Quick & Fluffy Simple Vegan Carrot Cake Recipe for Beginners

Simple vegan carrot cake emerges as a delightful twist on a classic dessert that surprises and delights.

Packed with natural sweetness and vibrant colors, this plant-based treat revamps ordinary ingredients into something extraordinary.

Warm spices dance through the batter, creating a complex flavor profile that feels both nostalgic and innovative.

Wholesome carrots provide moisture and depth, ensuring each slice remains tender and rich.

The magic lies in unexpected combinations that challenge traditional baking norms.

Completely dairy-free and egg-free, this cake proves plant-based baking can be incredibly satisfying and indulgent.

Prepare to fall in love with a dessert that redefines comfort and creativity.

Why Simple Vegan Carrot Cake Stands Out

• Swap Guilt for Goodness: Indulge in a plant-based dessert that satisfies sweet cravings without compromising health, packed with nutrient-rich carrots and wholesome ingredients.
• Effortless Baking Bliss: Designed for novice bakers, this recipe requires minimal kitchen skills, simple mixing techniques, and basic pantry staples for a foolproof cake experience.
• Texture Sensation: Enjoy a moist, tender crumb with delightful carrot shreds that add natural sweetness and a subtle crunch, creating a perfectly balanced bite every time.
• Quick Comfort Companion: Ready in under an hour, this vegan carrot cake becomes your go-to dessert for spontaneous gatherings, weekend treats, or late-night cravings without extensive preparation.

Ingredients for a Vegan Carrot Cake That Wows

• All-Purpose Flour: Base of the cake with soft, light texture that provides structure.
• Baking Powder: Helps cake rise and creates light, fluffy consistency.
• Baking Soda: Assists with rising and balances acidic ingredients.
• Cinnamon: Warm spice that adds depth and traditional carrot cake flavor.
• Nutmeg: Complementary spice that enhances overall warmth and complexity.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and intensifies other flavors.

• Applesauce: Natural sweetener that adds moisture and helps bind ingredients.
• Almond Milk: Dairy-free liquid that provides smooth, creamy base.
• Vanilla Extract: Classic flavoring that adds rich, sweet aroma.
• Vegetable Oil: Ensures cake remains moist and tender.
• Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps with cakes caramelization.

• Carrots: Main vegetable that provides natural sweetness, moisture, and signature texture.

• Vegan Cream Cheese: Provides creamy, tangy base for frosting.
• Powdered Sugar: Creates smooth, sweet frosting consistency.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and traditional frosting flavor.
• Almond Milk: Helps adjust frosting thickness and smoothness.

How to Make the Perfect Vegan Carrot Cake

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13 baking pan thoroughly with cooking spray or plant-based butter.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Ground cinnamon
• Ground nutmeg
• Salt

Ensure all dry ingredients are evenly combined.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

• Applesauce
• Almond milk
• Vanilla extract
• Sugar
• Vegetable oil

Mix until the mixture becomes smooth and well integrated.

Step 4: Create Cake Batter

Gradually add dry ingredients into wet ingredients, stirring gently to create a cohesive batter without overmixing.

Step 5: Add Carrots

Fold in freshly grated carrots, distributing them evenly throughout the batter for delightful texture and flavor.

Step 6: Bake The Cake

Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 30-40 minutes. Test doneness by inserting a toothpick – it should come out clean when cake is fully baked.

Step 7: Cool Completely

Transfer cake to a wire rack and allow to cool to room temperature.

Step 8: Prepare Creamy Frosting

Blend all frosting ingredients in a high-speed blender until silky smooth. Add extra almond milk if needed to reach desired consistency.

Step 9: Chill And Frost

Refrigerate frosting for 30 minutes, then spread generously over completely cooled cake.

Pro Tips for Moist Vegan Carrot Cake

• Grate Carrots Finely: Use a box grater or food processor to create uniform, small carrot pieces that distribute evenly throughout the cake, ensuring moisture and texture in every bite.
• Check Moisture Balance: If the batter seems too dry, add a little extra almond milk to maintain the perfect cake consistency without making it too wet.
• Test Cake Doneness Carefully: Insert a toothpick in the center and look for just a few moist crumbs – this indicates a perfectly baked, moist vegan carrot cake.
• Chill Frosting Properly: Refrigerate frosting for at least 30 minutes to help it set and become more spreadable, creating a smoother, more professional-looking cake finish.
• Room Temperature Matters: Allow cake to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting and ensure the frosting adheres smoothly and evenly to the cake surface.

Storing and Reheating Vegan Carrot Cake Made Easy

• Refrigerate the cake in an airtight container to maintain its moisture and freshness for up to 5 days. Cover the frosted cake with plastic wrap or transfer to a sealed container before storing in the refrigerator. Prevent drying out by keeping the cake away from direct air exposure.
• Freeze individual slices by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and placing inside a freezer-safe container for maximum 3 months. Thaw frozen cake slices overnight in the refrigerator for best texture restoration.
• Reheat refrigerated cake slices briefly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to restore soft, tender consistency. Avoid overheating to prevent drying out the delicate vegan cake texture.

