Best Vegan Carrot Cake Recipe UK For Delicious Baking

If you’re searching for the best vegan carrot cake recipe in the UK, you’re in the right place! Carrot cake has long been a beloved classic, known for its moist texture, subtle sweetness, and aromatic spices.

This vegan version takes all those familiar flavours and textures you love but uses entirely plant-based ingredients, proving that going vegan doesn’t mean compromising on taste or indulgence. Whether you’re vegan, dairy-free, or simply looking to try something new, this recipe is easy to follow and results in a rich, tender cake perfect for any occasion.

We’ve carefully balanced the spices, sweeteners, and moisture to create a cake that’s just as satisfying as the traditional version but kinder to animals and the planet. Plus, it’s packed with wholesome ingredients, making it a slightly healthier treat without sacrificing any of the deliciousness.

So grab your apron and let’s get baking a vegan carrot cake that your friends and family will rave about!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This vegan carrot cake recipe stands out because it’s:

• Moist and tender: Thanks to grated carrots, flax eggs, and plant-based yogurt, the cake stays perfectly soft.
• Richly spiced: A warming blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger adds depth and aroma.
• Sweetened naturally: Using golden syrup and light brown sugar for a subtle, caramelised sweetness.
• Easy to make: No fancy gadgets or hard-to-find ingredients required—perfect for UK kitchens.
• Delicious vegan cream cheese frosting: Made from cashews and coconut cream, it’s tangy and smooth without dairy.

Ingredients

• For the cake:
• 250g plain flour (all-purpose flour)
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ½ tsp ground nutmeg
• ½ tsp ground ginger
• ¼ tsp salt
• 2 flax eggs (2 tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 6 tbsp water, set for 10 mins)
• 150g light brown sugar
• 80ml vegetable oil (rapeseed or sunflower)
• 2 tbsp golden syrup
• 100g unsweetened plant-based yogurt (soy or coconut works well)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 250g grated carrots (approx. 3 medium carrots)
• 50g chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
• 50g desiccated coconut (optional)
• For the vegan cream cheese frosting:
• 150g raw cashews (soaked for 4 hours or overnight)
• 2 tbsp coconut cream
• 2 tbsp maple syrup
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Equipment

• Two 8-inch (20cm) round cake tins
• Mixing bowls
• Electric hand whisk or stand mixer
• Grater
• Measuring spoons and cups
• Spatula
• Food processor or high-speed blender (for frosting)
• Cooling rack

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (fan) / 200°C (conventional) / 350°F. Grease and line the base of your cake tins with baking parchment.
2. Prepare the flax eggs: In a small bowl, combine the ground flaxseed with water and set aside for 10 minutes until it becomes gelatinous.
3. Mix the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt. Stir in the light brown sugar.
4. Combine the wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the flax eggs, vegetable oil, golden syrup, plant-based yogurt, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.
5. Incorporate wet and dry: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined—don’t overmix to keep the cake tender.
6. Add the grated carrots and optional ingredients: Fold in the grated carrots, nuts, and desiccated coconut if using. The batter will be thick but moist.
7. Divide and bake: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared tins. Smooth the tops with a spatula. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean.
8. Cool completely: Once baked, remove the cakes from the oven and cool in the tins for 10 minutes. Then transfer to a cooling rack to cool fully before frosting.
9. Make the frosting: Drain the soaked cashews and add them to a food processor with coconut cream, maple syrup, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Blend until smooth and creamy. Add a splash of water if needed to achieve a spreadable consistency.
10. Assemble the cake: Place one cake layer on your serving plate. Spread a generous layer of frosting on top. Carefully place the second layer and cover the entire cake with the remaining frosting.
11. Chill and serve: Refrigerate the cake for at least 1 hour to set the frosting. Slice and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

“To keep your vegan carrot cake ultra moist, don’t skip the plant-based yogurt—it’s a secret ingredient that adds moisture and a slight tang.”

• Nut-free option: Omit the walnuts and use pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds for crunch.
• Spice it up: Add a pinch of ground cloves or allspice for an extra warming flavour.
• Gluten-free version: Substitute the plain flour with a gluten-free baking blend. Add 1 tsp xanthan gum if your blend doesn’t include it.
• Fruit additions: Mix in 50g of sultanas or raisins for a chewy texture.
• Decorative topping: Toasted coconut flakes or chopped pecans sprinkled on top of the frosting add lovely texture and presentation.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This vegan carrot cake is wonderfully versatile and pairs beautifully with many accompaniments:

• A cup of British afternoon tea – Earl Grey or chamomile go especially well.
• A dollop of coconut yoghurt or vegan vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.
• Fresh berries or stewed fruit on the side to add brightness.
• Perfect for celebrations, afternoon tea parties, or simply as a comforting treat with coffee.

Conclusion

Our best vegan carrot cake recipe UK is a delightful way to enjoy a classic dessert without any animal products. With its moist crumb, perfectly spiced flavour, and luscious vegan cream cheese frosting, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

The recipe is straightforward and uses ingredients you can easily find in UK supermarkets, making it accessible to all home bakers. Whether you’re new to vegan baking or a seasoned pro, this cake will satisfy your sweet tooth and impress anyone lucky enough to try it.

Don’t forget to check out some of our other fabulous recipes like the Marzipan Challah Recipe, the creative Magic Dough Recipe, and the comforting Jamaican Minced Beef Recipes for more culinary inspiration.

Happy baking!

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