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A slice of carrot cake sits on its side on a plate with a fork in front of it.
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Vegan Carrot Cake

You're in for a treat with this delicious layered Vegan Carrot Cake topped with an amazing Vegan Cream Cheese Frosting. Every bite is dreamy!
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Diet Vegan
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Resting Time 10 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings 14
Calories 550kcal
Author Marly McMillen

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 1 ½ cups walnuts
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
  • 2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 2 cups chopped carrots
  • ⅔ cup vegetable oil
  • 2 cup cold water
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla

Easy Vegan Cream Cheese Frosting

  • ½ cup vegan butter
  • 4 tablespoons vegan cream cheese (see note)
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • 3 cups powdered sugar
  • Additional walnuts for garnish
Cups - Metric

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350°F/175°C. Spray two round cake pans with vegetable spray. You can also place a piece of parchment paper at the bottom of the pans and spray the sides with vegetable oil.*
  • Place walnuts on a baking pan and toast for 5 minutes. Be careful not to cook too long because they will burn. Remove from the oven and allow to cool before chopping.
  • Combine in a large mixing bowl the flour, sugar, salt, cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, and baking soda. Stir to combine. Stir half of the walnuts into the flour mixture. Set aside.
    The dry ingredients for this cake are in a white mixing bowl.
  • Add the chopped carrots to a food processor and pulse several times to shred the carrots.
    Freshly ground carrots are in the bowl of a food processor.
  • Add the vegetable oil, water, vinegar, and vanilla to the food processor and pulse in quick bursts to combine.
    The wet ingredients for this healthy carrot cake recipe are in a glass mixing bowl.
  • Pour the carrot mixture in with the flour mixture. Stir to combine, making sure there are no clumps of flour throughout the batter.
  • Pour the batter into your prepared pans. Bake for 35 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean.
  • Allow the cake to cool for about 10 minutes before inverting onto a serving plate. Allow the cakes to cool completely.

For the Vegan Cream Cheese Frosting:

  • In the meantime, prepare the frosting by combining the vegan cream cheese and vegan butter in a mixing bowl. Mix until light and fluffy. Add the powdered sugar ½ cup at a time. Then add the lemon juice and beat until you get a spreadable consistency. You can add a tablespoon of plant-based milk if it's too thick.
    A stand mixer mixing bowl holds creamy frosting, with some of it on the beater.
  • Ice the top of one of the cakes. Top with additional chopped, toasted walnuts. Place the second cake on top. Cover the top cake and sides with frosting. Garnish with chopped walnuts.

Video

Notes

Make it Healthier

To make this cake healthier, consider these tips:
  • Reduce sugar by up to 50% and add raisins for natural sweetness.
  • Substitute whole wheat pastry flour or use half whole wheat flour.
  • Replace half of the oil with applesauce or an applesauce substitute.
  • Opt for whipped coconut cream instead of frosting for a lighter topping.
  • For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free baking flour.
Keep in mind that these changes may affect the flavor and texture of the classic recipe.

Baking Options

  • Vegan Carrot Cake Muffins — Same batter, shorter bake time (around 20 minutes). Or try this dedicated vegan carrot muffin recipe.
  • Loaf Cake — Enjoy it unfrosted for a snack bread, or frost it for a special dessert. Bake the batter in a loaf pan and cook it longer, 40 to 50 minutes.
  • Carrot Cake Cupcakes — distribute the batter into muffin pan compartments and bake for 20 to 25 minutes.
  • Carrot Cake Sheet Cake — Pour the batter into a greased 9x13 inch pan and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Pro Tip: Toast the walnuts for even richer flavor!
Love a super thick frosting? Try this alternative recipe vegan cream cheese icing recipe.

Nutrition

Calories: 550kcal | Carbohydrates: 79g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 25g | Saturated Fat: 11g | Sodium: 407mg | Potassium: 142mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 55g | Vitamin A: 3363IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 29mg | Iron: 2mg