It’s ingenious to add vegetables to a cake. Carrots landed in cake thanks to medieval times when they were used to create puddings, thanks to their natural sweetness. These desserts were steamed or boiled, adding ingredients like eggs, flour, and spices to the boiled carrots.
Once more homes had ovens instead of open fires, people started experimenting with baked desserts. They added more flour and fat to the mixture, resulting in the fluffy, moist texture topped with a cream cheese frosting we all enjoy today.
Carrot cake is an indulgence that hardly anyone can resist, including vegans. The best vegan carrot cake is easy to make and requires just a few essential ingredients. Add crushed walnuts, pineapple, and raisins to the batter for a more luxurious version.
Here are some vegan carrot cake recipes to enjoy anytime and for any occasion.
Indulge in the Best Vegan Carrot Cake
The best vegan carrot cake is packed with healthy and tasty ingredients. Besides carrots, it can include applesauce, pineapple, or banana. Crushed nuts and fragrant spices are also a must. Finally, the frosting provides a balance between sweet and refreshing.
You can also alternate the ingredients for a gluten-free. Keto and nut-free versions make this the ideal cake that covers all your family’s or guest’s dietary options.
You can buy an excellent vegan carrot cake from a fancy bakery, but making your own is far more satisfying, especially when you are the one to get the compliments.
The only non-vegan ingredient that classical carrot cakes contain is eggs. If you want to adapt a recipe to suit your vegan diet, emulate the binding provided by the egg by substituting it with a flax egg. To make flax eggs, you need ground flax mixed: one part flax meal and two parts water. Allow it to stand for about ten minutes until it forms a gelatinous paste. For the cream cheese frosting, use vegan butter, coconut oil, and vegan cream cheese.
Indulge in the tasty vegan carrot cake by following this recipe for easy Vegan Carrot cake with Frosting from VeggieCurean. It’s delicious, easy to make, and impressive to serve, thanks to its topping of sprinkled walnuts and dusting of cayenne pepper.
A Simple and Easy Vegan Carrot Cake Recipe
If you don’t have time to make a two-tier carrot cake, have a limited ingredients supply in your pantry, and only want to mess up one bowl, then you need a recipe for an easy vegan carrot cake.
Check out this recipe by the Plant-Based School for their simple Vegan Carrot Cake that’s moist, soft, and low in sugar and fats. To make the cake, you need finely grated carrots, flour, spices, baking powder, salt, brown sugar, plant-based milk, walnuts, raisins, vanilla, and oil.
The delicious cream cheese topping requires vegan butter, cheese, vanilla extract, and lemon.
Master the Art of Vegan Carrot Cake
It’s easy to swap the ingredients from a traditional carrot cake recipe to turn it into a vegan version. Replace eggs with flax meal and the fats with coconut or sunflower oil. Also, use non-dairy milk, butter, and cream cheese.
To master the art of vegan carrot cake, keep these tips in mind:
Use a food processor – You can grate the carrots required for the cake by hand, but the shredding attachment of a food processor will do it quicker.
Prepare ahead – You can grate the carrots up to a day before and store them in an airtight container.
Grease and flour pans – Carrots are moist, making it easy for the cake to stick to the pan. Therefore, don’t forget to grease your baking pans thoroughly, line them with parchment, and then grease and flour them before adding the cake mixture.
Never overmix the batter – When adding the last ingredients, slow down your mixer or use a rubber spatula to incorporate the mixture to prevent a heavy cake.
Cool it before frosting – Always allow the cake to cool before frosting and decorating. If your cake is still warm, the cheese frosting will melt.
Toast your nuts – If you are adding pecans, walnuts, or any other nuts of your choice, toast them to add depth of flavor to the carrot cake.
Reduce cooking time for carrot cake cupcakes – You don’t need to change the recipe to make cupcakes with your carrot cake mix. However, you must reduce the cooking time by at least 15 to 20 minutes. Cool the cupcakes in the tin and then frost them.
Gluten-free carrot cake – Substitute the flour in the cake with an all-purpose gluten-free flour.
Irresistible Vegan Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
There’s nothing like finding an irresistible vegan carrot cake recipe that never flops. This irresistible vegan carrot cake is easy to make, ultra moist, and does not have too much fat. Mashed banana gives it added moisture and flavor.
