I decided to end our mini vacation with a bang – vegan carrot cake for the family! First off, both my brother & dad cringe at the word vegan. So I had to trip them up, this cake sure had them both at hello and kept my attention all the way until I finished my third slice (yes 3 slices, sigh of delight)!

Honestly this cake was SO moist, and all the flavors blended perfectly – the ginger, maple syrup & the cardamon brought this dish together…my mouth is watering while thinking about it again, enough said. YUM!

1. Preheat oven to 350degrees
2. In a large bowl combine: 2C whole wheat flour, 1t baking soda, 1.5t baking powder, 2t ground cinnamon, 1t ground cardamon & 1/2t salt – stir
3. After stirring add in: 1/2C Earth Balance Original natural buttery spread, 1.5C brown sugar, 1C plain applesauce, 1t minced ginger, 1/2C fresh OJ & 1/2C water
4. Stir until all is mixed thoroughly, then fold in 2C shredded carrots
5. Spray two 9″ pans with cooking oil & split batter – bake for 25-45minutes or until toothpick comes out clean (mine took 25)

While cakes are cooling make the TWO types of icing…

1. In a small bowl blend: 1t minced ginger, 1/2C pureed pineapple & 1.5C powdered sugar – beat until smooth consistency 
2. In another bowl blend: 1/4C maple syrup & 1C powdered sugar – beat until smooth

To serve place the first layer of the cake on a serving dish, spread pineapple ginger filling on top. Then layer with second cake & spread maple glaze on top. Sprinkle with shredded carrots & slice up to serve!

P.S. I also tricked both my pops & bro to think my tofu stuffed shells were actually ricotta stuffed shells – they bought it! So get on it, switch it up & try it out!!

For ingredient list & original recipe continue reading…

To whip up the above recipe make sure you have two 9″ circular pans & spray cooking oil to grease the pans before baking

Vegan Carrot Cake Ingredient List:

• 2C whole wheat flour
• 2.5C powdered sugar
• 1.5C brown sugar
• 1t baking soda
• 1.5t baking powder
• 2t ground cinnamon
• 1t ground cardamon
• 1/2t salt
• 1/2C Earth Balance Original natural buttery spread
• 2C shredded carrots (plus a few to sprinkle on top before serving)
• 1C plain(unsweetened) applesauce
• 1/2C orange juice
• 1/2C pureed pineapple
• 1/4C maple syrup
• 2t minced ginger

Shout out to original recipe here.