MOIST Vegan Carrot Cake Recipe with Cream Cheese Frosting

This MOIST Vegan Carrot Cake Recipe with Cream Cheese Frosting is a delightful treat that will impress everyone, including non-vegans! Perfect for birthdays, holidays, or just because you deserve a slice of cake, this recipe stands out with its rich flavors and easy preparation. The combination of fresh carrots and creamy frosting makes it a must-try dessert for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Crowd-Pleaser: This cake is loved by both vegans and non-vegans alike, making it a great option for gatherings.
• One-Bowl Wonder: With minimal cleanup required, you can focus more on enjoying your cake than on washing dishes.
• Versatile: It’s perfect for various occasions—from birthday parties to casual family dinners.
• Rich Flavor: The blend of spices enhances the carrot flavor, creating a fragrant and delicious dessert.
• Dairy-Free Delight: Topped with a creamy vegan cream cheese frosting, it caters to those avoiding dairy.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the recipe, gather your tools and prepare your workspace. Having everything ready ensures a smooth baking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer or hand mixer
• Large mixing bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Three 8-inch cake pans
• Parchment paper
• Cooling rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer or hand mixer: These make blending ingredients easier and help achieve the right texture for the batter.
• Large mixing bowl: A spacious bowl allows you to mix all ingredients without spilling or mess.
• Cooling rack: Ensures even cooling of the cakes, preventing sogginess before frosting.

Ingredients

This cake comes together with simple, wholesome ingredients that are easily accessible.

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 the Vegan Buttermilk

In a separate bowl, combine the dairy-free milk with apple cider vinegar. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it thickens slightly to create your vegan buttermilk.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

You can add all dry ingredients at once or pre-mix them in a large bowl. Whisk together:
All-purpose flour or cake flour
Baking powder
Baking soda
Ground spices (cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cardamom)
Sea salt

Set this mixture aside.

Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together:
Melted vegan butter
Granulated sugar
Brown sugar

Mix until combined. Then add in:
Dairy-free yogurt
Vanilla extract

Stir until just combined.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet ingredients in three increments. Alternate adding in your vegan buttermilk during this process. Be careful not to overmix; stop when no dry streaks remain. 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 in the center comes out clean.

Step 7: Cool the Cakes

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

Step 8: Prepare the Frosting

In a stand mixer or using a hand mixer, beat together:
Vegan butter
Dairy-free cream cheese

Gradually sift in powdered sugar one cup at a time. Beat well after each addition. If needed, add dairy-free milk one tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired consistency.

Step 9: Frosting Your Cake

Once cooled, frost between each layer with about 1/3 cup of frosting. Apply frosting around the sides of the cake as well. For decorative piping, reserve some frosting to color with vegan food coloring if desired.

Step 10: Store Leftovers

Store any leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator 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

This MOIST Vegan Carrot Cake Recipe with Cream Cheese Frosting is perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s a birthday, holiday, or simply a treat for yourself, serving this cake can be both fun and creative.

Birthday Celebrations

• Consider using colorful candles on top of the cake for a festive touch. This adds a personal flair to your special day.

Afternoon Tea

• Slice the cake into smaller portions and serve it alongside a variety of herbal teas. The sweetness pairs beautifully with the soothing flavors of tea.

Dessert Buffets

• Present the cake as part of a dessert spread. Offer small slices along with other desserts to create an inviting buffet for guests.

Potluck Gatherings

• Cut the cake into squares and transport it in a covered dish. It’s easy to share and sure to impress everyone at the potluck.

Family Dinners

• Serve the cake as the grand finale after dinner. Pair it with vegan ice cream for an extra indulgent experience.

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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 every time, consider these helpful tips.

• Use fresh carrots: Freshly grated carrots bring out the best flavor and moisture in your cake.
• Check oven temperature: Use an oven thermometer to ensure your oven heats accurately, preventing undercooked or overcooked cakes.
• Don’t overmix: When combining ingredients, mix only until just combined to keep the cake fluffy and light.
• Cool completely before frosting: Allow your cakes to cool completely before adding frosting; this prevents melting and ensures neat layers.
• Store properly: Keep leftover cake in an airtight container in the fridge or freeze portions for later enjoyment.
• Experiment with add-ins: Consider adding nuts or raisins for added texture and flavor variations.

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

Pairing side dishes with your MOIST Vegan Carrot Cake Recipe with Cream Cheese Frosting can enhance your dessert experience. Here are some lovely options to consider.

1. Vegan Vanilla Ice Cream – A classic pairing that adds creaminess and balances the sweetness of the carrot cake.
2. Fresh Fruit Salad – A refreshing option that complements the richness of the cake while providing a burst of freshness.
3. Chai Latte – The spices in chai enhance the flavors of the carrot cake, creating a warm and cozy experience.
4. Coconut Whipped Cream – Light and airy, this topping adds a tropical twist that harmonizes beautifully with carrot flavors.
5. Nutty Granola – Serve on the side for added crunch; sprinkle it on top for textural contrast against the creamy frosting.
6. Herbal Tea Selection – Offer various herbal teas like chamomile or mint that can cleanse the palate after enjoying dessert.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making the MOIST Vegan Carrot Cake Recipe with Cream Cheese Frosting can be easy, but there are common mistakes that can affect the outcome. Here are a few tips to avoid them:

• Skipping the vegan buttermilk: This ingredient adds moisture and flavor. Always mix dairy-free milk with apple cider vinegar for the best results.
• Overmixing the batter: Mixing too much can lead to a dense cake. Stop mixing as soon as you no longer see dry flour.
• Not cooling the cakes completely: Frosting warm cakes can cause the frosting to melt. Make sure cakes are fully cooled before you frost them.
• Ignoring ingredient temperatures: Using cold ingredients can affect texture. Ensure your vegan butter and yogurt are at room temperature.
• Using old spices: Fresh spices enhance flavor significantly. Check your spice cabinet and replace any outdated ones for a more aromatic cake.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

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

Freezing MOIST Vegan Carrot Cake Recipe with Cream Cheese Frosting

• Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and then foil.
• Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.

Reheating MOIST Vegan Carrot Cake Recipe with Cream Cheese Frosting

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F, cover with foil, and heat for about 10-15 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat individual slices on medium power for about 30-40 seconds.
• Stovetop: Use a non-stick pan on low heat, cover, and warm for about 5-7 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about the MOIST Vegan Carrot Cake Recipe with Cream Cheese Frosting:

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Yes! You can substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version.

How do I make vegan cream cheese frosting?

To make vegan cream cheese frosting, use dairy-free cream cheese and vegan butter whipped together with powdered sugar until smooth.

Can I add nuts or raisins?

Absolutely! Feel free to fold in chopped nuts or raisins into the batter for added texture and flavor.

What’s the best way to store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for longer storage.

Final Thoughts

This MOIST Vegan Carrot Cake Recipe with Cream Cheese Frosting is not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize it by adding different spices or mix-ins like walnuts or pineapple. Give it a try; it’s sure to impress everyone, even non-vegan friends!