No-Bake Carrot Cake (Nut-Free)
A nut-free version of a no-bake vegan carrot cake, topped with a deliciously smooth layer of coconut cream. This recipe is gluten-free, grain-free and paleo, refined sugar-free, nut-free, and can be made raw and with no added oils (see notes).
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 9 squares
- Category: Cake
- Method: No Bake
- Cuisine: Dessert
Ingredients
Cake:
- 3 ½ cups lightly packed shredded carrots
- 1 cup thick toasted coconut chips, (see notes*)
- ½ cup raisins
- 5 tbsp coconut palm sugar
- 4 soft medjool dates, pitted
- 3 tbsp coconut butter (manna), softened**
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ¼ tsp nutmeg
- ⅛ tsp salt
Coconut Cream:
- 5 tbsp coconut butter (manna)
- ½ cup unsweetened dairy-free milk of your choice
- ¼ cup maple syrup
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- ¼ tsp salt
Optional Topping:
- Additional toasted coconut chips for garnish
Instructions
- Line a 6" x 6" container (or something of a similar size; alternatively can use silicone cupcake molds) with parchment paper along the base and walls. Set aside.
- Process all cake ingredients in a food processor into a finely crumbled/sticky mixture (be careful not to over-process into a paste though). Transfer this mixture into the prepared container and press it in into an even layer with the back of a spoon. Cover with a piece of parchment paper and use a flat-bottomed object (like a jar lid) to smooth out the top and pack it in even more firmly into the container. Place the tray in the freezer while working on the next step.
- Make sure all topping ingredients are at room temperature (it helps if the coconut butter is slightly warmed so that it blends more easily). Blend all cream layer ingredients in a small blender (I used my magic bullet for that) until smooth. Pour this mixture over the prepared crust. Smooth out the top and tap the container on the counter lightly to flatten the top some more. Freeze for 10-15 minutes to firm up slightly.
- After the initial 10-15 minute freezing, remove the cake and decorate with some coconut chips (optional). Return to freezer and freeze for 4 hours or overnight to fully set.
- Once set, remove from container and cut into slices (it's best to slice the cake while it's frozen or only very slightly thawed out). Enjoy!
Notes
*For the coconut chips, you’ll want to use ones that are as similar to these in texture and consistency (crisp, thick, and nicely toasted). They add a good dose of coconut flavor to this cake. I used these. You can usually find them at health food shops and the natural aisle of many grocery stores, or online (amazon or iherb etc.). If you can’t find those, look for something similar, just keep in mind that if you’re using finer chips, for example, you might need to make a bit more of the crust as they’ll process into a finer consistency. Alternatively, if you prefer, you can use sliced almonds or other nuts / seeds of your choice.
**Coconut butter / manna is a product made by the blending of shredded coconut (sort of like a nut butter, but from coconut). It’s not the same as coconut oil. A common brand available in stores in North America is Nutiva. You can also make your own at home if you’ve got a good food processor (there are instructions and a video tutorial on how to do that in my book Unconventional Treats).
Storage notes: After setting and being sliced, the cake can be kept in the fridge or can be frozen and thawed out as needed.
To make this recipe raw: use dehydrated thick coconut chips similar to those used in the recipe (or alternatively can use sliced raw almonds or other nuts / seeds). For the sweetener, use a raw alternative like raw agave or raw coconut syrup in place of the maple syrup.
To make this recipe with no added oils you might want to omit the raisins (depending on your sensitivity level) as they are typically sprayed with a very light amount of oil. It's quite a negligible amount, so unless you're particularly sensitive to oils, it shouldn't be a bit deal to use them.