Jamie Oliver’s Vegan Carrot Cake is a plant-based version of traditional carrot cake, made without eggs or dairy. Freshly grated carrots add moisture, while spices like cinnamon and ginger bring warmth and depth. This vegan cake is topped with a creamy, dairy-free frosting that’s just as delicious as cream cheese frosting, making it a perfect treat for both vegans and non-vegans alike.
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease a 20cm round cake tin and line the bottom with parchment paper for easy removal.
In a large mixing bowl, sift together the self-raising flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and ginger. Stir to combine.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the light brown sugar, vegetable oil, applesauce, plant-based milk, and vanilla extract until well combined.
Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients, folding gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cake tender.
Gently fold the grated carrots and chopped nuts (if using) into the batter until evenly distributed.
Pour the batter into the prepared cake tin and smooth the top with a spatula to ensure even baking.
Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. The top should be golden brown, and the cake should feel springy to the touch.
Allow the cake to cool in the tin for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
In a mixing bowl, beat the vegan cream cheese and vegan butter together until smooth. Gradually add the icing sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until the frosting is creamy and well combined.
Once the cake is completely cool, spread the vegan frosting evenly over the top. Use a spatula to create swirls for a decorative finish.
Slice and serve the cake as is, or garnish with extra chopped nuts or a sprinkle of cinnamon for added flavor.