What Goes Great with Vegan Carrot Cake

• Pair with Creamy Chai Latte: The warm spices in carrot cake beautifully complement the rich, aromatic chai tea's blend of cinnamon, cardamom, and ginger. Its smooth, velvety texture creates a delightful contrast with the cake's moist crumb.
• Serve Alongside Vanilla Bean Coconut Ice Cream: This dairy-free dessert matches perfectly with the cake's vegan profile. The cool, smooth vanilla notes enhance the cake's natural sweetness and provide a refreshing counterpoint to the warm spices.
• Enjoy with Cinnamon Roasted Almonds: The nutty, caramelized crunch of roasted almonds adds a delightful textural element to the soft cake. Their toasted warmth echoes the cake's spice profile and creates a harmonious flavor experience.
• Match with Maple Pecan Herbal Tea: A caffeine-free herbal tea with hints of maple and toasted pecans mirrors the cake's earthy, sweet undertones. Its gentle warmth and subtle nuttiness elevate the dessert's complex flavor palette.

Creative Vegan Carrot Cake Variations

• Tropical Carrot Cake: Incorporate crushed pineapple and shredded coconut into the batter for a Hawaiian-inspired flavor profile. Replace some of the almond milk with coconut milk to enhance the tropical essence.
• Protein-Packed Version: Add plant-based protein powder to the dry ingredients and mix in chopped walnuts or pecans for extra protein and crunch. This variation boosts nutritional value and provides a satisfying texture.
• Spiced Autumn Edition: Increase the cinnamon and nutmeg, then fold in diced apples and a sprinkle of ground ginger. Top with a maple-infused vegan cream cheese frosting to capture warm, seasonal flavors.
• Chocolate Chip Indulgence: Fold in vegan dark chocolate chips into the batter before baking. Drizzle melted chocolate over the frosted cake for an extra decadent touch that transforms the classic carrot cake into a chocolate lover's dream.

Simple Vegan Carrot Cake Recipe

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4.8 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Irresistible Simple Vegan Carrot Cake brings wholesome comfort with its moist layers of spiced goodness. Natural sweetness from carrots and plant-based ingredients create a delightful dessert you’ll savor down to the last crumb.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• ½ cup (120 ml) raw macadamia nuts (soaked, drained and rinsed)
• ½ cup (120 ml) raw cashews (soaked, drained and rinsed)
• 2 cups (300 g) carrots (grated)

Sweeteners and Liquid Ingredients:

• ¼ cup (60 ml) maple syrup
• ¼ cup (60 ml) almond milk
• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) coconut oil
• 2 teaspoons (10 ml) fresh lemon juice

Flavor Enhancers and Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon (5 ml) vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon (2.5 ml) salt

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Instructions

1. Meticulously grease a 9×13 inch (23×33 centimeters) baking pan and warm the oven to 350°F (177°C), ensuring an optimal baking environment.
2. Sift together all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and sea salt in a spacious mixing bowl, creating a uniform dry ingredient mixture.
3. In a separate vessel, vigorously whisk unsweetened applesauce, almond milk, pure vanilla extract, granulated sugar, and vegetable oil until the liquid components form a harmonious blend.
4. Carefully introduce the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring with gentle, calculated motions to prevent overmixing and maintain a smooth batter consistency.
5. Incorporate freshly grated carrots into the batter, distributing them evenly to ensure a balanced distribution of vegetable texture throughout the cake.
6. Carefully pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it uniformly to create an even surface for consistent baking.
7. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, periodically testing the cake’s doneness by inserting a clean toothpick into the center; it should emerge without any wet batter clinging to it.
8. Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool completely on a wire cooling rack, which facilitates air circulation and prevents soggy bottom layers.
9. For the frosting, combine vegan cream cheese, softened vegan butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt in a high-performance blender or food processor.
10. Blend the frosting ingredients until achieving a silky, smooth consistency, adjusting the texture with additional almond milk if necessary to reach the desired spreadability.
11. Refrigerate the frosting for 25-30 minutes to firm up slightly, which enhances its spreadability and structural integrity.
12. Once the cake has cooled completely, generously and evenly spread the chilled frosting across the top, creating a luxurious vegan dessert ready to be served and enjoyed.

Notes

• Carrots add natural sweetness and moisture, making this cake incredibly soft and delightful.
• Vegan ingredients transform traditional cake into a compassionate, health-conscious dessert everyone can enjoy.
• Blending wet and dry ingredients separately ensures smooth texture and even distribution of flavors.
• Spices like cinnamon and nutmeg create warm, comforting undertones that complement the carrots perfectly.
• Cooling cake completely prevents frosting from melting and helps develop richer, more intense flavors.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 257 kcal
• Sugar: 7 g
• Sodium: 210 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg