Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake

This Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake is a delightful treat that’s perfect for any occasion! With its moist texture, rich spices, and a luscious cream cheese frosting, this cake is bound to impress your family and friends. Ideal for fall gatherings, birthdays, or simply when you’re craving something sweet, this cake stands out with its unique flavor profile and beautiful presentation.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Deliciously Flavorful: Packed with warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves that create a cozy taste.
• Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps mean anyone can bake this cake!
• Versatile for Any Occasion: Perfect for holidays, celebrations, or as a delightful everyday dessert.
• Dairy-Free Delight: Made without animal products, making it suitable for various dietary preferences.
• Customizable Decor: Top with vegan caramel or colorful frosting for a stunning presentation.

Tools and Preparation

Gathering the right tools will make your baking experience smooth and enjoyable. Here are the essentials you’ll need to whip up this delicious cake.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons
• Whisk
• Rubber spatula
• 9-inch round cake pans

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients evenly and preventing spills.
• Measuring cups: Accurate measurements ensure your cake turns out perfect every time.
• Whisk: Helps to incorporate air into your batter, resulting in a light and fluffy texture.

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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: Prepare Your Oven and Pans

Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F). Grease two 9-inch round cake pans with dairy-free butter or line them with parchment paper.

Step 2: Make the Buttermilk Mixture

In a mixing bowl, combine the dairy-free milk and apple cider vinegar. Stir gently and set aside for about 5 minutes until it thickens slightly.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

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

Step 4: Mix Wet Ingredients

Add sunflower oil and pumpkin puree to the buttermilk mixture. Whisk until fully combined.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Gently fold using a rubber spatula until just combined; do not overmix.

Step 6: Bake the Cakes

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 7: Cool Down

Allow cakes to cool in their pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.

Step 8: Prepare Frosting

In a mixing bowl, beat together dairy-free block butter and dairy-free cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add icing sugar and ground cinnamon until fluffy. Adjust consistency with more icing sugar if needed.

Step 9: Frost Your Cake

Once cooled, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread frosting on top before adding the second layer. Frost the top and sides as desired.

Step 10: Add Final Touches

Decorate with orange food gel or sprinkle cocoa powder on top. Drizzle vegan caramel sauce if desired before serving.

Enjoy your delicious 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 want to impress guests at a gathering or simply indulge in a comforting slice at home, here are some serving suggestions that elevate this delicious cake.

With Vegan Cream Cheese Frosting

• This classic pairing enhances the cake’s flavors. Spread a generous layer of creamy vegan cream cheese frosting on top for added richness.

Topped with Vegan Caramel Sauce

• Drizzle warm vegan caramel sauce over each slice for a sweet touch that complements the spices beautifully.

Accompanied by Fresh Fruit

• Serve with seasonal fruits like sliced apples or pears. Their freshness balances the cake’s sweetness and adds a refreshing element.

With a Scoop of Dairy-Free Ice Cream

• Enjoy it warm with a scoop of your favorite dairy-free ice cream for an indulgent dessert experience.

As Part of a Dessert Platter

• Present slices alongside other desserts like brownies or cookies for a delightful mixed dessert platter at your gatherings.

How to Perfect Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake

Achieving the perfect Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake is easy with these simple tips. Follow these guidelines to ensure a moist and flavorful cake every time.

• Use fresh ingredients: Ensure your baking powder and baking soda are fresh for optimal rise and texture.
• Measure accurately: Use measuring cups and spoons to ensure precision in ingredient amounts, which helps achieve the right consistency.
• Don’t overmix: Gently mix the batter until just combined to prevent a dense cake. Overmixing can lead to tough texture.
• Check doneness with a skewer: Insert a skewer into the center; if it comes out clean, the cake is ready. If not, give it more time.
• Cool completely before frosting: Allow the cake to cool fully before adding frosting to prevent melting and sliding off.

Best Side Dishes for Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake

Pairing side dishes with your Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake can enhance your dessert experience. Here are some excellent options that complement its flavors perfectly.

1. Spiced Chai Latte
   A warm spiced chai latte pairs wonderfully, bringing cozy flavors that resonate with pumpkin spice.

2. Coconut Whipped Cream
   Light and fluffy coconut whipped cream adds a tropical twist while keeping it dairy-free and delicious.

3. Candied Nuts
   Crunchy candied nuts provide texture and sweetness, making them an excellent contrast to the soft cake.

4. Maple Glazed Carrots
   Sweet maple-glazed carrots offer an unexpected but delightful savory-sweet balance alongside your cake.

5. Quinoa Salad
   A light quinoa salad with cranberries and nuts complements the richness of the cake while being healthful and refreshing.

6. Roasted Sweet Potatoes
   The natural sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes ties in beautifully with the spiced flavors of the cake, creating harmony on your plate.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking a Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake can be simple, but there are some common pitfalls. Here are mistakes to watch out for:

• Using regular milk: Always opt for dairy-free milk to keep the cake vegan-friendly. This ensures the recipe remains true to its purpose.

• Skipping the vinegar: Apple cider vinegar is crucial for activating the baking soda, creating that perfect rise. Don’t skip it!

• Not measuring flour correctly: Using too much flour can make your cake dense. Use a spoon to fluff up the flour before scooping it into your measuring cup.

• Overmixing the batter: Mixing too long can lead to a tough cake. Stir until just combined for a light and fluffy texture.

• Ignoring oven temperature: Make sure your oven is preheated correctly. An incorrect temperature can affect baking time and texture.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• If you have leftover frosting, store it separately in a sealed container.

Freezing Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake

• Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and then foil for best results.
• The cake can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), wrap slices in foil, and heat for 10-15 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat individual slices on medium power for about 20-30 seconds.
• Stovetop: Place a slice in a non-stick skillet over low heat, cover, and warm gently for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes this Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake so special?

This Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake stands out due to its moist texture and rich flavors from a blend of spices. It’s perfectly sweetened and topped with creamy frosting.

Can I customize this Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake?

Absolutely! You can add nuts or chocolate chips to the batter or use different spices according to your taste preferences.

How do I store leftovers of the Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze them for longer storage.

What kind of frosting works well with this cake?

Dairy-free cream cheese frosting complements the flavors beautifully, but you can also use coconut whipped cream or any preferred vegan frosting.

Can I use homemade pumpkin puree instead of canned?

Yes, homemade pumpkin puree is a fantastic substitute! Just ensure it’s well-drained so it doesn’t add extra moisture to the batter.

Final Thoughts

This Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake is not only delicious but also versatile enough for any occasion. Its rich spices and moist texture make it an ideal treat. Feel free to customize it with your favorite add-ins or toppings. Try making this delightful cake today!