MOIST Vegan Carrot Cake Recipe with Cream Cheese Frosting
This MOIST Vegan Carrot Cake Recipe with Cream Cheese Frosting is sure to impress everyone at your next gathering. It’s a delightful dessert that combines the sweetness of carrots with a luscious cream cheese frosting, all while being completely vegan. Whether for birthdays, holidays, or just a sweet treat, this cake stands out for its incredible flavor and moist texture. Plus, it’s easy to make, requiring just one bowl and simple ingredients!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Incredibly Moist: The grated carrots keep this cake tender and moist, making it irresistible.
- Vegan Delight: No eggs or dairy are needed, catering to those with dietary restrictions without sacrificing taste.
- One Bowl Wonder: Simplify your baking process with minimal cleanup—mix everything in one bowl!
- Customizable Frosting: The creamy vegan cream cheese frosting can be decorated to fit any occasion or personal style.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Even non-vegans love this cake! It’s perfect for family gatherings and celebrations.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the baking process, gather your tools and prepare your kitchen for this delightful recipe.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Stand mixer or hand mixer
- Mixing bowls (large)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Three 8-inch round cake pans
- Parchment paper
- Whisk
Importance of Each Tool
- Stand mixer or hand mixer: These tools save time and ensure that your batter is mixed thoroughly without lumps.
- Mixing bowls: Using large bowls allows for easy mixing of dry and wet ingredients together without spills.
- Cake pans: Properly sized pans ensure even baking and help achieve beautiful layers in your carrot cake.
Ingredients
- 4 cups (360 g) grated carrots, about 6-8 large carrots
- 2/3 cup (160 mL) vegan buttermilk, room temperature
- 3 1/2 cups (440 g) 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-inch cake pans with cooking oil and parchment paper.
Step 2: Prepare the Vegan Buttermilk
Mix together the dairy-free milk with apple cider vinegar in a bowl to create the vegan buttermilk.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
You can add the dry ingredients all at once, but if you prefer, pre-mix them in a large bowl. Whisk together:
All-purpose flour
Baking powder
Baking soda
Ground cinnamon
Ground ginger
Nutmeg
Cardamom
Sea salt
Set aside.
Step 4: Make the Batter
In a large bowl, whisk together the melted vegan butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until well combined. Add in the dairy-free yogurt and vanilla extract; mix until incorporated. Gradually add the dry ingredients to this mixture in three increments while alternating with the vegan buttermilk. Mix just until no dry streaks remain, then gently fold in the grated carrots.
Step 5: Bake the Cake Layers
Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans. Bake for about 28–30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Step 6: Cool Down
Allow cakes to cool in their pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack. Wait until they are completely cool before frosting.
Step 7: Prepare the Frosting
In a mixing bowl, cream together melted vegan butter and vegan cream cheese using a stand mixer or hand mixer. Gradually sift in powdered sugar while mixing until smooth. Add dairy-free milk as needed for desired consistency.
Step 8: Frost the Cake
Apply about one-third cup of frosting between each layer of cake, coating sides as well. For decorative piping on top, reserve half a cup of frosting colored with vegan food coloring.
Enjoy your delicious 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 is as delightful as making it. Here are some creative ways to present this delicious dessert that will impress your guests and make every occasion special.
Celebrate with a Layered Cake
- Layered Presentation: Stack the three layers of cake for a stunning visual impact. Use the cream cheese frosting generously between each layer for added flavor.
Individual Servings
- Cupcakes: Transform this cake into cupcakes for easy serving at parties. Top each cupcake with a swirl of cream cheese frosting and a sprinkle of nuts.
Elegant Dessert Plates
- Plated Dessert: Serve slices on elegant dessert plates, garnished with fresh mint leaves or edible flowers for a touch of sophistication.
Pairing with Tea or Coffee
- Tea Time Treat: Offer slices alongside cups of herbal tea or coffee. The spices in the cake complement these beverages perfectly.
Birthday Celebration
- Birthday Cake: This cake makes an excellent birthday centerpiece. Decorate it festively with colored frosting or fun cake toppers.
Special Occasion Display
- Event Highlight: Present the cake on a beautiful cake stand at weddings or anniversaries, showcasing its moist texture and vibrant colors.
How to Perfect MOIST Vegan Carrot Cake Recipe with Cream Cheese Frosting
To ensure your MOIST Vegan Carrot Cake Recipe with Cream Cheese Frosting turns out perfectly, follow these helpful tips that can elevate your baking experience.
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Use Fresh Ingredients: Always use fresh carrots and room temperature vegan butter and yogurt. This enhances the flavor and texture of your cake.
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Do Not Over Mix: When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Over mixing can lead to dense cake instead of a light, fluffy texture.
