Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake

This Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake is the ultimate treat for any occasion, from cozy fall gatherings to festive celebrations. With its rich flavors and delightful spices, this cake will impress friends and family alike. It’s moist, perfectly spiced, and features a creamy frosting that brings everything together. The use of plant-based ingredients makes it suitable for everyone, ensuring that you can serve a delicious dessert without compromise.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The blend of warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg creates a comforting flavor profile perfect for autumn.
• Moist Texture: Thanks to the careful combination of dairy-free milk and pumpkin puree, every bite is incredibly moist.
• Easy to Make: This recipe comes together quickly, making it accessible even for beginner bakers.
• Versatile for Any Occasion: Whether it’s Thanksgiving or a birthday party, this cake fits right in.
• Plant-Based Friendly: Made with vegan ingredients, it caters to various dietary preferences without sacrificing taste.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking your Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake, gather your tools to ensure a smooth process. Having the right equipment will make your baking experience enjoyable and efficient.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups
• Electric mixer
• Baking pan
• Spatula

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowls: These are essential for combining your wet and dry ingredients without mess.
• Electric mixer: It helps achieve that light and fluffy texture in your batter quicker than mixing by hand.
• Baking pan: A good quality pan ensures even baking for your cake.
• Spatula: Perfect for scraping down the sides of bowls and transferring batter smoothly.

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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

For Decoration (Optional)

• Orange food gel
• Cocoa powder
• Vegan caramel sauce

How to Make Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pans

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

Step 2: Make the Buttermilk

In a mixing bowl, combine the dairy-free milk with apple cider vinegar. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it thickens slightly.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

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

Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients

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

Step 5: Combine Both Mixtures

Gradually pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir gently using a spatula or electric mixer until just combined; be careful not to overmix.

Step 6: Bake Your Cake

Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan. Bake in your preheated oven for about 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 7: Cool Before Frosting

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

Step 8: Prepare Frosting

While your cake cools, beat together dairy-free block butter and cream cheese until creamy. Gradually add icing sugar and ground cinnamon until fully incorporated.

Step 9: Frost Your Cake

Once cooled completely, spread an even layer of frosting on top. Decorate with orange food gel or cocoa powder if desired.

Now you have a stunning Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake ready to enjoy!

How to Serve Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake

Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake is a delightful treat perfect for any occasion. Its rich flavors and moist texture make it a crowd-pleaser. Here are some creative serving suggestions to enjoy this delicious dessert.

With a Cup of Tea

• Pairing with herbal or spiced tea enhances the cake’s warm flavors, making it a cozy afternoon snack.

Topped with Fresh Fruit

• Adding slices of fresh apple or pear on the side brings a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the cake.

As an After-Dinner Dessert

• Serving this cake after dinner, especially during fall and winter gatherings, adds a festive touch to your meal.

Dressed Up for Celebrations

• Decorate slices with a sprinkle of cocoa powder or orange food gel for an eye-catching presentation at parties or special events.

With Vegan Caramel Sauce

• Drizzling vegan caramel sauce over the top can create an indulgent experience that complements the pumpkin spice.

How to Perfect Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake

Achieving the perfect Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake is all about attention to detail. Follow these tips to elevate your baking game.

• Use room temperature ingredients – This ensures even mixing and helps achieve that desired fluffy texture in your cake.
• Sift dry ingredients – Sifting flour, baking powder, and spices together removes lumps and evenly distributes them throughout the batter.
• Don’t overmix – Mix just until combined to avoid a dense cake. Overmixing can lead to gluten development, which toughens the texture.
• Check for doneness – Use a toothpick inserted into the center; if it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, your cake is ready.
• Let it cool completely – Cooling allows the flavors to meld and makes frosting easier without melting.

Best Side Dishes for Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake

Pairing side dishes with your Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake can enhance its flavor profile and provide balance. Here’s a list of great options.

1. Spiced Chai Latte
   A warm chai latte complements the spices in the cake, creating a comforting drink pairing.

2. Coconut Whipped Cream
   Light and fluffy coconut whipped cream adds richness that contrasts nicely with the cake’s density.

3. Maple Glazed Pecans
   Crunchy pecans drizzled with maple syrup provide a sweet crunch that elevates each bite of cake.

4. Baked Apples
   Warm baked apples topped with cinnamon offer a sweet and spicy combination that pairs beautifully with pumpkin flavors.

5. Cinnamon Sugar Doughnuts
   These soft treats add another layer of spice while being easy to serve alongside your dessert.

6. Vegan Chocolate Mousse
   This rich and creamy dessert serves as an elegant contrast against the spiced notes of your cake.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking a Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake can be simple, but there are common mistakes that can compromise your results. Here’s how to avoid them:

• Boldly measuring ingredients: Using incorrect measurements can lead to a dense or dry cake. Always use a kitchen scale or measuring cups accurately.
• Boldly skipping the vinegar: Vinegar reacts with baking soda to create lift. Don’t skip it for a fluffy cake; mix it with dairy-free milk before adding.
• Boldly underbaking: A cake that isn’t fully baked can collapse. Use a toothpick to check for doneness; it should come out clean when inserted into the center.
• Boldly ignoring cooling time: Cutting the cake too soon can cause it to crumble. Let it cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack.
• Boldly overmixing batter: Overmixing can lead to a tough texture. Mix just until combined for a light and airy cake.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store the Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• It’s best kept in the fridge if you’ve frosted it with cream cheese frosting.

Freezing Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake

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

Reheating Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake

• Boldly using the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the cake in for about 10-15 minutes until warm.
• Boldly using the Microwave: Heat individual slices for about 20-30 seconds on high power, checking frequently to avoid overheating.
• Boldly using the Stovetop: Place slices in a skillet over low heat, covering with a lid for about 5 minutes until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making and enjoying Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake:

What makes this Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake special?

This cake is moist and flavorful, featuring the perfect blend of spices that capture autumn’s essence without using any animal products.

Can I customize my Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake?

Absolutely! You can add nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruits to elevate your cake further.

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

Substitute self-raising flour with a gluten-free blend that includes xanthan gum for structure.

Is this recipe suitable for celebrations?

Yes! This cake is perfect for gatherings such as Thanksgiving or birthdays due to its delicious flavor and impressive appearance.

Final Thoughts

This Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake is not only delightful but also incredibly versatile. Whether you’re celebrating an occasion or satisfying your sweet tooth, this cake will be a hit. Plus, you can customize it with various toppings or add-ins to suit your taste!