Vegan Carrot Cake Recipe

Learn how to make the best homemade vegan carrot cake with this easy baking recipe. This moist, perfectly spiced cake uses flax eggs and plant-based ingredients while maintaining that classic carrot cake texture. Topped with dairy-free cream cheese frosting, it's a crowd-pleasing treat everyone will love!

Difficulty:

Beginner

Prep Time:

30 mins

Cook Time:

35 mins

Serves:

1 cake (12 slices)

Ingredients

<ul class="ingredients-main-list"><li class="ingredients-single-item">For the flax eggs:</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 tbsp ground flaxseed</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">6 tbsp water</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">For the cake:</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">300g plain flour</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 tsp baking powder</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tsp baking soda</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 tsp ground cinnamon</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tsp ground ginger</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1/2 tsp ground nutmeg</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1/2 tsp salt</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">150g brown sugar</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">100g caster sugar</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">250ml vegetable oil (or melted coconut oil)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">120ml plant milk (soy or almond)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 tsp vanilla extract</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">300g carrots, finely grated</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">100g walnuts, chopped (plus extra for decoration)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">75g raisins (optional)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">For the frosting:</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">200g vegan cream cheese</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">100g vegan butter, softened</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">300g icing sugar, sifted</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tsp vanilla extract</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tbsp lemon juice</li></ul>

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🍽️ Serving Size: 1 serving

🔥 Calories: 385 calories

🥑 Fat: 22 g

🧈 Saturated Fat: 4 g

🍞 Carbohydrates: 45 g

🍭 Sugar: 28 g

🍗 Protein: 5 g

🫀 Cholesterol: 0 mg

🧂 Sodium: 320 mg

Equipment

<ul class="equipment-main-list"><li class="equipment-single-item">Two 20cm (8-inch) round cake tins</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Electric mixer or stand mixer</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Box grater or food processor with grater attachment</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Offset spatula</li></ul>

Directions

<ol class="no-list-style"><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 1</h4>Preheat your oven to 180°C and line two 20cm round cake tins with parchment paper, greasing the sides lightly with oil. Make your flax eggs by mixing the ground flaxseed with water in a small bowl and set aside for at least 5 minutes until thickened to a gel-like consistency. This mixture will bind your cake together, replacing conventional eggs.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4>In a large bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and salt. Whisking these dry ingredients together ensures even distribution of the raising agents and spices, creating a perfectly balanced flavor in every bite.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4>In a separate bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, caster sugar, and oil until well combined. The combination of two sugars provides both moisture and flavor depth, while oil (rather than solid fat) ensures your vegan cake stays wonderfully moist.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4>Add the thickened flax eggs, plant milk, and vanilla to the sugar mixture and whisk until smooth and well combined. The flax eggs should be fully incorporated without any visible lumps.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4>Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients using a spatula or wooden spoon, mixing just until combined. Over-mixing will develop the gluten in the flour, potentially making your cake tough rather than tender.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4>Gently fold in the grated carrots, chopped walnuts, and raisins (if using). The moisture from the carrots will further enhance the cake's texture, while the nuts provide delightful crunch and the raisins offer sweet bursts of flavor.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 7</h4>Divide the batter evenly between your prepared tins and smooth the tops. Tap the tins gently on the counter to release any trapped air bubbles, which helps ensure an even rise.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 8</h4>Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. The cakes will be golden brown, slightly pulled away from the sides, and should spring back when lightly touched.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 9</h4>Allow the cakes to cool in their tins for 15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. This gradual cooling prevents the cakes from collapsing and ensures they maintain their structure.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 10</h4>While the cakes are cooling, prepare your frosting. Beat the vegan cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the sifted icing sugar, beating well after each addition. Incorporate the vanilla extract and lemon juice, which brightens the flavor and balances the sweetness. Continue beating for 2-3 minutes until the frosting is fluffy and holds its shape.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 11</h4>Once the cakes are completely cool, place one layer on a serving plate and spread a generous amount of frosting on top. Position the second layer carefully on top and cover the entire cake with the remaining frosting, creating swirls with your offset spatula for a rustic finish.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 12</h4>Decorate the top with chopped walnuts, a light dusting of cinnamon, or even tiny carrot decorations if desired. Allow the frosting to set for about 30 minutes before serving, which helps when cutting clean slices. Your vegan carrot cake will keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, bringing to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.</li></ol>

FAQs

Find answers to your most pressing questions about this delicious recipe right here.

What ingredients are used in Vegan Carrot Cake Recipe?

This vegan carrot cake uses ground flaxseed and water as egg replacers, flour, baking powder, baking soda, spices (cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg), sugars, vegetable oil, plant milk, vanilla, grated carrots, walnuts, and raisins. The dairy-free frosting combines vegan cream cheese, vegan butter, icing sugar, vanilla, and lemon juice.

How to cook Vegan Carrot Cake Recipe at home?

Learn how to cook Vegan Carrot Cake Recipe by making flax eggs, combining dry ingredients separately from wet ingredients, then gently folding them together with grated carrots, walnuts, and raisins. Divide between two cake tins and bake at 180°C for 30-35 minutes until a skewer comes out clean. Cool completely before frosting with a dairy-free cream cheese frosting for a deliciously moist plant-based treat.

Can I substitute the nuts in this carrot cake for allergy concerns?

Absolutely! For nut allergies, replace walnuts with sunflower or pumpkin seeds for crunch, or omit entirely. The cake will still be delicious without nuts. If using the frosting, ensure your vegan cream cheese is nut-free (some are cashew-based). Seeds provide similar texture while keeping the cake allergen-friendly.

Why does my dairy-free cream cheese frosting turn runny?

Runny vegan frosting typically results from over-mixing, warm ingredients, or too much liquid. Always use cold vegan cream cheese, softened (not melted) vegan butter, and beat just until combined. If it's still runny, refrigerate for 30 minutes before using, or gradually add more sifted icing sugar to reach your desired consistency.

How can I ensure my carrot cake turns out moist without eggs?

For a moist eggless carrot cake, properly prepare your flax eggs (allowing them to gel fully), don't skimp on the oil, and avoid overmixing the batter. The moisture from freshly grated carrots is essential—pre-grated carrots are often dry. Finally, be careful not to overbake; check with a skewer at the minimum baking time.

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