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    Best Dairy-Free Carrot Cake (Parve)

    Published: Dec 20, 2022 · Modified: Mar 29, 2024 · by Renana · I may get commission for purchases made through links in this post at no extra cost to you.

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    Home » Recipes » Parve Desserts » 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.

    cut carrot cake loaf on a platter

    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.

    shredded carrots, oil, flour, sugar, cinnamon and pecans

    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!

    whole cake loaf with glaze

    FAQs

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

    Can I use a different oil in the recipe?

    Certainly! While the recipe calls for vegetable oil, you can experiment with other neutral-flavored oils like canola or light olive oil. Coconut oil is another tasty alternative, providing a hint of its unique flavor.

    Can I make cupcakes instead of a loaf or cake?

    Absolutely! Adjust the baking time for cupcakes, starting with around 18-20 minutes and checking for doneness with a toothpick. This recipe is versatile enough for cupcakes or even muffins.

    Is the glaze necessary, and can I customize it?

    The glaze is optional, but it adds a delightful sweetness and shine. Customize it by adjusting the amount of boiling water for your desired thickness. A thicker glaze creates a frosting-like layer, while a thinner one provides a lighter finish.

    How should I store the carrot cake?

    Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. If you plan to keep it longer, refrigerate it. Just be sure to bring it back to room temperature before serving for the best texture.

    Can I freeze the carrot cake?

    Certainly! Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil before freezing. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and bring it to room temperature before serving.

    Can I make this recipe nut-free?

    Absolutely! Omit the pecans, and the cake will still be delicious. You can also replace them with seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds for added texture.

    Can I add raisins or other mix-ins?

    Certainly! Feel free to customize the recipe by adding raisins, shredded coconut, or even diced pineapple for extra flavor and texture. Just ensure that any additional ingredients won't compromise the overall moisture of the cake.

    Does carrot cake contain milk?

    Most recipes you'll find online contain milk as one of the ingredients. I created a parve (or dairy-free) recipe without any milk. It still turns out deliciously moist without it!

    What brand of cake mix is dairy-free?

    This is a common question, especially if you don't have time to make a homemade cake. Most Duncan Hines cake mixes are Kosher Parve (OU) and contain no dairy ingredients.

    What is demerara sugar?

    Demerara sugar is a type of unrefined sugar that is made from evaporated cane juice. It has a large grain size and a golden color. The flavor is caramel-like and slightly toasted. It can be used in baking and cooking or as a topping for cereals, oatmeal, and yogurt.

    carrot cake loaf cut on a platter

    Other cake recipes to try:

    • orange cake
      Delicious and Easy Orange Bread
    • best cream cheese desserts by renana's kitchen
      Best Cream Cheese Desserts
    • Nondairy Apple Tart on a gold plate
      Dairy Free Apple Pie
    • vegan fruit cake in a pan
      Vegan Summer Fruit Cake

    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!

    cut carrot cake loaf on a platter

    Best Dairy-Free Carrot Cake (Parve)

    A dairy-free carrot cake that is delicately sweet and full of flavor. Perfect for anyone that is craving sweets but doesn't want an overload of sugar. (Parve version)
    3 from 1 vote
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 10 minutes mins
    Cook Time 40 minutes mins
    Total Time 50 minutes mins
    Course Dessert
    Cuisine American
    Servings 1 loaf cake

    Ingredients
      

    • 3 medium carrots peeled and grated
    • 2 eggs
    • ⅓ cup (70 grams) demerara sugar
    • ¼ cup (50 grams) pecan nuts optional
    • ½ cup vegetable oil
    • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
    • 1 cup flour
    • 1 tablespoon baking powder

    For the frosting:

    • 1 cup powdered sugar
    • 2-3 tablespoon boiling water (depends on the thickness you want for the glaze)

    Instructions
     

    • Preheat the oven to 180°C / 350°F degrees with the fan and grease a cake or loaf pan.
    • In a large bowl, mix together sugar, shredded carrots, and eggs.
    • Add cinnamon and oil - mix well.
    • In a separate small bowl, mix the flour with baking powder and pecans.
    • Add the flour mix to the carrot mix.
    • Pour the cake batter into a greased loaf pan.
    • Bake for 40 minutes or insert a toothpick in the center and make sure it comes out clean.
    • Meanwhile, in a small bowl, add the powdered sugar and 1 tablespoon of boiling water.
    • Whisk well and add another tablespoon of boiling water.
    • Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool at room temperature.
    • Pour the dairy-free glaze on the cake.
    • Cut yourself a slice and enjoy!

    Video

    Notes

    * You can use regular sugar instead of demerara sugar.
    *For a vegan cake use ½ cup applesauce instead of the eggs.
    *The amount of the grated carrots should equal 1 cup.
    *If the glaze is not becoming shiny, add another tablespoon of boiling water and whisk until smooth with no lumps.
    Keyword best carrot cake, carrot bread, carrot cake bread, carrot cake bread recipe, carrot cake loaf recipe, carrot cake recipe, carrot loaf, carrot loaf recipe, carrot quick bread, dairy-free carrot cake, easy dairy-free carrot cake, healthy carrot bread, loaf cake
    carrot bread slice on a plate with fork

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    Filed Under: Breakfast, Cakes, Desserts, Hanukah, Holidays, Parve Desserts, Purim, Rosh HaShanah, Shavuot, Sukkot, Tu BiShvat Tagged With: Carrot

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    Comments

    1. Esther

      April 20, 2025 at 12:36 pm

      3 stars
      The flavour was really good with additions of 1/2tsp ginger, a pinch nutmeg, sultanas & walnuts instead of pecans. But unfortunately the texture wasn't- it was a but crumbly - not sure if i did something wrong

      Reply

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    Renana Spiegel Levkovich

    Hello!

    I'm Renana and I share kosher recipes for Shabbat, yummy parve desserts, and Jewish holiday recipes - and so much more. I share easy kosher recipes for the whole family, along with some pretty great photographs, and easy-to-follow instructions. Enjoy!

    Contact me for any question →


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