If you’ve been searching for a soul-soothing dessert that brings together vibrant flavors and wonderfully tender texture, your hunt ends here. This Moist Vegan Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is a delightful celebration of warmth and sweetness, with grated carrots, fragrant spices, and a luscious plant-based frosting that feels indulgent without any dairy. It’s the kind of cake that hugs your taste buds and leaves you smiling long after the last bite. Perfect for gatherings or a special treat, this recipe combines simplicity and sophistication in a way that’s bound to become your new favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays a starring role, from the fresh carrots adding natural sweetness and moisture, to the spices that infuse the cake with that classic comforting aroma. These simple but essential components are the heart and soul of your Moist Vegan Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe, ensuring each bite is packed with flavor and perfect texture.
- 4 cups grated carrots: Freshly grated for the best moisture and natural sweetness that elevates the entire cake.
- 2/3 cup vegan buttermilk: Adds tang and tenderness, created from plant-based milk and vinegar for extra fluffiness.
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour or gluten-free blend: The foundation that holds everything together with just the right crumb.
- 2 tsp baking powder: Helps your cake rise beautifully with lightness and lift.
- 1 tsp baking soda: Works with acid to give the perfect texture and rise.
- Spices (cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cardamom): A warm blend that creates the iconic spicy, cozy flavor profile.
- 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar: Delivers sweetness balanced to complement the carrots and spices.
- 1 cup vegan butter: Adds richness and moisture, essential for tender crumb.
- 2/3 cup dairy-free yogurt: Keeps the batter moist and lends a subtle tang that brightens the flavor.
- Vegan cream cheese for frosting: The star of the frosting, providing that silky, tangy finish that perfectly complements the cake.
How to Make Moist Vegan Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Setup
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease three 8-inch cake pans thoroughly and line them with parchment paper. This step ensures your cake layers come out cleanly, keeping those beautiful moist interiors safe and intact.
Step 2: Make Vegan Buttermilk
Combine your chosen plant-based milk with apple cider vinegar and let it sit for about five minutes. This homemade vegan buttermilk adds the necessary acidity to tenderize the cake crumb and react with baking soda, ensuring a perfect rise and texture.
Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and the full aromatic blend of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cardamom, along with a pinch of salt. This step is key to dispersing those spices evenly so each bite is fragrant and flavorful.
Step 4: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a separate bowl, thoroughly combine the melted vegan butter with the granulated sugar until smooth. The sugar’s crystals dissolve slightly here, creating a silky base. Stir in the dairy-free yogurt and vanilla extract, which bring moisture and depth to the batter.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Alternate combining the dry ingredient mixture with the vegan buttermilk into the wet mixture. This gradual incorporation keeps the batter light and prevents overmixing, which could make the cake dense. Once combined, gently fold in the grated carrots to evenly distribute that vibrant texture.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Divide the batter evenly among the prepared pans. Bake for 28 to 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The kitchen will fill with the irresistible scent of warm spices and caramelizing sugar — a sure sign your moist vegan carrot cake is almost ready!
Step 7: Frost and Assemble
Allow the cakes to cool completely before frosting. This is crucial to prevent melting your vegan cream cheese frosting. Spread or pipe the frosting generously between layers and over the cake, transforming it into a show-stopping centerpiece.
How to Serve Moist Vegan Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Garnishes
To make your cake picture-perfect and even more irresistible, consider garnishing with chopped toasted walnuts or pecans, which add a satisfying crunch. A sprinkle of shredded coconut or a few edible flowers can also give it a festive, charming look.
Side Dishes
This carrot cake pairs wonderfully with a simple cup of black coffee or a cozy chai latte. For an extra layer of indulgence, serve it alongside a scoop of vegan vanilla ice cream or a dollop of dairy-free whipped cream.
Creative Ways to Present
Try turning this cake into a layered trifle by cubing leftover pieces and layering them with vegan whipped cream and fresh fruit in a glass dish. Or slice it into petite squares and serve as delightful finger treats at parties — everyone will be reaching for seconds!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers covered tightly in the refrigerator to keep your Moist Vegan Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe fresh and moist. It will stay delicious for up to five days, making it a perfect treat to savor over time.
