If you have been searching for a show-stopping dessert that everyone can enjoy, this Moist Vegan Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is exactly what you need. Packed with freshly grated carrots and a harmonious blend of warm spices, this cake is irresistibly tender and full of flavor. What makes it truly special is the dreamy vegan cream cheese frosting that complements the cake’s natural sweetness perfectly. Whether you are vegan or just love comforting, moist cakes, this recipe brings together simple ingredients in a way that will delight your taste buds and impress your guests.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe is a wonderful balance of pantry staples and fresh ingredients, each playing a key role in creating the cake’s perfect texture and taste. The combination of grated carrots, warming spices, and dairy-free substitutes crafts both the cake’s vibrant color and its luscious moisture.
- Grated carrots (4 cups): Freshly grated for natural sweetness and that beautiful, moist texture.
- Vegan buttermilk (2/3 cup): Made from plant milk and apple cider vinegar to give the cake a tender crumb.
- All-purpose flour or gluten-free blend (3 1/2 cups): The foundation of the cake, providing structure.
- Baking powder (2 tsp) and baking soda (1 tsp): Essential leavening agents that help the cake rise beautifully.
- Spices – cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cardamom: A fragrant and warm mix that takes the flavor to the next level.
- Granulated sugar (1 1/4 cups): Sweetens the cake perfectly without overwhelming.
- Vegan butter (1 cup): Adds richness and moisture for that irresistible crumb.
- Dairy-free yogurt (2/3 cup): Enhances moistness and adds a slight tang for balance.
- Vegan cream cheese (for frosting): The silky, tangy partner to the carrot cake’s spiced sweetness.
How to Make Moist Vegan Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Step 1: Preparing Your Oven and Pans
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Grease three 8-inch cake pans and line them with parchment paper. This step ensures your cake layers don’t stick and come out perfectly smooth to frost later.
Step 2: Creating Vegan Buttermilk
In a small bowl, combine your plant-based milk with apple cider vinegar and let it sit for about 5 minutes. This transforms it into vegan buttermilk, which helps tenderize the cake and adds a slight tang that balances the sweetness beautifully.
Step 3: Mixing Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, your warm spices (cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cardamom), and a pinch of salt. This aromatic blend is what gives the carrot cake its classic, enticing flavor.
Step 4: Combining Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, beat the melted vegan butter with granulated sugar until smooth and creamy. Add the dairy-free yogurt and vanilla extract, stirring well to create a rich, velvety mixture that adds moisture and depth to the cake.
Step 5: Bringing Wet and Dry Together
Begin alternating the dry ingredients with the vegan buttermilk into the wet mixture, mixing gently until just combined. Then fold in the generous amount of freshly grated carrots. This careful mixing ensures your cake stays incredibly tender without becoming dense.
Step 6: Baking the Cake Layers
Divide the batter evenly among your prepared pans and bake for 28 to 30 minutes. You’ll know you’re done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Resist the urge to overbake, as you want the cake moist and soft.
Step 7: Cooling and Frosting
Allow the cake layers to cool completely before applying your luscious vegan cream cheese frosting. Cooling is key to prevent the frosting from melting and losing its silky texture.
How to Serve Moist Vegan Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a simple garnish takes your carrot cake from delicious to divine. Try sprinkling chopped walnuts or pecans on top of the frosting for a crunchy contrast. A light dusting of cinnamon or freshly grated vegan white chocolate can also add an elegant touch that delights the eyes and the palate.
Side Dishes
Since this cake is rich and satisfying, keep your sides light and fresh. A crisp, simple fruit salad with citrus notes complements the warm spices perfectly. Alternatively, a cup of herbal tea or a glass of almond milk can help balance the cake’s sweetness and make the dessert experience even more comforting.
