Fluffy Vegan Carrot Cake Recipe Everyone Will Adore

Dessert lovers rejoice as this simple vegan carrot cake recipe brings pure magic to your kitchen.

Packed with wholesome ingredients and bursting with warm spices, this cake delivers incredible flavor without any animal products.

Carrots create natural sweetness and moisture that make every bite incredibly tender and delightful.

The blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla adds depth to this plant-based treat that rivals traditional versions.

Soft, moist, and perfectly spiced, this cake proves that vegan baking can be absolutely delicious.

Anyone who loves comfort desserts will fall head over heels for this easy-to-make confection.

Grab your mixing bowl and let’s turn ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary dessert that will impress even the most discerning sweet tooth.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

Calories: 192 kcal

Servings: 13

Simple Vegan Carrot Cake Ingredient Guide

• Raw Macadamia Nuts, Raw Cashews: Soak these buttery nuts overnight to create a silky, smooth cream base with rich, luxurious texture; choose raw, unsalted nuts for the purest flavor and best blending results.

• Maple Syrup: Adds deep, caramel-like sweetness with natural complexity; opt for pure, organic maple syrup from Canada or Vermont for the most authentic taste.
• Vanilla Extract: Brings warm, aromatic depth to balance the nutty and sweet elements; select pure vanilla extract over artificial versions for genuine flavor.
• Fresh Lemon Juice: Provides bright, zesty acidity that lifts and balances the overall richness; use freshly squeezed juice for maximum vibrant flavor.

• Almond Milk: Creates smooth liquid consistency and adds subtle nutty undertone; choose unsweetened variety for controlled sweetness.
• Coconut Oil: Helps bind ingredients and provides luxurious mouthfeel; select cold-pressed, unrefined coconut oil for best quality.
• Salt: Enhances and amplifies all other flavors, creating depth and balance in the dessert; use fine sea salt for even distribution.

Tools to Make Your Vegan Carrot Cake Soft and Sweet

• 9×13 baking pan: Essential for creating the perfect cake shape and size.
• Large mixing bowl: Perfect for combining dry ingredients thoroughly.
• Additional mixing bowl: Ideal for mixing wet ingredients smoothly.
• Whisk: Helps blend dry ingredients evenly and create a lump-free mixture.
• High-speed blender: Critical for creating a smooth, creamy frosting.
• Wire rack: Allows cake to cool evenly without getting soggy.
• Toothpick: Helps check cake doneness by testing for clean insertion.
• Grater: Needed to prepare fresh carrots for the cake.
• Spatula: Useful for folding carrots and spreading frosting.

Baking Instructions for Simple Vegan Carrot Cake

• Baking Preparation

Set your oven to a warm 350°F and lightly coat a rectangular baking pan with a thin layer of oil or plant-based butter to prevent sticking.

• Dry Ingredient Blend

Combine all powdery elements like flour, rising agents, warm spices, and a pinch of salt in a spacious mixing vessel, ensuring they’re evenly distributed.

• Liquid Component Mixture

In a separate container, whisk together smooth apple puree, plant milk, sweet crystals, fragrant vanilla, and smooth plant oil until the mixture looks silky and unified.

• Batter Creation

Slowly incorporate the dry ingredients into the liquid mixture, stirring gently to create a consistent batter without overmixing, which can make the cake tough.

• Carrot Incorporation

Softly fold shredded orange root vegetables into the batter, distributing them evenly to add moisture and natural sweetness.

• Baking Process

Pour the batter into the prepared pan and slide into the preheated oven. Bake until a slender wooden stick inserted in the center emerges clean, typically around 35 minutes.

• Cooling and Frosting

Allow the cake to rest and cool completely on a wire surface. Whip together a creamy plant-based topping and generously spread over the cooled cake surface for a delightful finish.

Tips for Extra Flavor in Vegan Carrot Cake

• Grate carrots finely and squeeze out excess moisture to prevent a soggy cake base and ensure perfect texture.
• Toss chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter for added crunch and rich nutty undertones that complement the sweet carrot profile.
• Use cold vegan cream cheese straight from the refrigerator when preparing the frosting to achieve a smoother, more stable consistency that spreads beautifully.
• This cake stays moist for 3-4 days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature, making it perfect for advance party planning or meal prep.
• Replace regular flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend to create a delicious alternative that maintains the cake's original soft and tender structure.

