This Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake is the perfect treat for any occasion. With its moist texture, rich spices, and decadent cream cheese frosting, it’s a dessert that appeals to everyone, whether you’re celebrating Thanksgiving or simply indulging in a cozy autumn evening. This cake stands out not only for its flavor but also for being entirely plant-based, making it a guilt-free delight for all pumpkin lovers.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Moist Texture: This cake stays wonderfully moist thanks to the use of dairy-free milk and pumpkin puree.
- Rich Flavor: A blend of warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves creates a delightful aroma and taste.
- Versatile Occasions: Perfect for holidays, birthdays, or everyday treats, this cake fits any celebration.
- Easy to Make: With straightforward instructions and simple ingredients, even novice bakers can succeed.
- Delicious Frosting: The creamy vegan cream cheese frosting adds an irresistible finish that complements the spiced cake perfectly.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the recipe, gather your tools for a smooth baking experience. Having everything ready will make the process more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Whisk or electric mixer
- Baking pan (9×13 inches)
- Spatula
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients efficiently without spills.
- Measuring cups: Ensures precise ingredient amounts for consistent results.
- Whisk or electric mixer: Helps achieve a smooth batter by incorporating air and blending well.
- Baking pan: A good quality pan helps with even baking and easy removal of the cake.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
– 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
– 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 the Oven
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). This ensures that your cake bakes evenly.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, combine:
1. Pour in the dairy-free milk and apple cider vinegar. Let it sit for about five minutes to create buttermilk.
2. Add sunflower oil and pumpkin puree. Mix until well blended.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together:
1. Self raising flour, caster sugar, baking powder, bicarbonate of soda, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, ground nutmeg, and ground ginger.
2. Ensure there are no lumps in the dry mixture.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture while stirring gently. Mix until just combined; do not overmix.
Step 5: Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan. Bake in the preheated oven for about ___ minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Step 6: Prepare Cream Cheese Frosting
While your cake cools:
1. Beat together dairy-free block butter and cream cheese until smooth.
2. Gradually add icing sugar and ground cinnamon until creamy.
Step 7: Frost the Cake
Once cooled, spread the frosting evenly over your cake using a spatula. Decorate with orange food gel or cocoa powder if desired.
Enjoy your delicious Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake!
How to Serve Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake
Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake is a delightful dessert that can be enjoyed in various ways. Here are some creative serving suggestions to enhance your experience.
With Vegan Whipped Cream
- Light and airy, vegan whipped cream adds a fluffy texture that complements the spiced cake perfectly.
Drizzled with Vegan Caramel Sauce
- A rich, sweet caramel sauce elevates the flavors of the cake, making it even more indulgent.
Topped with Sliced Almonds
- Crunchy sliced almonds provide a lovely contrast to the moist cake, adding both flavor and texture.
Served with Fresh Fruit
- Pairing slices of cake with fresh fruit like apples or pears brings a refreshing twist to the dessert.
Accompanied by Dairy-Free Ice Cream
- A scoop of creamy dairy-free ice cream next to a warm slice creates a delicious combination that’s hard to resist.
How to Perfect Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake
Achieving the perfect vegan pumpkin spice cake is simple with a few key tips. Follow these suggestions for a moist and flavorful result.
- Use fresh spices – Freshly ground spices enhance the flavor profile of your cake, making it more aromatic and delicious.
- Measure precisely – Accurate measurements ensure the right texture; too much flour can lead to dryness.
- Don’t overmix – Mix until just combined to keep the cake light and fluffy. Overmixing can create density.
- Cool before frosting – Allow the cake to cool completely before adding frosting; this prevents melting and ensures clean layers.
Best Side Dishes for Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake
Pairing your vegan pumpkin spice cake with delightful side dishes can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some great options:
- Spiced Chai Latte – This warm beverage enhances the flavors of your cake, making it ideal for cozy gatherings.
