MOIST Vegan Carrot Cake Recipe with Cream Cheese Frosting

This MOIST Vegan Carrot Cake Recipe with Cream Cheese Frosting is perfect for any celebration or a special treat at home. Its rich flavors and fluffy texture make it a favorite among guests, even those who aren’t vegan. With no eggs or dairy, this recipe is simple to whip up in just one bowl. Plus, the creamy, dairy-free frosting adds a delightful touch that pairs beautifully with the spiced carrot cake. Get ready to impress everyone with this delicious dessert!

Remember it later

Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!

PIN IT NOW!

PIN THIS!PIN THIS!

Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• For the Cake
• For the Frosting
• How to Make MOIST Vegan Carrot Cake Recipe with Cream Cheese Frosting
• Step 1: Preheat the Oven
• Step 2: Prepare Vegan Buttermilk
• Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
• Step 4: Mix Wet Ingredients
• Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
• Step 6: Bake the Cakes
• Step 7: Cool the Cakes
• Step 8: Prepare Cream Cheese Frosting
• Step 9: Frost Your Cake
• Step 10: Store Leftovers
• How to Serve MOIST Vegan Carrot Cake Recipe with Cream Cheese Frosting
• Individual Slices
• Layered Parfaits
• Mini Cakes
• Coffee Pairing
• Fruit Garnish
• Festive Decoration
• How to Perfect MOIST Vegan Carrot Cake Recipe with Cream Cheese Frosting
• Best Side Dishes for MOIST Vegan Carrot Cake Recipe with Cream Cheese Frosting
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storage & Reheating Instructions
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing MOIST Vegan Carrot Cake Recipe with Cream Cheese Frosting
• Reheating MOIST Vegan Carrot Cake Recipe with Cream Cheese Frosting
• Frequently Asked Questions
• What makes this MOIST Vegan Carrot Cake Recipe with Cream Cheese Frosting special?
• Can I make this carrot cake gluten-free?
• How do I customize this vegan carrot cake?
• Can I use store-bought vegan cream cheese?
• What if I can’t find vegan buttermilk?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With minimal prep time and straightforward steps, this cake comes together quickly.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Even non-vegans will love the taste and texture of this moist cake.
• Healthy Ingredients: Packed with carrots and made without refined sugars, it’s a guilt-free indulgence.
• Versatile: Perfect for birthdays, holidays, or just a sweet treat on any day.
• Customizable: Easily adjust add-ins like nuts or raisins for extra flavor.

Tools and Preparation

Gathering the right tools can help you achieve the perfect MOIST Vegan Carrot Cake. Here’s what you’ll need to get started.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer or hand mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Spatula
• Three 8-inch cake pans

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer or hand mixer: Ensures your batter is well combined without overmixing.
• Mixing bowls: Helps keep your ingredients organized as you prepare the cake.
• Spatula: Great for folding in ingredients gently, maintaining the cake’s light texture.

Ingredients

Here are all the ingredients you’ll need to make this delicious MOIST Vegan Carrot Cake Recipe with Cream Cheese Frosting:

For the Cake

• 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

For the Frosting

• 1 batch vegan cream cheese frosting

How to Make MOIST Vegan Carrot Cake Recipe with Cream Cheese Frosting

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare three 8-inch cake pans by greasing them with cooking oil and lining them with parchment paper.

Step 2: Prepare Vegan Buttermilk

In a small bowl, mix together the dairy-free milk with apple cider vinegar. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it thickens slightly.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together:
All-purpose flour or cake flour
Baking powder
Baking soda
Ground cinnamon
Ground ginger
Nutmeg
Cardamom
Sea salt

Set aside once combined.

Step 4: Mix Wet Ingredients

In another large bowl, whisk together:
1. Melted vegan butter
2. Granulated sugar
3. Light brown sugar

Add in dairy-free yogurt and vanilla extract. Mix until everything is well combined.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add dry ingredients into the wet mixture in three increments. Alternate by adding in the vegan buttermilk while mixing gently, ensuring not to overmix. Once there are no dry streaks left, fold in grated carrots carefully.

Step 6: Bake the Cakes

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

Step 7: Cool the Cakes

Allow cakes to cool in their pans for approximately 10 minutes before transferring them onto a cooling rack to cool completely.

Step 8: Prepare Cream Cheese Frosting

Using a stand mixer or hand mixer, cream together:
1. Vegan butter
2. Vegan cream cheese

Sift powdered sugar gradually into the mixture while beating until smooth. You may add dairy-free milk if needed for desired consistency.

Step 9: Frost Your Cake

Once cakes are completely cooled, frost between each layer with about 1/3 cup of frosting and coat the sides of the cake as desired. For decorative piping, reserve some frosting and color it accordingly before applying.

Step 10: Store Leftovers

Keep any leftover cake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days or freeze for up to three months.