Ways to Serve Simple Vegan Carrot Cake

• Sweet Morning Breakfast Companion: Slice this vegan carrot cake alongside a steaming cup of coffee or herbal tea for a delightful morning treat that energizes your day.
• Afternoon Tea Party Elegance: Serve small, delicate squares of the cake on a pretty platter during afternoon tea, paired with fresh berries and mint leaves for an elegant presentation.
• Decadent Dessert Upgrade: Top each slice with a sprinkle of chopped walnuts or toasted coconut flakes to add extra crunch and elevate the cake's texture and visual appeal.
• Nutritious Kids' Snack Option: Cut the cake into fun shapes using cookie cutters and pack small portions in lunchboxes as a wholesome, sweet surprise that children will love.

How to Store Your Vegan Carrot Cake

• Refrigerator Magic: Store the frosted carrot cake in an airtight container within the refrigerator for up to 5 days, keeping it fresh and delightful for multiple servings.
• Freezer-Friendly Option: Wrap individual cake slices in plastic wrap, then place inside a freezer-safe container. These slices will maintain their delicious taste for 2-3 months when properly sealed.
• Make-Ahead Brilliance: Prepare the cake batter a day before baking and store it covered in the refrigerator. This technique allows flavors to develop and simplifies your baking process.
• Room Temperature Timing: Allow refrigerated cake to sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to restore its soft, tender texture and enhance the frosting's creamy consistency.

Irresistible Vegan Carrot Cake Recipe

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4.7 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 13 1x

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Description

Homemade Vegan Carrot Cake delivers classic comfort with plant-based ingredients and wholesome spices. Delightful layers promise sweet satisfaction for wellness-minded dessert enthusiasts and health-conscious bakers.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups (300 g) carrots (grated)
• ½ cup (120 ml) raw macadamia nuts (soaked, drained and rinsed)
• ½ cup (120 ml) raw cashews (soaked, drained and rinsed)
• ¼ cup (60 ml) maple syrup
• ¼ cup (60 ml) almond milk
• 2 tbsps (30 ml) coconut oil
• 2 tsps (10 ml) fresh lemon juice
• 1 tsp (5 ml) vanilla extract
• ½ tsp (2.5 ml) salt

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan and preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C), creating an ideal baking environment for the vegan carrot cake.
2. Dry Ingredients: Combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt in a mixing bowl, ensuring an even distribution of dry components.
3. Wet Mixture: Whisk applesauce, almond milk, vanilla extract, sugar, and vegetable oil in a separate bowl until the ingredients form a cohesive liquid base.
4. Batter Formation: Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring with deliberate strokes to maintain a smooth, lump-free batter consistency.
5. Carrot Integration: Fold freshly grated carrots into the batter, ensuring an even dispersion of vegetable texture throughout the cake mixture.
6. Baking Process: Transfer the batter to the prepared pan, spreading it evenly, and bake for 35-40 minutes. Verify doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should come out clean.
7. Cooling Stage: Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack, allowing for proper air circulation and optimal texture development.
8. Frosting Preparation: Blend vegan cream cheese, vegan butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and salt in a food processor until achieving a silky, smooth consistency.
9. Frosting Refinement: Chill the frosting for 25-30 minutes to enhance spreadability and structural integrity.
10. Final Assembly: Once the cake has cooled, generously spread the chilled frosting across the top, creating a decadent vegan dessert ready to be served and savored.

Notes

• Prevent Overmixing: Stir batter gently to maintain a tender, light cake texture and avoid developing tough gluten strands.
• Check Cake Doneness: Use the toothpick test to ensure the cake is fully baked, inserting it into the center and looking for a clean release without wet batter.
• Cooling Technique: Allow cake to cool completely on a wire rack to prevent condensation and maintain the perfect texture before frosting.
• Frosting Consistency: Refrigerate frosting briefly to achieve the ideal spreadable texture that’s not too soft or too firm.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 13
• Calories: 192
• Sugar: 7 g
• Sodium: 60 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 17 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg