Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake

This Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake is a delightful treat that brings the rich flavors of fall right to your table. Perfect for celebrations, holidays, or simply indulging yourself, this cake is moist, packed with spices, and topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting. With its unique blend of pumpkin puree and warm spices, it’s sure to impress family and friends alike.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Moist and Flavorful: The combination of pumpkin puree and dairy-free ingredients results in a cake that’s incredibly moist and bursting with flavor.
• Easy to Make: This recipe is straightforward, making it suitable for both novice bakers and seasoned pros.
• Versatile Occasion: Whether it’s Thanksgiving or a casual gathering, this cake fits every occasion perfectly.
• Vegan-Friendly: Made without any animal products, this cake allows everyone to enjoy delicious desserts without compromise.
• Customizable Frosting: The creamy frosting can be colored or flavored to match any theme or personal preference.

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Tools and Preparation

To make this Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake successfully, you’ll need some essential tools. Gathering these items beforehand will streamline your baking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons
• Electric mixer
• Baking pans

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients efficiently without mess.
• Electric mixer: Saves time and ensures all ingredients are mixed thoroughly for a smooth batter.

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: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). This ensures that your cake bakes evenly.

Step 2: Prepare Your Baking Pans

Grease your baking pans with some sunflower oil or line them with parchment paper. This prevents sticking once the cake is baked.

Step 3: Mix Dairy-Free Milk and Vinegar

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

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate large mixing bowl, sift together self-raising flour, caster sugar, baking powder, bicarbonate of soda, ground cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and ginger.

Step 5: Mix Wet Ingredients

Add the sunflower oil and pumpkin puree to the milk mixture. Whisk until well combined.

Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Slowly pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients while mixing gently until just combined. Do not over-mix; lumps are okay!

Step 7: Bake

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

Step 8: Cool

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 the Frosting

In a bowl, beat together dairy-free block butter and cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add icing sugar and cinnamon until well blended.

Step 10: Frost Your Cake

Once cooled completely, frost your cake layers generously with cream cheese frosting. Optionally drizzle vegan caramel sauce on top for an extra touch!

Now you have an amazing Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake ready for any celebration! Enjoy every bite!

How to Serve Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake

Serving Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake is a delightful experience that can be enhanced with various accompaniments. Here are some creative ways to enjoy this delicious cake.

With Coffee or Tea

• Pairing your cake with a warm cup of coffee or tea creates a perfect balance of flavors, enhancing the spices in the cake.

A Scoop of Dairy-Free Ice Cream

• Adding a scoop of dairy-free ice cream on top of the cake provides a creamy contrast that complements the moist texture.

Drizzled with Vegan Caramel Sauce

• For extra indulgence, drizzle vegan caramel sauce over each slice for a sweet, rich addition that elevates every bite.

Fresh Fruit Garnish

• Top your cake with slices of fresh fruit like apples or pears. Their natural sweetness and crunch add freshness and balance.

Whipped Coconut Cream

• Serve with whipped coconut cream for a light, airy topping. It adds a tropical twist that pairs wonderfully with pumpkin spice flavors.

Nuts and Seeds Topping

• Sprinkle chopped nuts or seeds on top for added texture and nutrition. Pecans or walnuts work particularly well here.

How to Perfect Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake

Achieving the perfect Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake involves attention to detail and technique. Here are some tips to help you succeed.

• Use Fresh Spices: Ensure your ground spices are fresh for maximum flavor. Stale spices can dull the taste of your cake.

• Check Your Oven Temperature: Use an oven thermometer to verify your oven’s temperature. This ensures even baking and avoids undercooked or overcooked layers.

• Don’t Overmix the Batter: Gently mix the ingredients until just combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake rather than a light and fluffy texture.

• Test for Doneness: Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake; it should come out clean when done. This helps prevent underbaking.

• Cool Completely Before Frosting: Allow your cake layers to cool completely before frosting them. This prevents melting your cream cheese frosting.

Best Side Dishes for Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake

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

1. Vegan Chai Latte
   A warm vegan chai latte complements the spices in the cake perfectly, providing a cozy pairing ideal for fall gatherings.

2. Spiced Apple Cider
   Warm spiced apple cider enhances the autumn flavors, making it an excellent beverage choice alongside your cake.

3. Cinnamon Sugar Doughnuts
   These soft doughnuts add another layer of flavor while echoing the pumpkin spice theme beautifully.

4. Roasted Sweet Potatoes
   The natural sweetness and slight crispiness from roasted sweet potatoes create a savory contrast to the sweet cake.

5. Maple Glazed Carrots
   Maple-glazed carrots offer a deliciously sweet side dish that harmonizes well with pumpkin flavors.

6. Vegan Cheese Platter
   A selection of vegan cheeses can provide savory notes that balance out the sweetness of the Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake nicely.

7. Fruit Salad
   A refreshing fruit salad made with seasonal fruits adds brightness and lightness to your dessert table.

8. Toasted Pecan Pie Bites
   Mini pecan pies bring additional texture and flavor while still being easy to serve alongside slices of cake.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake, it’s easy to make mistakes that can affect the texture and flavor. Here are common pitfalls to avoid.

• Skipping the vinegar: This ingredient is crucial for curdling the dairy-free milk, which helps create a fluffy cake. Always remember to mix it in before adding to your dry ingredients.

• Overmixing the batter: Overmixing can lead to a dense cake instead of a light and airy one. Mix just until combined for the best texture.

• Not measuring ingredients accurately: Baking is a science, and imprecise measurements can ruin your cake. Use a kitchen scale or measuring cups for accuracy.

• Ignoring baking times: Every oven is different, so it’s essential to check your cake a few minutes before the suggested time. This can prevent overbaking.

• Skipping cooling time: If you frost the cake while it’s still warm, the frosting may melt. Always let your cake cool completely before icing it.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Make sure the cake is completely cooled before covering to avoid moisture buildup.

Freezing Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake

• Wrap slices in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil for up to 3 months.
• Label containers with dates for easy tracking.

Reheating Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm for about 10 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat individual slices on medium power for 15-20 seconds.
• Stovetop: Place a slice in a pan over low heat with a lid on until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake that might help you while baking this delightful dessert.

Can I use regular flour instead of self-raising flour?

Yes, but you’ll need to add baking powder and salt separately if you do.

How do I make my Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake more moist?

Adding extra pumpkin puree or using applesauce can help enhance moisture without compromising flavor.

What can I substitute for dairy-free butter?

You can use coconut oil or any other plant-based butter alternative as a suitable replacement.

How long does Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake last?

When stored properly, it lasts up to five days in the refrigerator and three months in the freezer.

Final Thoughts

This Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake is not only delicious but also versatile. Its moist texture and warm spices make it perfect for fall gatherings or any cozy occasion. Feel free to customize with nuts or chocolate chips for added flavor!