Ingredients:

For the cake:

  • 2 cups grated carrots (about 4 medium carrots)
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce (acts as an egg replacer)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
  • 1/2 cup raisins or currants (optional)

For the vegan cream cheese frosting:

  • 8 oz vegan cream cheese (such as Tofutti or Daiya)
  • 1/4 cup vegan butter or margarine
  • 3 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the grated carrots, sugar, vegetable oil, applesauce, and vanilla extract. Mix well.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
  4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined. If you’re using nuts and raisins, fold them into the batter at this point.
  5. Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared cake pans.
  6. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  7. Remove the cakes from the oven and allow them to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
  8. While the cakes are cooling, prepare the vegan cream cheese frosting. In a mixing bowl, beat together the vegan cream cheese and vegan butter until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, and continue to beat until the frosting is creamy and well combined.
  9. Once the cakes are completely cool, spread a layer of frosting on top of one of the cakes. Place the other cake on top and frost the top and sides of the entire cake.
  10. Decorate the cake as desired. You can use additional grated carrots, chopped nuts, or even edible flowers for a decorative touch.
  11. Slice and serve your delicious vegan carrot cake!