Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake
This Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake is truly the BEST EVER dessert for fall and beyond. It’s a delightful combination of moist cake, warm spices, and a creamy frosting that everyone will love. Perfect for gatherings, Thanksgiving, or any cozy occasion, this cake stands out with its rich flavors and vegan ingredients, ensuring it suits various dietary needs.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make – With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, you can whip up this cake in no time.
- Delicious Flavor – The blend of spices creates a warm and inviting flavor profile that enhances the pumpkin’s natural sweetness.
- Versatile – Ideal for birthdays, holidays, or just a treat to enjoy with your afternoon tea or coffee.
- Crowd-Pleasing – This cake is sure to impress both vegans and non-vegans alike with its rich texture and taste.
- Customizable – You can easily add your favorite toppings or mix-ins like nuts or chocolate chips to personalize it.
Tools and Preparation
To ensure your baking experience is smooth and enjoyable, gather these essential tools before you start making your Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Electric mixer
- Baking pan (9×13 inch)
- Spatula
Importance of Each Tool
- Electric mixer – Saves time and effort when mixing the batter to achieve a light and fluffy texture.
- Baking pan – A good quality pan ensures even baking and helps create a perfectly shaped cake.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
– 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
– 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
– 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 step ensures that your cake bakes evenly.
Step 2: Prepare the Batter
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the dairy-free milk and apple cider vinegar. Let it sit for about five minutes to curdle.
- Add sunflower oil, pumpkin puree, and caster sugar to the mixture. Mix well until smooth.
- In another bowl, whisk together self raising flour, baking powder, bicarbonate of soda, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, ground nutmeg, and ground ginger.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir until just combined; do not overmix.
Step 3: Bake the Cake
- Pour the batter into a greased baking pan.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool in the pan for ten minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 4: Make the Frosting
- In a mixing bowl, beat together dairy-free block butter and dairy-free cream cheese until creamy.
- Gradually add icing sugar while mixing until smooth.
- Mix in ground cinnamon and a few drops of orange food gel for color.
Step 5: Frosting and Serving
Once cooled, generously frost your Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake with the cream cheese frosting. Top with cocoa powder or drizzle vegan caramel sauce if desired before serving! Enjoy this delightful treat!
How to Serve Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake
Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake is a delightful treat that can be served in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying it at home, these serving suggestions will enhance your cake experience.
Simple Slice
- Serve a classic slice of the Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake on its own for a warm, spiced flavor that shines through.
Cream Cheese Frosting Topping
- Top your cake with a generous dollop of creamy vegan cream cheese frosting. This adds a rich texture and balances the spices perfectly.
Caramel Drizzle
- Drizzle some vegan caramel sauce over each slice for an extra touch of sweetness and a beautiful presentation.
Festive Garnish
- Decorate the cake with edible orange and cocoa powder designs. This not only looks appealing but also enhances the pumpkin theme.
Accompanying Beverages
- Pair your cake with a hot cup of spiced chai tea or coffee to complement the cake’s warm flavors.
How to Perfect Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake
To achieve the best results with your Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake, consider these essential tips.
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Measure ingredients accurately: Proper measurement ensures the right consistency and flavor balance in your cake.
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Use fresh spices: Freshly ground spices will enhance the flavor profile, making your cake more aromatic and delicious.
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Don’t overmix: Mix just until combined to keep your cake light and fluffy. Overmixing can lead to dense texture.
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Check doneness with a toothpick: Insert a toothpick in the center; if it comes out clean, your cake is ready. This avoids under or over-baking.
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Let it cool properly: Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting. This prevents melting and keeps the frosting intact.
Best Side Dishes for Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake
Pairing side dishes with your Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some delicious options to consider.
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Cinnamon Sugar Apples: Sautéed apples tossed in cinnamon sugar provide a sweet and tart contrast to the rich cake.
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Spiced Nuts: Roasted spiced nuts add crunch and complement the warm flavors of pumpkin spice beautifully.
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Vegan Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of rich vegan vanilla ice cream offers a creamy counterpart to the spiced cake.
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Maple Glazed Carrots: Sweet maple-glazed carrots bring brightness to your dessert table while echoing fall flavors.
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Chai-Spiced Hot Chocolate: Warm beverages like chai-spiced hot chocolate create a cozy atmosphere that pairs well with dessert.
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Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad can cleanse the palate and enhance the overall meal experience without overpowering the cake’s flavor.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making this Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake, it’s essential to avoid a few common mistakes that could affect the final result.
- measurements: Always use precise measurements for ingredients. Too much or too little can change the texture and flavor of your cake.
- mixing too much: Over-mixing the batter can lead to a dense cake. Mix just until combined for a lighter texture.
- skipping the vinegar: The apple cider vinegar is crucial for activating the baking soda. Don’t skip it; it adds moisture and lift.
- using cold ingredients: Make sure your dairy-free milk and other ingredients are at room temperature. Cold ingredients can lead to uneven baking.
- not checking doneness: Relying solely on time can be misleading. Use a toothpick to test for doneness in the center of the cake.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover 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 before placing them in a freezer-safe bag.
- It 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 20-30 seconds, checking frequently.
- Stovetop: Place slices in a skillet over low heat, covering with a lid for about 5 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making this delicious Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake.
How can I make my Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake more flavorful?
Adding extra spices like allspice or cardamom can enhance the flavor of your Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake. Experiment with different spice blends!
Can I substitute pumpkin puree?
Yes! You can use mashed bananas or unsweetened applesauce as alternatives, but they will change the flavor slightly.
How do I make Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake gluten-free?
To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute self-raising flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend that includes xanthan gum.
What is the best frosting for Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake?
A creamy vegan cream cheese frosting pairs perfectly with this cake. You can also try coconut whipped cream or simple dusting of powdered sugar.
Can I decorate my Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake?
Absolutely! Try adding fall-themed decorations like edible pumpkins or autumn leaves made from chocolate or fondant for an inviting look.
Final Thoughts
This Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake is not only delightful but also versatile enough for any occasion. You can customize it with various frostings or toppings to match your taste. Whether you’re celebrating Thanksgiving or just craving something sweet, this cake is sure to impress!
Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 12 1x
Description
Indulge in the delightful flavors of our Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake, a must-have dessert for the fall season and beyond. This moist, spiced cake combines pumpkin puree with warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, all topped off with a creamy vegan cream cheese frosting. Perfect for any cozy gathering or holiday celebration, this cake is not only delicious but also caters to various dietary needs. Its rich flavor and fluffy texture make it an irresistible treat that will impress both vegans and non-vegans alike. Easy to make and highly customizable with your favorite toppings, this cake is sure to become a seasonal favorite!
Ingredients
- 480ml dairy-free milk
- 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
- 420g self-raising flour
- 350g caster sugar
- 1 & 1/2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 100g pumpkin puree
- 400g dairy-free block butter
- 80g dairy-free cream cheese
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- In a large bowl, combine dairy-free milk and apple cider vinegar; let sit for 5 minutes.
- Add sunflower oil, pumpkin puree, and caster sugar; mix until smooth.
- In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, bicarbonate of soda, and spices.
- Gradually incorporate dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
- Pour batter into a greased baking pan and bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- For frosting, beat together dairy-free butter and cream cheese; gradually add icing sugar and ground cinnamon until smooth.
- Frost cooled cake generously and enjoy!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Vegan
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (111g)
- Calories: 305
- Sugar: 35g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Measure ingredients accurately for best results. Using fresh spices enhances flavor significantly. Avoid overmixing to keep the cake light and fluffy.
