desserts

Vegan Carrot Sheet Cake

This Vegan Carrot Sheet Cake is a soft, moist, and perfectly spiced cake topped with creamy vegan cream cheese frosting. It’s packed with shredded carrots, warm spices, and a hint of vanilla, making it an irresistible dessert for spring, Easter, or any occasion. This easy sheet cake is not only vegan but also a crowd-pleaser that’s simple to prepare and bursting with flavor.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Cake:

  • 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup (200g) soft light brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) vegetable oil
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) unsweetened plant-based milk
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) applesauce
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 1/2 cups (250g) grated carrots

For the Frosting:

  • 1/2 cup (115g) vegan butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup (115g) vegan cream cheese
  • 4 cups (500g) powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional Topping:

  • Chopped walnuts or pecans

Directions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.

  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt.

  3. Add Wet Ingredients: Stir in vegetable oil, plant milk, applesauce, and vanilla extract until combined. Gently fold in grated carrots.

  4. Bake: Pour batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow cake to cool completely in the pan.

  5. Make the Frosting: In a mixing bowl, beat vegan butter and vegan cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating until creamy and spreadable.

  6. Frost and Decorate: Spread frosting over the cooled cake and sprinkle with chopped walnuts or pecans if desired. Slice and serve.

Nutrients

(Per Serving – Based on 12 servings)

  • Calories: 410 kcal
  • Total Fat: 17g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg
  • Sodium: 180mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 63g
  • Dietary Fiber: 2g
  • Sugars: 43g
  • Protein: 3g

A Delicious and Moist Vegan Cake

This Vegan Carrot Sheet Cake is incredibly soft, moist, and tender, thanks to the combination of applesauce and plant-based milk. The moist texture is complemented by the subtle sweetness of light brown and granulated sugars, which work in harmony with the warm spices to create a cake that is anything but ordinary. The shredded carrots add a natural sweetness and moisture, making this cake not only a great dessert but also a healthy one that incorporates the goodness of vegetables.

Unlike many vegan cakes that rely on egg substitutes, this one achieves its richness and fluffiness by using applesauce and vegetable oil, both of which help bind the ingredients while contributing to the overall texture. The use of plant-based milk further ensures the cake’s vegan status without sacrificing its flavor or moisture. As a result, the cake is perfectly light, tender, and satisfying.

Vegan Cream Cheese Frosting: A Perfect Match

The Vegan Carrot Sheet Cake wouldn’t be complete without its creamy vegan cream cheese frosting. This frosting is rich, tangy, and smooth, providing the ideal contrast to the warm and spiced cake. The combination of vegan butter and vegan cream cheese results in a frosting that has the same creamy texture as traditional cream cheese frosting but without any dairy products. This frosting is the perfect topping for the carrot cake, as its slight tanginess balances the sweetness of the cake, creating a truly indulgent dessert.

The frosting is simple to make and spread, and it helps elevate the flavor of the cake, making every bite an experience of creamy goodness. For those who enjoy a bit of crunch, sprinkling chopped walnuts or pecans on top of the frosting adds texture and an extra layer of flavor that enhances the overall enjoyment of the cake.

The Versatility of Vegan Carrot Cake

One of the best things about Vegan Carrot Sheet Cake is its versatility. It’s perfect for a wide range of occasions, from casual family dinners to more formal gatherings. The generous size of the sheet cake makes it ideal for large groups, ensuring that everyone gets a slice of this delightful treat. Whether you’re hosting a spring picnic, a birthday party, or an Easter celebration, this cake will be the centerpiece that brings people together over a shared love for delicious dessert.

In addition to being a fantastic spring and summer dessert, this cake can also be made for a holiday gathering or fall feast. The warm spices in the cake, like cinnamon and nutmeg, give it a comforting flavor that pairs beautifully with the changing seasons. Plus, the vegan frosting ensures that it can be enjoyed by everyone, whether or not they follow a plant-based diet.

A Healthier Alternative Without Compromising Flavor

While many traditional carrot cakes are made with dairy and eggs, the Vegan Carrot Sheet Cake offers a healthier alternative without compromising on flavor or texture. By replacing eggs with applesauce and using plant-based ingredients like vegan cream cheese and vegan butter, this cake is both delicious and suitable for those who follow vegan diets or have dairy allergies.

The use of shredded carrots not only adds natural sweetness but also increases the nutritional value of the cake. Carrots are a good source of vitamin A, fiber, and antioxidants, making this cake a slightly healthier choice compared to other indulgent desserts. Moreover, the absence of refined sugars and eggs further enhances its health profile, making it a dessert you can feel good about enjoying.

Making the Vegan Carrot Sheet Cake Your Own

While the recipe as it stands is fantastic, there’s always room for customization. For example, you can swap the walnuts or pecans for your favorite nuts or even add raisins or dried cranberries for extra sweetness and texture. If you prefer a less sweet option, you can reduce the sugar amount slightly without compromising the integrity of the cake. You could also experiment with different spices, such as adding a hint of cloves or allspice, to give the cake a unique twist.

For a decadent twist, you can add a layer of coconut flakes to the batter, which would provide a tropical flair and pair beautifully with the spices. Vegan chocolate chips can also be folded into the batter to add a chocolatey surprise in every bite. No matter how you customize it, this cake is versatile enough to suit many tastes while still being a crowd-pleaser.

Why You’ll Love Vegan Carrot Cake

What makes Vegan Carrot Sheet Cake stand out is its ability to be enjoyed by everyone. Whether you’re vegan, lactose intolerant, or just a lover of great cake, this dessert delivers on all fronts. It’s sweet, moist, and full of flavor, and it brings together the perfect combination of spices, sweetness, and richness that makes carrot cake a beloved classic.

The creamy, tangy frosting adds the perfect touch of indulgence, and the optional addition of nuts provides a satisfying crunch. With its vibrant orange color and festive appearance, it’s a dessert that will catch the eye and impress guests at any celebration. The fact that it’s easy to make and doesn’t require special ingredients or tools makes it accessible to home bakers of all skill levels.

Conclusion: A Must-Have Vegan Dessert

In conclusion, Vegan Carrot Sheet Cake is a show-stopping dessert that’s as delicious as it is impressive. Whether you’re looking for a springtime treat, an Easter dessert, or simply a vegan alternative to traditional carrot cake, this recipe ticks all the boxes. The moist, spiced cake combined with the creamy vegan frosting and the option to add nuts or fruits makes this a versatile and satisfying dessert.

Not only does this vegan carrot cake bring people together over great flavor, but it also offers a healthier, plant-based alternative to traditional desserts. The simple ingredients and straightforward preparation process make it easy to make, even for beginner bakers. So, whether you’re preparing it for a family gathering or enjoying it as an afternoon indulgence, this Vegan Carrot Sheet Cake is sure to be a hit with everyone!

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