Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake

This Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake is the perfect treat for all pumpkin lovers. It’s moist, rich in flavors, and topped with creamy frosting, making it an ideal dessert for any occasion, from cozy family gatherings to festive celebrations. With its delightful blend of spices and a hint of caramel, this cake is sure to impress everyone at the table!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Moist and Flavorful: This Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake is incredibly moist and packed with warm spices that create a comforting flavor profile.
• Easy to Make: With straightforward instructions, you can whip up this delicious cake in no time, even if you’re a beginner baker.
• Versatile for Occasions: Perfect for holidays like Thanksgiving or simply as an everyday dessert to enjoy with your favorite cup of tea or coffee.
• Dairy-Free Delight: Made without any dairy products, this cake is suitable for vegans and those avoiding lactose.
• Customizable Toppings: Feel free to add vegan caramel sauce or experiment with different frostings to suit your taste.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the recipe, gather your tools and ingredients. Having everything ready will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Whisk
• Electric mixer (optional)
• Baking pan (9×13 inch)
• Cooling rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining wet and dry ingredients thoroughly.
• Electric mixer: Helps achieve a perfectly smooth batter quickly, but a whisk works just fine too!
• Baking pan: A good quality baking pan ensures even cooking and easy removal of 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
• 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). Greasing your baking pan lightly or lining it with parchment paper helps prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl:
1. Combine the dairy-free milk and apple cider vinegar. Let this mixture sit for about 5 minutes to curdle slightly.
2. Add the sunflower oil and pumpkin puree to the bowl. Whisk until well combined.

Step 3: Combine 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. Mix thoroughly to ensure there are no lumps.

Step 4: Combine Wet & Dry Mixtures

Gradually pour the dry mixture into the wet ingredients:
1. Stir gently until just combined; do not overmix as this can affect the texture.

Step 5: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan:
1. Smooth out the top with a spatula.
2. Bake for approximately 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 6: Cool & Frost

Once baked:
1. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a cooling rack.
2. While cooling, prepare your frosting by beating together dairy-free butter, cream cheese, icing sugar, and cinnamon until smooth.

Step 7: Decorate Your Cake

Once fully cooled:
1. Spread the frosting evenly across the top.
2. Add orange food gel or cocoa powder if desired for decoration.

Enjoy every bite of this delightful 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 want to impress guests at a gathering or simply indulge yourself, here are some creative serving suggestions.

Classic Slice

• Serve a simple slice of cake with a dusting of cocoa powder for an elegant touch.

Frosted Delight

• Top with generous layers of creamy dairy-free cream cheese frosting and sprinkle with ground cinnamon for added flavor.

Caramel Drizzle

• Drizzle with vegan caramel sauce for an extra layer of sweetness and richness that complements the spices perfectly.

Festive Cupcakes

• Transform your cake into individual cupcakes, topped with orange food gel decorations to mimic pumpkin faces for festive occasions.

Ice Cream Pairing

• Serve alongside a scoop of dairy-free vanilla ice cream to create a comforting dessert experience.

Tea or Coffee Companion

• Enjoy slices of cake with your favorite herbal tea or coffee for a warm, cozy treat any time of day.

How to Perfect Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake

To achieve the best texture and flavor in your Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake, follow these essential tips.

• Use fresh pumpkin puree: Opt for homemade pumpkin puree or high-quality canned options to enhance the cake’s flavor.

• Measure ingredients accurately: Precision in measuring flour and sugar ensures the perfect balance needed for moistness and sweetness.

• Let it cool properly: Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting. This prevents melting and makes frosting easier.

• Adjust spices to taste: Feel free to modify the spice levels based on personal preference for a more customized flavor.

• Store correctly: Keep leftover cake in an airtight container in the fridge to maintain its moisture and freshness.

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.

1. Whipped Coconut Cream: Light and fluffy, this dairy-free topping adds a tropical flair that complements the spice notes.

2. Spiced Nuts: A mix of roasted nuts seasoned with cinnamon and nutmeg creates a crunchy contrast to the soft cake texture.

3. Fruit Salad: A refreshing side made from seasonal fruits balances out the richness of the cake beautifully.

4. Chai Tea: The warm spices in chai tea mirror those in the cake, creating a harmonious pairing ideal for autumn gatherings.

5. Almond Milk Smoothie: Blend almond milk with bananas and spices for a nutritious drink that enhances the flavors of the dessert.

6. Maple Glazed Carrots: Sweet glazed carrots provide a savory-sweet contrast that pairs well with pumpkin flavors while adding color to your plate.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake, there are a few common pitfalls to watch out for. Here are some mistakes you can easily avoid.

• Bold ingredient measurement: Not measuring your ingredients correctly can lead to an unsatisfactory cake. Use a kitchen scale for precision.
• Bold overmixing: Mixing the batter too much can make the cake dense. Stir just until combined for a light and fluffy texture.
• Bold incorrect oven temperature: Baking at the wrong temperature can affect baking time and texture. Always preheat your oven to the correct temperature before baking.
• Bold using expired ingredients: Old spices or baking powder can alter flavor and rise. Check expiration dates to ensure freshness.
• Bold skipping the vinegar: The apple cider vinegar reacts with the baking soda, helping the cake rise. Don’t skip this step; it’s crucial for fluffiness.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Keep layers separated with parchment paper to maintain frost.

Freezing Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake

• Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and then foil for up to 3 months.
• Label each package with the date for easy tracking.

Reheating Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat the cake for 10-15 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat individual slices on medium power for about 30 seconds at a time until warm.
• Stovetop: Place a slice in a pan over low heat, cover, and warm slowly for 5-7 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Can I use other types of flour?

You can substitute self-raising flour with all-purpose flour by adding extra baking powder.

What’s the best way to make pumpkin puree?

You can use canned pumpkin puree or roast fresh pumpkin, scoop out the flesh, and blend until smooth.

How do I make Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake gluten-free?

Use a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup like regular flour and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.

How can I customize this Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake?

You can add nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruits for added texture and flavor variations.

Can I make this recipe nut-free?

Yes, just ensure that your dairy-free butter and cream cheese options do not contain nuts.

What is the secret to a moist vegan cake?

Adding moisture-rich ingredients like pumpkin puree and ensuring not to overmix helps keep the cake moist.

Final Thoughts

This Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake is undeniably delicious and versatile. It’s perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy family gathering or a festive celebration. Feel free to customize it with your favorite mix-ins or toppings, making it truly your own!