MOIST Vegan Carrot Cake Recipe with Cream Cheese Frosting

This MOIST Vegan Carrot Cake Recipe with Cream Cheese Frosting is a delightful treat that brings joy to any gathering. It’s perfect for birthdays, holidays, or simply as a sweet indulgence any day of the week. With no eggs or dairy, this cake is not only vegan but also incredibly moist and flavorful. The rich, creamy dairy-free cream cheese frosting elevates it to a whole new level of decadence, making it irresistible even to non-vegans.

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Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• How to Make MOIST Vegan Carrot Cake Recipe with Cream Cheese Frosting
• Step 1: Preheat the Oven
• Step 2: Prepare the Vegan Buttermilk
• Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients
• Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients
• Step 5: Create the Batter
• Step 6: Bake the Cakes
• Step 7: Cool the Cakes
• Step 8: Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting
• Step 9: Frost Your Cake
• How to Serve MOIST Vegan Carrot Cake Recipe with Cream Cheese Frosting
• Classic Slice
• Coffee Pairing
• Afternoon Tea Delight
• Ice Cream Addition
• Decorative Garnish
• 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 vegan carrot cake gluten-free?
• How long does this MOIST Vegan Carrot Cake stay fresh?
• Can I customize the frosting?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: This recipe requires just one bowl and simple steps, making it perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of spices and grated carrots creates a cake bursting with warm flavors that everyone will love.
• Versatile Occasion: Whether it’s a birthday party or a cozy family dinner, this cake fits right in at any occasion.
• Dairy-Free Delight: With no dairy ingredients, this dessert caters to those with lactose intolerance or dietary restrictions.
• Gluten-Free Option: Easily substitute the flour with gluten-free alternatives to accommodate all guests.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into baking your MOIST Vegan Carrot Cake, gather the necessary tools. Having everything ready will make the process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Stand mixer or hand mixer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Rubber spatula
• Parchment paper
• Cake pans (8-inch)

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing Bowls: Essential for combining your ingredients without mess.
• Stand Mixer or Hand Mixer: Helps achieve a smooth batter and perfectly blended frosting quickly and easily.
• Parchment Paper: Prevents sticking, ensuring easy removal of cakes from pans.

Ingredients

To create this MOIST Vegan Carrot Cake Recipe with Cream Cheese Frosting, you will need the following ingredients:

• 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 your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line three 8-inch cake pans with cooking oil and parchment paper.

Step 2: Prepare the Vegan Buttermilk

In a small bowl, mix together the vegan milk and apple cider vinegar. Let it sit for about 5 minutes to curdle, creating your vegan buttermilk.

Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients

You can either add all dry ingredients directly into your mixing bowl or pre-mix them:
In a large bowl, whisk together:
– Flour
– Baking powder
– Baking soda
– Spices
– Sea salt

Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients

In another large bowl, whisk together the melted vegan butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, dairy-free yogurt, and vanilla extract until well combined.

Step 5: Create the Batter

Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet mixture in about three increments:
Alternate adding in portions of vegan buttermilk.
Mix just until there are no dry streaks left; avoid overmixing.
Gently fold in the grated carrots.

Step 6: Bake the Cakes

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

Step 7: Cool the Cakes

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

Step 8: Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting

Using a stand mixer or hand mixer, cream together melted vegan butter and dairy-free cream cheese:
Gradually sift in powdered sugar one cup at a time while mixing.
Add dairy-free milk if needed for desired consistency.

Step 9: Frost Your Cake

Once cooled, frost each layer using about 1/3 cup of frosting between layers and cover the entire cake. For decorative piping, reserve some frosting and color as desired.

Enjoy your delightful MOIST Vegan Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting!

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

Serving your MOIST Vegan Carrot Cake is as important as making it. The right presentation and accompaniments can elevate this delightful dessert, making it even more enjoyable for everyone.

Classic Slice

• Serve a generous slice of the cake on a decorative plate, allowing guests to appreciate its beautiful layers and creamy frosting.

Coffee Pairing

• Pair your carrot cake with a freshly brewed cup of coffee. The rich flavors complement the sweetness of the cake perfectly.

Afternoon Tea Delight

• Enjoy this cake during an afternoon tea gathering. It pairs wonderfully with herbal teas or chai, adding warmth to your gathering.

Ice Cream Addition

• Top each slice with a scoop of dairy-free vanilla ice cream for an indulgent twist that will satisfy any sweet tooth.

