Vegan Applesauce Carrot Cake

Moist, wholesome, and bursting with warm spices, this Vegan Applesauce Carrot Cake is a plant-based dessert that’s as comforting as it is delicious. Made with unsweetened applesauce as a natural moisture booster and shredded carrots for a hint of sweetness, this cake is a guilt-free indulgence perfect for any occasion. Infused with aromatic cinnamon and nutmeg, each bite is a celebration of fall-inspired flavors, while the option to add walnuts and raisins gives it extra texture and depth. With no eggs or dairy, this easy-to-make recipe comes together in just 15 minutes of prep and bakes to golden perfection in under 35 minutes. Serve this soft and tender cake plain, with a light dusting of powdered sugar, or pair it with a vegan cream cheese frosting for a truly irresistible treat that everyone will love. Perfect for vegans or anyone seeking a deliciously simple carrot cake alternative!

Nutriscore Rating: 65/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:35 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 10

Ingredients

• 2 cups All-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons Baking powder
• 1 teaspoon Baking soda
• 2 teaspoons Ground cinnamon
• 0.5 teaspoon Ground nutmeg
• 0.5 teaspoon Salt
• 1.5 cups Unsweetened applesauce
• 0.75 cup Brown sugar
• 0.5 cup Neutral oil (such as vegetable or canola)
• 2 teaspoons Vanilla extract
• 2 cups Shredded carrots
• 0.5 cup Chopped walnuts (optional)
• 0.5 cup Raisins (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round or square cake pan. Line the bottom with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until well combined.

Step 3

In a separate medium bowl, mix together the applesauce, brown sugar, oil, and vanilla extract until smooth.

Step 4

Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl of dry ingredients. Gently fold together using a spatula until just combined, being careful not to overmix.

Step 5

Add the shredded carrots, and if using, fold in the walnuts and raisins. Mix until evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Step 6

Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.

Step 7

Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 8

Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then carefully invert it onto a cooling rack and let it cool completely.

Step 9

Once cooled, slice and serve as is, or dust lightly with powdered sugar for presentation. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1223.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3219.1

Total Fat 161.9g	0%
Saturated Fat 13.1g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.1g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 3568.8mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 434.4g	0%
Dietary Fiber 28.5g	0%
Total Sugars 203.8g
Protein 40.9g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 362.9mg	0%
Iron 18.9mg	0%
Potassium 2107.6mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 43.4%

Protein: 4.9%

Carbs: 51.7%