Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake

This Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake is a delightful treat perfect for any occasion. With its moist texture, rich spices, and creamy frosting, this cake will impress your family and friends. It’s not just a dessert; it’s a celebration of flavors that embodies the spirit of fall. Ideal for Thanksgiving gatherings, birthday parties, or simply a cozy afternoon snack, this cake brings warmth and joy to every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delectable Flavor: The blend of spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves creates an irresistible aroma and taste.
• Easy to Make: This recipe is straightforward and requires minimal prep time, making it accessible for bakers of all levels.
• Perfectly Moist: The combination of pumpkin puree and dairy-free milk ensures a moist cake that stays fresh longer.
• Versatile Frosting Options: Top with vegan cream cheese frosting or drizzle with vegan caramel sauce for added indulgence.
• Festive Appeal: Its vibrant orange color makes it a stunning centerpiece for any gathering or celebration.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the baking process, gather your essential tools to ensure everything goes smoothly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons
• Electric mixer or whisk
• Baking pan
• Spatula

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients evenly without mess.
• Electric mixer: Saves time and effort when beating the batter to perfection.
• Baking pan: Ensures even cooking and helps achieve the desired shape of the 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
• Orange food gel
• Cocoa powder

Optional Topping

• Vegan caramel sauce

How to Make Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). This allows your cake to bake evenly from start to finish.

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl:
1. Combine the dairy-free milk with apple cider vinegar. Let it sit for about 5 minutes to create buttermilk.
2. Add pumpkin puree and sunflower oil. Mix until well blended.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl:
1. Whisk together self-raising flour, caster sugar, baking powder, bicarbonate of soda, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, ground nutmeg, and ground ginger until combined.

Step 4: Create the Batter

Gradually add dry ingredients into the wet mixture:
1. Stir until just combined; be careful not to overmix.

Step 5: Bake Your Cake

Pour the batter into a greased baking pan:
1. Bake in preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Step 6: Cool and Frost

Once baked:
1. Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting with your choice of vegan cream cheese frosting or drizzling with vegan caramel sauce.

Enjoy your delicious slice of 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 you’re hosting a gathering or simply indulging yourself, here are some creative serving suggestions to elevate your cake experience.

Classic with Cream Cheese Frosting

• Spread a generous layer of creamy dairy-free cream cheese frosting over each slice for an extra indulgent touch.

Drizzled with Vegan Caramel Sauce

• Add a luscious drizzle of vegan caramel sauce on top for a sweet contrast that enhances the pumpkin flavors.

Served with Fresh Fruit

• Pair slices with fresh apple or pear slices. The crispness of the fruit balances the cake’s moist texture.

A Scoop of Dairy-Free Ice Cream

• Serve alongside a scoop of your favorite dairy-free ice cream for a decadent dessert experience, perfect for warm days.

Garnished with Nuts

• Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top for added crunch and flavor that complements the spices in the cake.

With Hot Beverage Pairing

• Enjoy with a warm cup of chai tea or coffee, which will enhance the warm spices and create a cozy 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 guide you through creating an irresistible dessert.

• Use Fresh Spices: Ensure your ground spices are fresh for maximum flavor. Stale spices can dull the taste of your cake.

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Bring your dairy-free milk and butter to room temperature before mixing. This helps create a smoother batter.

• Don’t Overmix: Mix just until combined when adding dry ingredients to avoid a dense cake. Overmixing can lead to tough texture.

• Check Doneness Early: Start checking your cake 5-10 minutes before the suggested baking time to prevent overbaking. A toothpick should come out clean.

• Cool Completely Before Frosting: Allow your cake to cool completely before applying frosting. This prevents melting and ensures even application.

• Store Properly: Keep any leftovers covered at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate to prolong freshness.

Best Side Dishes for Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake

Pairing side dishes with Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake can enhance your dessert experience. Here are some delightful options that complement its flavors beautifully.

1. Spiced Apple Compote: A warm blend of cooked apples and spices adds sweetness and warmth next to the cake.

2. Cinnamon Roasted Pears: These tender pears are roasted with cinnamon, providing a flavorful side that matches well with pumpkin spice.

3. Chilled Coconut Whipped Cream: A light and airy topping that adds creaminess without dairy, making it a perfect accompaniment.

4. Maple Glazed Nuts: Sweet and crunchy nuts provide texture contrast while echoing the sweetness of the cake.

5. Herbed Salad Greens: A fresh salad dressed lightly in balsamic vinaigrette offers balance against the rich flavors of the cake.

6. Vegan Chocolate Bark: Dark chocolate bark studded with nuts or dried fruits brings decadence without overshadowing the pumpkin spice notes.

7. Carrot Sticks with Hummus: Crunchy carrot sticks paired with creamy hummus make for a refreshing snack alongside dessert.

8. Ginger Tea: A warm cup of ginger tea cleanses the palate and complements the spice profile of the cake perfectly.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making a Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake can be simple, but a few common mistakes can ruin your efforts. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

• Incorrect measurements – Using too much or too little of an ingredient can affect the texture and flavor. Always use precise measuring tools.
• Skipping the vinegar – The apple cider vinegar is essential for activating the baking soda. Don’t skip it; it helps create that perfect rise.
• Overmixing the batter – Mixing too much can lead to a dense cake. Stir just until combined for a fluffy texture.
• Not letting the cake cool properly – Cutting into a warm cake can make it crumble. Allow it to cool completely before frosting.
• Ignoring ingredient temperature – Using cold ingredients can lead to uneven baking. Ensure your dairy-free milk and butter are at room temperature.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Ensure it’s completely cooled before sealing to maintain moisture.

Freezing Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake

• Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container.
• Best consumed within 3 months for optimal flavor.

Reheating Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake

• Oven – Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Heat wrapped slices for about 10-15 minutes.
• Microwave – Warm individual slices on medium power for 15-30 seconds.
• Stovetop – Use a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you’re curious about making this Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake, here are some commonly asked questions:

Can I substitute pumpkin puree?

Yes, you can use homemade pumpkin puree or other pureed fruits like butternut squash as a substitute.

How do I make this vegan cake gluten-free?

To make a gluten-free Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake, substitute self-raising flour with a gluten-free flour blend and add xanthan gum if needed.

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

You can use cashew cream or coconut whipped cream as an alternative to dairy-free cream cheese frosting.

How long does the Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake last?

The cake lasts up to 5 days in the refrigerator and up to 3 months in the freezer when stored properly.

Final Thoughts

This Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake is not only delicious but also versatile. It’s perfect for any occasion, from cozy family gatherings to festive celebrations. Feel free to customize it with your favorite spices or toppings. Try making it today and enjoy every bite!