Vegan carrot cake loaf - this is the best vegan carrot cake! Easy to make, moist, sweet and spicy with a zingy lemon glaze; this loaf cake is perfect for snacking on.
It seemed criminal that I hadn't yet posted a recipe for vegan carrot cake as it is both one of mine and Damian's favourite cakes. I tested and developed this recipe some time ago but hadn't gotten round to photographing it; Easter seemed like the perfect time to bake another loaf and finally take some photos!
This is a really simple, but really moist and flavourful vegan carrot cake loaf. When I took it round to the in-laws for Easter Sunday it disappeared within minutes and everyone was lamenting that I hadn't made a larger cake - you may want to double the recipe and bake two loaves!
The cake is moist, lightly spiced and has a wonderful soft but not too dense texture. I did initially want to top it with a vegan cream cheese frosting but all three of the supermarkets closest to me were out of vegan cream cheese that wasn't garlic and herb flavour, so a simple lemon glaze had to do!
The lemon glaze is delicious however, and it works wonderfully with the lightly spiced flavour of the cake. It is also lovely plain too so feel free to top it as you wish (or not at all).
How To Make Vegan Carrot Cake Loaf:
(For ingredients and full instructions see the recipe card below)
*For the best results make sure that you follow the recipe closely. As always, I highly recommend using the gram measurements (with a digital scale), rather than the cup conversions. Cup measurements are simply not accurate enough for baking and I cannot guarantee the best results if you use them.*
Start by whisking together the wet ingredients - caster sugar, light brown soft sugar, sunflower oil, non-dairy milk, cider vinegar, vanilla extract and lemon (or orange) zest.
In a separate bowl, sift together the dry ingredients - plain flour, wholemeal flour, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, bicarbonate of soda, baking powder and salt.
Tip the dry ingredients into the wet and whisk gently until no lumps of flour remain, be careful not to over-beat the batter however as that can make the cake tough.
Add the grated carrots, and if you are using any mix-ins such as nuts or raisins add them now too. Fold through until well combined.
Tip the batter into an approx 11.5 x 21.5 cm / 4.5 x 8.5 in loaf tin that you have greased and lined with a strip of baking parchment and spread it level. Bake for about an hour until a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean.
Let the cake cool in the tin for about 20 minutes then carefully lift it out using the strip of baking parchment and place it on a wire rack to cool completely before you add the glaze. The cake is delicate when warm so be careful moving it.
How Long Will This Vegan Carrot Cake Loaf Keep?:
This vegan carrot cake loaf will keep for around five days in an airtight container.
Can I Freeze It?:
Yes, any leftover slices of this cake will freeze well in an airtight container. Allow to defrost at room temperature.
Top Tips:
1.For the best results make sure that you follow the recipe closely. As always, I highly recommend using the gram measurements (with a digital scale), rather than the cup conversions. Cup measurements are simply not accurate enough for baking and I cannot guarantee the best results if you use them.
2. Use a standard sized grater for the carrots rather than a fine one for the best texture.
3. I like to use sunflower oil for baking as it has a very neutral flavour, but you can use another mild flavoured oil instead. Or you can use olive oil or melted coconut oil if you don't mind the flavour coming through.
4. Mix a couple of handfuls of raisins or chopped walnuts into the batter along with the grated carrots.
5. Make sure that you allow the cake to cool completely before adding the glaze/frosting and slicing into it.
6. Top with a vegan cream cheese frosting instead of the lemon glaze.
7. Omit the glaze entirely for a less sweet cake that is great for breakfast or brunch.
More Classic Vegan Cakes:
- Vegan chocolate fudge cake
- Vegan Victoria sponge cake
- Vegan lemon drizzle cake
- Vegan courgette (zucchini) cake
- Vegan coconut layer cake
- Easy vegan ginger cake
- Vegan biscoff banana bread
- Easy vegan chocolate cake
- Vegan Christmas cake
- Vegan apple bundt cake
If you tried this recipe why not tag @domestic_gothess on Instagram and hashtag it #domesticgothess
*All images and content on Domestic Gothess are copyright protected. If you want to share this recipe then please do so by using the share buttons provided. Do not screenshot or post the recipe or content in full.*
Vegan Carrot Cake Loaf
Ingredients
Vegan Carrot Cake Loaf:
- 150 g (¾ cup + 1 Tbsp) light brown soft sugar
- 65 g (⅓ cup) caster (superfine) sugar
- 120 ml (½ cup) sunflower oil (or another mild flavoured oil)
- 120 ml (½ cup) unsweetened non-dairy milk (I used soy)
- 2 tsp cider or white wine vinegar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- finely grated zest of 1 lemon or orange
- 140 g (1 cup + 2 Tbsp) plain (all-purpose) flour
- 65 g (½ cup + 1 Tbsp) plain wholemeal flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp bicarbonate of soda (baking soda)
- 1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground ginger
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
- ¼ tsp salt
- 240 g (8.5 oz) grated carrot
Lemon Glaze:
- 175 g (1 ½ cups) icing (powdered) sugar sifted
- 1 Tbsp unsweetened non-dairy yoghurt (optional)
- juice of ½ lemon (plus extra as needed)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 180C/350F/gas mark 4. Grease an approx 11.5 x 21.5 cm / 4.5 x 8.5 in loaf tin and line with a strip of baking parchment. Make sure that you leave some overhanging on either side so that you can lift the cake out easily.
