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–+ servings
a photo of Our Bestselling Carrot Cake

Our Bestselling Carrot Cake

This is the exact carrot cake that’s one of the best sellers in our café - soft, warmly spiced, perfectly moist, and topped with a luscious cream cheese icing. It’s a proper crowd-pleaser: simple to make, beautifully balanced with sweet carrots and crunchy walnuts, and ideal for birthdays, celebrations, or just a great cup of tea.

Takes 1 hour

Serves 12

Ingredients
 

For the Cake

  • 400 g self-raising flour 3¼ cups
  • 300 g caster sugar 1½ cups
  • 250 ml sunflower oil neutral tasting (1 cup)
  • 200 g grated carrot 2 cups, packed
  • 150 ml water ⅔ cup
  • 100 g raisins ⅔ cup
  • 100 g chopped walnuts 1 cup
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1 tsp ground allspice

For the Cream Cheese Icing

  • 450 g vegan cream cheese 2 cups
  • 150 g icing sugar 1¼ cups

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven: Preheat to 180°C fan (350°F).
  • Prepare the tins: Grease and line two 20cm (8-inch) round cake tins with baking parchment on the base and sides. Use coconut oil or plant-based butter to help the parchment stick.
  • Mix the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, sieve the self-raising flour. Add the caster sugar, grated carrot, raisins, walnuts, cinnamon, and allspice. Mix well to combine.
  • Add the wet ingredients: Pour in the sunflower oil and water.
  • Mix the batter: Stir gently with a spatula (or use a hand mixer briefly) until just combined. Do not overmix.
  • Bake: Divide the batter evenly between the tins. Bake for 35–40 minutes, rotating halfway through. The cakes are ready when a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean. If needed, bake a few minutes longer. Allow to cool completely on a wire rack.
  • Make the icing: In a bowl, soften the vegan cream cheese with a fork. Sift in the icing sugar and whisk together until smooth and creamy.
  • Assemble: Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread half the icing over the top, leaving a small border at the edge. Place the second cake on top and gently press down. Spread the remaining icing over the top.
  • Decorate (optional): Finish with extra chopped walnuts, raisins, or a light sprinkle of cinnamon.
  • Slice and enjoy!
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