Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake

Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake is a delightful treat that brings the warmth of autumn to your kitchen. This cake is moist, perfectly spiced, and topped with creamy frosting, making it ideal for any occasion—from cozy family gatherings to festive celebrations. With easy-to-find ingredients and simple preparation steps, this cake stands out as the go-to recipe for pumpkin lovers everywhere.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Moist Texture: The combination of dairy-free milk and pumpkin puree ensures a soft and moist cake.
• Perfect Spice Blend: A warm mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger creates an irresistible flavor profile.
• Versatile Serving Options: This cake is perfect for birthdays, Thanksgiving, or just a sweet treat at home.
• Dairy-Free Delight: Made without animal products, this cake suits a variety of dietary preferences.
• Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and straightforward instructions make it accessible for bakers of all skill levels.

Tools and Preparation

To create your Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake, you’ll need some essential tools that will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons
• Whisk or electric mixer
• Baking pan
• Spatula

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowls: These are crucial for combining ingredients evenly, ensuring a well-blended batter.
• Electric mixer: A mixer can save time by quickly incorporating air into the batter for fluffiness.
• Baking pan: The right pan ensures even baking, preventing any undercooked or burnt edges.

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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

For Decoration (Optional)

• Orange food gel
• Cocoa powder
• Vegan caramel sauce

How to Make Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). This step is crucial for ensuring that your cake rises properly as it bakes.

Step 2: Prepare the 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 bowl, whisk together the self-raising flour, caster sugar, baking powder, bicarbonate soda, ground spices (cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, ginger), and sunflower oil.
3. Add the pumpkin puree to your wet mixture and mix until smooth.
4. Gradually combine both mixtures until just blended; do not over-mix.

Step 3: Bake the Cake

• Pour your batter into a greased baking pan.
• Bake in preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean when inserted in the center.

Step 4: Make the Frosting

1. In a bowl, beat together the dairy-free butter and cream cheese until smooth.
2. Gradually add icing sugar and ground cinnamon while mixing until well combined.

Step 5: Assemble Your Cake

• Once cooled completely, spread frosting over the top layer. Decorate with orange food gel or cocoa powder as desired.

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 served in various ways to elevate your dessert experience. Here are some creative serving suggestions that will impress your guests.

Classic with Cream Cheese Frosting

• Spread a generous layer of creamy dairy-free cream cheese frosting on top for a rich and tangy flavor that perfectly complements the spices.

Drizzled with Vegan Caramel Sauce

• Add a drizzle of vegan caramel sauce over the cake for an extra touch of sweetness and decadence, making each bite irresistible.

Served with Fresh Fruit

• Pair slices with fresh fruit like apples or pears. The natural sweetness and juiciness enhance the cake’s flavors and add a refreshing contrast.

Topped with Whipped Coconut Cream

• Serve individual slices topped with whipped coconut cream for a light, airy finish that balances the richness of the cake.

Accompanied by Spiced Tea or Coffee

• Enjoy your cake alongside a warm cup of spiced tea or coffee. The warming spices in both beverages will harmonize beautifully with the flavors of the cake.

How to Perfect Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake

Perfecting your Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake involves attention to detail and technique. Here are some tips to ensure your cake turns out just right.

• Use room temperature ingredients: Ensure all your ingredients, especially the dairy-free milk and butter, are at room temperature before mixing. This helps achieve a smoother batter.

• Measure flour correctly: Use the spoon-and-level method to measure flour. Scooping directly from the bag can lead to too much flour, resulting in a dense cake.

• Don’t overmix the batter: Mix until just combined to keep the cake light and fluffy. Overmixing can make it tough.

• Check for doneness: Use a toothpick inserted into the center. It should come out clean or with a few crumbs attached but not wet batter.

• Cool completely before frosting: Allow your cake layers to cool completely before applying frosting. This prevents melting and ensures neat application.

Best Side Dishes for Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake

Pairing side dishes with your Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake can enhance its flavors and create a well-rounded dessert table. Here are some great options:

1. Chai Spiced Latte
   A warm chai latte complements the spices in the cake while providing a cozy drink option.

2. Apple Crisp
   This dessert features sweet baked apples topped with a crumbly oat topping, enhancing the fall flavors.

3. Cranberry Sauce
   A tart cranberry sauce adds brightness and acidity, balancing out the sweetness of the cake beautifully.

4. Spiced Nuts
   Roasted spiced nuts offer a crunchy texture and nutty flavor that pairs wonderfully with the soft cake.

5. Pumpkin Soup
   A creamy pumpkin soup served as an appetizer sets an autumnal tone and warms up your palate before dessert.

6. Maple Glazed Carrots
   These sweet carrots provide a nutritious side that complements the rich flavors of pumpkin spice nicely.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

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

• Bold Ingredients: Not measuring ingredients accurately can ruin the texture. Always use a kitchen scale for precision.
• Bold Overmixing Batter: Mixing too much develops gluten and makes the cake dense. Stir until just combined for a light texture.
• Bold Wrong Oven Temperature: Baking at an incorrect temperature can lead to uneven baking. Use an oven thermometer to ensure accuracy.
• Bold Skipping the Vinegar: The vinegar helps activate baking soda for a fluffy cake. Don’t skip this vital ingredient!
• Bold Ignoring Cooling Time: Cutting the cake too soon can cause it to fall apart. Allow it to cool in the pan before transferring it to a wire rack.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store your Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake in an airtight container.
• It will last up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake

• Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container.
• The cake can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake

• Bold Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and warm slices for about 10 minutes.
• Bold Microwave: Heat individual slices on high for 15-20 seconds until warm.
• Bold Stovetop: Place slices in a pan over low heat, covering with a lid for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common queries regarding the Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake.

Can I use canned pumpkin puree?

Yes, canned pumpkin puree works perfectly in this recipe and is convenient!

How do I make the frosting vegan?

You can make vegan frosting using dairy-free cream cheese and dairy-free butter, as outlined in the recipe.

What if I want to add nuts or chocolate chips?

Feel free to customize by adding nuts or vegan chocolate chips into the batter before baking.

How should I store leftover cake?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator or freeze them for later enjoyment.

Can I use other spices instead of pumpkin spice?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with other spices like cardamom or allspice based on your preference.

Final Thoughts

This Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. Its moist texture and rich flavor make it perfect for any occasion. Don’t hesitate to customize it with your favorite toppings or mix-ins! Enjoy making this delightful treat!