MOIST Vegan Carrot Cake Recipe with Cream Cheese Frosting

This MOIST Vegan Carrot Cake Recipe with Cream Cheese Frosting is a delightful dessert that satisfies both vegans and non-vegans alike. It’s perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or just a cozy afternoon treat. What makes this cake stand out is its rich flavor profile and the creamy vegan cream cheese frosting that elevates it to another level. Plus, with no eggs or dairy, it’s an easy choice for those following a plant-based lifestyle. You’ll love how simple and delicious this cake can be!

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Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• For the Cake
• For the Frosting
• How to Make MOIST Vegan Carrot Cake Recipe with Cream Cheese Frosting
• Step 1: Preheat the Oven
• Step 2: Mix Vegan Buttermilk
• Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
• Step 4: Prepare the Batter
• Step 5: Bake the Cakes
• Step 6: Make Vegan Cream Cheese Frosting
• Step 7: Frost Your Cake
• Step 8: Store Leftovers
• How to Serve MOIST Vegan Carrot Cake Recipe with Cream Cheese Frosting
• A Classic Slice
• With Fresh Fruit
• Ice Cream Delight
• Coffee or Tea Pairing
• Garnish with Nuts
• How to Perfect MOIST Vegan Carrot Cake Recipe with Cream Cheese Frosting
• Best Side Dishes for MOIST Vegan Carrot Cake Recipe with Cream Cheese Frosting
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storage & Reheating Instructions
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing MOIST Vegan Carrot Cake Recipe with Cream Cheese Frosting
• Reheating MOIST Vegan Carrot Cake Recipe with Cream Cheese Frosting
• Frequently Asked Questions
• How do I make the MOIST Vegan Carrot Cake Recipe with Cream Cheese Frosting gluten-free?
• Can I use different sugars in this vegan carrot cake?
• What can I use instead of vegan butter?
• How long does it take to make the MOIST Vegan Carrot Cake Recipe with Cream Cheese Frosting?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: This recipe uses just one bowl, making preparation quick and hassle-free.
• Deliciously Flavored: The combination of spices and fresh carrots creates a cake that’s bursting with flavor.
• Versatile for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a party or a casual gathering, this cake impresses every time.
• Dairy-Free Delight: Enjoy the creamy texture without dairy thanks to the vegan cream cheese frosting.
• Crowd Favorite: Even non-vegan friends will love this moist carrot cake!

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking, gather your tools to ensure a smooth cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer or hand mixer
• Large mixing bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Three 8-inch round cake pans
• Parchment paper
• Cooling rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer or hand mixer: Makes creaming the butter and sugar effortless, ensuring a fluffy batter.
• Large mixing bowl: Provides enough space to mix ingredients without mess.
• Cake pans: Ensure even baking; three pans allow for layering and frosting easily.

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. Prepare three 8-inch cake pans by greasing them with cooking oil and lining them with parchment paper.

Step 2: Mix Vegan Buttermilk

In a small bowl, combine the dairy-free milk with apple cider vinegar to create your vegan buttermilk. Let it sit while you prepare other ingredients.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl:
1. Whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, spices, and sea salt until well combined.

Step 4: Prepare the Batter

In another large mixing bowl:
1. Whisk together the melted vegan butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar until smooth.
2. Add in the dairy-free yogurt and vanilla extract; mix just until combined.
3. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients along with the vegan buttermilk in increments until there are no dry streaks left.
4. Gently fold in the grated carrots.

Step 5: Bake the Cakes

Divide the batter evenly among the prepared cake pans:
1. Bake for about 28-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
2. Allow cakes to cool in their pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to cooling racks.

Step 6: Make Vegan Cream Cheese Frosting

In a stand mixer or using a hand mixer:
1. Cream together the softened vegan butter and cream cheese until smooth.
2. Gradually sift in powdered sugar while beating until well combined; add dairy-free milk if needed for consistency.

Step 7: Frost Your Cake

Once cakes are completely cool:
1. Spread about 1/3 cup of frosting between each layer before coating the sides of the entire cake.
2. If desired, reserve some frosting for piping decorations such as carrots on top.

Step 8: Store Leftovers

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

Enjoy this delicious MOIST Vegan Carrot Cake Recipe with Cream Cheese Frosting at your next gathering!

