Rich and decadent with a cream cheese frosting, most people would not think of carrot cake as being vegan-friendly. However, there are some vegan carrot cake recipes available that will allow you to have your dessert and eat it too.
Classic Carrot Cake
This recipe gives results that are similar in taste and texture to standard carrot cakes.
- Makes one cake
- Prep time: 30 minutes
- Bake time: 50 minutes
- Oven temp: 325 degrees
Cake Ingredients
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 cups flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 3 cups shredded carrot
- 3/4 cup vegetable oil
- 3/4 cup pureed pumpkin
- 2 teaspoons vanilla
- 4 teaspoons egg replacement
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts
Cake Instructions
- Sift together the dry ingredients in a large bowl.
- Mix in the oil, pumpkin, vanilla, carrots and nuts. Stir well to combine.
- Pour into a greased 10 x 9-inch cake pan and bake for 50 minutes at 325 degrees or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
- Let cool before icing.
Icing Ingredients
- 3 ounces cream cheese substitute
- 1/4 cup margarine
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1-1/2 cups confectioner's sugar
Icing Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a large bowl.
- Beat on high for two to three minutes or until well combined.
- Spread immediately.
Coconut Carrot Cake
The addition of shredded coconut to this carrot cake adds additional flavor and depth.
- Makes one cake
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Bake time: 45 minutes
- Oven temp: 350 degrees
Ingredients
- 2 cups flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 3 cups shredded carrots
- 3/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1/2 cup shredded, unsweetened coconut
- 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts
Instructions
- Sift together the dry ingredients in a large bowl.
- Add the oil, carrots and coconut to the mixture and stir.
- Add the orange juice and stir well to combine.
- Fold in the nuts.
- Pour into a greased 9 x 9-inch cake pan and bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
- Let cool before icing.
Cinnamon Icing Ingredients
- 1/4 cup margarine
- 1/4 cup shortening
- 2-1/2 cups confectioner's sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon almond milk
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Cinnamon Icing Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a large bowl.
- Beat on high for two to three minutes.
- Spread over cooled cake.
Tasty Additions
Carrot cake works well with a number of additions that help enhance its flavor. Try stirring in any of the following to add extra flavor to your cake:
- 1/2 cup golden raisins
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/2 cup dried papaya
- 1 tablespoon candied ginger
Enjoy Your Cake
Carrot cake is a universal favorite and not a recipe many people may think of as vegan. Try making one of these delicious and surprising vegan versions to share with your friends and family or whenever a special occasion arises. You'll be happy you did.
