Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake

This Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake is a delightful treat that captures the essence of fall in every bite. Perfectly moist and spiced, it’s ideal for any occasion—be it a cozy family gathering or a festive celebration. With its creamy frosting and optional silky caramel drizzle, this cake is sure to impress both vegans and non-vegans alike!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Moist and Flavorful: This cake is incredibly moist due to the combination of dairy-free milk and pumpkin puree, ensuring each slice bursts with flavor.
• Easy to Make: With simple steps and accessible ingredients, you can whip up this cake in no time, even if you are new to baking.
• Versatile for Occasions: Whether it’s Thanksgiving or a birthday party, this cake fits perfectly into any celebration.
• Deliciously Vegan: Made without animal products, this dessert caters to those seeking plant-based options without sacrificing taste.

Tools and Preparation

To create this delicious Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake, you’ll need some essential tools and equipment to make your baking experience smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowls: These are crucial for combining your ingredients evenly, ensuring all flavors meld together beautifully.
• Electric mixer: This tool saves time and effort when blending your batter to achieve that perfect consistency.
• Baking pan: A quality baking pan ensures even cooking, helping your cake rise properly without burning.

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:

• Vegan caramel sauce

How to Make Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Greasing your baking pan is vital for easy removal later.

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, combine the dairy-free milk with apple cider vinegar. Let it sit for about 5 minutes. Then add sunflower oil and pumpkin puree, mixing well.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together self-raising flour, caster sugar, baking powder, bicarbonate of soda, ground spices (cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, ginger), until well combined.

Step 4: Mix Everything Together

Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients. Use an electric mixer on medium speed until everything is smoothly combined.

Step 5: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan and bake for approximately 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Step 6: Prepare the Frosting

While your cake cools down, beat together dairy-free butter and cream cheese. Gradually mix in icing sugar and ground cinnamon until creamy. Add orange food gel for color if desired.

Step 7: Assemble Your Cake

Once cooled, spread a generous layer of frosting on top. Optionally drizzle with vegan caramel sauce before serving. Enjoy!

How to Serve Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake

Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake is a delightful treat perfect for any occasion. Here are some creative serving suggestions to elevate your cake experience.

Classic Slice with Cream Cheese Frosting

• Enjoy a classic slice topped generously with creamy dairy-free cream cheese frosting for a rich and flavorful bite.

Accompanied by Vegan Caramel Sauce

• Drizzle warm vegan caramel sauce over the cake for an extra touch of sweetness that complements the spices beautifully.

Served with Fresh Fruit

• Pair your cake with fresh slices of apples or pears to add a refreshing contrast to the moist texture of the cake.

Accompanied by Dairy-Free Ice Cream

• Serve warm slices with a scoop of dairy-free vanilla ice cream for a deliciously comforting dessert experience.

Topped with Spiced Whipped Cream

• Use whipped coconut cream mixed with ground cinnamon on top for a light and airy finish, enhancing its spiced flavor.

How to Perfect Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake

To ensure your Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake turns out perfectly every time, follow these handy tips.

• Use fresh spices: Freshly ground spices will enhance the flavor profile, making your cake taste vibrant and aromatic.
• Check oven temperature: Always preheat your oven and check the temperature with an oven thermometer for accurate baking results.
• Measure ingredients accurately: Use kitchen scales for precise measurements, especially for flour and sugar, to ensure the right texture.
• Don’t overmix: Mix just until combined to avoid a dense cake. Overmixing can lead to gluten development, which affects texture.
• Cool properly: Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting. This prevents melting and ensures neat decoration.

Best Side Dishes for Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake

Pairing side dishes with your Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake can enhance the overall dining experience. Here are some great options:

1. Chai Tea: A warm cup of chai tea complements the spices in the cake while adding a cozy beverage option.
2. Apple Crisp: Serve warm apple crisp alongside for a textural contrast, combining sweet and spiced flavors perfectly.
3. Pumpkin Soup: A bowl of creamy pumpkin soup makes for an ideal appetizer that ties in seamlessly with pumpkin-themed desserts.
4. Roasted Nuts: Offer a selection of roasted nuts as a crunchy side; their savory flavor balances out the sweetness of the cake.
5. Crisp Salad: A fresh, crisp salad dressed lightly will provide a refreshing palate cleanser between sweet bites.
6. Fruit Salad: A colorful fruit salad adds brightness and freshness, highlighting autumn flavors that pair well with pumpkin spice.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Making the batter too thick: Thick batter can lead to uneven baking. Ensure your mixture is pourable but not too runny for the perfect texture.
• Using the wrong flour: Self-raising flour is essential for this cake. Substituting with regular flour will affect the rise and texture.
• Overmixing the batter: Overmixing can make the cake dense. Mix until just combined to keep it light and fluffy.
• Skipping the vinegar: Vinegar helps activate the baking soda, ensuring a good rise. Don’t skip this important ingredient!
• Not measuring ingredients accurately: Accurate measurements are crucial for baking success. Use a kitchen scale for precise results.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Keep in the fridge if you have added any cream cheese frosting.

Freezing Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake

• Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
• 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.
• Microwave: Heat a slice on medium power for about 20-30 seconds or until warm.
• Stovetop: Place in a skillet over low heat, covering it to retain moisture, for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes this Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake unique?

This Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake stands out due to its moist texture and rich flavors from spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, combined with dairy-free ingredients.

Can I substitute pumpkin puree?

Yes! You can use applesauce or mashed bananas as alternatives, but they may alter the flavor slightly.

How do I decorate my Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake?

You can decorate with vegan cream cheese frosting, sprinkle some cocoa powder on top, or drizzle with vegan caramel sauce for added flair.

How long will this cake last?

When stored properly in the refrigerator, it will last up to 5 days; it can be frozen for up to 3 months without losing flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake is not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize it by adding nuts or chocolate chips if desired. Try this recipe today and delight your family with a slice of autumn goodness!