Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake

This Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake is the ultimate dessert that you need in your recipe collection! Perfectly spiced and incredibly moist, this cake is a delightful treat for any occasion. Whether you’re celebrating Thanksgiving, hosting a birthday party, or just craving something sweet, this cake fits the bill. With its creamy frosting and optional silky caramel drizzle, it’s sure to impress friends and family alike. Enjoy the warm flavors of fall with this easy-to-make vegan delight!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Moist Texture: This Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake remains incredibly moist thanks to the perfect balance of dairy-free milk and pumpkin puree.
• Rich Flavor: The blend of spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger creates a rich flavor profile that will have everyone asking for seconds.
• Simple Ingredients: Made with everyday ingredients that are easy to find, you’ll whip this cake up in no time.
• Versatile: This cake can be dressed up for special occasions with decorations or served simply for a cozy night in.
• Vegan Friendly: Enjoy a delicious dessert without animal products, making it suitable for everyone.

Tools and Preparation

To create this delectable Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake, having the right tools on hand makes all the difference. Here’s what you’ll need to get started.

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 your dry and wet ingredients without any mess.
• Electric mixer or whisk: Helps achieve a smooth batter quickly, ensuring all ingredients are well incorporated.
• Baking pan: A sturdy baking pan ensures even baking and helps prevent sticking.

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

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

Step 2: Prepare Your Batter

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the dairy-free milk and apple cider vinegar. Let it sit for about 5 minutes to curdle slightly.
2. In another large bowl, sift together self-raising flour, caster sugar, baking powder, bicarbonate of soda, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, ground nutmeg, and ground ginger.
3. Add the sunflower oil and pumpkin puree to the milk mixture; whisk until combined.
4. Gradually mix the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until just combined.

Step 3: Bake Your Cake

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

Step 4: Make Your Frosting

1. Beat together dairy-free block butter and dairy-free cream cheese until smooth.
2. Gradually add icing sugar and continue mixing until fluffy.
3. Add ground cinnamon to taste.

Step 5: Assemble Your Cake

Once cooled, spread an even layer of frosting on top of your cake. Decorate with orange food gel or cocoa powder for added flair! Drizzle with vegan caramel sauce if desired.

Now you’re ready to enjoy your delicious 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 serving it at a special occasion or just indulging yourself, here are some creative serving suggestions to elevate your experience.

With Whipped Coconut Cream

• Light and fluffy coconut cream adds a tropical twist, making each bite even more decadent.

Drizzled with Vegan Caramel Sauce

• A generous drizzle of vegan caramel sauce enhances the cake’s flavor, providing a rich, sweet contrast to the spices.

Paired with Fresh Fruit

• Serve slices alongside seasonal fruits like apples or pears for a refreshing balance that cuts through the richness.

As Part of a Dessert Platter

• Combine slices of your Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake with other desserts like cookies or brownies for an impressive dessert spread.

Garnished with Nuts

• Sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans on top for an extra crunch and nutty flavor that complements the cake’s softness.

With Spiced Tea or Coffee

• Pair your cake with a cup of spiced chai tea or pumpkin-flavored coffee to enhance the warm flavors of the cake.

How to Perfect Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake

To create the ultimate Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake, follow these essential tips to ensure perfect results every time.

• Use fresh spices: Freshly ground spices offer more intense flavors than pre-ground ones, enhancing your cake’s overall taste.

• Check your baking powder and soda: Ensure that your leavening agents are fresh for optimal rise and texture. Old ingredients can lead to dense cakes.

• Measure flour correctly: Use the spoon-and-level method to avoid overpacking flour, which can make your cake too heavy.

• Don’t skip the vinegar: The apple cider vinegar reacts with baking soda to create lightness and helps achieve a fluffy texture.

• Let it cool completely: Allow your cake to cool fully before frosting it. This prevents melting and ensures clean slices.

• Experiment with toppings: Get creative with different toppings such as chocolate ganache or dried fruit for added visual appeal and taste.

Best Side Dishes for Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake

Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake pairs beautifully with various side dishes. Here are some ideas to complement this delicious dessert:

1. Chai-Spiced Cookies: These soft cookies echo the warm spices found in the cake and make for a delightful pairing.

2. Coconut Macaroons: Chewy and sweet, coconut macaroons provide a contrasting texture that balances nicely with the cake’s softness.

3. Fruit Salad: A fresh fruit salad brings brightness and acidity that cuts through the richness of the cake.

4. Vegan Cheesecake Bites: These creamy bites offer a different yet equally satisfying dessert experience alongside the cake.

5. Maple Glazed Donuts: These donuts add an additional layer of sweetness and pair well for those wanting variety on their dessert plate.

6. Chocolate Mousse: A light vegan chocolate mousse serves as an elegant side dish that complements the spice of the pumpkin cake perfectly.

7. Caramel Corn: Sweet and crunchy caramel corn provides an exciting contrast in textures while echoing similar flavors found in the cake.

8. Spiced Applesauce: A warm serving of spiced applesauce offers comfort and enhances the fall flavors already present in your Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making a Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake can be simple, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for.

• Incorrect Ingredient Measurements: Always use precise measurements for flour and sugar. Too much flour can make your cake dense. Use a kitchen scale for accuracy.

• Skipping the Vinegar: The apple cider vinegar is crucial for activating the baking soda. Don’t skip it; mix it with the milk before adding it to your dry ingredients.

• Not Mixing Properly: Overmixing can lead to a tough cake. Mix until just combined to keep your cake light and fluffy.

• Ignoring Baking Times: Each oven is different. Start checking your cake a few minutes before the recommended baking time to prevent overbaking.

• Using Cold Ingredients: Make sure your dairy-free milk and butter are at room temperature. This helps create a smoother batter and better texture.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Keep for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.

Freezing Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake

• Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap.
• Freeze for up to 3 months for best flavor and texture.

Reheating Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake

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

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Can I substitute pumpkin puree?

Yes, you can use homemade pumpkin puree or other pureed fruits like applesauce as alternatives.

How can I make my Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake gluten-free?

Substituting self-raising flour with a gluten-free blend will work well. Just ensure it has a leavening agent included.

What is the best way to decorate Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake?

You can top it with vegan cream cheese frosting, sprinkle some cinnamon, or even add edible decorations like nuts or chocolate shavings!

Can I use different spices?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with spices like allspice or cardamom for a unique flavor twist in your Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake.

Final Thoughts

This Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it with various toppings or spices to suit your taste. Whether it’s for a celebration or just because, this recipe is sure to impress!