Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake

This Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake is a delightful treat perfect for any occasion. With its moist texture and rich flavors, it’s ideal for fall gatherings, Thanksgiving, or even just a cozy afternoon snack. The combination of warm spices and pumpkin puree creates a comforting dessert that everyone can enjoy. Plus, it’s vegan-friendly, making it suitable for various diets!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor – The blend of spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves gives this cake an irresistible taste.
• Easy to Make – With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is beginner-friendly.
• Versatile Dessert – Perfect for holidays, birthdays, or just a sweet treat at home.
• Dairy-Free Delight – Made without dairy, this cake accommodates vegan diets without compromising on flavor.
• Showstopper Presentation – Topped with creamy vegan cream cheese frosting and optional caramel drizzle, it looks as good as it tastes.

Tools and Preparation

To make this Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake, you’ll need a few essential tools to ensure a smooth baking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups
• Whisk or electric mixer
• Baking pans
• Spatula

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowls – Essential for combining ingredients efficiently without spills.
• Measuring cups – Ensure accurate measurements for the best results in your baking.
• Whisk or electric mixer – Helps achieve the right consistency in batter quickly.
• Baking pans – Provides the structure needed to give your cake the perfect shape.

Ingredients

This Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake is packed with wholesome ingredients that bring together flavor and moisture.

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
• Vegan caramel sauce – optional

How to Make Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F). This ensures that your cake bakes evenly.

Step 2: Prepare Your Baking Pan

Grease and line your baking pans with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and helps with easy removal after baking.

Step 3: Make the Buttermilk

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

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a 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 combined.

Step 5: Mix Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, combine sunflower oil and pumpkin puree. Then add the prepared buttermilk mixture. Whisk until smooth.

Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

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

Step 7: Bake the Cake

Divide the batter evenly between your prepared pans. Bake in the preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Step 8: Cool Down

Once baked, remove from oven and let cool in pans for about 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.

Step 9: Prepare Frosting

While cooling, beat together dairy-free butter and cream cheese until fluffy. Gradually add icing sugar and cinnamon until you reach your desired consistency.

Step 10: Assemble Your Cake

Once cooled completely, frost between layers if using multiple cakes. Top with remaining frosting and add orange food gel decorations or cocoa powder as desired. Drizzle with vegan caramel sauce if using.

Enjoy every bite of this delightful 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’re hosting a gathering or just indulging yourself, here are some serving suggestions to elevate your cake experience.

Warm with Vegan Caramel Sauce

• Drizzle warm vegan caramel sauce over a slice for an extra layer of sweetness and richness.

Topped with Whipped Coconut Cream

• Add a dollop of whipped coconut cream on top for a light and airy finish that complements the spices perfectly.

Garnished with Toasted Nuts

• Sprinkle toasted pecans or walnuts on top for a crunchy texture and nutty flavor that enhances the cake’s moistness.

Served with Fresh Fruit

• Pair your slice with fresh fruit like apples or pears for a refreshing contrast to the rich pumpkin flavors.

Accompanied by Spiced Tea or Coffee

• Enjoy the cake alongside spiced chai or a warm pumpkin spice latte to enhance the seasonal flavors.

As Part of a Dessert Platter

• Slice the cake into smaller pieces and serve it on a dessert platter with other treats for a festive presentation at parties.

How to Perfect Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake

Achieving the perfect Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake is all about technique and quality ingredients. Here are some essential tips to ensure your cake turns out amazing every time.

• Use fresh spices: Freshly ground spices will provide stronger flavors compared to pre-ground versions, enhancing the overall taste of the cake.

• Measure accurately: Proper measurements of flour and sugar are crucial. Use a kitchen scale for best results, especially when baking.

• Don’t overmix: Mix your batter until just combined. Overmixing can lead to dense cake instead of light and fluffy goodness.

• Check doneness with a toothpick: Insert a toothpick in the center; if it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, your cake is ready.

Best Side Dishes for Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake

Pairing side dishes with Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake can enhance its flavors. Here are some great options to consider:

1. Chai-Spiced Almond Milk
   A warm almond milk infused with chai spices complements the pumpkin flavors beautifully.

2. Maple Glazed Roasted Vegetables
   Sweet roasted vegetables bring out the natural sweetness in the cake while providing a savory contrast.

3. Cinnamon Sugar Doughnuts
   These sweet treats echo the cake’s flavor profile while offering different textures for an exciting dessert spread.

4. Vegan Chocolate Mousse
   The rich, creamy mousse creates an indulgent pairing that balances out the spiced notes of the cake.

5. Apple Crisp
   A warm apple crisp topped with oats and cinnamon adds fruity freshness that pairs nicely with pumpkin spice cake.

6. Gingerbread Cookies
   These spiced cookies echo similar flavors, making them an excellent companion during holiday gatherings.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When baking a Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake, it’s easy to make a few common errors. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:

• Ignoring the measurements: Accurate measurements are crucial for the perfect cake. Always use a kitchen scale or measuring cups to ensure precision.
• Overmixing the batter: Overmixing can lead to a dense texture. Mix just until combined for a light and fluffy cake.
• Not using room temperature ingredients: Cold ingredients can affect how your cake rises. Allow your dairy-free milk and butter to come to room temperature before mixing.
• Skipping the vinegar step: The apple cider vinegar reacts with the baking soda, helping the cake rise. Don’t skip this vital ingredient!
• Underbaking or overbaking: Baking times can vary based on your oven. Always check for doneness with a toothpick inserted in the center.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store any leftover Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake in an airtight container.
• It will last up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake

• Wrap individual slices tightly with plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container.
• The cake can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and reheat for about 10–15 minutes, covered with foil.
• Microwave: Heat individual slices on medium power for about 30 seconds or until warmed through.
• Stovetop: Place slices in a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm gently for several minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?

Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin puree! Just ensure it is well-blended and not too watery.

How do I make my cake more spiced?

Feel free to increase the amount of cinnamon, nutmeg, or cloves according to your taste preferences for an even spicier flavor!

What can I use instead of vegan cream cheese?

You can substitute with coconut cream or homemade cashew cream for a different frosting option.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Absolutely! Swap self-raising flour with a gluten-free blend that includes xanthan gum.

Final Thoughts

This Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. Whether you enjoy it plain or topped with creamy frosting, it’s sure to impress everyone at your table. Feel free to customize it further by adding nuts or chocolate chips!