Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake

This Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake is the perfect dessert for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy fall gathering or a festive Thanksgiving dinner. Its moist texture, rich spices, and creamy frosting will leave everyone craving more. This cake is not just delicious but also completely vegan, making it suitable for various dietary needs. You will love how simple it is to make and how it brings the warm flavors of autumn right to your table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The combination of pumpkin and spices creates a warm, inviting taste that everyone will enjoy.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, this recipe is perfect for bakers of all levels.
• Versatile for Occasions: Great for fall celebrations, birthdays, or just a sweet treat at home.
• Dairy-Free Delight: Made with dairy-free ingredients, this cake caters to vegan diets without sacrificing flavor.

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Tools and Preparation

Before you dive into baking this Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake, ensure you have the right tools ready. Having the right equipment can make your baking experience smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups
• Whisk
• Spatula
• Baking pan (9×13 inches)
• Electric mixer

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowls: Essential for blending wet and dry ingredients effectively.
• Electric mixer: Saves time and effort when mixing batter to achieve a smooth consistency.
• Spatula: Great for scraping down the sides of bowls and ensuring all ingredients are well combined.

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). Grease your baking pan with a little oil or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Prepare Dairy-Free Milk Mixture

In a bowl, combine the dairy-free milk with apple cider vinegar. Let this mixture sit for about 5 minutes to create buttermilk.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

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

Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients

Add sunflower oil and pumpkin puree to the milk mixture. Stir until everything is blended smoothly.

Step 5: Combine Wet & Dry Mixtures

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredient bowl. Mix gently until just combined; be careful not to over-mix.

Step 6: Bake the Cake

Transfer the batter into your prepared pan. Bake in preheated oven for about 30—35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 7: Cool Down

Once baked, remove from oven and allow cooling in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 8: Prepare Frosting

In a mixing bowl, beat together dairy-free butter and cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add icing sugar and cinnamon while mixing until fluffy.

Step 9: Frost the Cake

Once cooled, spread an even layer of frosting on top of your cake. Optionally drizzle with vegan caramel sauce or decorate as desired. Enjoy every bite!

How to Serve Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake

Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake is a delightful dessert that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a quiet evening at home, here are some creative serving suggestions to elevate your cake experience.

Classic Slice

• Serve a generous slice of the cake as is, allowing the rich flavors of pumpkin and spices to shine through.

With Vegan Ice Cream

• Pair warm cake with a scoop of dairy-free vanilla ice cream for a delicious contrast in temperature and texture.

Topped with Vegan Caramel Sauce

• Drizzle vegan caramel sauce over the cake to add an extra layer of sweetness and richness.

Garnished with Whipped Coconut Cream

• Top each slice with fluffy whipped coconut cream for a light and airy finish.

Accompanied by Fresh Fruit

• Serve slices alongside fresh fruit like apples or pears to balance the sweetness of the cake.

Festive Presentation

• Decorate with seasonal nuts and edible flowers for an eye-catching presentation that’s perfect for special occasions.

How to Perfect Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake

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

• Measure ingredients accurately: Use a kitchen scale for precision, especially when measuring flour and sugar.

• Use room temperature ingredients: Allow your dairy-free milk and butter to reach room temperature for better mixing.

• Don’t overmix the batter: Mix until just combined to achieve a light, fluffy texture without toughening the cake.

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

• Cool completely before frosting: Let the cake cool fully on wire racks to prevent melting your cream cheese frosting.

• Store properly: Keep any leftover cake in an airtight container to maintain its moisture and freshness.

Best Side Dishes for Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake

Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake pairs wonderfully with various side dishes that complement its flavors. Here are some great options:

1. Chai Tea
   A warm cup of chai tea enhances the spice notes in the cake, making it a cozy pairing.

2. Maple Syrup Drizzle
   A light drizzle of maple syrup adds sweetness and compliments the pumpkin flavor beautifully.

3. Cinnamon-Spiced Nuts
   Roasted nuts seasoned with cinnamon offer a crunchy texture that contrasts nicely with the soft cake.

4. Fruit Salad
   A fresh fruit salad provides brightness and acidity, balancing the richness of the cake.

5. Vegan Hot Chocolate
   Enjoying this cake alongside creamy vegan hot chocolate creates a decadent dessert experience.

6. Spiced Applesauce
   The warmth of spiced applesauce mirrors the flavors in your cake for an excellent side choice.

7. Coconut Yogurt
   Scoop some coconut yogurt on the side for creaminess without dairy, enhancing every bite.

8. Ginger Snap Cookies
   These cookies add crunch and spice, making them a delightful accompaniment to your pumpkin treat.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making a Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake, it’s easy to overlook some details. Here are common mistakes to watch out for.

• Incorrect measurements: Always measure your ingredients accurately. Using too much flour or sugar can alter the cake’s texture and flavor.
• Skipping the vinegar: The apple cider vinegar is essential for creating buttermilk with dairy-free milk. Don’t skip it; it adds moisture and helps with rising.
• Overmixing the batter: Stir just until combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake instead of a light and fluffy one.
• Ignoring baking times: Every oven is different. Check your cake a few minutes before the suggested bake time to avoid overcooking.
• Not letting it cool properly: Allow your cake to cool completely in the pan before transferring it to a wire rack. This prevents it from breaking apart.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store the cake in an airtight container.
• It will stay fresh for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake

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

Reheating Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat one slice at a time for about 15-20 seconds on high power.
• Stovetop: Place a slice in a non-stick skillet over low heat, cover with a lid, and warm for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have questions about making this Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake, you’re not alone! Here are some frequently asked ones.

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of puree?

Absolutely! Just make sure you cook and puree your pumpkin until smooth before adding it to the batter.

What can I substitute for dairy-free cream cheese?

You can use any dairy-free frosting or even whipped coconut cream as an alternative.

How do I make this Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake gluten-free?

To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute self-raising flour with a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum.

What is the secret to keeping my cake moist?

Using enough liquid, like dairy-free milk, and not overbaking are key factors in ensuring your cake remains moist.

Final Thoughts

This Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake is not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize it by adding nuts or swapping spices based on your preferences. It’s perfect for any occasion, whether it’s Thanksgiving or just a cozy day at home. Try making this delightful cake today!