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Check for Doneness: To ensure perfect baking, insert a toothpick into the center of the cakes. If it comes out clean, the cakes are ready!
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Cool Completely Before Frosting: Allow cakes to cool completely before applying frosting. This prevents melting and ensures neat layers.
Best Side Dishes for MOIST Vegan Carrot Cake Recipe with Cream Cheese Frosting
Pairing side dishes with your MOIST Vegan Carrot Cake Recipe with Cream Cheese Frosting can enhance the overall dining experience. Here are some fantastic options to consider.
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Chilled Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits that balances the sweetness of the cake.
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Vegan Vanilla Ice Cream: Creamy and smooth, this ice cream complements the spices in carrot cake beautifully.
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Nutty Granola Parfait: Layers of granola, dairy-free yogurt, and fruits offer a crunchy contrast to the soft cake.
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Coconut Whipped Cream: A light and airy topping that adds a tropical twist when dolloped beside each slice.
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Spiced Chai Latte: The warm spices in this drink pair perfectly with the flavors in carrot cake.
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Chocolate Dipped Strawberries: An indulgent treat that adds elegance and pairs well with dessert flavors.
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Savory Herb Salad: A light salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette can provide a savory contrast to sweet desserts.
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Roasted Veggies Platter: A colorful assortment of roasted vegetables offers a healthy balance alongside rich desserts.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Baking a MOIST Vegan Carrot Cake Recipe with Cream Cheese Frosting can be simple, but there are common mistakes that can affect the outcome. Here are some pitfalls to look out for:
- Using cold ingredients: Always use room temperature ingredients like vegan butter and dairy-free yogurt. Cold ingredients can lead to an uneven batter.
- Overmixing the batter: Mixing too much can result in a dense cake. Mix just until no dry streaks remain, then gently fold in the carrots.
- Skipping the cooling step: Never frost warm cakes! Let them cool completely to avoid melting your cream cheese frosting.
- Not measuring accurately: Use precise measurements for flour and sugar. Too much or too little can change the cake’s texture.
- Ignoring oven temperature: Ensure your oven is preheated correctly. An incorrect temperature can lead to undercooked or overbaked cakes.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store your vegan carrot cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- 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 before placing them in a freezer-safe container.
- The cake can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating MOIST Vegan Carrot Cake Recipe with Cream Cheese Frosting
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F and reheat slices wrapped in foil for about 10-15 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat individual slices on medium power for about 20-30 seconds, checking frequently.
- Stovetop: Place a slice in a covered skillet over low heat, heating it gently for several minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about making the MOIST Vegan Carrot Cake Recipe with Cream Cheese Frosting.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
You can easily make this recipe gluten-free by substituting all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend.
How do I store leftover vegan carrot cake?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze them for up to 3 months.
What’s the best way to frost this cake?
For best results, ensure your cakes are completely cool before applying the cream cheese frosting. This will prevent melting.
Can I customize this MOIST Vegan Carrot Cake Recipe with Cream Cheese Frosting?
Absolutely! Add nuts, raisins, or even pineapple for extra flavor and texture variations.
Final Thoughts
This MOIST Vegan Carrot Cake Recipe with Cream Cheese Frosting is not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize it with your favorite add-ins or enjoy it as-is. Whether you’re vegan or not, this cake is sure to please everyone at your gathering. Give it a try and enjoy its comforting flavors!
MOIST Vegan Carrot Cake Recipe with Cream Cheese Frosting
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 12 slices 1x
Description
Indulge in the delightful experience of our MOIST Vegan Carrot Cake Recipe with Cream Cheese Frosting. This cake is a perfect blend of warm spices and sweet grated carrots, creating a moist texture that will captivate your taste buds. Topped with a creamy vegan cream cheese frosting, this dessert is a crowd-pleaser for any occasion—be it birthdays, holidays, or simply a sweet treat to enjoy at home. With its easy one-bowl preparation and simple ingredients, baking this vegan delight is a breeze. Everyone, even non-vegans, will be asking for seconds!
Ingredients
- 4 cups grated carrots
- 2/3 cup vegan buttermilk
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose 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 granulated sugar
- 1 cup light brown sugar
- 1 cup vegan butter
- 2/3 cup dairy-free yogurt
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 batch vegan cream cheese frosting
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F and prepare three 8-inch round cake pans with oil and parchment paper.
- Mix dairy-free milk with apple cider vinegar to create vegan buttermilk.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, spices, and salt.
- In another bowl, combine melted vegan butter and sugars until smooth. Add yogurt and vanilla.
- Gradually mix dry ingredients with the wet mixture alternating with the vegan buttermilk until just combined. Fold in grated carrots.
- Divide batter among pans and bake for 28–30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool layers completely before frosting with prepared vegan cream cheese frosting.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Vegan
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 23g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
