MOIST Vegan Carrot Cake Recipe with Cream Cheese Frosting

This MOIST Vegan Carrot Cake Recipe with Cream Cheese Frosting is a true delight that will impress everyone, even those who aren’t vegan. With no eggs or dairy, this cake is created in just one bowl and can easily be made gluten-free. Its rich flavors and creamy frosting make it perfect for birthdays, holidays, or any special occasion. Get ready to savor the best carrot cake you’ve ever tasted!

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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: Prepare Vegan Buttermilk
• Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
• Step 4: Mix Wet Ingredients
• Step 5: Combine Dry & Wet Mixtures
• Step 6: Bake The Cakes
• Step 7: Cool The Cakes
• Step 8: Prepare The Frosting
• Step 9: Frost The Cake
• Step 10: Store Leftovers
• How to Serve MOIST Vegan Carrot Cake Recipe with Cream Cheese Frosting
• Classic Slice
• With Fresh Fruit
• Ice Cream Scoop
• Coffee Pairing
• Decorative Plating
• 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
• Can I make this cake gluten-free?
• How do I ensure my vegan cream cheese frosting is perfect?
• What toppings can I use besides cream cheese frosting?
• How long will this carrot cake last in the fridge?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Deliciously Moist: This vegan carrot cake stays moist and flavorful thanks to the combination of grated carrots and dairy-free yogurt.
• Simple Preparation: Made in just one bowl, this recipe minimizes cleanup and maximizes flavor.
• Versatile for All Occasions: Perfect for celebrations, gatherings, or a cozy dessert at home—this cake fits any event.
• Dairy-Free Delight: The creamy frosting is completely dairy-free, making it suitable for those with lactose intolerance or dietary restrictions.
• Customizable: Feel free to add nuts or dried fruits to the batter for extra texture and flavor.

Tools and Preparation

Before you dive into making this delicious cake, gather your tools and prepare your workspace. Having everything ready will make the baking process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing Bowls: Essential for combining ingredients without making a mess. Use larger bowls for easy mixing.
• Stand Mixer or Hand Mixer: Helps achieve a light and fluffy frosting quickly, saving you time and 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!

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 (175°C). Line three 8-inch cake pans with cooking oil and parchment paper.

Step 2: Prepare Vegan Buttermilk

Grate the carrots finely. In a small bowl, mix together the dairy-free milk with apple cider vinegar to create your vegan buttermilk.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together all dry ingredients such as flour, spices, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.

Step 4: Mix Wet Ingredients

In another large bowl, whisk together the melted vegan butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, dairy-free yogurt, and vanilla extract until thoroughly mixed.

Step 5: Combine Dry & Wet Mixtures

Gradually fold in the dry ingredients into the wet mixture in increments while alternating with the vegan buttermilk. Mix until just combined—avoid overmixing! Finally, fold in grated carrots gently.

Step 6: Bake The Cakes

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

Step 7: Cool The Cakes

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

Step 8: Prepare The Frosting

In a stand mixer or using a hand mixer, cream together vegan butter and cream cheese until smooth. Gradually sift in powdered sugar while mixing until you reach a creamy consistency. Add dairy-free milk if needed.

Step 9: Frost The Cake

Once cakes are cool, frost between layers using about 1/3 cup of frosting per layer. Cover the sides of the cake generously with remaining frosting.

Step 10: 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 your homemade 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 the dessert experience. Here are some fun and creative suggestions for presenting this delicious cake.

Classic Slice

• Serve a generous slice of the carrot cake topped with a dollop of extra cream cheese frosting for those who love a rich treat.

With Fresh Fruit

• Pair the cake with fresh fruits such as berries or sliced oranges to add a refreshing contrast to the sweet, dense cake.

Ice Cream Scoop

• Add a scoop of vegan vanilla ice cream on the side for an indulgent twist that brings together warmth and cold.

Coffee Pairing

• Serve alongside a cup of your favorite vegan coffee or latte to complement the spices in the carrot cake.

