Maple date carrot cake sweetens itself with pure maple syrup and chopped Medjool dates, so there is not a stick of butter in sight. Raisins plumped in pineapple juice keep every slice moist, and a warm blend of cinnamon and allspice makes the kitchen smell like the holidays. It is an easy 8-serving bake that behaves just as well on a Tuesday night as at a birthday.
Welcome to your new favorite dessert! This Maple Date Carrot Cake is a wholesome twist on a timeless classic. We’re ditching refined sugar and letting the natural sweetness of rich maple syrup and chewy dates shine through. Combined with warm spices, tender carrots, and juicy raisins, every bite is incredibly moist and satisfying. It’s a simple, one-bowl-friendly recipe that feels both comforting and celebratory. Perfect for an afternoon treat or a special gathering!
Ingredients
• 1 ½ cups (225g / 7.9 oz) raisins
• 1 ⅓ cups (320ml / 10.8 fl oz) pineapple juice
• 6 Medjool dates, pitted and diced
• 2 ¼ cups (225g / 7.9 oz) grated carrot
• ½ cup (120ml / 4.1 fl oz) maple syrup
• ¼ cup (60g / 2.12 oz) unsweetened applesauce
• 2 tablespoons (30ml / 1 fl oz) neutral oil, like canola or avocado
• 3 cups (360g / 12.7 oz) all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon (5 ml / 0.2 fl oz) ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground allspice or nutmeg
• Egg replacer for 2 eggs, prepared according to package directions
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan or two 8-inch round cake pans.
2. In a small bowl, combine the raisins and pineapple juice. Let them soak for at least 10 minutes to plump up.
3. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the dry : flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and allspice/nutmeg.
4. To the bowl with the soaked raisins and juice, add the remaining wet : diced dates, grated carrot, maple syrup, applesauce, oil, and the prepared egg replacer. Stir until well combined.
5. Pour the wet mixture into the bowl with the dry . Mix with a spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay.
6. Pour the batter into your prepared pan(s) and spread evenly.
7. Bake for 35-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Let the cake cool in the pan for 15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.
Nutritional Information
• Serves: 8
• Cost Per Slice: $1.37
• Calories: 394
• Fat: 4g
• Carbohydrates: 65g
• Protein: 6g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugar: 34g
• Sodium: 406mg
Pro Tips
• For the best texture and moisture, grate fresh carrots at home using the small holes of a box grater instead of buying pre-shredded carrots.
• Do not overmix the batter once you combine the wet and dry . Mix only until you no longer see streaks of flour to ensure a tender, not tough, cake.
• Allow the cake to cool completely before slicing. A warm cake is more fragile and prone to crumbling.
FAQ
Q: Is this maple date carrot cake vegan
A: Yes, this recipe is 100% vegan as written. It uses a plant-based egg replacer, oil, and applesauce, with no dairy products involved, making it suitable for both vegetarian and vegan diets.
Q: Can I use something other than a commercial egg replacer
A: Certainly. A great vegetarian and vegan alternative is to make two ‘flax eggs’. For each egg, whisk together 1 tablespoon (15 ml / 0.5 fl oz) of ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons (45 ml / 1.5 fl oz) of water and let it sit for 5-10 minutes to thicken before adding it to the wet ingredients.
Q: How can I make this carrot cake gluten-free
A: To make this recipe gluten-free, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free all-purpose baking flour blend. Look for a blend that contains xanthan gum to ensure the cake has a good structure and texture.
Q: What is the best way to store this vegetarian carrot cake
A: Store the completely cooled cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you add a frosting (especially a plant-based cream cheese frosting), it’s best to store the cake in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
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Maple Date Carrot Cake
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan or two 8-inch round cake pans.
- In a small bowl, combine the raisins and pineapple juice.
- Let them soak for at least 10 minutes to plump up.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the dry : flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and allspice/nutmeg.
- To the bowl with the soaked raisins and juice, add the remaining wet : diced dates, grated carrot, maple syrup, applesauce, oil, and the prepared egg replacer.
- Stir until well combined.
- Pour the wet mixture into the bowl with the dry .
- Mix with a spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay.
- Pour the batter into your prepared pan(s) and spread evenly.
- Bake for 35-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool in the pan for 15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.
- Do not overmix the batter once you combine the wet and dry .
- Mix only until you no longer see streaks of flour to ensure a tender, not tough, cake.
