Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake

This Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake is a delightful treat perfect for any occasion. With its moist texture and perfectly balanced spices, it brings warmth and comfort to your table. Whether for a cozy family gathering or a festive celebration, this cake stands out with its rich flavor and creamy frosting, making it the only pumpkin cake recipe you’ll ever need.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Moist and Flavorful: The combination of pumpkin puree and warming spices ensures each bite is bursting with flavor.
• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, you can whip up this cake quickly, making it perfect for both novice and seasoned bakers.
• Versatile for Any Occasion: Perfect for fall celebrations, Thanksgiving tables, or just a sweet treat to enjoy at home.
• Dairy-Free Delight: Made with plant-based ingredients, this cake caters to various dietary preferences without sacrificing taste.
• Beautiful Presentation: Decorate with orange food gel and cocoa powder for an eye-catching dessert that impresses.

Tools and Preparation

To make your Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake efficiently, having the right tools will make all the difference. Below are essential items you’ll need to gather.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Hand mixer or stand mixer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Baking pan (round or square)
• Spatula

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients without spillage, ensuring even mixing.
• Hand mixer or stand mixer: Makes whipping the cream cheese frosting smooth and fluffy without effort.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Precision in measurement is key to achieving the perfect flavor balance in your cake.

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

• 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 180°C (350°F). This ensures that your cake bakes evenly.

Step 2: Prepare Your Baking Pan

Grease your baking pan with a bit of sunflower oil or line it with parchment paper for easy removal after baking.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl:
1. Combine the dairy-free milk and apple cider vinegar. Let it sit for about 5 minutes to curdle slightly.
2. Add the sunflower oil, followed by the pumpkin puree, mixing until well combined.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl:
1. Whisk together the self-raising flour, caster sugar, baking powder, bicarbonate of soda, and all spices (ground cinnamon, ground cloves, ground nutmeg, and ground ginger) until well mixed.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix as this can affect the cake’s texture.

Step 6: Bake Your Cake

Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan. Bake in the preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Step 7: Prepare Frosting While Baking

While your cake is cooling, prepare your frosting:
1. In a mixing bowl, beat together the dairy-free block butter, dairy-free cream cheese, and half of the icing sugar until smooth.
2. Gradually add remaining icing sugar along with one teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Beat until fluffy.

Step 8: Frost Your Cake

Once cooled completely, spread an even layer of frosting over your cake. Use a spatula for smoothness or get creative with piping!

Step 9: Decorate

Finish by adding touches like orange food gel designs or cocoa powder dusting on top. Optionally drizzle with vegan caramel sauce for added richness.

Enjoy every bite of this delicious Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake!

How to Serve Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake

Serving Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake can elevate your dessert experience. Whether it’s a cozy gathering or a festive celebration, here are some delightful serving suggestions that will impress everyone.

Pair with Whipped Coconut Cream

• A light and airy coconut cream adds a tropical twist to your cake. Just whip chilled coconut cream with a bit of sugar until fluffy.

Serve with Fresh Fruit

• Fresh fruit like sliced apples or pears complements the spiced flavors of the cake. The natural sweetness and crunch create a nice contrast.

Drizzle with Vegan Caramel Sauce

• Adding vegan caramel sauce enhances the moistness and richness of the cake. It’s an optional but luxurious touch that everyone will love.

Add a Dusting of Cocoa Powder

• A light dusting of cocoa powder on top adds visual appeal and a hint of chocolate flavor. This simple addition makes your cake look even more tempting.

Garnish with Edible Flowers

• For a stunning presentation, consider garnishing your cake with edible flowers. They add color and elegance to each slice.

Serve Warm or Cold

• This cake can be enjoyed at room temperature or warmed slightly in the microwave. Both options bring out the flavors beautifully.

How to Perfect Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake

To achieve the perfect Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake, keep these tips in mind for optimal results:

• Use fresh spices: Always opt for fresh ground spices for better flavor. They make a noticeable difference in taste compared to pre-ground versions.

• Measure accurately: Ensure you measure your ingredients precisely, especially flour and sugar. Too much can lead to a dense cake.

• Don’t overmix: Mix just until combined to avoid toughening the batter. Overmixing can result in less fluffy texture.

• Allow cooling time: Let the cake cool completely before frosting. This prevents melting and helps maintain the integrity of your frosting.

• Experiment with toppings: Feel free to try different toppings like crushed nuts or chocolate shavings for added texture.

Best Side Dishes for Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake

Pairing side dishes with your Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake can enhance its overall flavor profile. Here are some great options:

1. Vegan Vanilla Ice Cream – A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream is a classic pairing that balances the spices perfectly.

2. Apple Crisp – A warm apple crisp offers a sweet and tart contrast that complements the pumpkin spice flavors wonderfully.

3. Chai-Spiced Tea – Serve warm chai tea alongside for an aromatic experience that enhances the warming spices in your cake.

4. Cinnamon Sugar Doughnuts – Mini cinnamon sugar doughnuts provide a delightful munch alongside your slice, making it even more indulgent.

5. Spiced Nuts – Roasted spiced nuts add crunch and savory notes, creating an enjoyable contrast to the soft texture of the cake.

6. Pumpkin Soup – A small cup of creamy pumpkin soup can serve as an elegant starter before diving into dessert, keeping with the pumpkin theme.

7. Maple Oatmeal Cookies – These chewy cookies offer another layer of sweetness while maintaining that fall-inspired flavor palette.

8. Fruit Salad – A refreshing fruit salad helps cleanse the palate after indulging in rich flavors from the cake, providing balance to your meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To ensure your Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake turns out perfectly, avoid these common mistakes.

• Skipping the vinegar: Vinegar reacts with baking soda to create lift. Don’t forget it, or your cake may be dense.
• Overmixing the batter: Mixing too much can make the cake tough. Stir just until combined to keep it tender.
• Using cold ingredients: Cold dairy-free milk can affect how well your cake rises. Bring all ingredients to room temperature for best results.
• Not measuring flour correctly: Too much flour leads to a dry cake. Use the spoon-and-level method for an accurate measurement.
• Ignoring baking time: Every oven is different. Check for doneness a few minutes before the suggested time by inserting a toothpick.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Will last up to 5 days in the fridge.

Freezing Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake

• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil.
• Can be frozen for up to 3 months for best quality.

Reheating Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Bake for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat individual slices on medium power for 30-60 seconds.
• Stovetop: Place in a pan over low heat, covering with a lid, and warm for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes this Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake special?

This cake is incredibly moist and rich in flavor, thanks to a perfect blend of spices and pumpkin puree. It’s a delightful treat for pumpkin lovers!

Can I customize the spices in my Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake?

Absolutely! Feel free to adjust the spice levels or even add other flavors like cardamom or allspice according to your taste.

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

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

What is the best way to decorate my Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake?

Consider using dairy-free cream cheese frosting, topped with toasted nuts or autumn-themed decorations like mini pumpkins made from frosting.

Final Thoughts

This Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake is not only delicious but also versatile enough to impress at any gathering. Whether you’re celebrating a holiday or simply indulging yourself, this recipe allows for customization — try adding nuts or chocolate chips! Don’t hesitate; give it a try!