Best Dairy-Free Carrot Cake (Parve)

Make the most tender, moist, and sweet carrot cake you've ever baked! Made with a quick homemade frosting, this easy carrot cake is effortless - you'll want to eat it every single day. No dairy? No problem! This is the best dairy-free carrot cake recipe that is easy to make and will keep you coming back for more! Enjoy the delicious flavor of a classic carrot cake without dairy ingredients.

What is carrot cake?

If you're thinking about a cake that is like a sheet cake or round chocolate cake with fluffy buttercream frosting, think again. This carrot cake closely resembles a sweet bread more than a cake. In fact, it reminds me a lot of zucchini or pumpkin bread!

This is a dairy-free recipe made with real, shredded carrots and crunchy pecans. Then, it's topped with a dairy-free glaze that's made from powdered sugar. The entire cake is delicately sweet with deeper earthy notes.

It's perfect for anyone that is craving sweets but doesn't want an overload of sugar.

Tips for making the best carrot cake

This is such a simple recipe that you only have to make one loaf before you feel like a pro carrot cake baker. My favorite part is that it’s quick to make and doesn’t require any fancy equipment, either.

Here are a few tips to help you make the best homemade carrot cake:

Fresh and Flavorful Carrots

Opt for fresh, high-quality carrots for the best flavor and moisture in your carrot cake. Grate them just before incorporating them into the batter to ensure their natural sweetness infuses the cake.

Egg Replacements

 If you're looking to make the recipe vegan, consider using egg substitutes like applesauce, mashed bananas, or flaxseed meal mixed with water. These alternatives maintain moisture while binding the ingredients together.

Quality Oil Matters

Choose a neutral-flavored, high-quality vegetable oil to maintain the moist and tender texture of the cake. Coconut oil can also be a tasty alternative, adding a hint of its unique flavor.

Pecans for Crunch (Optional)

While pecans are optional, they add a delightful crunch to the cake. Toast them lightly before incorporating them into the batter to enhance their flavor.

Spice it Up

Experiment with the spice levels by adjusting the cinnamon quantity or adding a pinch of nutmeg or ginger for a more complex flavor profile.

Gluten-Free Option

If you're looking for a gluten-free version, consider using a gluten-free flour blend in place of regular flour. Ensure the baking powder is also gluten-free. I have a delicious gluten-free carrot cake recipe on the blog made with almond flour. I highly recommend giving it a try. 

Mix dry ingredients separately

Mix sugar, carrots, eggs, cinnamon, and oil in a large mixing bowl and set it aside. Then, mix the flour, baking powder, and pecans in a smaller bowl. Then, add the flour mixture to the carrot mixture.

When you mix them separately, you will make sure that the baking powder distributes evenly among the entire batter.

Check for Doneness

To determine if the cake is done, insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs (but no wet batter), it's ready.

Make your own glaze

Buttercream is made with powdered sugar, milk, butter, and vanilla. To make this dairy-free, just leave out the butter and milk. I didn't add any vanilla either because I wanted the sweetness from the powdered sugar to really stand out.

All you have to do is boil some water and add it to the powdered sugar. You're basically thinning down the powdered sugar, so it's easier to pour on top of the carrot cake.

Cool Before Glazing

Allow the cake to cool completely before applying the dairy-free glaze. This ensures that the glaze sets nicely on the cake.

Personalize the Glaze

Adjust the thickness of the glaze to your liking by varying the amount of boiling water. A thicker glaze will create a sweet frosting-like layer, while a thinner glaze will give a lighter, shiny finish.

The glaze is optional

For those of you who aren’t fans of frostings or if you don’t happen to have the ingredients on hand, then try the cake as it is, without any frosting at all. Or, you can just sift a little powdered sugar on top.

Note that the cake alone isn't very sweet since it only contains ⅓ cup of sugar, so you might not want to skip the glaze on top if you prefer sweeter desserts.

Store and Serve

Store the cake in an airtight container to preserve its freshness. Enjoy it as a delightful dessert or even a sweet breakfast treat!

FAQs

Here are some questions people often ask about how to make homemade dairy-free carrot cake.

Other cake recipes to try:

Make this dairy-free carrot cake today!

The simplicity of the recipe ensures a stress-free baking experience, while the aromatic allure wafting from your oven will create an anticipation that's hard to resist. Imagine pulling out a perfectly baked carrot cake, crowned with a glossy, dairy-free glaze that transforms it into a true masterpiece. Don't deny yourself the pleasure—seize the moment, preheat that oven, and let the delightful aroma of my best dairy-free carrot cake recipe fill your kitchen. Your taste buds will thank you, and the joy of indulging in this guilt-free delight is just a few simple steps away!