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

Serving your MOIST Vegan Carrot Cake Recipe with Cream Cheese Frosting can make all the difference in creating a delightful experience for your guests. Here are some creative serving suggestions to enhance your cake presentation and flavor.

A Classic Slice

• Serve a generous slice of carrot cake topped with a dollop of extra cream cheese frosting for that classic indulgence.

With Fresh Fruit

• Pair your carrot cake with fresh fruit like strawberries or blueberries. The tartness of the berries will complement the sweetness of the cake beautifully.

Ice Cream Delight

• Add a scoop of dairy-free vanilla ice cream on the side for a rich and creamy contrast to the moistness of the cake.

Coffee or Tea Pairing

• Serve alongside a steaming cup of coffee or herbal tea. The warm beverages will balance out the sweetness and spices in the cake perfectly.

Garnish with Nuts

• Sprinkle chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans on top of your frosted cake for an added crunch and nutty flavor that enhances each bite.

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

To ensure you achieve the best results with this recipe, here are some helpful tips that will elevate your baking game.

• Use Fresh Carrots: Freshly grated carrots yield more moisture and better flavor than pre-packaged options.
• Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure all your ingredients are at room temperature before mixing. This helps create a smoother batter.
• Don’t Overmix: Mix just until combined to keep the cake light and fluffy. Overmixing can lead to denser texture.
• Cool Completely: Allow cakes to cool fully before frosting. This prevents melting and sliding of your cream cheese frosting.

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

Pairing side dishes with your MOIST Vegan Carrot Cake Recipe with Cream Cheese Frosting can enhance your dessert experience. Here are some excellent options to consider:

1. Coconut Macaroons: Chewy and sweet, these treats complement the flavors in carrot cake well.
2. Vegan Chocolate Mousse: Rich and creamy, this chocolate dessert provides a delicious contrast to the spiced carrot flavor.
3. Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits can cleanse the palate after enjoying a slice of cake.
4. Almond Biscotti: Crunchy and flavorful, biscotti adds a delightful textural contrast when enjoyed alongside the soft cake.
5. Vegan Cheesecake Bites: These mini cheesecakes provide another layer of sweetness while remaining vegan-friendly.
6. Chia Seed Pudding: Light yet satisfying, chia pudding offers a nutritious side that pairs nicely with dessert without overwhelming it.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking can be tricky, especially when making a MOIST Vegan Carrot Cake Recipe with Cream Cheese Frosting. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for:

• Not measuring accurately: Always measure your ingredients carefully. Using too much flour can dry out the cake, while too little will affect its structure.
• Overmixing the batter: Be gentle when mixing. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake instead of a light and fluffy one.
• Skipping the cooling stage: Allow your cakes to cool completely before frosting. This prevents the frosting from melting and ensures a beautiful finish.
• Using cold ingredients: Make sure your vegan buttermilk and yogurt are at room temperature. Cold ingredients can hinder proper mixing and affect the cake’s rise.
• Not checking for doneness: Always test your cakes with a toothpick. If it comes out clean, your cakes are ready; if not, give them more time in the oven.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover slices in an airtight container.
• Keep in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Freezing MOIST Vegan Carrot Cake Recipe with Cream Cheese Frosting

• Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap.
• Place them in a freezer-safe container or bag.
• Freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating MOIST Vegan Carrot Cake Recipe with Cream Cheese Frosting

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and reheat slices for about 10-15 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat individual slices for 20-30 seconds until warmed through.
• Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat, covering it to warm slices gently for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making this delicious cake.

How do I make the MOIST Vegan Carrot Cake Recipe with Cream Cheese Frosting gluten-free?

You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend, ensuring it has xanthan gum for better texture.

Can I use different sugars in this vegan carrot cake?

Yes! You can use coconut sugar or any granulated sugar of your choice as a substitute for granulated or brown sugar.

What can I use instead of vegan butter?

You can use neutral oil or homemade vegan butter as an alternative if you prefer.

How long does it take to make the MOIST Vegan Carrot Cake Recipe with Cream Cheese Frosting?

The total time is around 45 minutes, including prep and cooking times.

Final Thoughts

This MOIST Vegan Carrot Cake Recipe with Cream Cheese Frosting is not just a dessert; it’s a delightful experience that everyone will love. With its rich flavors and customizable options, you can add nuts or dried fruits to match your taste. Give it a try and enjoy its heavenly taste!