Who doesn’t love a good slice of carrot cake? Today, I’m thrilled to share my favourite recipe for the best vegan carrot cake(You will love it in winter the most).
This cake is moist, flavorful, and perfect for any occasion. Plus, it’s super easy to make! Let’s get baking. Here is your vegan carrot cake recipe.
Ingredients for the Carrot Cake
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup applesauce
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups grated carrots
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Vegan Carrot Cake Recipe
1. Preheat Your Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or one 9×13-inch pan.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.
3. Combine the Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, mix the vegetable oil, applesauce, and vanilla extract until well combined.
4. Bring It All Together: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Fold in the grated carrots and nuts if using.
5. Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into your prepared pan(s). Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely before frosting.
Vegan Cream Cheese Frosting
Ingredients –
- 1/2 cup vegan butter, softened
- 8 oz vegan cream cheese, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Method –
Beat the Butter and Cream Cheese: In a large bowl, beat the vegan butter and cream cheese together until smooth.
Add the Sugar and Vanilla: Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating until creamy and smooth.
Frost the Cake: Once the cake is completely cool, spread the frosting evenly over the top and sides. Decorate with more nuts or a sprinkle of cinnamon if you like.
Tips for the Best Vegan Carrot Cake
- Fresh Carrots: Freshly grated carrots work best. They add the right amount of moisture and texture to the cake.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until combined to keep the cake light and fluffy.
- Storage: Store the cake in the fridge if you’re not eating it right away. It stays fresh for up to a week.
Enjoy every bite of this delicious vegan carrot cake! It’s perfect for birthdays, holidays, or just because you feel like treating yourself. Happy baking! 🥕🍰
If you like vanilla, we have also a Vegan Vanilla Cake Recipe.
FAQs for the Best Vegan Carrot Cake
1. Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
→ Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour, but the cake might be denser. You could also try using half whole wheat and half all-purpose flour for a better texture.
2. What can I use instead of applesauce?
→ You can use mashed bananas or a commercial egg replacer. Each adds a different flavour, but both work well.
3. How do I store this cake?
→ Store the cake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it for up to 3 months.
4. Can I make this cake gluten-free?
→ Absolutely! Use a gluten-free flour blend that substitutes 1:1 for regular flour.
5. Is it possible to make cupcakes instead of a whole cake?
→ Yes, just divide the batter evenly into cupcake liners and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
6. What brand of vegan cream cheese do you recommend?
→ Brands like Tofutti, Daiya, or Kite Hill work well for the frosting.
7. Can I add raisins or pineapple to this cake?
→ Definitely! Adding raisins or crushed pineapple can give extra moisture and flavour. Just mix them into the batter with the carrots.
8. How can I make sure my frosting isn’t too runny?
→ Make sure both the vegan butter and cream cheese are well softened, but not melted. If your frosting is too runny, add more powdered sugar a little at a time until it reaches the desired consistency.
Feel free to ask any other questions in the comments below or share your tips for making this delicious vegan carrot cake!