Vegan carrot cake is a delicious and versatile dessert that can be enjoyed by everyone, regardless of dietary preferences. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you make a moist, flavorful, and perfectly spiced vegan carrot cake.
Ingredients
To make a classic vegan carrot cake, you will need the following ingredients:
For the Cake
Flour: Use a combination of all-purpose flour and whole wheat or spelt flour for added texture and nutrition. Recipes vary, but a common mix is 2-3 cups of flour, with half being all-purpose and the other half whole wheat or spelt[2][5].
Leavening Agents: Include baking powder (2-3 teaspoons) and baking soda (1 teaspoon) to ensure the cake rises properly[2][5].
Spices: Ground cinnamon (2-3 teaspoons), nutmeg (½ teaspoon), and sometimes ginger and cardamom for extra depth of flavor[2][5].
Sweetener: Use cane sugar, brown sugar, or coconut sugar (1-2 cups)[2][5].
Wet Ingredients: Applesauce (1-2 cups), almond milk or oat milk (1 cup), melted coconut oil or canola oil (½ cup to 1 cup), and vanilla extract (1-2 teaspoons)[1][2][5].
Carrots: Grate 2-3 cups of carrots, depending on the recipe[2][5].
Nuts/Seeds: Optional ingredients include walnuts or other nuts for added texture and flavor[2].
For the Frosting
Cream Cheese Frosting: Use vegan cream cheese (14-16 oz), vegan butter (4 tablespoons), powdered sugar (2 ½ cups), and vanilla extract (2 teaspoons). Alternatively, you can make a cream cheese frosting with soaked nuts like macadamia nuts and cashews blended with almond milk, maple syrup, and coconut oil[1][2].
Preparation
Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350-375°F (175-190°C). Grease and flour two 9- or 8-inch cake pans, and line the bottoms with parchment paper for easy unmolding[2][5].
Mix Dry Ingredients: Sift the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and spices into a large mixing bowl. Whisk to combine[2].
Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the grated carrots, applesauce, sugar, melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract. Mix well until all the ingredients are fully incorporated[2].
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and fold them together using a spatula until the batter is smooth and there are no dry streaks. If using nuts, fold them in at this stage[2].
Bake the Cake: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean[2][5].
Cool the Cake: Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely[2].
Frosting
Prepare the Frosting: For a traditional cream cheese frosting, beat the vegan cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined[2].
Alternative Nut-Based Frosting: Soak macadamia nuts and cashews in water, then blend them with almond milk, maple syrup, coconut oil, vanilla extract, and lemon juice until smooth and creamy[1].
Assemble the Cake: Once the cakes are completely cool, place one layer on a serving plate and spread a generous amount of frosting on top. Place the second layer on top and frost the entire cake with the remaining frosting[2].
Tips and Variations
Gluten-Free Option: You can make the cake gluten-free by using gluten-free flours such as oat flour or cassava flour. Ensure to adjust the ratio of flours and add necessary binding agents like ground flaxseed[5].
Additional Flavors: Add other spices like ginger, cardamom, or different types of nuts and seeds to give your cake a unique flavor profile[2][5].
Egg Replacements: Some recipes use psyllium husks as an egg replacement to keep the cake moist and tender[4].
Most Important Facts About Vegan Carrot Cake
Flour Mix: Use a combination of all-purpose and whole wheat or spelt flour for better texture and nutrition.
Leavening Agents: Include baking powder and baking soda to ensure the cake rises properly.
Spices: Ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and optional spices like ginger and cardamom add depth to the cake.
Wet Ingredients: Applesauce, plant-based milk, and melted coconut oil are crucial for moisture and flavor.
Carrots: Grate 2-3 cups of carrots depending on the recipe.
Frosting Options: Traditional vegan cream cheese frosting or a nut-based frosting made with soaked nuts and plant-based milk.
Baking Time: Bake at 350-375°F (175-190°C) for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Cooling: Allow the cakes to cool completely before frosting and assembling.
Gluten-Free and Other Variations: Can be made gluten-free with appropriate flours and binding agents, and customized with different spices and nuts.
By following these steps and tips, you can create a delicious, moist, and perfectly spiced vegan carrot cake that is perfect for any occasion.
