Vegan Cake Recipe: Carrot Cake with Cashew Cream

I've been really into carrots lately. Since I've been steaming and pureeing carrots for dinner almost every night, it was just a matter of time before I tried making a carrot cake. In the past, I've noticed that my carrot cakes ended up being a little too much carrot and not enough cake. What happens with cakes or breads that have veggies mixed in, is that they can be grainy or too rustic, or fall apart easily. Basically, a lot can go wrong with them. That's fine for breakfast, but what if you want something a little smoother, a little more cake-y? So this time I steamed the carrots instead of just using raw shredded carrots and voila! It made all the difference. I was so surprised by how well "done" it was (no crumbs left on the toothpick!) while still being incredibly moist and soft. The coconut that is also mixed in gives it a subtle crispness to the bite. You can feel free to add in raisins or nuts as you wish--this time I just enjoyed mine without the extras and it was just as delicious. But don't skip frosting! Otherwise it's just a muffin. :)

Vegan Cake Recipe: Carrot Cake with Cashew Cream

Recipe Type: Sweets

YIELDS 8 cupcakes

PREP TIME 10 min

COOK TIME 01 hour 00 min

TOTAL TIME 01 hour 10 min

2 medium carrots
1/2 cup plus 1 tbsp brown sugar
1/3 cup non dairy milk
2 tbsp canola oil or another vegetable oil
1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp sea salt
1 tsp cinnamon
dash nutmeg
1/2 tsp ground ginger
1 tsp chia seeds
1 cup whole wheat flour
1/3 cup coconut shreds
1/2 tsp baking powder

2 medium carrots
1/2 cup plus 1 tbsp brown sugar
1/3 cup non dairy milk
2 tbsp canola oil or another vegetable oil
1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp sea salt
1 tsp cinnamon
dash nutmeg
1/2 tsp ground ginger
1 tsp chia seeds
1 cup whole wheat flour
1/3 cup coconut shreds
1/2 tsp baking powder

Directions

1. Trim and chop the carrots and steam for 4-5 minutes until soft. Heat oven to 350 degrees F.
2. In a blender or food processor, add carrots, oil, milk, vanilla, salt, spices, sugar, and chia seeds and blend until smooth.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, coconut shreds, and baking powder with a fork. Add wet ingredients and mix together quickly to combine.
4. Add to lined cupcake tray and bake for 20-25 minutes until the fork comes out clean. (I took mine out at 22). Chill completely and top with cashew cream.

For Cashew Cream:
Take 1 cup cashews and soak in water for at least 3 hours. The longer you soak them, the easier and faster it will be to blend smoothly. Drain, and blend with 2 tsp coconut oil, 3-4 tbsp non dairy milk (as needed), 1/2 tsp apple cider vinegar, and 2 tbsp powdered sugar.

More in vegan cake recipe: Vegan Chocolate Cheesecake Ice Cream Cake
Vegan Sour Cream Cake

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