Carrot cake is a much-loved dessert worldwide, but when it comes to Indian vegetarian recipes, carrot cake gets a special twist that blends traditional flavors with a healthy, wholesome approach. Indian cuisine offers a variety of ways to incorporate local spices and ingredients into this classic treat, making it both flavorful and nutritious.
Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, these carrot cake veg recipes from India will delight your taste buds with their moist texture and aromatic spices. With the use of ingredients like jaggery, cardamom, and nuts, these recipes are perfect for festive occasions, family gatherings, or simply a cozy treat with your afternoon chai.
In this blog, you’ll find detailed instructions to create authentic Indian-style carrot cakes that are vegetarian and bursting with flavor. We’ll explore variations to suit your taste preferences and offer some handy tips to ensure your cake comes out perfect every time.
If you enjoy exploring diverse culinary traditions, don’t forget to check out other recipes on our site like Kentucky Bourbon Carrot Cake Recipe or our delightful Lemon Straws Recipe for more baking inspiration.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Indian carrot cake recipes stand out because they combine the natural sweetness of carrots with aromatic spices like cinnamon, cardamom, and nutmeg. These recipes typically use healthier sweeteners such as jaggery or brown sugar, making them a guilt-free indulgence.
The addition of nuts like cashews and walnuts adds a delightful crunch, providing a satisfying contrast to the moist and tender cake layers.
Moreover, these cakes are completely vegetarian, often eggless, and can be easily adapted to vegan diets by substituting dairy with plant-based alternatives. The use of whole wheat flour or millet flour in some versions boosts the nutritional profile, making it a wholesome dessert option.
Whether you’re baking for a festival like Diwali or just craving a comforting dessert, this carrot cake recipe will become a staple in your kitchen.
Ingredients
- 2 cups grated carrots (about 3 large carrots)
- 1 ½ cups whole wheat flour or all-purpose flour
- 1 cup jaggery powder or brown sugar
- ½ cup yogurt (curd) – can substitute with plant-based yogurt for vegan option
- ½ cup vegetable oil or melted ghee
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground cardamom
- ¼ tsp nutmeg powder
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or cashews
- ½ cup grated fresh coconut (optional)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Equipment
- Mixing bowls (large and medium-sized)
- Grater (for carrots and coconut)
- Whisk or electric mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- 8-inch round cake pan or loaf pan
- Parchment paper or butter for greasing
- Spatula
- Oven (preheated to 350°F / 175°C)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your cake pan with butter or oil and line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Grate the carrots and fresh coconut (if using) and set aside. Ensure the carrots are finely grated to help the cake stay moist.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the grated carrots, jaggery powder, yogurt, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Mix well until the jaggery dissolves and the mixture looks uniform.
- In another bowl, sift together the whole wheat flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, cardamom, nutmeg, and salt. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agents and spices.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet carrot mixture and fold gently using a spatula or whisk. Avoid overmixing to keep the cake tender.
- Fold in the chopped nuts and grated coconut carefully, spreading them evenly throughout the batter.
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The cake should have a golden-brown top and feel springy to the touch.
- Remove from oven and let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Optional: Frost your cake with cream cheese frosting, whipped coconut cream, or simply dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Tips & Variations
“For the best texture, grate the carrots finely and use fresh jaggery for a rich, authentic sweetness.”
- Eggless Option: This recipe is naturally eggless, but you can add a tablespoon of flaxseed meal soaked in water for extra binding.
- Vegan Variation: Use plant-based yogurt (like coconut or almond) and replace oil with melted coconut oil.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cloves or ginger powder for a spicier profile.
- Nut Substitutes: Feel free to swap walnuts with almonds or pistachios according to your preference.
- Sweetener Alternatives: Palm sugar or coconut sugar can also be used instead of jaggery.
- Gluten-Free Variation: Use millet flour or almond flour instead of wheat flour, adjusting the liquid slightly.
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving (1 slice) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 220 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 30 g |
| Protein | 4 g |
| Fat | 10 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 15 g |
| Calcium | 60 mg |
| Iron | 1.5 mg |
Serving Suggestions
This Indian-style carrot cake is delicious served warm or at room temperature. Pair it with a cup of masala chai or cardamom-spiced tea for a perfect afternoon snack.
You can also enjoy it with a dollop of fresh yogurt or a drizzle of honey for extra creaminess and sweetness.
For celebrations, consider topping the cake with a light cream cheese frosting flavored with a hint of saffron or rose water to enhance the Indian flavor profile. Alternatively, serve alongside fresh fruit salad or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert experience.
Conclusion
Indian carrot cake veg recipes bring a wonderful fusion of traditional Indian flavors with the comforting familiarity of carrot cake. By using wholesome ingredients such as jaggery, whole wheat flour, and aromatic spices, this recipe offers a delicious and healthier alternative to conventional cakes.
Whether you’re making it for a festive occasion or a cozy weekend treat, this cake is sure to impress family and friends alike.
Don’t hesitate to experiment with the variations outlined above to suit your dietary needs or flavor preferences. For more inspiration on vegetarian and unique recipes, explore our other favorites like Instant Pot Rabbit Recipe and Halibut Dip Recipe.
Happy baking and enjoy the rich, vibrant taste of India in every bite!
📖 Recipe Card: Carrot Cake – Veg Recipes of India
Description: A moist and flavorful carrot cake infused with warm Indian spices and a hint of cardamom. Perfect for festive occasions or as a delightful dessert.
Prep Time: PT20M
Cook Time: PT40M
Total Time: PT60M
Servings: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups grated carrots
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup yogurt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp ground cardamom
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a cake pan.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cardamom, cinnamon, and salt.
- In another bowl, beat eggs and sugar until creamy.
- Add oil and yogurt to the egg mixture and mix well.
- Gradually fold dry ingredients into wet ingredients.
- Stir in grated carrots and walnuts.
- Pour batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let cool before serving.
Nutrition: Calories: 320 kcal | Protein: 5 g | Fat: 15 g | Carbs: 40 g
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