Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake

This Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake is a delightful treat that captures the essence of fall in every bite. With its moist texture, warm spices, and creamy frosting, this cake is perfect for any occasion—from cozy gatherings to festive celebrations. The combination of pumpkin and spices creates a comforting flavor profile that will make it a favorite among friends and family. Plus, it’s entirely plant-based, ensuring that everyone can enjoy a slice without compromise.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: This cake comes together quickly with simple ingredients and straightforward steps, perfect for bakers of all levels.
• Moist and Flavorful: The combination of pumpkin puree and warm spices guarantees a cake that’s bursting with flavor and moisture.
• Versatile Delight: Whether it’s for Thanksgiving, birthdays, or just a sweet treat at home, this cake fits any occasion beautifully.
• Creamy Frosting: Topped with rich dairy-free cream cheese frosting, each slice is an indulgent experience you won’t forget.
• Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite nuts or chocolate chips for an extra twist on this classic recipe.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking your Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake, gather your essential tools. Having everything ready will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Electric mixer
• Cake pans
• Spatula

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowls: These are essential for combining ingredients evenly without spills.
• Electric mixer: Saves time and effort when mixing batter, ensuring a fluffy texture in your cake.
• Cake pans: Properly shaped pans ensure even baking and easy removal of the cake once done.

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!

Wet Ingredients

• 480ml of dairy-free milk
• 2 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar
• 120ml of sunflower oil
• 100g of pumpkin puree

Dry Ingredients

• 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

Frosting Ingredients

• 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

Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Prepare your cake pans by greasing them lightly or lining them with parchment paper.

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, combine the dairy-free milk and apple cider vinegar. Allow it to sit for about 5 minutes until it thickens slightly. Then add the sunflower oil and pumpkin puree. Mix well using an electric mixer until smooth.

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 well combined.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix on low speed until just combined; do not overmix.

Step 5: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter evenly into prepared cake pans. Bake in preheated oven for about 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow cakes to cool in pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.

Step 6: Prepare Frosting

In a mixing bowl, beat together dairy-free block butter and dairy-free cream cheese until creamy. Gradually add icing sugar while mixing on low speed until incorporated. Add ground cinnamon for flavor.

Step 7: Assemble Your Cake

Once cooled, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread some frosting on top before adding the second layer. Cover the entire cake with remaining frosting using a spatula.

Now your delicious Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake is ready to be enjoyed! Perfectly spiced and topped with creamy frosting—this cake is sure to impress!

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 or simply indulge yourself, here are some serving suggestions to make the most of this delicious cake.

Classic Slice

• Serve a generous slice of the cake topped with dairy-free cream cheese frosting for a traditional dessert experience.

With Vegan Caramel Sauce

• Drizzle vegan caramel sauce over the top for an added layer of sweetness that pairs beautifully with the spices.

As Cupcakes

• Transform the cake batter into cupcakes for fun, individual servings. Top them with frosting and sprinkle some cocoa powder on top.

With Fresh Fruit

• Serve alongside sliced apples or pears, which add a refreshing crunch and balance out the sweetness of the cake.

For Breakfast

• Enjoy a small piece as part of your breakfast spread along with dairy-free yogurt and fresh berries for a wholesome start to your day.

How to Perfect Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake

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

• Use fresh pumpkin puree: Using fresh pumpkin will enhance the flavor and texture compared to canned alternatives.
• Measure accurately: Ensuring accurate measurements of dry and wet ingredients will lead to consistent results.
• Don’t overmix: Mix just until combined to keep your cake light and fluffy; overmixing can result in a dense texture.
• Check doneness carefully: Use a toothpick inserted into the center; it should come out clean when the cake is done baking.
• Cool completely before frosting: Allowing the cake to cool completely prevents the frosting from melting and ensures a beautiful finish.

Best Side Dishes for Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake

Pairing sides with Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some great options to consider:

1. Coconut Whipped Cream
   A light, fluffy topping made from chilled coconut milk enhances the flavors without overpowering them.

2. Spiced Chai Tea
   The warm spices in chai complement the pumpkin spice perfectly, making it an ideal beverage pairing.

3. Vegan Ice Cream
   A scoop of vanilla or cinnamon-flavored vegan ice cream adds a creamy contrast to the moist cake.

4. Fruit Salad
   A vibrant mix of seasonal fruits provides freshness and balances the richness of the cake.

5. Roasted Nuts
   Crunchy roasted nuts like pecans or walnuts offer a delightful textural contrast when served alongside each slice.

6. Maple Syrup Drizzle
   A light drizzle of pure maple syrup adds sweetness while enhancing the autumnal flavors of the cake.

7. Chai-Spiced Apples
   Sautéed apples with chai spices create a warm side that pairs beautifully with each bite of cake.

8. Dark Chocolate Shavings
   Sprinkle dark chocolate shavings on top for an indulgent touch that complements the rich flavors of pumpkin spice.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common mistakes can elevate your Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake from good to great. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

• Incorrect measurements: Not measuring ingredients accurately can ruin the texture. Always use a kitchen scale for precision.
• Neglecting room temperature ingredients: Using cold dairy-free butter or milk can affect mixing. Let them sit out for 30 minutes before starting.
• Overmixing the batter: Mixing too much can lead to a dense cake. Mix just until combined for a light, fluffy texture.
• Skipping the vinegar step: The apple cider vinegar is crucial for activating the baking soda. Don’t skip it; it helps achieve the perfect rise.
• Not testing for doneness: Every oven is different; always check if your cake is done with a toothpick. It should come out clean before removing it from the oven.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

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

Freezing Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake

• Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag.
• The cake can be frozen for up to 3 months without losing flavor.

Reheating Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat slices wrapped in foil for about 10-15 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat individual slices on medium power for about 20-30 seconds, checking frequently.
• Stovetop: Place slices in a skillet over low heat with a lid, warming until just heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions regarding Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake:

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

You can substitute self-raising flour with a gluten-free blend. Make sure it has xanthan gum included for best results.

How do I make this Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake more festive?

Consider adding chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter, or top it with holiday-themed sprinkles.

Can I use homemade pumpkin puree instead of canned?

Absolutely! Just ensure your homemade puree is well-drained to avoid excess moisture.

What does vegan cream cheese frosting taste like?

It’s creamy and rich, similar to traditional cream cheese frosting, but without any dairy products.

Is this cake suitable for special occasions?

Yes! Its delightful spices and moist texture make it perfect for celebrations like Thanksgiving or birthdays.

How should I store leftovers of this Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake?

Keep leftovers covered in the refrigerator or freeze portions as mentioned above to maintain freshness.

Final Thoughts

This Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake is not only delicious but also versatile enough to suit various occasions. You can easily customize it by adding nuts or swapping spices based on your preference. Try making this cake today, and enjoy its rich flavors and moist texture!