Vegan Carrot Cake

Recipe Overview 🍽️

History of the Recipe ✍️

Carrot cake has its origins in the Middle Ages, where carrots were used as a natural sweetener in desserts due to their high sugar content. The Vegan carrot cake version emerged as plant-based diets and alternatives to animal products became more popular.

Ingredients 🛒

listed in the order of use in the procedure:

• 200 g grated carrots
• 180 g whole wheat flour
• 100 g cane sugar (or coconut sugar)
• 50 g melted coconut oil (or another vegetable oil)
• 100 ml almond milk (or any plant-based milk)
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 packet baking powder (about 11 g)
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 pinch of salt
• 50 g chopped pecans or hazelnuts (optional)

Steps (How to Make ) 🥣

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and grease a 20 cm round cake pan.
2. Mix the wet ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the melted coconut oil, almond milk, and apple cider vinegar. Let it sit for a few minutes to activate the vinegar.
3. Add the dry ingredients: Incorporate the flour, sugar, baking powder, spices (cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg), and salt into the wet mixture.
4. Stir in the grated carrots and chopped nuts (if using), mixing until you get a smooth batter.
5. Pour the batter into the pan and bake for 35 to 45 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
6. Let it cool before removing from the pan.

Chef Tips 👨‍🍳

• For a moister cake, add a mashed banana to the batter.
• You can replace the nuts with raisins or sunflower seeds for a different texture and flavor.
• The apple cider vinegar is key to giving the cake a light, airy texture.

Possible Variations 🎭

• Carrot and Coconut Cake: Add 50 g of shredded coconut to the batter for an extra exotic taste.
• Vegan Frosting: Create a creamy frosting using soaked cashews, almond milk, maple syrup, and vanilla.

Bake Time 🔥

Baking the Vegan Carrot Cake takes about 35 to 45 minutes at 180°C (350°F), depending on the cake’s thickness. Allow it to cool before frosting. This moist and flavorful cake is a delightful plant-based treat, perfect for any occasion.

How to Store 🥡

Food and Drink Pairings 🥂

Vegan carrot cake pairs wonderfully with spiced tea (like chai) or coffee. It can also be enjoyed with a plant-based milk (such as almond or soy) for a rich indulgence.

Presentation Suggestion 🍽️

Serve the Vegan Carrot Cake with a simple vegan frosting on top and garnish with grated carrots or chopped pecans for the final touch.Allow it to cool before frosting.

Why It’s Healthy 💚

This Vegan Carrot cake is an excellent source of fiber from the carrots and contains no animal products. Coconut oil, while fatty, provides beneficial fatty acids for health. It’s also dairy-free and egg-free, making it perfect for those following a vegan lifestyle. Plus, it’s incredibly delicious, easy to make, and pairs wonderfully with spiced tea or coffee.