Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake

This Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake is a delightful blend of flavors and textures, making it perfect for any occasion, from fall gatherings to festive celebrations. With its rich spices and moist texture, this cake stands out with a creamy frosting that elevates its charm. You’ll find it’s not just another cake; it’s an experience you won’t forget!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Flavorful Experience: Enjoy the warm and cozy spices that make every bite comforting and delicious.
• Easy to Make: With simple steps and easily accessible ingredients, you’ll whip this cake up in no time.
• Versatile Treat: Perfect for birthdays, Thanksgiving, or just because—you’ll want to make this cake again and again!
• Dairy-Free Delight: Made without dairy, everyone can enjoy a slice of this indulgent cake.
• Impressive Presentation: The beautiful frosting design makes it a show-stopper for any dessert table.

Tools and Preparation

To create the best Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake, having the right tools will make your baking experience smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons
• Baking pans
• Spatula

Importance of Each Tool

• Electric mixer: Ensures your batter is mixed thoroughly for a light and fluffy cake.
• Measuring cups: Guarantees accuracy in ingredient amounts, crucial for baking success.
• Baking pans: Provides the right shape for your cake, ensuring even baking throughout.

Ingredients

This is truly the BEST EVER Pumpkin Spice Cake recipe. It’s moist, perfectly spiced, full of silky caramel and smothered in creamy cream cheese frosting. It’s the ONLY pumpkin cake recipe you will ever need!

For the Cake

• 480ml of dairy-free milk
• 2 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar
• 420g of self-raising flour
• 350g of caster sugar
• 1 teaspoon of baking powder
• 1 teaspoon of bicarbonate of soda
• 1 & 1/2 tablespoons of ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon of ground cloves
• 2 teaspoons of ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon of ground ginger
• 120ml of sunflower oil
• 100g of pumpkin puree

For the Frosting

• 400g of dairy-free block butter
• 80g of dairy-free cream cheese
• 360g of icing sugar
• 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
• Orange food gel
• Cocoa powder

Optional Topping

• Vegan caramel sauce

How to Make Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pans

Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F). Grease your baking pans with a little oil or line them with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, combine the dairy-free milk with apple cider vinegar. Let it sit for about 5 minutes to create a buttermilk effect. Then add in the sunflower oil and pumpkin puree, mixing well until smooth.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the self-raising flour, caster sugar, baking powder, bicarbonate of soda, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and ginger until fully combined.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Use an electric mixer on low speed until just combined. Avoid over-mixing to keep the cake light.

Step 5: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter evenly into prepared baking pans. Bake for approximately 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 6: Cool Completely

Once baked, allow the cakes to cool in their pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them onto wire racks to cool completely.

Step 7: Prepare Frosting

In a mixing bowl, beat together dairy-free block butter and cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add icing sugar while continuing to mix. Add cinnamon for flavor and adjust consistency if needed with a splash of dairy-free milk.

Step 8: Assemble Your Cake

Once cooled, spread frosting between layers if using multiple cakes. Frost the top and sides generously. Decorate as desired with orange food gel or cocoa powder.

Now you have an exquisite Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake ready to impress! Enjoy each slice as you savor its delightful flavors!

How to Serve Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake

Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake is a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply indulging on your own, here are some serving suggestions to elevate your cake experience.

With Whipped Coconut Cream

• This light and airy topping adds a tropical twist. Just whip chilled coconut cream until fluffy and spread it over the cake for a delicious contrast.

Drizzled with Vegan Caramel Sauce

• A drizzle of vegan caramel sauce brings extra sweetness and richness. Use store-bought or homemade caramel for a decadent touch.

Garnished with Toasted Nuts

• Sprinkle toasted pecans or walnuts on top for added crunch and nutty flavor. This enhances both the texture and taste of the cake.

Served with Fresh Fruit

• Pair slices of cake with seasonal fruits like pears or apples. The freshness balances the spiced flavors beautifully.

Accompanied by Dairy-Free Ice Cream

• Enjoy a slice of warm cake alongside a scoop of dairy-free ice cream for a classic dessert combination that’s hard to resist.

How to Perfect Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake

To ensure your Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

• Use fresh spices: Freshly ground spices provide more flavor than pre-ground ones. They enhance the cake’s aroma and taste significantly.

• Check your baking powder: Ensure your baking powder is fresh for optimal rise. An expired baking powder can lead to dense cake.

• Measure ingredients accurately: Use a kitchen scale when possible. Accurate measurements help achieve the right texture and flavor balance.

• Don’t overmix the batter: Gently fold the ingredients together until just combined. Overmixing can result in a tough cake.

• Allow cooling before frosting: Let the cake cool completely before adding frosting. This prevents melting and ensures clean, beautiful layers.

Best Side Dishes for Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake

Pairing side dishes with your Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake can enhance its flavors and make for a delightful meal or snack. Here are some great options to consider:

1. Spiced Chai Latte: A warm, spiced beverage that complements the flavors of pumpkin spice perfectly.
2. Apple Cinnamon Salad: A refreshing salad with crisp apples, cinnamon, and walnuts adds crunch and sweetness.
3. Maple Glazed Carrots: Sweet, tender carrots glazed with maple syrup bring out earthy flavors that match well with spiced cake.
4. Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Herb-roasted sweet potatoes offer a savory balance against the sweet notes of the cake.
5. Cranberry Sauce: Tart cranberry sauce provides a vibrant contrast, enhancing both sweetness and acidity in each bite.
6. Vegan Cheese Platter: A selection of dairy-free cheeses paired with fruit offers an indulgent appetizer or snack option before dessert.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking can be tricky, especially when it comes to making a Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for.

• Using Regular Milk: Using regular milk instead of dairy-free milk can lead to a non-vegan cake. Always opt for almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk.
• Ignoring the Vinegar: Skipping the apple cider vinegar may affect the cake’s rise and texture. This ingredient helps create a fluffy consistency, so don’t leave it out!
• Overmixing the Batter: Overmixing can lead to a dense cake. Mix until just combined to keep your Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake light and airy.
• Not Measuring Ingredients Correctly: Incorrect measurements can ruin the balance of flavors and textures. Use proper measuring cups for both dry and liquid ingredients.
• Skipping the Cooling Time: Cutting into the cake before it has cooled can result in a messy slice. Allow your cake to cool completely before frosting it.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Keep in the fridge if you live in a warm climate.

Freezing Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake

• Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap before placing them in freezer bags.
• The cake can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat slices for about 10 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat individual slices on medium power for about 30 seconds.
• Stovetop: Warm slices in a skillet over low heat for about 5 minutes, flipping gently.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common queries regarding the Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake.

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of pumpkin puree?

Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin! Just make sure it’s cooked and pureed until smooth before adding it to your batter.

How do I make this cake gluten-free?

You can substitute self-raising flour with a gluten-free blend designed for baking. Ensure your baking powder is gluten-free as well.

What can I use instead of dairy-free cream cheese?

You could use coconut whipped cream or a vegan frosting alternative if you’re looking for a different topping option.

Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?

Absolutely! Feel free to mix in walnuts, pecans, or vegan chocolate chips for extra flavor and texture.

How should I store leftover cake?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days, or freeze if you want to keep it longer.

Final Thoughts

This Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake is not only delicious but also versatile. It’s perfect for gatherings or cozy evenings at home. Feel free to customize it by adding your favorite nuts or toppings. Enjoy baking this delightful treat!