Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake

This Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake is a delightful treat that celebrates the flavors of fall. Moist and fluffy, it’s infused with warm spices, making it perfect for gatherings or cozy nights at home. The creamy frosting adds a rich touch, ensuring this cake will be the star of any occasion. Whether it’s Thanksgiving, a birthday, or just because, this cake will impress everyone.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple to Make: With straightforward steps, anyone can whip up this cake in no time.
• Rich Flavor: The combination of spices and pumpkin puree creates a deliciously spiced flavor that’s hard to resist.
• Versatile Presentation: Dress it up for special occasions or keep it simple for everyday enjoyment.
• Dairy-Free Delight: This recipe ensures everyone can indulge without compromising on taste.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a party or a quiet evening, this cake fits right in.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into making your Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake, gather your tools to make the process smoother.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer (or whisk)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Baking pans
• Cooling rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients efficiently without spills.
• Electric mixer (or whisk): Helps achieve a light and fluffy batter quickly.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient proportions for perfect results.

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
• Vegan caramel sauce – optional

How to Make Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pans

Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease and line your baking pans with parchment paper to ensure easy removal after baking.

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, combine the dairy-free milk and apple cider vinegar. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it curdles slightly. Add sunflower oil and pumpkin puree to the mixture, stirring until well combined.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together self-raising flour, caster sugar, baking powder, bicarbonate of soda, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, ground nutmeg, and ground ginger until evenly mixed.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Use an electric mixer or whisk to mix until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix; a few lumps are okay.

Step 5: Bake Your Cake

Divide the batter evenly between your prepared pans. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow cakes to cool in pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them onto a cooling rack.

Step 6: Prepare the Frosting

In a large bowl, beat together dairy-free block butter and dairy-free cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add icing sugar while mixing on low speed until fully incorporated. Stir in cinnamon and adjust consistency with orange food gel if desired.

Step 7: Assemble the Cake

Once cooled, place one layer on your serving plate. Spread frosting generously on top before adding the second layer. Frost the top and sides as desired. For extra flair, drizzle vegan caramel sauce over the top before serving if you wish!

Enjoy your delicious Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake!

How to Serve Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake

Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake is not only delicious but also versatile when it comes to serving. You can enjoy it in various ways, making it perfect for any occasion.

Classic Slice with Cream Cheese Frosting

• This traditional way showcases the cake’s rich flavors and creamy texture. A generous layer of frosting enhances every bite.

Pumpkin Spice Cake with Caramel Drizzle

• Adding a drizzle of vegan caramel sauce elevates the sweetness and introduces a delightful contrast to the spices.

Mini Cake Bites

• Cut the cake into small squares or rounds for a bite-sized treat. Perfect for parties or as an afternoon snack with tea.

Layered Dessert Cups

• Crumble the cake and layer it with dairy-free cream cheese and pumpkin puree in cups. This creates an attractive presentation that’s sure to impress.

Cake Pops

• Transform your leftover cake into cake pops! Dip them in dairy-free chocolate for a fun and portable dessert option.

How to Perfect Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake

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

• Use room temperature ingredients: Bringing your ingredients to room temperature helps them blend together more smoothly, resulting in a better texture.
• Measure flour correctly: Spoon flour into your measuring cup and level it off. Avoid packing it down to ensure you use just the right amount.
• Don’t overmix: Gently fold ingredients together until just combined. Overmixing can result in a dense cake.
• Test for doneness: Insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean, your cake is ready!
• Cool completely before frosting: Allowing the cake to cool ensures that the frosting doesn’t melt and helps maintain its shape.

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. Cinnamon-Spiced Apples: Sautéed apples tossed with cinnamon make a warm and sweet accompaniment.
2. Chai Tea: The aromatic spices of chai complement the flavors of pumpkin spice beautifully.
3. Vegan Whipped Cream: A dollop of dairy-free whipped cream adds lightness and balances sweetness.
4. Almond Milk Hot Chocolate: Rich hot chocolate made with almond milk provides a comforting beverage pairing.
5. Spiced Nuts: A mix of roasted spiced nuts offers crunch and savory contrast to the soft cake.
6. Fruit Salad: A fresh mix of seasonal fruits adds brightness and complements the spiced flavors of the cake.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking the perfect Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake can be tricky. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for:

• Using the wrong measurements: Always use a kitchen scale or measuring cups for accuracy to ensure your cake rises perfectly.
• Ignoring ingredient temperatures: Make sure your dairy-free milk and butter are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
• Overmixing the batter: Mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake rather than a light and airy one.
• Not checking for doneness: Use a toothpick inserted in the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs, not wet batter.
• Skipping the cooling time: Allow your cake to cool completely before frosting. This prevents the frosting from melting and sliding off.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Place a layer of parchment paper between layers if stacking to prevent sticking.

Freezing Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake

• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container.
• Can be stored for up to 3 months.

Reheating Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm slices for about 10 minutes. This helps retain moisture.
• Microwave: Heat individual slices on medium power for 15-20 seconds. Watch closely to avoid overheating.
• Stovetop: Place slices in a skillet over low heat, covering with a lid for about 5 minutes. This keeps them soft.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Can I substitute pumpkin puree with fresh pumpkin?

Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin if you cook and puree it until smooth. Just ensure it’s well-drained.

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

You can replace self-raising flour with gluten-free flour blends that contain xanthan gum for structure.

What spices are essential for Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake?

The key spices include cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. Adjust these based on your taste preference!

How do I make vegan cream cheese frosting?

Simply blend dairy-free cream cheese with icing sugar and ground cinnamon until smooth and creamy.

Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to my Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake?

Absolutely! Chopped walnuts or dairy-free chocolate chips can enhance flavor and texture.

Final Thoughts

This Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. Perfect for any occasion, you can customize it by adding nuts, chocolate chips, or even varying the spices. Enjoy baking this delightful treat!