Decorative Garnish

• Add some chopped walnuts or pecans on top of each slice for added texture and a nutty flavor that enhances the overall experience.

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

To ensure your MOIST Vegan Carrot Cake turns out perfectly every time, consider these simple yet effective tips.

• Use fresh ingredients: Ensure that your carrots are fresh and grated just before use for optimal flavor and moisture.
• Measure accurately: Use a kitchen scale to measure flour and sugar for precise results. This helps achieve the perfect cake consistency.
• Don’t overmix: Mix the batter just until combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense texture instead of the desired lightness.
• Cool completely: Allow the cakes to cool entirely before frosting. This prevents melting and sliding of the frosting.
• Chill the frosting: If your vegan cream cheese frosting is too soft, chill it briefly before applying it to help it hold its shape better.
• Decorate creatively: Use piping bags and tips to create beautiful designs on top of your cake for an impressive finish.

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

Pairing side dishes with your MOIST Vegan Carrot Cake can enhance the overall experience. Here are some great suggestions that complement its flavors beautifully.

1. Vegan Cheesecake Bites: These mini treats provide a creamy texture that pairs well with the spice notes in carrot cake.
2. Fruit Salad: A fresh fruit salad made with seasonal fruits adds brightness and balances the sweetness of the carrot cake.
3. Almond Butter Cookies: Chewy almond butter cookies offer nutty flavors that harmonize well with the spices in carrot cake.
4. Coconut Chia Pudding: This light dessert is refreshing and provides a creamy contrast to the richness of carrot cake.
5. Spiced Lentil Salad: A savory lentil salad adds an earthy balance and can serve as a hearty side dish alongside dessert.
6. Vegan Chocolate Truffles: Rich chocolate truffles provide decadence that pairs deliciously with sweet carrot cake, creating a delightful dessert platter.
7. Green Smoothie: A nutrient-packed green smoothie makes for a healthy drink option that complements the sweetness of your carrot cake.
8. Herbal Tea Selection: Offer an assortment of herbal teas, such as chamomile or mint, which cleanse the palate between bites of rich carrot cake.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making the MOIST Vegan Carrot Cake Recipe with Cream Cheese Frosting, it’s easy to run into a few common pitfalls. Here are some mistakes to watch for:

• Incorrectly measuring ingredients: Always use the right measuring cups for dry and liquid ingredients. This ensures that your cake turns out perfectly moist and fluffy.
• Overmixing the batter: Mix just until combined to prevent a dense cake. Overmixing can lead to gluten development which affects texture.
• Not letting the cakes cool: Allow your cakes to cool completely before frosting. This prevents the frosting from melting and ensures a beautiful presentation.
• Skipping the vegan buttermilk: The acidity of vegan buttermilk helps activate baking soda, leading to better rise. Don’t skip this step!
• Using cold ingredients: Make sure your vegan butter and yogurt are at room temperature. Cold ingredients can lead to a lumpy batter and uneven baking.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

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

Freezing MOIST Vegan Carrot Cake Recipe with Cream Cheese Frosting

• Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer bag.
• You can freeze it for up to 3 months.

Reheating MOIST Vegan Carrot Cake Recipe with Cream Cheese Frosting

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place slices on a baking sheet and warm for about 10 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat individual slices for about 15-20 seconds until warm, but be careful not to overheat as it can dry out.
• Stovetop: Use a non-stick skillet over low heat, cover, and warm each slice for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

This recipe is special because it combines traditional flavors with vegan ingredients, ensuring everyone can enjoy a delightful cake without compromising on taste or texture.

Can I make this vegan carrot cake gluten-free?

Yes! You can substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blends for a gluten-free option without sacrificing moisture or flavor.

How long does this MOIST Vegan Carrot Cake stay fresh?

When stored properly in the fridge, it stays fresh for up to 4 days. If frozen, it remains delicious for up to 3 months.

Can I customize the frosting?

Absolutely! You can add different flavors or colors to the cream cheese frosting. Try adding lemon zest or cocoa powder for variations!

Final Thoughts

The MOIST Vegan Carrot Cake Recipe with Cream Cheese Frosting is not only delicious but also versatile. It’s perfect for celebrations or simply enjoying as an everyday treat. Feel free to customize it with nuts, raisins, or spices as you prefer. Give it a try; you won’t be disappointed!