Creative Ways to Present
Take your presentation to the next level by serving individual slices on vintage plates with a sprig of fresh mint or edible flowers. For a fun twist at gatherings, turn the layers into mini carrot cake parfaits by layering crumbled cake, frosting, and chopped nuts in clear glasses. Not only is this charming, but it allows everyone to enjoy their perfect portion.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once frosted, cover your cake with a cake dome or airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It will stay moist and fresh for up to five days. If you find the frosting a bit firm after chilling, just let the cake sit at room temperature for 20 minutes before serving for that perfect creamy texture.
Freezing
You can freeze both the cake layers and the fully assembled cake if needed. For layers, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and frost as usual. A frosted cake freezes best when wrapped well to avoid freezer burn and flavor loss.
Reheating
Since this is a moist carrot cake, reheating is usually unnecessary and best served at room temperature or chilled. However, if you prefer it warmer, slice a piece and microwave for about 15 seconds, keeping an eye so it doesn’t dry out. Warming the cake slightly brings out those lovely spices even more.
FAQs
Can I use gluten-free flour for this Moist Vegan Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe?
Absolutely! Using a gluten-free all-purpose blend works beautifully here. Just ensure it contains xanthan gum or another binder for the best texture. The cake might be a bit denser but remains wonderfully moist and flavorful.
Is the vegan cream cheese frosting hard to make?
Not at all. Vegan cream cheese frostings made from store-bought or homemade vegan cream cheese are smooth and easy to whip up. It’s a quick way to add that classic tangy sweetness that pairs perfectly with the spiced carrot cake.
Can I add nuts or raisins to the cake batter?
Yes, you can fold in chopped walnuts, pecans, or raisins for some extra texture and bursts of flavor. Just be mindful not to overmix once added, so your cake stays light and fluffy.
How do I prevent the cake from drying out?
The key is not to overbake and to include ingredients like vegan butter and yogurt, which keep the crumb moist. Also, storing the cake properly covered helps seal in that moisture for days.
How long does this Moist Vegan Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe last?
When stored in the refrigerator, the cake remains fresh for about five days. For longer storage, freezing is your best bet, extending freshness up to three months without compromising taste or texture.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly heartwarming about making and sharing this Moist Vegan Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe. It’s a celebration of rich flavors, thoughtful ingredients, and delightful textures all rolled into one irresistible dessert. Whether it’s for a special occasion or just because, I promise you’ll find this cake quickly becoming a beloved staple. So, roll up your sleeves and enjoy the joyful process of baking this delicious vegan treat—the results are absolutely worth it!
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 and flavorful vegan carrot cake is perfect for any occasion, featuring a blend of warm spices, grated carrots, and a creamy vegan cream cheese frosting. It’s a delightful plant-based dessert that satisfies cravings without any dairy or eggs, making it suitable for vegans and those seeking a deliciously healthy cake option.
Ingredients
Cake Ingredients
- 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 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp ground cardamom
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup vegan butter, melted
- 2/3 cup dairy-free yogurt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Frosting Ingredients
- Vegan cream cheese (quantity as needed for frosting)
- Optional: powdered sugar and vanilla extract for frosting sweetness
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease three 8-inch cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Vegan Buttermilk: In a small bowl, mix vegan milk with apple cider vinegar. Let this mixture sit for about 5 minutes to curdle into vegan buttermilk.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cardamom, and salt until evenly combined.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, combine the melted vegan butter and granulated sugar, mixing until smooth. Add dairy-free yogurt and vanilla extract, then stir to incorporate fully.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the vegan buttermilk. Mix just until combined to avoid overmixing, then gently fold in the grated carrots.
- Bake the Cake: Divide the batter evenly among the prepared cake pans. Bake in the preheated oven for 28 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Frost: Allow the cakes to cool completely in their pans on a wire rack before removing. Once cooled, frost with vegan cream cheese frosting evenly over each layer and assemble the cake.
Notes
- You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to make this cake gluten-free.
- Spices can be adjusted according to your taste preferences.
- Make sure not to overmix the batter to keep the cake moist and tender.
- If you prefer a sweeter frosting, add powdered sugar to the vegan cream cheese with vanilla extract.
- The cake layers can be prepared a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator, wrapped tightly to preserve freshness.
