Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake

This Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake is a delightful treat perfect for any occasion—from cozy family gatherings to festive celebrations. The cake is moist, infused with the warm spices of fall, and topped with a creamy frosting that elevates its indulgence. With this recipe, you can impress your guests and satisfy your cravings for something sweet!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Incredibly Moist: This cake stays moist and tender thanks to the combination of dairy-free milk and pumpkin puree.
• Perfectly Spiced: A blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger creates a warm flavor profile that’s perfect for autumn.
• Easy to Make: With simple instructions and common ingredients, anyone can whip up this delicious cake in no time.
• Versatile Dessert: Serve it as-is or dress it up with optional vegan caramel sauce for added richness.
• Great for Any Occasion: Whether it’s Thanksgiving or a casual get-together, this cake will be a hit.

Tools and Preparation

To make your baking experience seamless, having the right tools on hand is essential. Below are some must-have items to create the best Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons
• Baking pan
• Electric mixer

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowls: These are crucial for combining ingredients without making a mess.
• Electric mixer: Saves time by thoroughly mixing the batter for a light and fluffy cake.
• Baking pan: Ensures even cooking and helps achieve the perfect shape for your cake.

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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: Preheat the Oven

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

Step 2: Prepare Your Baking Pan

Grease your baking pan with a little sunflower oil or line it with parchment paper.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a bowl, combine the dairy-free milk and apple cider vinegar. Let it sit for 5 minutes to curdle slightly.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together self-raising flour, caster sugar, baking powder, bicarbonate of soda, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and ginger until fully mixed.

Step 5: Blend Wet and Dry Mixtures

Add the sunflower oil and pumpkin puree to the wet mixture. Then gradually mix in the dry ingredients until just combined.

Step 6: Bake

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

Step 7: Make Frosting

While the cake cools, beat together dairy-free butter and cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add icing sugar and cinnamon until fluffy.

Step 8: Decorate

Once cooled, frost your cake generously. You can add orange food gel designs or sprinkle cocoa powder for garnish.

Your Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake is now ready to delight! Enjoy it fresh or store it in an airtight container for later indulgence.

How to Serve Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake

Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake is a delightful treat that can be served in various ways to enhance its flavors and presentation. Whether it’s a cozy family gathering or a festive celebration, these serving suggestions will make your cake the star of the show.

With a Scoop of Dairy-Free Ice Cream

• Pair slices of the cake with your favorite dairy-free ice cream for a creamy contrast.

Drizzled with Vegan Caramel Sauce

• Enhance the sweetness by drizzling vegan caramel sauce on top for added richness.

Topped with Fresh Fruit

• Serve with slices of fresh apples or pears for a refreshing touch that complements the spices.

Accompanied by Spiced Whipped Cream

• Use coconut whipped cream spiced with cinnamon for a light and airy addition to each slice.

Garnished with Nuts

• Sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans on top for an extra crunch and nutty flavor.

Served Warm

• Warm slices slightly in the oven before serving to bring out the pumpkin flavors even more.

How to Perfect Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake

Creating the perfect Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake involves attention to detail and some helpful tips. Follow these guidelines to ensure your cake turns out moist and flavorful every time.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Ensure your spices and baking powder are fresh for maximum flavor and rise.
• Measure Accurately: Use precise measurements, especially for flour and sugar, to achieve the right texture.
• Avoid Overmixing: Mix just until combined to keep your cake fluffy and prevent it from becoming dense.
• Test for Doneness: Insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean when done.
• Cool Completely Before Frosting: Allow the cake layers to cool fully before adding frosting to prevent melting.
• Experiment with Flavors: Try adding different spices like cardamom or allspice for unique variations!

Best Side Dishes for Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake

Pairing side dishes with Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some great options to consider when serving this delicious cake:

1. Chai Tea – A warm cup of spiced chai complements the flavors of pumpkin perfectly.
2. Maple Pecan Salad – A fresh salad with maple dressing adds a sweet crunch that balances the cake’s richness.
3. Apple Crisp – This warm dessert offers a delightful contrast in texture and flavor alongside the cake.
4. Coconut Yogurt Parfait – Layered yogurt with granola and fruit provides a refreshing, creamy complement.
5. Sweet Potato Mash – The natural sweetness of mashed sweet potatoes pairs well with pumpkin spice flavors.
6. Roasted Vegetable Medley – A mix of roasted seasonal vegetables brings a savory element to your dessert table.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making the perfect Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake can be tricky. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them.

• Bold measurement errors: Using incorrect measurements can lead to a dense or dry cake. Always use a kitchen scale for accuracy.
• Bold skipping vinegar: The apple cider vinegar is crucial for activating the baking soda. Don’t skip this step to ensure your cake rises properly.
• Bold overmixing the batter: Overmixing can make the cake tough. Mix just until combined for the best texture.
• Bold ignoring oven temperature: Each oven is different; always preheat and consider using an oven thermometer for accuracy.
• Bold using stale spices: Fresh spices enhance flavor significantly. Make sure your spices are fresh for the best taste.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

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

Freezing Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake

• Wrap slices individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag.
• It can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake

• Oven: Preheat to 180°C (350°F) and warm for about 10-15 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for 30-second intervals until warm.
• Stovetop: Place a slice in a skillet over low heat, covering it with a lid to retain moisture.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute self-raising flour with a gluten-free blend. Ensure it has a leavening agent included.

How do I make Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake without sugar?

You can use alternatives like maple syrup or coconut sugar, but adjust the liquid ingredients accordingly.

Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?

Absolutely! Feel free to fold in chopped nuts or dairy-free chocolate chips for added texture and flavor.

What’s the best way to decorate my Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake?

Consider using vegan cream cheese frosting and topping with pecans or pumpkin seeds for a delightful look!

How long does this cake last at room temperature?

The cake can be kept at room temperature for up to 2 days, covered properly.

Final Thoughts

This Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake is not only moist and delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it with various toppings or mix-ins to suit your taste. Give it a try this season; you won’t regret it!