Ah, the sweet smell of carrots baking! I’ve always been a sucker for carrot cake, but when I transitioned to a vegan lifestyle, I thought I had to bid farewell to this delicious treat. Oh, how wrong I was! This Vegan Carrot Cake Loaf is my little slice of heaven. Not only is it moist and fluffy, but it’s also packed with wholesome ingredients. Remember the first time you took a bite of a cake that made you feel like you were enveloped in a warm hug? That’s exactly what this loaf does for me!
I fondly remember the first time I whipped this up for a gathering. My friends were skeptical at first—they’re the kind of crew who love their traditional desserts. But as soon as they took that first bite, their faces lit up! The smiles, the compliments, and the empty plate at the end made it all worth it. It’s not just any carrot cake; it’s a masterpiece of flavor and texture that I promise will leave you craving more!
What’s in Vegan Carrot Cake Loaf?
Let’s break down the magic of this loaf, shall we? Each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating that deliciousness we crave.
Grated Carrots: The star of the show! These vibrant veggies add natural sweetness and moisture. Not only that, but you’re getting a good dose of beta-carotene and fiber.
All-Purpose Flour: This is your base, giving structure to the cake. For a healthier twist, you could swap out some of it for whole wheat flour.
Brown Sugar: Adds a rich depth of caramel-like sweetness. I love how it complements the spices perfectly.
Granulated Sugar: Just a bit more sweetness to balance the flavors. You can adjust this based on your taste!
Baking Soda and Baking Powder: The dynamic duo that gives this loaf its fluffy, cake-like texture. Don’t skip these!
Ground Cinnamon and Nutmeg: The warm spices that make your kitchen smell heavenly! They also add a lovely seasonal twist.
Salt: Just a pinch is needed to enhance all those sweet flavors.
Vegetable Oil or Melted Coconut Oil: This keeps the loaf moist. Coconut oil gives a fun twist, but any neutral oil works great!
Unsweetened Applesauce: A fantastic egg substitute that helps bind the ingredients while keeping that moisture locked in. Plus, it’s a sneaky way to add more fruit!
Vanilla Extract: Just a splash adds an aromatic sweetness that rounds out the flavor perfectly.
Chopped Pecans: For that delightful crunch and nutty flavor. I always say you can never go wrong with nuts in baked goods!
Optional Raisins or Walnuts: If you’re feeling adventurous, these are great add-ins for a bit of texture and additional sweetness.
Is Vegan Carrot Cake Loaf Good for You?
Oh, absolutely! Here’s the scoop on some health benefits:
Carrots: Packed with vitamins A, K, and antioxidants, they are amazing for your eyes and skin.
Whole Grains (if you use whole wheat flour): They provide fiber which is essential for digestion and helps keep you feeling full.
Nuts (like pecans): Rich in healthy fats and protein, they’re a great source of energy.
However, moderation is key! This loaf has sugars (both brown and granulated), so while it’s healthier than your traditional cake, remember it’s still a treat. And if you’re watching your caloric intake, keep an eye on those generous servings of frosting!
Ingredients
For one delicious Vegan Carrot Cake Loaf (about 10 servings), you’ll need:
– 2 cups grated carrots (about 4 medium carrots)
– 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup brown sugar
– ½ cup granulated sugar
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
– ½ teaspoon salt
– ½ cup vegetable oil or melted coconut oil
– 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– ½ cup chopped pecans (plus extra for topping)
– Optional: ½ cup raisins or walnuts
**For the Vegan Cream Cheese Frosting:**
– 1 cup vegan cream cheese
– ¼ cup vegan butter, softened
– 2 cups powdered sugar
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1-2 tablespoons non-dairy milk (as needed for consistency)
How to Make Vegan Carrot Cake Loaf?
Are you ready to unleash your inner baker? Let’s dive in!
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the grated carrots, all-purpose flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Stir to mix well.
3. In another bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil, applesauce, and vanilla extract until well combined.
4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. Fold in the chopped pecans and, if using, raisins or walnuts.
5. Transfer the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Once baked, remove the loaf from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
8. While the cake is 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, beating until creamy. If the frosting is too thick, add non-dairy milk 1 tablespoon at a time until the desired consistency is reached.
9. Once the loaf has completely cooled, spread the vegan cream cheese frosting on top and sprinkle with additional chopped pecans, if desired.
10. Slice and enjoy your delicious Vegan Carrot Cake Loaf! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
A Slice of Extra Love
Here’s the fun part! Feel free to experiment with this recipe. Swap out pecans for some walnuts, or throw in some spices like ginger for a little kick. You could even mix in some shredded coconut for added texture and flavor! Remember, baking is all about expressing your creativity.
I can’t wait for you to try this Vegan Carrot Cake Loaf. Whether it’s for a special occasion or just because, it’s sure to become a favorite in your household. If you give it a whirl, I’d love to hear how it turned out! Happy baking!
