Low Sugar Vegan Spiced Carrot Cake

Total time2 hr 5 min

Prep time25 min

Cook time40 min

Warm cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves fill this snack cake with cozy spice, while three cups of finely grated carrot keep every bite moist and tender. A splash of apple cider vinegar and vanilla rounds out the batter, and a handful of chopped walnuts adds welcome crunch if you go that route. The whole thing bakes into an even, springy layer that's easy to slice into twelve generous squares once fully cooled. On top, a fluffy, tangy frosting gets whipped until light and spread on thick, giving the cake that classic bakery-style finish. It's an easy, crowd-pleasing option to add to your added sugar free dessert rotation, whether you're baking for a holiday table or just craving a slice with coffee.

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Ingredients

12 servings

For the cake

2 tbsp ground flaxseed
Bob's Red Mill Gluten Free Flaxseed Meal - 16 Oz Carrington Farms Organic Milled Flax Seed Paks Gluten Free Spectrum Essentials Cold Milled Organic Premium Ground Flaxseed - 24 oz Barlean's Organic Forti-Flax Premium Ground Flaxseed Carrington Farms Flax Seeds Milled Gluten Free Organic (Ground)
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6 tbsp water
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
2 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp ground ginger
½ tsp ground nutmeg
¼ tsp ground cloves
½ tsp salt
¾ cup organic cane sugar
Chef's tip
Use the same volume. Baking behavior varies by blend: some brown faster or stay softer, while others brown less. Follow the package's baking guidance and start checking a few minutes early.
½ cup packed light brown sugar
Chef's tip
Use the same volume. Brown-sugar replacements vary in moisture, spread, and browning, so follow the package's baking guidance and start checking a few minutes early.
¾ cup neutral oil (such as canola or sunflower)
½ cup plant-based milk
2 tsp apple cider vinegar
1 tsp vanilla extract
3 cups finely grated carrots (about 4 medium carrots)
½ cup chopped walnuts (optional)

For the frosting

8 oz vegan cream cheese, softened
¼ cup vegan butter, softened
2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
Chef's tip
Follow the package's conversion to powdered sugar. In frosting or glaze, add liquid gradually - replacements can absorb it differently.
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 pinch salt

Instructions

1
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.
2
In a small bowl, stir together the ground flaxseed and 6 tbsp water until combined. Set aside for 5 minutes, until the mixture thickens to a gel-like consistency.

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