Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake

This Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake is a delightful treat that captures the essence of fall with every bite. Perfectly spiced and incredibly moist, it’s ideal for any celebration or cozy afternoon snack. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply indulging yourself, this cake is sure to impress. With its rich flavors and creamy frosting, it’s a dessert that everyone will love!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: This recipe features straightforward steps that make baking a breeze, even for beginners.
• Rich Flavor: The blend of spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves creates a warm, inviting taste that embodies the spirit of autumn.
• Versatile: Perfect for any occasion—be it Thanksgiving, birthdays, or just a sweet treat at home.
• Dairy-Free Delight: Made without dairy ingredients while still maintaining a creamy texture with vegan alternatives.
• Showstopper Presentation: The beautiful frosting and optional caramel sauce make this cake visually stunning for any dessert table.

Tools and Preparation

Before you begin baking your Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake, gather your tools to ensure a smooth process. Having everything ready will help you enjoy the experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer or whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Baking pan (9×13 inch)
• Spatula

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients effectively without spills.
• Electric mixer or whisk: Helps achieve a smooth batter quickly, ensuring all ingredients are well-blended.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements are crucial for the perfect cake texture and flavor.
• Baking pan: A good quality pan ensures even baking and easy release of your cake.

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

Optional Decoration

• Orange food gel
• Cocoa powder
• Vegan caramel sauce

How to Make Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Ensure the oven rack is in the center position for even baking.

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, combine:
1. Dairy-free milk
2. Apple cider vinegar
Allow this mixture to sit for about 5 minutes to curdle slightly.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, sift together:
1. Self-raising flour
2. Caster sugar
3. Baking powder
4. Bicarbonate of soda
5. Ground cinnamon
6. Ground cloves
7. Ground nutmeg
8. Ground ginger

Step 4: Combine Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir gently until just combined.

Step 5: Add Oil and Pumpkin Puree

Fold in:
1. Sunflower oil
2. Pumpkin puree

Mix until smooth but do not overmix.

Step 6: Bake the Cake

Pour your batter into a greased baking pan (9×13 inch) and smooth out the top with a spatula. Bake in your preheated oven for about 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 7: Cool Down

Once baked, remove from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 8: Prepare the Frosting

In a mixing bowl, beat together:
1. Dairy-free block butter
2. Dairy-free cream cheese

Gradually add icing sugar and ground cinnamon until creamy and fluffy.

Step 9: Frost Your Cake

Once your cake is completely cooled, spread an even layer of frosting on top using a spatula. Decorate as desired with orange food gel or cocoa powder for an extra touch!

Enjoy your delicious Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake!

How to Serve Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake

This Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake is a delightful treat that can be served in various ways to enhance its flavors. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or enjoying a cozy afternoon, here are some serving suggestions to elevate your cake experience.

With Vegan Caramel Sauce

• Drizzle warm vegan caramel sauce over the top for an extra layer of sweetness and richness.

Topped with Dairy-Free Cream Cheese Frosting

• Spread a generous layer of creamy dairy-free cream cheese frosting for a classic finish that complements the spices perfectly.

Accompanied by Fresh Whipped Coconut Cream

• Serve with dollops of whipped coconut cream for a light and airy contrast to the dense cake.

Garnished with Spiced Nuts

• Sprinkle spiced nuts on top for added crunch and flavor, enhancing the overall texture of each bite.

Served with Hot Beverage

• Pair with chai tea or hot apple cider to complement the warm spices and create a comforting atmosphere.

How to Perfect Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake

To achieve the best results with your Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake, consider these helpful tips. They will ensure your cake turns out moist, flavorful, and visually appealing.

• Use fresh pumpkin puree: Ensure you use high-quality pumpkin puree for the best flavor. Homemade puree can make a significant difference.

• Measure accurately: Use precise measurements for ingredients, especially flour and sugar, to maintain the right consistency in your batter.

• Don’t overmix: Mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense texture instead of a light and fluffy cake.

• Test doneness: Insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with a few crumbs attached. This ensures your cake is baked perfectly.

• Cool properly: Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting. This prevents the frosting from melting and ensures neat presentation.

