Dive into the rich, moist world of this Ultimate Carrot Cake, a perfect blend of sweet, spiced carrot sponge layers enveloped in a smooth, luscious vegan cream cheese frosting. This cake redefines indulgence with its earthy sweetness and nutty crunch, all while being completely egg-free and customizable for those who prefer less frosting. Made with simple pantry staples and packed with the goodness of fresh carrots and walnuts, this cake promises a delightful experience with every forkful.
Why You'll Love This: The standout feature of this carrot cake is its incredibly moist texture, achieved without the use of eggs, making it a great choice for those following specific dietary preferences. The vegan cream cheese frosting adds a creamy, tangy contrast to the sweet, spiced cake, creating a harmonious balance of flavors. With the option to adjust the frosting to your liking, this cake ensures a personalized dessert experience that caters to all palates.
Perfect Occasion: This carrot cake is ideal for celebrations, be it birthdays, anniversaries, or special gatherings. Its elegant appearance and exquisite taste also make it a wonderful dessert for holiday meals or as a luxurious treat to enjoy any day of the week. Whether you're looking to impress guests or simply indulge in a homemade delight, this carrot cake is sure to be a hit.
Decoration Tips: For a beautiful finish, smooth the frosting over the cake layers and decorate with a generous sprinkle of toasted, chopped walnuts. If you're feeling creative, use the reserved frosting to pipe decorative borders around the edges of the cake. Edible flowers, a dusting of cinnamon, or finely grated carrot can add a pop of color and texture, enhancing the cake's visual appeal. Remember, the beauty of this cake lies in its rustic charm, so don't be afraid to let your artistic side shine.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup + 1/3 cup of unsweetened non-dairy milk
- 2/3 cup of light brown sugar
- 2/3 cup of granulated/cane/castor sugar
- 3/4 cup of oil
- 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract
- 2 cups + 1/3 cup of all-purpose flour
- 1 and 1/2 teaspoons of baking powder
- 1 and 1/2 teaspoons of baking soda
- 1 and 1/4 teaspoons of cinnamon powder
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
- 2 cups + 1/2 cup of peeled and grated carrots
- 2/3 cup of chopped walnuts (optional)
Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 12 ounces of vegan cream cheese, room temperature
- 1 cup + 1/2 cup of vegan butter, room temperature
- 3 cups of powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract or cinnamon powder
- 1/2 cup of toasted and chopped walnuts for topping
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C). Grease and line two 8-inch round cake pans.
- In a bowl, mix milk, oil, vanilla extract, and sugars until the sugar dissolves.
- In another bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Gradually mix these dry ingredients into the liquid mixture. Fold in grated carrots and walnuts if using.
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and bake for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool completely.
- For the frosting, whip together vegan butter, cream cheese, and vanilla or cinnamon until fluffy. Gradually add powdered sugar and mix until smooth.
- Assemble the cake by placing one layer on a stand, spreading 3/4 cup of frosting, then topping with the second layer. Apply frosting on top and around the cake, smoothing it out. Decorate with walnuts.
Store the cake in an airtight container for 2-3 days at room temperature or up to 7 days in the fridge.
Enjoy this Ultimate Moist Carrot Cake, where every slice is a testament to the joy of baking and the pleasure of sharing delicious, homemade treats.