Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake

This Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake is a delightful treat that everyone will love. With its moist texture, rich spices, and creamy frosting, it suits any occasion—from cozy family gatherings to festive celebrations. The combination of pumpkin puree and warm spices makes this cake a seasonal favorite, while the vegan ingredients ensure that everyone can enjoy a slice without compromise.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Moist and Flavorful: This cake combines pumpkin and spices for a deliciously moist texture and rich flavor.
• Vegan-Friendly: Made without dairy or eggs, it’s perfect for those following a plant-based diet.
• Easy to Make: With simple steps and common ingredients, this recipe is beginner-friendly.
• Versatile Frosting Options: Top with creamy vegan cream cheese frosting or enjoy it plain—either way, it shines!
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s Thanksgiving or a casual gathering, this cake fits right in.

Tools and Preparation

To make your Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake, gather your tools and prepare your kitchen. Having the right equipment ensures a smooth baking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Whisk
• Spatula
• Cake pans

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining wet and dry ingredients thoroughly.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements are crucial for the best results.
• Whisk: Perfect for blending ingredients smoothly without lumps.

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 from the start.

Step 2: Prepare Your Cake Batter

In a mixing bowl:
1. Combine dairy-free milk with apple cider vinegar. Let this sit for about 5 minutes to create buttermilk.
2. In another bowl, mix self-raising flour, caster sugar, baking powder, bicarbonate of soda, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and ginger.
3. Add sunflower oil and pumpkin puree to the milk mixture; whisk until combined.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients; stir until just combined.

Step 3: Bake the Cake

1. Pour the batter into greased cake pans.
2. Bake in preheated oven for about 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
3. Allow cooling in pans for 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks.

Step 4: Prepare Frosting

In a mixing bowl:
1. Beat dairy-free block butter until creamy.
2. Gradually add icing sugar; mix until fluffy.
3. Stir in dairy-free cream cheese and ground cinnamon.

Step 5: Assemble Your Cake

Once cooled:
1. Place one layer on a serving plate; spread frosting on top.
2. Add second layer; frost top and sides as desired.
3. Decorate with orange food gel or cocoa powder if desired.

Enjoy your 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 hosting a gathering or enjoying a quiet evening at home, these serving suggestions will enhance your experience.

Classic Slices

• Serve warm or at room temperature with a dusting of cocoa powder for an elegant finish.

Cream Cheese Frosting

• Top each slice generously with creamy dairy-free cream cheese frosting for added richness and flavor.

Vegan Caramel Drizzle

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

Fresh Fruit Garnish

• Add slices of fresh oranges or pomegranates on the side for a refreshing contrast to the spiced cake.

Coffee Pairing

• Enjoy with a hot cup of coffee or chai tea to balance the flavors and enhance your dessert experience.

How to Perfect Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake

Creating the perfect Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake is all about attention to detail. Here are some key tips to ensure your cake turns out amazing every time.

• Use fresh spices: Freshly ground spices enhance flavor significantly compared to pre-ground versions.

• Measure accurately: Use precise measurements for flour and sugar to avoid altering the texture of the cake.

• Check doneness: Insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean when the cake is done baking.

• Cool properly: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to prevent sogginess.

Best Side Dishes for Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake

Pairing your Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake with complementary sides can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some delicious options:

1. Coconut Whipped Cream: Light and fluffy, this vegan alternative adds a creamy texture that pairs well with pumpkin spice flavors.

2. Spiced Nuts: Roasted nuts seasoned with cinnamon and nutmeg offer a crunchy contrast to the soft cake.

3. Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits brings freshness and balances out the spiced sweetness of the cake.

4. Maple Syrup Drizzle: A light drizzle of pure maple syrup adds an extra layer of sweetness that’s delightful against the spices.

5. Vegan Ice Cream: A scoop of dairy-free ice cream provides a cool, creamy complement that contrasts nicely with warm cake slices.

6. Chai Tea: Serving chai tea alongside enhances the warming spices found in both dishes, creating a cozy atmosphere.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake, it’s easy to run into a few common pitfalls. Here are some mistakes to watch out for.

• Incorrect Measurements: Always measure your ingredients accurately. Too much flour can make the cake dense, while too little can cause it to collapse.

• Skipping the Vinegar: The apple cider vinegar is crucial for activating the baking soda. Don’t leave it out, as it helps the cake rise and keeps it moist.

• Overmixing the Batter: Mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to a tough texture in your cake. Remember, less is more!

• Not Prepping Your Pans: Greasing and lining your cake pans ensures easy removal after baking. Skipping this step may result in a broken cake.

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

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

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

Freezing Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake

• Wrap individual slices or the whole cake tightly in plastic wrap.
• Use aluminum foil for extra protection.
• The cake can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and cover with foil to prevent drying out. Heat for about 10-15 minutes.

• Microwave: Place a slice on a microwave-safe plate and heat for 10-20 seconds at medium power.

• Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over low heat, covered, for about 5 minutes until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about making Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake.

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of pumpkin puree?

Yes! If you prefer fresh pumpkin, cook and puree it until smooth before adding it to your batter.

How can I make this cake gluten-free?

You can substitute self-raising flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. Be sure to add extra baking powder if needed.

Is Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake suitable for kids?

Absolutely! This cake is delicious and kid-friendly, perfect for family gatherings or school events.

What toppings work best with Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake?

Consider topping your cake with vegan whipped cream, nuts, or a drizzle of vegan caramel sauce for added flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake is not only delightful but also versatile enough to customize with various toppings or flavors. Whether it’s for Thanksgiving or just a cozy treat at home, this recipe will surely impress friends and family. Give it a try; you won’t be disappointed!