- Whisk together the light brown soft sugar, caster sugar, oil, milk, vinegar, vanilla and lemon or orange zest in a large bowl.
- In a separate bowl, sift together the plain flour, wholemeal flour, baking powder, bicarbonate of soda, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg and salt.
- Tip the dry ingredients into the wet and whisk gently until no lumps of flour remain. Be careful not to over-beat the batter however as that can make the cake tough.
- Add the grated carrots and fold through until well combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared tin, spread it level and bake for about an hour until a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool in the tin for about 20 minutes then carefully lift it out using the strip of baking parchment and place it on a wire rack to cool completely.
- To make the glaze, place the sifted icing sugar in a bowl and add the yoghurt (if using). Gradually stir in the lemon juice until it forms a thick but pourable glaze.
- Pour the glaze over the top of the cake and serve. Store any leftovers in an airtight container.
Notes
Natalie
This carrot cake is divine! Sooo good, followed the recipe exact and it was perfect.
Hannah, I've made quite a few of your recipes now, if I need to look up a recipe I always look to domestic gothess first, each one we've tried so far is spot on.
Thank you!
maja
this is the best vegan carrot cake i've ever had!!! thank you so much for this recipe!
Raahat
Delicious recipe that I always come back. I've made it with and without the frosting and it's lovely either way. Everyone who has tried the cake or the recipe have told me how much they love it. I also add a handful of raisins and walnuts. Thank you for such a fabulous vegan alternative!! Hoping to give your coffee walnut cake a go next. 🙂 x
Katherine
I absolutely loved this cake- easy, delicious, no weird ingredients and it stayed moist and yummy for days! Can't wait to try more of your vegan baking recipes, thanks so much 🙂
Sophie
This recipe was super delicious!! I used coconut oil, oat milk and dark brown sugar instead of light (as it’s what I had in the cupboard/fridge and I wanted to use it up) and it was SO tasty!! So moist as well! You really can’t tell that it’s vegan!
My loaf cake didn’t rise as much as I had hoped it would. Do you have any tips for this? Should I swap the plain flour for SR next time or should I add more baking powder/bicarb?
Thanks again! Can’t wait to make it again and to try more of your recipes x
Aurika
This is such an awesome carrot cake loaf. My son has a baking project from school today but as my other child has dairy & egg allergies I looked for a vegan version instead. I have tried several of your recipes so far and none has disappointed. Your vegan cake recipes are so good, easy to follow, non fussy and tastes really good. Thank you so much!
KatC909
Beautiful cake thank you. I thought my 6 year old wouldn’t like so much spice but she’s boasting all over school what an amazing cook I am Positive comments from all who shared it.
I will try adding walnuts and raisins too next time. I did double the bicarbonate as I do for most cake recipes and it seems to help keep things light.
Ruby
Second time making this cake and was just as good as the first! So so delicious! Made for Mother’s Day and it went down a treat! Thanks so much
Marjolein Bos
Please, include the nutritional value for your recipes as my husband is Diabetic Type 1 and needs to know the carbohydrate value in order to take his insulin. Thank you!
Hannah
Hi Marjolein, unfortunately that is something I would have to pay for to provide and I do not have the budget for it at this time. You can input the recipes into my Fitness Pal to get an idea of the nutritional info https://www.myfitnesspal.com/recipe/calculator
Chev
Hi Hannah! How long will i bake it using an 8inch round pan? Thank you!
Hannah
Hi Chev, I haven't baked that quantity of batter in an 8 inch pan so I can't say for sure, 45 minutes maybe? I do also have this two layer carrot cake that is baked in 8 inch pans: https://domesticgothess.com/blog/2020/02/28/vegan-carrot-cake/
Jason
Made this with my son on the weekend. Great, easy bake and came out fantastic! Right amount of sweetness and spices came through nicely. Smelt so tempting while baking. Your recipes are always a big hit here!
Susan
Made for hubby as his birthday cake, added raisins and courgettes and topped with whipped coconut cream. It was a triumph and now my go to carrot cake recipe. Thanks for posting.
Cmac
I added a “splash” of oatmeal to add chewiness because I’m always worried about the texture, but it wasn’t necessary and this was EXCELLENT.
Charlotte
This is a really good carrot cake recipe! Came out beautifully. The only change I made was instead of a icing sugar topping, I made a honey and lemon glaze and poured that on top to soak through. Thank you so much!
Bee
Sooooooooooooo delicious!! Thanks so much for a great recipe!!
Kerry
Excellent and very quick to make. Another one I return to often - thank you
Athira Nandan
I made this recipe without the wholemeal flour, and topped it off with a brown butter glaze and it was beautiful! Thank you for this recipe ❤️