Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake

This Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake is a delightful treat that captures the essence of autumn. Moist and perfectly spiced, it’s ideal for celebrations, gatherings, or simply enjoying with your favorite beverage. You’ll love how it combines silky caramel with creamy frosting, making it an unforgettable dessert. Whether you’re hosting a fall party or just craving a sweet indulgence, this cake ticks all the boxes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: The simple instructions mean that anyone can whip up this cake without hassle.
• Delicious Flavor: With warm spices and pumpkin, each bite delivers a cozy taste of fall.
• Versatile Occasion Fit: Perfect for Thanksgiving, birthdays, or any festive gathering.
• Dairy-Free Delight: Enjoy all the richness of cake without dairy products.
• Customizable: Add your own flair with toppings like vegan caramel or colorful icing designs.

Tools and Preparation

To prepare this Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Baking pan
• Hand mixer or stand mixer
• Rubber spatula

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowls: These are essential for combining ingredients efficiently.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements ensure consistent results in baking.
• Baking pan: A good-quality pan allows even baking and easy release of the cake.
• Hand mixer or stand mixer: These tools save time and effort when mixing batter.

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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 Pan

Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease your baking pan with a bit of oil or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Combine Dairy-Free Milk and Vinegar

In a mixing bowl, combine the dairy-free milk and apple cider vinegar. Let it sit for about 5 minutes to create a buttermilk substitute.

Step 3: Mix 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 Ingredients

Add sunflower oil and pumpkin puree to the milk mixture. Mix until smooth.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir gently until just combined; do not overmix.

Step 6: Bake

Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan. Bake for approximately 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 7: Cool

Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 8: Prepare Frosting

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

Step 9: Frost Your Cake

Once cooled completely, spread your frosting evenly on top of the cake. Decorate with orange food gel or cocoa powder as desired. Drizzle vegan caramel sauce if using for an extra indulgent touch.

Now you can enjoy every bite of this delicious Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake!

How to Serve Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake

This Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake is a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in many ways. Whether for a special occasion or just a cozy afternoon snack, here are some serving suggestions to elevate your experience.

Classic Slice

• Serve a generous slice of cake topped with a dollop of vegan cream cheese frosting for a traditional touch.

Coffee Companion

• Pair your cake with a warm cup of coffee or chai latte. The spices in the cake perfectly complement the rich flavors of the drink.

Festive Platter

• Arrange slices on a decorative platter, garnished with cinnamon sticks and fresh orange zest to impress your guests during gatherings.

Ice Cream Delight

• Serve warm cake slices with a scoop of dairy-free ice cream. The combination of warm and cold creates a heavenly dessert experience.

Toasted Nuts Topping

• Sprinkle toasted walnuts or pecans on top of the frosting for an added crunch and nutty flavor that enhances the overall taste.

Vegan Caramel Drizzle

• Drizzle vegan caramel sauce over each slice just before serving for an extra indulgent touch that adds sweetness and richness.

How to Perfect Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake

To achieve the best results with your Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake, consider these essential tips.

• Use fresh spices: Freshly ground spices provide a more intense flavor compared to pre-ground varieties, enhancing the cake’s aroma and taste.

• Measure accurately: Ensure you measure ingredients precisely, especially flour and sugar, to maintain the right balance and texture in your cake.

• Room temperature ingredients: Using room temperature dairy-free milk and butter helps create an even batter that rises beautifully during baking.

• Don’t overmix: Mix just until combined; overmixing can lead to dense, tough cake instead of light and fluffy layers.

• Check doneness: Use a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake. It should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs for perfect baking.

Best Side Dishes for Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake

Enjoying your Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake can be even more delightful when paired with complementary side dishes. Here are some tasty options:

1. Chilled Coconut Yogurt: A refreshing side that adds creaminess without dairy—perfect alongside your spiced cake.

2. Fruit Salad Medley: Combine seasonal fruits like apples, pears, and grapes for a light contrast to the dense cake.

3. Spiced Nuts Mix: A crunchy mix of roasted almonds, walnuts, and hazelnuts seasoned with cinnamon adds texture and flavor.

4. Maple-Glazed Carrots: Roasted carrots drizzled with maple syrup bring sweetness that complements the spices in the cake.

5. Vegan Whipped Cream: Lighten up your dessert by serving it with airy whipped coconut cream for added decadence.

6. Hot Apple Cider: A warm beverage infused with spices is perfect for sipping alongside your pumpkin spice delight.

7. Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries: The sweetness of strawberries dipped in dark chocolate brings an elegant touch to your dessert table.

8. Cinnamon Sugar Tortilla Chips: Crunchy chips dusted with cinnamon sugar offer a fun and crispy side that pairs wonderfully with the soft texture of the cake.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking can sometimes be tricky, especially with a delicious recipe like Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

• Incorrect oven temperature – Always preheat your oven properly. An oven that is too hot or too cold can affect the cake’s texture and rise.
• Not measuring ingredients accurately – Baking is a science! Use a kitchen scale for precise measurements, especially for flour and sugar.
• Overmixing the batter – Mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake instead of a light and fluffy Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake.
• Skipping the vinegar – The apple cider vinegar reacts with the baking soda, helping the cake rise. Don’t skip this ingredient!
• Not letting the cake cool – Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting. This prevents the frosting from melting and ensures a beautiful presentation.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

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

Freezing Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake

• Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container.
• It can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about making Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake.

Can I use pumpkin pie spice instead of individual spices?

Yes! You can substitute 2-3 teaspoons of pumpkin pie spice for the individual spices listed in the recipe.

How do I make this cake gluten-free?

To make a gluten-free version of Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake, substitute self-raising flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

What can I use instead of vegan cream cheese?

You can replace vegan cream cheese with whipped coconut cream or any dairy-free frosting you prefer.

How should I store leftover Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake?

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

Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?

Absolutely! Feel free to mix in walnuts, pecans, or dairy-free chocolate chips for added texture and flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake is not only moist and delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it with various toppings or mix-ins to suit your taste. Whether it’s for a holiday celebration or just because you crave something sweet, this cake is sure to impress. Give it a try!