Best Side Dishes for Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake

Pairing side dishes with your Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake can enhance its flavors and create a balanced dessert spread. Here are some excellent options:

1. Spiced Apple Slices: Thinly sliced apples dusted with cinnamon make for a refreshing side that complements the cake’s spices well.

2. Chai Tea: A warm cup of chai tea infused with spices offers an aromatic pairing that enhances the cake’s flavor profile.

3. Vegan Ice Cream: Serve with a scoop of dairy-free vanilla or cinnamon ice cream for a delightful contrast in temperature and texture.

4. Candied Pecans: Crunchy candied pecans add sweetness and texture, making each bite even more enjoyable.

5. Fruit Salad: A fresh fruit salad with seasonal fruits provides lightness that balances the richness of the cake.

6. Maple Syrup Drizzle: A drizzle of pure maple syrup adds natural sweetness and complements the pumpkin’s flavor beautifully.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

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

• Skipping the vinegar: Not adding apple cider vinegar can affect the cake’s texture. Make sure to include it to help react with baking soda for fluffiness.
• Measuring flour incorrectly: Using too much flour can lead to a dense cake. Always spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off for accuracy.
• Not using fresh spices: Stale spices can dull the flavor of your cake. Check the freshness of your spices and replace them if they are old.
• Overmixing the batter: Overmixing can create a tough cake. Mix just until combined for a light and fluffy texture.
• Ignoring oven temperature: Every oven is different; using an incorrect temperature can ruin your cake. Always preheat your oven and consider using an oven thermometer for accuracy.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store the Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake in an airtight container.
• It will last up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake

• Wrap slices or whole cakes tightly in plastic wrap, followed by aluminum foil.
• The cake can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat individual slices on medium power for about 20-30 seconds or until warm.
• Stovetop: Place a slice in a skillet over low heat, covering it with a lid until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common queries about making a Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake:

Can I use other types of milk?

Yes! Any dairy-free milk like almond, soy, or oat milk works well in this recipe.

How do I make this cake gluten-free?

You can substitute self-raising flour with a gluten-free blend designed for baking.

Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?

Absolutely! Feel free to mix in walnuts, pecans, or dairy-free chocolate chips for added texture and flavor.

What makes this Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake special?

The combination of spices and creamy frosting creates a delightful flavor profile that perfectly complements pumpkin.

How do I store leftover frosting?

Store any leftover vegan cream cheese frosting in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week.

Final Thoughts

This Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake is not only delicious but also versatile. Its rich flavor and moist texture make it perfect for any occasion, from cozy fall gatherings to festive celebrations. Experiment with different toppings or add-ins like nuts or dried fruits to make it uniquely yours!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake

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• Author: Amelia
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 12 slices 1x

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Description

Indulge in the warm, inviting flavors of our Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake, a delightful dessert that perfectly embodies the essence of fall. This moist and richly spiced cake is not only easy to make but also dairy-free, making it suitable for everyone. Topped with velvety vegan cream cheese frosting and optional caramel sauce, it’s a showstopper for any gathering or an excellent treat for cozy afternoons at home. With its irresistible taste and beautiful presentation, this cake promises to impress family and friends alike.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 480ml dairy-free milk
• 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
• 420g self-raising flour
• 350g caster sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon bicarbonate of soda
• 1 & 1/2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground cloves
• 2 teaspoons ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 120ml sunflower oil
• 100g pumpkin puree
• 400g dairy-free block butter
• 80g dairy-free cream cheese
• 360g icing sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Optional: orange food gel, cocoa powder, vegan caramel sauce

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and prepare a greased baking pan (9×13 inch).
2. In a bowl, mix the dairy-free milk and apple cider vinegar; let sit for about 5 minutes.
3. In another bowl, sift together the self-raising flour, caster sugar, baking powder, bicarbonate of soda, and spices.
4. Gradually combine the dry ingredients with the wet mixture until just mixed.
5. Fold in the sunflower oil and pumpkin puree until smooth.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
7. Let cool before frosting with whipped vegan cream cheese.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Vegan

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice (90g)
• Calories: 280
• Sugar: 28g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 0mg