If you don’t want to use banana, substitute it with apple sauce or crushed pineapple. You can decide whether to add the raisins, nuts, or coconut. Double the recipe for two layers.
Ingredients
- 1 packed cup of shredded carrots
- 1/2 cup mashed banana
- 1/4 cup sunflower or canola oil – use additional banana for a fat-free version
- 2 t. white vinegar
- 2 t. pure vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups white flour – You can replace it with spelt flour, oats flour, Bob’s GF, etc.
- 1 1/2 t. cinnamon
- 3/4 t. salt
- 1/2 t. baking soda
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup raisins
- Handful of shredded coconut, crushed walnuts, pecans, etc.
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 F
- Carefully grease, line, and flour an 8-inch square or round pan with parchment. (use two 8-inch pans or a 9×13 pan if doubling the recipe.
- Whisk together the first 5 ingredients in a mixing bowl
- Set the mixture aside for 10 minutes.
- Stir in all remaining ingredients.
- Pour into the pan and smooth down.
- Bake for 30 minutes. It’s ready when an inserted toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool and frost.
Vegan cream cheese frosting (makes 2 cups)
All at room temperature, beat 8 oz vegan cream cheese, 4 oz of vegan butter, 2 cups powdered sugar, and 1 t. vanilla extract together. Add a little non-dairy milk to reach the desired consistency.
Discover the Secret to the Best Vegan Carrot Cake
Baking the best vegan carrot cake is not difficult. Here are some secrets that will ensure the perfect results every time.
Measure your ingredients correctly – If your cake requires weight measurements instead of cups, make sure they are correct.
Baking pan size – Use the right baking pan size recommended by the recipe to get the perfect thickness and size.
Never underbake or overbake – Start with the recommended baking time, then test the cake by gently touching the middle. Leave it in the oven for another 5 minutes if it feels soft. The right texture is soft and springy. You can also use a toothpick, pricking it into the center.
Cool the cake – Leave it in the pan for about 15 minutes and flip it onto the cooling rack—only frost when the cake is completely cool. Some bakers even suggest you leave the cake covered overnight in or out of the refrigerator and frost it the next day.
Whip up a Delicious Vegan Carrot Cake in No Time
Whipping up a delicious vegan carrot cake is easy to master, and most require only one bowl, but some require more prep time than others. Baking time can also vary, mostly around 40 minutes.
Here’s a recipe for a vegan carrot cake from the Crazy Vegan Kitchen that requires only 20 minutes of prep and another 20 for baking. You use a food processor to shred the carrot, blitz, and pulse the ingredients quickly.
The combination of cane and brown sugar is an interesting twist because it creates the perfect sweetness. Like all carrot cakes, this cake can be kept at room temperature for up to two days or in the fridge for up to five.
Delight Your Taste Buds with the Perfect Vegan Carrot Cake
The combination of flavors and density makes carrot cake a firm favorite. The best vegan carrot cake may not include dairy and eggs, but the combination of healthy ingredients ensures it has the taste, moisture, and texture that delight your taste buds.
If you prefer not to use sugar, this vegan carrot cake recipe from Forks Over Knives replaces it with dates and raisins. The addition of bananas once again proves how they complement the carrots. The recipe also uses rolled oats instead of flour, blended until powdered.
Recreate the perfect vegan carrot cake with this recipe. It delights the taste buds whether you serve it with or without vanilla frosting.
Impress Your Guests with a Vegan Carrot Cake Masterpiece
The best vegan carrot cake is moist, flavorful, and cozily delicious. It also has an elaborate topping that makes it perfect to present as dessert for any special occasion.
The Little Blog of Vegan showcases a vegan cake masterpiece. It is a gorgeous version of carrot cake that no one will ever forget. Two vegan carrot sponge tiers are stacked and finished with Swiss meringue buttercream, caramel drip, and freshly sliced oranges—a sight to behold.
The cake’s look will fool you into thinking that you need a lot of ingredients, but you won’t. It’s also surprisingly easy to make. To impress your guests, you must present this vegan carrot cake masterpiece.
Health Benefits of Vegan Carrot Cake Ingredients:
Nutritional Highlights:
- Carrots: Rich in beta-carotene, fiber, and antioxidants.
- Nuts: Walnuts and pecans offer healthy fats, protein, and essential minerals.
