Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake

This Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake is the ultimate dessert for any occasion! With its delightful blend of spices and moist texture, it’s perfect for fall gatherings, Thanksgiving celebrations, or simply as a comforting treat at home. The rich flavors of pumpkin and warm spices come together beautifully, making this cake a standout choice that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: This recipe is straightforward, requiring minimal prep time and simple steps.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of spices creates a warm, cozy taste that embodies the essence of fall.
• Versatile: Great for various occasions, from birthday parties to holiday feasts, this cake fits right in.
• Dairy-Free Delight: Made without dairy ingredients, it’s suitable for those with lactose intolerance or dietary restrictions.
• Stunning Presentation: Decorate with frosting and cocoa powder for a visually appealing dessert that impresses.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into your baking adventure, gather the necessary tools to make the process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups
• Electric mixer
• Baking pan
• Cooling rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients without spilling.
• Electric mixer: Makes whipping the frosting easy and ensures everything is well blended.
• Baking pan: Choose the right size to ensure even baking for 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
• Orange food gel (for decoration)
• Cocoa powder (for decoration)
• Vegan caramel sauce (optional)

How to Make Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). This ensures that your cake bakes evenly.

Step 2: Prepare Your Baking Pan

Grease and flour your baking pan to prevent sticking. You can also line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl:
1. Whisk together the dairy-free milk and apple cider vinegar. Let it sit for about five minutes to create buttermilk.
2. Add in the sunflower oil and pumpkin puree. Mix until well combined.

Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients

In another bowl:
1. Sift together the self raising flour, caster sugar, baking powder, bicarbonate of soda, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, ground nutmeg, and ground ginger.
2. Stir until all dry ingredients are well mixed.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet mixture while stirring continuously until just combined. Do not overmix; lumps are okay!

Step 6: Bake the Cake

Pour your batter into the prepared baking pan. Bake in preheated oven for about 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean when inserted into the center.

Step 7: Cool Down

Once baked, remove from oven and let it cool in the pan for about ten minutes before transferring it to a cooling rack.

Step 8: Prepare Frosting

While cooling:
1. In a bowl, beat together dairy-free block butter and cream cheese until fluffy.
2. Gradually add icing sugar and ground cinnamon while mixing until smooth.

Step 9: Frost Your Cake

Once cooled completely, spread your frosting generously on top using an offset spatula or knife. Add decorative touches with orange food gel or cocoa powder if desired.

Now you have a delicious Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake ready to share! Enjoy it with friends or family at any gathering!

How to Serve Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake

Serving your Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake can elevate the experience for you and your guests. Here are some delightful ways to present this delicious dessert.

Classic Slice with Cream Cheese Frosting

• Serve a generous slice topped with creamy dairy-free cream cheese frosting for an indulgent treat.

Festive Layered Dessert

• Create a layered pumpkin spice cake by stacking multiple layers, drizzled with vegan caramel sauce for extra sweetness.

Mini Cupcakes

• Bake the batter in cupcake tins to create mini versions, perfect for parties and easy to grab and enjoy.

Cake Pop Delights

• Transform leftover cake into cake pops by crumbling it and mixing it with frosting, then coating them in melted dairy-free chocolate.

Seasonal Garnish

• Decorate slices with a sprinkle of cinnamon or cocoa powder, and a few candied pumpkin seeds for an eye-catching presentation.

How to Perfect Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake

Achieving the perfect Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake takes just a few simple tricks. Follow these tips for a moist, flavorful result every time.

• Use fresh spices: Freshly ground spices enhance the flavor and aroma of your cake, making it more vibrant.
• Opt for room temperature ingredients: Allow ingredients like dairy-free milk and butter to reach room temperature before mixing; this helps them blend smoothly.
• Avoid overmixing: Gently mix your batter until just combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake texture.
• Test for doneness: Use a toothpick inserted in the center. It should come out clean or with just a few crumbs attached when done.
• Cool completely before frosting: Let your cake cool completely before adding the frosting to prevent it from melting off.
• Experiment with flavors: Feel free to add other spices like cardamom or allspice for a unique twist on this classic recipe.

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. Here are some great options to consider.

1. Spiced Chai Latte
   A warm spiced chai latte pairs beautifully, complementing the cake’s flavors while providing comforting warmth.
2. Coconut Whipped Cream
   Light and fluffy coconut whipped cream adds creaminess that balances out the sweetness of the cake perfectly.
3. Apple Cinnamon Compote
   This sweet and tart compote brings an extra layer of flavor, providing contrasting textures alongside each bite of cake.
4. Nutty Granola
   A crunchy nut granola can add texture when served on the side or sprinkled on top, enhancing both flavor and presentation.
5. Vegan Ice Cream
   A scoop of dairy-free vanilla or pumpkin-flavored ice cream brings creaminess and richness that complements the cake wonderfully.
6. Fruit Salad
   A refreshing fruit salad made with seasonal fruits provides a light contrast to the rich pumpkin spice flavors of your cake.
7. Herbal Tea
   An herbal tea, such as chamomile or peppermint, offers a soothing beverage option that pairs nicely after dessert.
8. Almond Milk Hot Chocolate
   Rich hot chocolate made with almond milk can be a cozy addition during colder months, warming you up while enjoying your slice of cake.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking a Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake can be tricky. Here are some common mistakes to steer clear of for the best results.

• Skipping the vinegar: Not using apple cider vinegar can affect the cake’s moisture. It helps curdle the dairy-free milk, creating a better texture.
• Ignoring ingredient temperatures: Using cold ingredients can lead to uneven baking. Ensure your dairy-free milk and butter are at room temperature before mixing.
• Overmixing the batter: Mixing too much can create a dense cake. Stir just until combined for a light texture.
• Not measuring flour correctly: Using too much or too little flour alters the cake’s structure. Use a spoon to fluff the flour, then spoon it into your measuring cup for accuracy.
• Underestimating cooling time: Cutting into the cake while it’s still warm can cause it to crumble. Allow it to cool completely before frosting.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Keeps well for up to 5 days in the fridge.

Freezing Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake

• Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container.
• Can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm slices for about 10-15 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat individual slices on medium power for 15-20 seconds.
• Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat, cover with a lid, and heat for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

What is Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake?

Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake is a delicious dessert made without any animal products. It’s moist, spiced perfectly with pumpkin flavors, and topped with creamy frosting.

How do I make this recipe gluten-free?

To make a gluten-free version of Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake, substitute self-raising flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend that includes xanthan gum.

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned puree?

Yes! You can roast and puree fresh pumpkin. Just ensure it’s smooth and has no excess water before adding it to your batter.

How do I customize my Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake?

You can add nuts or chocolate chips for texture or experiment with different spices like cardamom or allspice for unique flavors.

How long does it take to bake?

The baking time may vary based on your oven but generally ranges from 25-30 minutes. Always check doneness with a toothpick inserted in the center; it should come out clean.

Final Thoughts

This Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake is not only moist and flavorful but also versatile enough for any occasion. Whether you dress it up with frosting or enjoy it plain, this cake is sure to impress. Feel free to customize it with your favorite mix-ins or toppings!