Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake

This Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake is the perfect dessert for any occasion! With its moist texture, aromatic spices, and creamy frosting, it’s an irresistible treat that everyone will enjoy. Whether it’s for a fall gathering, Thanksgiving celebration, or simply a cozy evening at home, this cake stands out with its bold flavors and delightful presentation. You won’t need another pumpkin cake recipe once you try this one!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Deliciously Spiced: The blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves creates a warm flavor that defines fall.
• Moist Texture: The combination of dairy-free milk and pumpkin puree ensures every bite is incredibly moist.
• Versatile Frosting Options: Paired with creamy dairy-free cream cheese frosting or drizzled with vegan caramel, the choice is yours!
• Easy to Make: Simple steps make this cake accessible for bakers of all skill levels.
• Perfect for Sharing: Serves 10-12, making it great for gatherings or family meals.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the baking process, gather your tools to make things smoother. Having everything ready will help you create the best Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Whisk
• Rubber spatula
• Baking pan (9×13 inch or two 8-inch round pans)
• Cooling rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients without spills.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements ensure the right balance of flavors.
• Whisk: Helps incorporate air into the batter for a light texture.
• Baking pan: A sturdy pan ensures even baking and easy release from the oven.

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:

• Vegan caramel sauce

How to Make Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). This step is crucial for ensuring even baking throughout your cake.

Step 2: Prepare Your Baking Pan

Grease your baking pan with a bit of sunflower oil to prevent sticking. If using round pans, consider lining them with parchment paper as well.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine:
1. Dairy-free milk and apple cider vinegar. Let it sit for about five minutes to curdle slightly.
2. Add pumpkin puree and sunflower oil to the mixture and whisk until smooth.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together:
1. Self raising flour
2. Caster sugar
3. Baking powder
4. Bicarbonate of soda
5. Ground spices (cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, ginger)

Step 5: Mix Together

Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients:
1. Stir until just combined; be careful not to overmix.
2. Pour batter into prepared baking pan(s).

Step 6: Bake

Bake in preheated oven for about 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 7: Cool Down

Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about ten minutes before transferring it to a cooling rack.

Step 8: Prepare Frosting

While the cake cools:
1. Beat together dairy-free butter and cream cheese until smooth.
2. Gradually add icing sugar and ground cinnamon until fully combined.

Step 9: Frost Your Cake

Once cooled completely, spread the frosting across the top (and sides if desired) using a rubber spatula.

Enjoy your deliciously spiced Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake!

How to Serve Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake

Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake is a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether for a festive gathering or a cozy afternoon snack, here are some serving suggestions to make your cake experience even better.

With Whipped Coconut Cream

• This light and airy topping adds a creamy texture that pairs well with the spices in the cake.

Drizzled with Vegan Caramel Sauce

• For those who love a touch of sweetness, adding vegan caramel sauce enhances the flavor profile beautifully.

Served with Fresh Fruits

• Adding fresh fruits like apples or pears complements the warm spices and provides a refreshing contrast.

Accompanied by Dairy-Free Ice Cream

• A scoop of dairy-free ice cream creates a decadent dessert experience, perfect for warm days.

On a Festive Platter

• Arrange slices on a decorative platter with fall-themed decorations for an eye-catching presentation at gatherings.

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 deliver more flavor than pre-ground ones, enhancing the overall taste of your cake.
• Check Your Baking Powder: Ensure your baking powder is fresh. Old baking powder can cause your cake not to rise properly.
• Measure Ingredients Accurately: Use measuring cups and spoons for precise measurements to achieve consistent results.
• Let It Cool Completely: Allow your cake to cool completely before frosting. This helps prevent the frosting from melting and ensures a beautiful finish.
• Experiment with Flavor Add-ins: Try adding nuts or dried fruits for added texture and flavor depth in your cake.
• Store Properly: Keep any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate to maintain freshness.

Best Side Dishes for Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake

Pairing side dishes with your Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake can elevate your meal. Here are some delicious options to consider:

1. Cinnamon Sugar Roasted Nuts: These crunchy treats provide a sweet and savory balance that complements the cake’s flavors.
2. Autumn Salad: A mix of greens, roasted squash, and cranberries drizzled with balsamic vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast.
3. Spiced Apple Compote: Warm spiced apples served alongside the cake enhance its cozy vibe and add natural sweetness.
4. Chai Tea: The warm spices of chai tea create a perfect beverage pairing that enhances the pumpkin spice flavors.
5. Maple Glazed Carrots: Sweet and tender carrots glazed with maple syrup bring out the autumn essence in every bite.
6. Coconut Macaroons: These chewy treats provide an interesting texture and sweetness that pairs nicely with pumpkin spice.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

It’s easy to make a few common mistakes when baking a Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake. Here are some tips to ensure your cake turns out perfectly.

• Using the wrong flour: Always use self-raising flour as specified in the recipe. All-purpose flour won’t give you the same rise and texture.
• Not measuring ingredients correctly: Make sure to measure your ingredients accurately. Use a kitchen scale for precision, especially with flour and sugar.
• Overmixing the batter: Mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake rather than a light and fluffy one.
• Skipping the vinegar: The apple cider vinegar activates the baking soda, helping your cake rise. Don’t skip or replace it with regular vinegar.
• Not letting the cake cool completely: Allow your cake to cool fully before frosting. This prevents the frosting from melting and ensures a beautiful finish.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake in an airtight container.
• It will stay fresh for up to 5 days in the fridge.

Freezing Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake

• Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container.
• The cake can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake

• Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and warm for about 10 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for about 15-20 seconds per slice.
• Stovetop: Place slices in a pan over low heat, covering with a lid until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake.

What makes this Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake so special?

This cake is incredibly moist, packed with spices, and topped with creamy frosting, making it a delightful treat for any occasion.

Can I substitute pumpkin puree?

Yes, you can use homemade pumpkin puree or even other purées like sweet potato if desired.

How do I customize my Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake?

Feel free to add nuts or chocolate chips for extra texture or adjust spices according to your taste preferences!

Can this cake be made gluten-free?

Absolutely! Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend as a substitute for self-raising flour.

Final Thoughts

This Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake is perfect for fall gatherings or any festive occasion. Its rich flavor profile and moist texture make it an irresistible treat. Plus, you can easily customize it by adding nuts or adjusting spices. Try this recipe today and impress your family and friends!