MOIST Vegan Carrot Cake Recipe with Cream Cheese Frosting

This MOIST Vegan Carrot Cake Recipe with Cream Cheese Frosting is truly a delight for everyone, even those who aren’t vegan! It’s perfect for birthdays, holidays, or any gathering where you want to impress. With its rich flavor and texture, this cake will be a showstopper at your next event. Plus, it’s easy to make and uses simple ingredients, making it accessible for bakers of all skill levels.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: This cake features a blend of spices that enhance the natural sweetness of carrots.
• One-Bowl Wonder: Minimal cleanup is required since everything can be mixed in one bowl!
• Versatile Serving Options: Perfect for birthdays, holidays, or just because—everyone loves cake!
• Dairy-Free Delight: The creamy vegan cream cheese frosting provides a luscious finish without dairy.
• Easily Gluten-Free: With simple substitutions, you can make this cake gluten-free without losing flavor.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the recipe, gather your tools. Having everything on hand makes baking smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients without mess.
• Stand mixer or hand mixer: Provides thorough mixing for an even batter consistency.
• Cake pans: Proper size ensures even baking and perfect layers for stacking.

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!

• 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 350F. Line three 8″ cake pans with cooking oil and parchment paper.

Step 2: Prepare the Vegan Buttermilk

In a small bowl, mix together the vegan milk with the apple cider vinegar to create the vegan buttermilk. Let it sit while you prepare other ingredients.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the following dry ingredients:
all purpose flour
baking powder
baking soda
ground cinnamon
ground ginger
nutmeg
cardamom
sea salt

You can also add these dry ingredients all at once later in the process if you prefer.

Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients

In another large bowl, whisk together the following wet ingredients until smooth:
1. Melted and cooled vegan butter
2. Granulated sugar
3. Light brown sugar

Then mix in:
4. Dairy free yogurt
5. Vanilla extract

Step 5: Mix Everything Together

Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet mixture in about three increments. Alternate pouring in the vegan buttermilk as you mix. Be careful not to overmix; stop when there are no dry streaks left. Gently fold in grated carrots.

Step 6: Bake the Cakes

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

Step 7: Cool Down

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

Step 8: Prepare Vegan Cream Cheese Frosting

In a mixing bowl, cream together melted vegan butter and cream cheese until fluffy using either stand or hand mixer. Gradually sift in powdered sugar while mixing until combined smoothly. If needed, add dairy-free milk to achieve desired texture.

Step 9: Assemble Your Cake

Frost between each layer using about a third cup of frosting per layer. Coat sides of the cake as desired. For decorative piping, reserve some frosting and color half orange and half green using vegan food coloring.

Step 10: 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 your deliciously moist vegan carrot cake!

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 experience for your guests. Here are some creative ways to present and enjoy this delicious dessert.

Classic Slice

• Serve a generous slice of the carrot cake topped with a dollop of extra cream cheese frosting for that indulgent touch.

Garnished Plate

• Add fresh mint leaves or edible flowers on the plate to enhance visual appeal and add a hint of freshness.

Pair with Fresh Fruits

• Offer slices of oranges or berries on the side to complement the flavors of the carrot cake. Their juiciness balances the richness of the frosting.

Coffee or Tea Pairing

• Serve your cake alongside a steaming cup of coffee or herbal tea, allowing guests to savor each bite with their favorite warm beverage.

Layered Dessert Cups

• Crumble leftover cake into dessert cups, layer it with frosting, and top with nuts for an exciting twist on serving carrot cake.

Birthday Celebration Style

• Decorate the top with colorful vegan fondant or themed decorations if you’re celebrating a special occasion. This makes it festive and fun!

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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, consider these helpful tips.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Ensure that all ingredients, especially carrots and dairy-free products, are fresh for maximum flavor and texture.

• Measure Accurately: Use a kitchen scale for measuring flour and sugars; this helps maintain consistency in your baking results.

• Do Not Over Mix: When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Over-mixing can lead to a dense cake rather than a light, moist one.

• Cool Completely: Allow cakes to cool fully before frosting. This prevents melting the cream cheese frosting and helps maintain its fluffy texture.

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 your dessert experience.

1. Vegan Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla or coconut vegan ice cream adds a creamy contrast that pairs beautifully with carrot cake.

2. Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits provides a sweet contrast and balances out the richness of the cake.

3. Chia Seed Pudding: This light and nutritious option can be flavored with vanilla or almond milk, offering a unique texture alongside your dessert.

4. Nuts & Dried Fruits Platter: A selection of walnuts, almonds, cranberries, and apricots creates a crunchy and chewy accompaniment that complements the softness of carrot cake.

5. Herbal Tea: A warm cup of chamomile or peppermint tea enhances relaxation while providing an aromatic pairing to your sweet treat.

6. Yogurt Parfait: Layered dairy-free yogurt with granola and fruits makes for a lighter option that contrasts nicely with the rich flavors of the carrot cake.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making the MOIST Vegan Carrot Cake Recipe with Cream Cheese Frosting, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some tips to ensure your cake turns out perfectly.

• Overmixing the batter: Mixing too much can lead to a denser cake. Stir just until no dry ingredients remain visible.
• Not measuring ingredients accurately: Using incorrect measurements can affect the texture and flavor. Use kitchen scales or measuring cups for precise amounts.
• Skipping the cooling time: Frosting a warm cake can cause the frosting to melt. Allow cakes to cool completely before decorating.
• Using cold ingredients: Ingredients like vegan butter and yogurt should be at room temperature. This helps them blend well and create a smooth batter.
• Ignoring oven calibration: Every oven is different. Always check your cake for doneness a few minutes before the recommended baking time.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover cake in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Keep it in the fridge to maintain freshness and prevent spoilage.

Freezing MOIST Vegan Carrot Cake Recipe with Cream Cheese Frosting

• Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container.
• The cake can be frozen for up to 3 months without losing flavor.

Reheating MOIST Vegan Carrot Cake Recipe with Cream Cheese Frosting

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm slices for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat individual slices on medium power for about 20-30 seconds, checking frequently to avoid overheating.
• Stovetop: Place slices in a skillet on low heat, covering with a lid until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about the MOIST Vegan Carrot Cake Recipe with Cream Cheese Frosting that may help you while baking.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! You can substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blends that work well in baking.

What can I use instead of vegan cream cheese?

You can use cashew cream or coconut whipped cream as alternatives for a similar creamy texture.

How do I store the MOIST Vegan Carrot Cake Recipe with Cream Cheese Frosting?

Keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator or freeze individual slices for longer storage.

Is this carrot cake suitable for non-vegan eaters?

Absolutely! Many non-vegan eaters enjoy this cake due to its delicious taste and moist texture.

Final Thoughts

This MOIST Vegan Carrot Cake Recipe with Cream Cheese Frosting is sure to impress everyone at your gathering, whether they are vegan or not. With its delightful flavors and easy customization options like adding nuts or raisins, it’s versatile enough for any occasion. Give it a try, and enjoy every bite!