Decorative Plating

• Garnish each slice with a sprinkle of chopped nuts or edible flowers for an elegant presentation.

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

To achieve the perfect MOIST Vegan Carrot Cake Recipe with Cream Cheese Frosting, consider these helpful tips:

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Ensure your carrots are fresh and finely grated. This will enhance both flavor and moisture in the cake.

• Measure Ingredients Accurately: Use a kitchen scale for more precise measurements, especially for flour and sugars, which can affect texture.

• Don’t Overmix: Mix just until combined when adding wet and dry ingredients. Overmixing can lead to a denser cake.

• Cool Completely Before Frosting: Allow the cakes to cool completely before applying frosting to prevent melting and sliding.

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

Complement your MOIST Vegan Carrot Cake Recipe with Cream Cheese Frosting with these delightful side dishes that enhance its flavors.

1. Coconut Whipped Cream: A light and airy topping that adds sweetness without overwhelming the cake’s flavors.

2. Chia Seed Pudding: A creamy, nutritious option that provides a healthy contrast to the richness of the carrot cake.

3. Fruit Salad: A colorful mix of seasonal fruits that refreshes your palate between bites of sweet cake.

4. Vegan Cheesecake Bites: Mini desserts that offer a tangy flavor profile which pairs well with carrot cake’s spices.

5. Almond Butter Toasts: Crunchy toast topped with almond butter adds texture and nutty flavor, complementing the moistness of the cake.

6. Herbal Tea Selection: A warm herbal tea can provide soothing notes that balance out the sweetness of the dessert.

7. Pecan Pie Bars: These bars add a delightful crunch and sweetness that’s perfect alongside slices of carrot cake.

8. Savory Veggie Platter: Crisp vegetables like carrots, celery, and bell peppers serve as a crunchy counterpoint to the sweet cake.

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 and how to avoid them:

• Not Grating the Carrots Properly: Make sure to grate the carrots finely. This ensures they blend well into the batter and contribute moisture without large chunks.

• Skipping the Vegan Buttermilk: Don’t forget to make the vegan buttermilk! Mixing dairy-free milk with apple cider vinegar is essential for proper texture and flavor.

• Overmixing the Batter: Avoid overmixing after adding the dry ingredients. This can lead to a dense cake instead of a light and fluffy one.

• Frosting While Hot: Allow your cakes to cool fully before frosting. Frosting on warm cakes can cause the frosting to melt and slide off.

• Not Measuring Ingredients Accurately: Precision is key in baking. Use a kitchen scale or measuring cups for accuracy, especially with flour and sugars.

• Ignoring Storage Guidelines: Be mindful of how you store leftovers. Improper storage can affect freshness and taste.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover cake in an airtight container.
• It will stay fresh for up to 4 days.

Freezing MOIST Vegan Carrot Cake Recipe with Cream Cheese Frosting

• Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap.
• Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.

Reheating MOIST Vegan Carrot Cake Recipe with Cream Cheese Frosting

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F, place cake slices on a baking sheet, and heat for about 10 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat individual slices on a microwave-safe plate for about 20-30 seconds.
• Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm each slice gently for a few minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about the MOIST Vegan Carrot Cake Recipe with Cream Cheese Frosting that might help you:

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blends for a delicious gluten-free version of this recipe.

How do I ensure my vegan cream cheese frosting is perfect?

To achieve a smooth texture, beat your vegan cream cheese and butter thoroughly before adding powdered sugar gradually.

What toppings can I use besides cream cheese frosting?

Consider using chopped nuts, shredded coconut, or even fresh fruit as delightful toppings that complement your cake’s flavors!

How long will this carrot cake last in the fridge?

The cake will stay fresh in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Final Thoughts

This MOIST Vegan Carrot Cake Recipe with Cream Cheese Frosting is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can easily customize it by adding nuts or raisins or adjusting spices according to your preference. Don’t hesitate to try this recipe; it’s bound to become a beloved treat at any gathering!