MOIST Vegan Carrot Cake Recipe with Cream Cheese Frosting

This MOIST Vegan Carrot Cake Recipe with Cream Cheese Frosting is a delightful treat that everyone will love, even those who aren’t vegan! Perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or just a cozy afternoon snack, this cake is easy to make and bursting with flavor. It’s a wholesome dessert that does not compromise on taste and is topped with a rich, creamy frosting. You’ll want to keep this recipe handy!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Crowd-Pleaser: Even non-vegans rave about this cake!
• One-Bowl Wonder: Minimal cleanup means more time to enjoy your dessert.
• Easily Adaptable: Make it gluten-free by using the right flour.
• Moist & Flavorful: Grated carrots and spices create an irresistible moist texture.
• Customizable Frosting: Decorate with vibrant colors to match any occasion.

Tools and Preparation

To create your MOIST Vegan Carrot Cake, you’ll need some essential tools. These will help streamline the baking process and ensure perfect results.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer or hand mixer
• Three 8-inch cake pans
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Rubber spatula
• Cooling rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer or hand mixer: Makes blending ingredients quick and effortless for a smooth batter.
• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining wet and dry ingredients separately before mixing.
• Cooling rack: Allows cakes to cool evenly, preventing sogginess.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need for the MOIST Vegan Carrot 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
• 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 (175°C). Line three 8-inch cake pans with cooking oil and parchment paper. Prepare your grated carrots and mix the dairy-free milk with apple cider vinegar to create the vegan buttermilk.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

You can add all dry ingredients at once; however, if you prefer, pre-mix them:
In a large bowl, whisk together:
– Flour
– Baking powder
– Baking soda
– Ground cinnamon
– Ground ginger
– Nutmeg
– Cardamom
– Sea salt

Step 3: Make the Batter

In another large bowl:
1. Whisk together the melted vegan butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until combined.
2. Add in the dairy-free yogurt and vanilla extract, mixing just until combined.
3. Gradually add the dry ingredients in about three increments while alternating with pouring in the vegan buttermilk.
4. Be careful not to overmix; fold in the grated carrots gently until no dry streaks remain.

Step 4: Bake the Cakes

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

Step 5: Cool the Cakes

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

Step 6: Prepare the Frosting

In a large bowl:
1. Cream together vegan butter and cream cheese using a stand mixer or hand mixer.
2. Gradually sift in powdered sugar in increments of one cup while mixing until combined.
3. If needed, add 1–2 tablespoons of dairy-free milk for a smoother texture.

Step 7: Frost the Cake

Apply about one-third cup of frosting between each layer of cake. Coat the sides evenly too. For decoration, reserve some frosting colored orange for carrots and green for leaves if desired.

Step 8: Store Leftovers

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

Enjoy creating this delicious MOIST Vegan Carrot Cake Recipe with Cream Cheese Frosting!

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. Whether it’s a birthday party, a family gathering, or just a cozy dessert night, here are some delightful ways to enjoy this cake.

Classic Slice

• Serve generous slices topped with a dollop of extra cream cheese frosting for that lush finish.

Accompanying Tea or Coffee

• Pair the cake with a warm cup of tea or coffee to enhance the flavors and create a comforting atmosphere.

Layered Dessert Cups

• Crumble layers of cake in dessert cups, alternating with frosting for an elegant presentation that’s perfect for gatherings.

Seasonal Fruit Garnish

• Add fresh seasonal fruits like berries or citrus slices on the side to brighten the plate and add freshness.

Ice Cream Delight

• Serve alongside a scoop of vegan vanilla ice cream for a decadent treat that melts in your mouth.

Festive Decorations

• Garnish the top with crushed nuts or edible flowers for a stunning display that impresses guests.

Remember it later

Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!

PIN IT NOW!

Pin for later!

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

To achieve the best results with your MOIST Vegan Carrot Cake Recipe with Cream Cheese Frosting, keep these tips in mind:

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh carrots and high-quality vegan butter will enhance flavor and moisture.
• Measure Flour Accurately: Spoon flour into measuring cups instead of scooping to avoid dense cake.
• Don’t Overmix: Mix just until combined to keep the cake light and fluffy.
• Cool Completely: Ensure cakes are fully cooled before frosting to prevent melting and sliding.
• Experiment with Spices: Adjust spices according to taste for a personalized flavor profile.
• Store Properly: Keep leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate for optimal freshness.

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

Pair your delicious MOIST Vegan Carrot Cake Recipe with Cream Cheese Frosting with these delightful side dishes that complement its flavors:

1. Vegan Chia Pudding: A light and healthy option that adds creaminess without overpowering the cake’s flavor.
2. Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits balances the sweetness of the cake perfectly.
3. Roasted Nuts: Crunchy roasted almonds or walnuts provide texture and contrast against the soft cake.
4. Coconut Whipped Cream: A light, airy topping that complements the richness of the carrot cake wonderfully.
5. Herbed Quinoa Salad: This savory side dish offers a nutritious complement to the sweet flavors of the cake.
6. Vegan Cheesecake Bites: For those who love desserts, these bites are an excellent way to continue indulging after carrot cake.
7. Stuffed Dates: Sweet dates filled with nut butter make for a satisfying finger food next to your dessert.
8. Savory Hummus Platter: Enjoy a spread of hummus and veggies as an appetizer before diving into dessert.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making the MOIST Vegan Carrot Cake Recipe with Cream Cheese Frosting, it’s easy to overlook some details. Here are common mistakes to avoid for the best results.

• Not measuring ingredients accurately: Always use precise measurements for flour and sugar to ensure the right texture and flavor.
• Using cold ingredients: Make sure your vegan buttermilk and dairy-free yogurt are at room temperature before mixing. This helps in achieving a well-blended batter.
• Overmixing the batter: Mixing too much can lead to a dense cake. Stir just until combined, leaving no dry streaks.
• Not cooling the cakes completely: Be patient and allow the cakes to cool entirely before frosting. This prevents the frosting from melting.
• Skipping the parchment paper: Lining your cake pans with parchment paper prevents sticking and makes for an easier release.

Remember it later

Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!

PIN IT NOW!

Pin for later!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover cake in an airtight container.
• It will keep well for up to 4 days in the fridge.

Freezing MOIST Vegan Carrot Cake Recipe with Cream Cheese Frosting

• Wrap slices of cake tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.

Reheating MOIST Vegan Carrot Cake Recipe with Cream Cheese Frosting

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F, cover with foil, and heat for about 10-15 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat individual slices for about 20-30 seconds.
• Stovetop: Use a non-stick skillet on low heat, cover, and warm for a few minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes this carrot cake vegan?

This recipe uses plant-based ingredients such as vegan butter, dairy-free yogurt, and vegan buttermilk instead of eggs or dairy products.

Can I make this MOIST Vegan Carrot Cake Recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blends designed for baking. Ensure other ingredients are also gluten-free.

How do I achieve the perfect cream cheese frosting?

To make a smooth frosting, cream together vegan butter and cream cheese thoroughly before adding powdered sugar gradually.

Can I customize the recipe?

Absolutely! You can add nuts, raisins, or spices according to your taste preferences. Feel free to experiment!

How long does it take to prepare this recipe?

The prep time is about 15 minutes, while it takes approximately 30 minutes to bake. In total, you will need around 45 minutes.

Final Thoughts

This MOIST Vegan Carrot Cake Recipe with Cream Cheese Frosting is not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize it with your favorite add-ins or toppings. Try this recipe today; it’s sure to be a hit at your next gathering!