupcake Version of This Recipe?
Yes, you can make cupcakes! Just divide the batter among lined muffin tins and bake for about 18-20 minutes. The same frosting can be used to top them once they’ve cooled.

🍊 Can I Flavor the Cake with Orange or Lemon?
Adding citrus zest is a fantastic idea to bring a bright, fresh flavor to the cake. Mix the zest of one orange or lemon into the batter for a delightful twist.

💬 Have More Questions?
We love to engage with our baking community! Drop us a comment below or reach out on our social media platforms. We’re excited to hear about your baking adventures and see your beautiful carrot cakes!

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