- Cinnamon Apples – Sweet, sautéed apples sprinkled with cinnamon complement the cake’s spices beautifully.
- Roasted Sweet Potatoes – Their natural sweetness pairs well with the pumpkin flavors in the cake.
- Maple Pecan Salad – A light salad with maple dressing offers a refreshing contrast to the richness of the cake.
- Chocolate Chip Cookies – For those who love chocolate, serving these alongside adds a fun twist to dessert time.
- Pineapple Sorbet – The tangy sweetness of sorbet refreshes your palate after enjoying a slice of spiced cake.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making your Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake, it’s easy to overlook some important details. Here are common mistakes to avoid for the best results.
- Using fresh pumpkin instead of puree: Fresh pumpkin can be too watery and change the texture of your cake. Stick with canned pumpkin puree for the best consistency.
- Ignoring ingredient temperature: Using cold ingredients like dairy-free milk or butter can affect how well they combine. Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature before starting.
- Overmixing the batter: Overmixing can lead to a dense cake. Mix just until combined for a light, fluffy texture.
- Not checking for doneness: Baking times can vary. Use a toothpick inserted in the center; it should come out clean when done.
- Skipping the frosting: A Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake is incomplete without its creamy frosting. Don’t skip this step for maximum flavor!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Keep in the fridge if you live in a warm climate.
Freezing Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake
- Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and then foil.
- Freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheating Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Heat slices on a baking sheet for about 10 minutes.
- Microwave: Place a slice on a microwave-safe plate and heat in 15-second intervals until warm.
- Stovetop: Use a pan over low heat, covering it with a lid to retain moisture while reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making this Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake.
What makes this Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake so special?
This cake is incredibly moist, perfectly spiced, and topped with rich cream cheese frosting, making it a delightful treat for any occasion.
Can I make substitutions in this recipe?
Yes! You can substitute different non-dairy milks or use coconut oil instead of sunflower oil. Just ensure your substitutions maintain the cake’s moisture.
How should I store leftover Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze them for longer storage.
Is this recipe suitable for holidays?
Absolutely! This Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake is perfect for Thanksgiving or any festive gathering, bringing warmth and joy to your celebrations.
Final Thoughts
This Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake is not just delicious; it’s versatile too! You can customize it with different spices or toppings based on your preferences. Give it a try, and enjoy this heartwarming treat that everyone will love!
Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake
Indulge in the warmth of autumn with our Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake! This delectable dessert combines a moist texture with rich spices, creating a heavenly treat that perfectly captures the essence of fall. Topped with a luscious vegan cream cheese frosting, this cake is not only delightful but also entirely plant-based, making it suitable for everyone—from pumpkin enthusiasts to those seeking healthier dessert options. Whether you’re celebrating Thanksgiving or enjoying a cozy evening at home, this Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake will surely impress your friends and family.
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 12 1x
Ingredients
- 480ml dairy-free milk
- 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
- 420g self-raising flour
- 350g caster sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon bicarbonate of soda
- 1 & 1/2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves
- 2 teaspoons ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 120ml sunflower oil
- 100g pumpkin puree
- 400g dairy-free block butter
- 80g dairy-free cream cheese
- 360g icing sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- orange food gel
- cocoa powder
- vegan caramel sauce – optional
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).
- In a bowl, mix dairy-free milk and apple cider vinegar; let sit for five minutes. Add sunflower oil and pumpkin puree; combine well.
- In another bowl, whisk together self-raising flour, caster sugar, baking powder, bicarbonate of soda, and spices.
- Gradually mix dry ingredients into wet mixture until just combined.
- Pour the batter into a greased 9×13 inch baking pan and bake for about 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- For the frosting, beat together dairy-free butter and cream cheese; gradually add icing sugar and cinnamon until smooth.
- Once cooled, frost the cake and decorate as desired.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Vegan
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (100g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 38g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: For added richness, consider using coconut milk instead of regular dairy-free milk. To enhance flavor depth, use freshly ground spices.
