The Ultimate Vegan Carrot-Orange Layer Cake with Almond Cream Frosting

As a professional baker specializing in plant-based desserts, I’ve perfected this incredibly moist and flavorful vegan carrot cake that combines the natural sweetness of fresh carrots with bright citrus notes. This recipe modernizes the classic carrot cake by incorporating wholesome ingredients like ground oats and almond cream, creating a dessert that’s both indulgent and nutritious.

A Brief History of Carrot Cake

Carrot cake’s origins can be traced back to medieval Europe, where carrots were commonly used as a natural sweetener in baked goods due to sugar’s high cost. Today, this humble vegetable-based cake has evolved into a sophisticated dessert, and this vegan version pays homage to that rich history while meeting contemporary dietary preferences.

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 3 cups (270g) ground oats
• 1 cup (110g) freshly grated carrots
• 1½ cups (360ml) fresh orange juice
• 3 tablespoons (18g) orange zest
• 1 teaspoon (5ml) pure vanilla extract
• 1 cup (150g) organic raisins
• 1 cup (125g) chopped walnuts, plus extra for garnish
• ¼ cup (60ml) extra virgin olive oil
• 1 pinch high-quality sea salt
• 1 teaspoon (2.6g) ground cinnamon
• 2 teaspoons (10g) baking soda

For the Almond Cream Frosting:

• ½ cup (70g) raw almonds, soaked overnight
• ¼ cup (60ml) filtered water
• 1 teaspoon (5ml) pure vanilla extract

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Cake Batter

1. Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch (23cm) springform pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.
2. Process your oats in a food processor until finely ground, achieving a flour-like consistency. This ensures a tender crumb structure.
3. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the ground oats, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon until well combined.
4. In a separate bowl, combine the fresh orange juice, olive oil, vanilla extract, and orange zest. The citrus oils from the zest will infuse the wet ingredients with intense flavor.
5. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry mixture, stirring just until combined. Over-mixing can lead to a dense cake.
6. Fold in the freshly grated carrots, ensuring they’re evenly distributed throughout the batter.
7. Add the raisins and chopped walnuts, gently incorporating them into the mixture.

Baking the Cake

1. Pour the batter into your prepared cake pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
2. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
3. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then remove and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Making the Almond Cream Frosting

1. Drain and rinse the soaked almonds.
2. Place them in a high-speed blender with the filtered water and vanilla extract.
3. Blend until completely smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides as needed. This process may take 5-7 minutes to achieve the desired consistency.

Assembly

1. Once the cake has completely cooled, carefully slice it horizontally into three even layers using a serrated knife.
2. Place the bottom layer on your serving plate and spread with a generous layer of almond cream frosting.
3. Add the middle layer and repeat with frosting.
4. Place the final layer and cover the entire cake with the remaining frosting.
5. Decorate the top with additional chopped walnuts and fresh orange zest.

Pro Tips for Success

• Use fresh, organic carrots for the best flavor and natural sweetness
• Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature before beginning
• Don’t skip the soaking time for the almonds – it’s crucial for achieving a creamy frosting
• Let the cake cool completely before frosting to prevent melting

Storage Instructions

Store the cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Allow it to come to room temperature for 30 minutes before serving for the best texture and flavor.

Nutrition Information

(Per slice, based on 12 servings)

• Calories: 320
• Protein: 8g
• Carbohydrates: 42g
• Fiber: 6g
• Sugar: 18g
• Fat: 15g
• Sodium: 180mg
• Iron: 2mg
• Calcium: 80mg

This recipe serves 12 generous portions.

The combination of wholesome ingredients creates a perfectly balanced dessert that’s rich in fiber, healthy fats, and natural sweetness. The absence of refined sugars makes this cake a healthier alternative to traditional versions while maintaining all the indulgent qualities you expect from a celebration cake.