- Alternative Sweeteners: Using options like maple syrup or agave nectar reduces refined sugar intake and adds minerals.
Whole Grain Flours vs. Refined:
- Whole Grain Flour: Retains nutrients and fiber lost in refining, aiding digestion and sustained energy release.
- Natural Sweeteners: Natural options like dates or apple sauce provide sweetness, fiber, and vitamins, unlike refined sugar.
Creative Vegan Frosting Variations:
Diverse Flavors:
- Lemon Frosting: Mix lemon zest and juice into vegan frosting for a tangy twist.
- Chocolate Delight: Incorporate vegan cocoa powder or melted dark chocolate.
- Coconut Cream: Use coconut milk and shredded coconut for a tropical flavor.
Natural Colorings:
- Pink Tint: Create a vibrant pink using beet juice, perfect for special occasions.
- Yellow Hue: Add a pinch of turmeric for a sunny, cheerful yellow frosting without altering the taste.
Vegan Carrot Cake Pairings:
Beverage and Dessert Combinations:
- Casual Brunch: Pair with a robust coffee or a herbal tea like chamomile.
- Dinner Party Elegance: Serve with a sweet dessert wine or a sparkling non-alcoholic cider.
Eco-Friendly Baking Tips:
Sustainable Practices:
- Local Ingredients: Opt for locally sourced produce to reduce carbon footprint.
- Eco-Friendly Bakeware: Choose reusable silicone liners or baking mats.
Environmental Impact of Vegan Choices:
- Vegan ingredients typically require less water and land, and produce fewer greenhouse gases than animal-based products.
Seasonal and Holiday Vegan Carrot Cake Ideas:
Adaptable Recipes for Every Occasion:
- Autumn Twist: Add pumpkin spice to the batter for a cozy fall flavor.
- Christmas Decoration: Garnish with red and green colored frosting for festive cheer.
Storing and Freezing Tips:
Freshness and Convenience:
- Storage: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Wrap individual slices and freeze. Defrost at room temperature for an hour.
Making Mini Vegan Carrot Cakes:
Fun-Sized Treats:
- Mini Cakes: Use a muffin tin for perfect party-sized servings.
- Baking Tip: Adjust the baking time to 15-20 minutes for mini cakes.
Nutritional Information and Dietary Adjustments:
Informed Eating:
- Nutritional Breakdown: Include information on calories, carbs, proteins, and fats per serving.
Adaptable to Dietary Needs:
- Low-Sugar Version: Substitute sugar with stevia or erythritol.
- High-Protein Variant: Add protein powder or use almond flour instead of traditional flour.
Frequently Asked Questions about Vegan Carrot Cake
Can I make vegan carrot cake gluten-free?
Absolutely! Simply substitute the regular flour with your preferred gluten-free flour blend.
What can I use instead of oil in the cake?
For a lower-fat option, try unsweetened applesauce or mashed banana. These also add a nice flavor!
How can I make the cake more moist?
Ensure you use enough wet ingredients like grated carrots and applesauce. Don’t overbake the cake, as this can dry it out.
Can I freeze vegan carrot cake?
Yes, vegan carrot cake freezes well. Wrap individual slices or the whole cake in cling film and freeze. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Is vegan carrot cake healthy?
While it’s a treat, using whole grain flours, natural sweeteners, and nutrient-rich carrots and nuts makes it a healthier dessert option.
Can I use a different type of sugar?
Definitely! Maple syrup, coconut sugar, or agave nectar are great alternatives to refined sugar.
What vegan cream cheese is best for frosting?
Look for a high-quality, firm vegan cream cheese. Brands vary by region, so check local health food stores or online reviews.
How can I make the frosting sugar-free?
Use sugar-free powdered sweeteners available in the market or blend dates to create a sweet paste.
Can I add other spices besides cinnamon?
Yes, feel free to experiment with spices like nutmeg, ginger, or cardamom for different flavor profiles.
What’s the best way to store vegan carrot cake?
Store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or refrigerate if your climate is hot.
Can I make this cake nut-free?
Absolutely! Just omit the nuts from the recipe and check that your plant-based milk and other ingredients are nut-free.
How do I know when the cake is done baking?
Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. The cake is ready if it comes out clean or with a few crumbs.