Freezing
This cake freezes beautifully! Wrap individual slices or whole layers tightly in plastic wrap and place in an airtight container or freezer bag. Freeze for up to three months, then thaw overnight in the fridge before enjoying.
Reheating
When ready to eat, let your cake come to room temperature naturally or warm a slice gently in the microwave for about 15 seconds to restore that soft, freshly baked feel without melting the frosting.
FAQs
Can I use gluten-free flour in this Moist Vegan Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe?
Absolutely! Using a gluten-free flour blend works well, just make sure it’s one meant for baking to get the best texture. You might notice a slightly different crumb, but the flavor and moisture will still shine through beautifully.
Is it possible to make this cake nut-free?
Yes! Simply omit any nuts from the garnish or recipe, and use nut-free plant-based milk and yogurt. The cake itself is naturally nut-free unless you add nuts for texture.
What vegan cream cheese brand do you recommend for the frosting?
There are many great options out there; brands like Kite Hill, Tofutti, and Miyoko’s offer smooth, tangy vegan cream cheeses that perform well in frosting recipes. Choose your favorite or what’s available locally.
Can I substitute the sugar with a natural sweetener?
You can try using coconut sugar or maple syrup, but keep in mind this may slightly alter the texture and moisture. If using liquid sweeteners, reduce other liquids slightly to maintain the right batter consistency.
What is the best way to ensure my cake layers bake evenly?
Make sure to divide your batter evenly among the pans and use an oven thermometer to verify consistent temperature. Also, avoid opening the oven door too often during baking to prevent temperature fluctuations.
Final Thoughts
This Moist Vegan Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is truly a joy to make and share. Its balance of spices, sweetness, and that creamy tangy frosting will quickly make it a beloved favorite in your dessert rotation. Don’t hesitate to try it out—once you do, you’ll understand why it’s a cake everyone should know and love.
Print
Moist Vegan Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This Moist Vegan Carrot Cake is a delightful plant-based dessert featuring grated carrots and warm spices, all combined into a tender, flavorful cake. Paired with a creamy vegan cream cheese frosting, this recipe is perfect for any occasion, offering a moist texture and rich taste without any animal products.
Ingredients
Cake
- 4 cups grated carrots
- 2/3 cup vegan buttermilk (vegan milk mixed with apple cider vinegar)
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour or gluten-free blend
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp ground cardamom
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup vegan butter, melted
- 2/3 cup dairy-free yogurt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Frosting
- Vegan cream cheese
- Powdered sugar (quantity as desired for sweetness)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease three 8-inch cake pans and line them with parchment paper to ensure easy removal of the cakes.
- Make Vegan Buttermilk: In a small bowl, mix vegan milk with apple cider vinegar and let it sit for 5 minutes to curdle and create vegan buttermilk.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour (all-purpose or gluten-free), baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cardamom, and salt until evenly mixed.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, blend melted vegan butter with granulated sugar until smooth and slightly creamy. Add dairy-free yogurt and vanilla extract, then mix well to combine.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with the vegan buttermilk. Stir gently until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
- Fold in Carrots: Gently fold the grated carrots into the batter, ensuring they are evenly distributed without overworking the batter.
- Bake the Cakes: Divide the batter evenly among the prepared pans. Bake for 28 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool Cakes: Remove the cakes from the oven and allow them to cool completely in the pans before removing and frosting.
- Prepare Frosting: In a bowl, mix vegan cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- Frost the Cake: Once the cakes are fully cooled, spread the vegan cream cheese frosting evenly between layers and over the top and sides of the cake.
Notes
- You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to make the cake gluten-free.
- Ensure the vegan buttermilk is given enough time to curdle properly for best results.
- Do not overmix the batter to maintain a moist and tender cake texture.
- Allow cakes to cool completely before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
- Use fresh grated carrots for optimal moisture and flavor.
- The spices can be adjusted to taste; feel free to increase or omit any based on preference.