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 just as important as baking it. Here are some creative ways to enjoy this delightful cake.

Individual Slices

• Serve slices on dessert plates for a classic presentation. A light dusting of powdered sugar can add extra charm.

Layered Parfaits

• Crumble the carrot cake and layer it in glasses with dairy-free yogurt or whipped coconut cream for a fun twist.

Mini Cakes

• Bake the batter in muffin tins for individual servings. This makes for easy sharing at parties!

Coffee Pairing

• Pair each slice with a strong cup of coffee or iced coffee. The flavors complement each other beautifully.

Fruit Garnish

• Add fresh fruit like raspberries or strawberries on the side for a burst of color and flavor contrast.

Festive Decoration

• Decorate your cake with edible flowers or nuts for an eye-catching centerpiece during celebrations.

PIN THIS!

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, consider these helpful tips.

• Use room temperature ingredients: This helps the batter mix more smoothly and rise better.
• Don’t over mix: Mix until just combined to avoid a dense cake.
• Check doneness with a toothpick: Insert it into the center; it should come out clean or with a few crumbs.
• Cool completely before frosting: This prevents the frosting from melting and sliding off.
• Experiment with spices: Adjust spices like cinnamon and nutmeg to suit your taste preference.
• Store properly: Keep any leftovers in an airtight container to maintain freshness.

Best Side Dishes for MOIST Vegan Carrot Cake Recipe with Cream Cheese Frosting

Complement your dessert experience with these delicious side dishes that pair well with your MOIST Vegan Carrot Cake Recipe with Cream Cheese Frosting.

1. Vegan Vanilla Ice Cream: A creamy addition that contrasts nicely with the spiced carrot cake.
2. Coconut Whipped Cream: Light and fluffy, this topping enhances the richness of the cake.
3. Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits adds brightness and balances sweetness.
4. Chai Tea: The warm spices in chai echo those in the carrot cake, making for a harmonious pairing.
5. Nutty Granola: Serve on the side for added crunch and texture when enjoying a slice of cake.
6. Spiced Almond Milk: A warm drink option that complements the flavors of the carrot cake beautifully.
7. Maple Syrup Drizzle: For an extra touch of sweetness, drizzle pure maple syrup over each slice before serving.
8. Chocolate Sauce: For chocolate lovers, a rich sauce drizzled over the cake adds decadence to every bite.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making the MOIST Vegan Carrot Cake Recipe with Cream Cheese Frosting can be easy, but there are common pitfalls. Here are some mistakes to avoid.

• Ignoring Room Temperature Ingredients: Using cold ingredients can affect the batter’s texture. Ensure all your ingredients, especially vegan butter and yogurt, are at room temperature.

• Overmixing the Batter: Overmixing can lead to a dense cake. Mix just until combined and fold in the grated carrots gently.

• Not Measuring Ingredients Accurately: Precise measurements are key for baking success. Use a kitchen scale or measuring cups for accuracy, especially for flour and sugar.

• Skipping the Cooling Time: Frosting a warm cake can result in melted frosting. Allow cakes to cool completely on a rack before applying the cream cheese frosting.

• Using Low-Quality Vegan Cream Cheese: The frosting’s flavor depends on your cream cheese choice. Opt for high-quality dairy-free cream cheese for the best taste.

• Not Storing Properly: Improper storage can lead to a dry cake. Store leftovers in an airtight container to maintain moisture and freshness.

PIN THIS!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover cake in an airtight container.
• It will stay fresh for up to 4 days in the fridge.

Freezing MOIST Vegan Carrot Cake Recipe with Cream Cheese Frosting

• Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap.
• Freeze for up to 3 months; label containers with dates for reference.

Reheating MOIST Vegan Carrot Cake Recipe with Cream Cheese Frosting

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and warm slices wrapped in foil for about 10-15 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat individual slices on medium power for 15-20 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat; cover and warm slices for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes this MOIST Vegan Carrot Cake Recipe with Cream Cheese Frosting special?

This recipe uses simple ingredients and no eggs or dairy, yet results in a soft, flavorful cake that everyone will love!

Can I make this carrot cake gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend, ensuring it behaves like regular flour in baking.

How do I customize this vegan carrot cake?

You can add nuts like walnuts or pecans, raisins, or even pineapple chunks for added texture and flavor.

Can I use store-bought vegan cream cheese?

Absolutely! For convenience, store-bought options are great; just ensure they have good flavor.

What if I can’t find vegan buttermilk?

You can easily make your own by mixing plant milk (like almond or soy) with vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for about 5 minutes before using.

Final Thoughts

The MOIST Vegan Carrot Cake Recipe with Cream Cheese Frosting is not only delicious but also versatile. Perfect for any occasion, you can customize it with various add-ins to suit your taste. Don’t hesitate to try this recipe; it might just become your new favorite!