Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake

This Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake is the ultimate dessert for any occasion, from cozy autumn gatherings to festive celebrations. With a rich blend of spices and a luscious cream cheese frosting, this cake stands out for its moist texture and delightful flavors. Perfectly vegan, it brings everyone together to enjoy a slice of fall in cake form.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Irresistible Flavor: The combination of warm spices and pumpkin puree creates a deliciously comforting taste.
• Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps ensure that even novice bakers can whip this up with ease.
• Versatile Occasions: This cake is perfect for Thanksgiving, birthdays, or just a cozy treat at home.
• Dairy-Free Delight: Crafted without dairy, it caters to various dietary preferences while still being incredibly rich and creamy.
• Stunning Presentation: With its vibrant orange frosting and optional decorations, it’s as beautiful as it is tasty.

Tools and Preparation

To make your baking experience seamless, gather your essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment will streamline the process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer
• Baking pans
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Rubber spatula

Importance of Each Tool

• Electric mixer: Saves time and effort by thoroughly blending ingredients quickly and efficiently.
• Baking pans: Ensures even cooking for a perfectly baked cake that rises beautifully.

Ingredients

Here are all the ingredients you’ll need to create this mouthwatering Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake:

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 Pans

Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease your baking pans with some oil or line them with parchment paper for easy removal later.

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients

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

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

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

Step 4: Blend Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet mixture while mixing with an electric mixer until smooth. Be careful not to overmix; just blend until no lumps remain.

Step 5: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter evenly into prepared pans. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Once done, allow cooling in pans for about 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks.

Step 6: Make the Frosting

In a mixing bowl:
1. Beat together dairy-free block butter and cream cheese until light and fluffy.
2. Gradually add icing sugar and mix in ground cinnamon until well combined.

Step 7: Frost Your Cake

Once cakes are completely cool, spread an even layer of frosting between layers if using two cakes. Frost the top and sides generously with remaining cream cheese frosting.

Now you’re ready to enjoy your delicious Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake!

How to Serve Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake

Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake is a delightful treat perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re celebrating a holiday or simply enjoying a cozy afternoon, here are some serving suggestions to enhance your experience.

Pair with Coffee

• Rich Brew: A hot cup of coffee complements the spices in the cake beautifully, enhancing its flavor.
• Iced Latte: For a refreshing option, an iced latte adds creaminess and balances the sweetness.

Top with Vegan Whipped Cream

• Light and Fluffy: Add a dollop of vegan whipped cream on top for a light contrast to the dense cake.
• Flavor Infusion: Consider adding a hint of vanilla or cinnamon to your whipped cream for extra flavor.

Serve with Fresh Fruit

• Seasonal Berries: Fresh strawberries or raspberries provide a tart contrast that brightens each bite.
• Sliced Apples: Crisp apple slices sprinkled with cinnamon make for a delightful crunch alongside the soft cake.

Drizzle with Vegan Caramel Sauce

• Added Sweetness: A drizzle of vegan caramel sauce introduces an indulgent touch without overpowering the cake’s flavors.
• Decorative Touch: This not only enhances taste but also adds visual appeal to your presentation.

How to Perfect Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake

Achieving the perfect Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake requires attention to detail. Here are some helpful tips to ensure your cake turns out just right.

• Use fresh spices: Ground spices lose potency over time. Freshly ground spices will boost flavor significantly.
• Check your flour: Measuring flour correctly is crucial. Use the spoon-and-level method to avoid dense cake.
• Don’t skip the vinegar: The apple cider vinegar reacts with baking soda, helping your cake rise and become fluffy.
• Let it cool completely: Allow your cake to cool before frosting. This prevents melting and ensures clean slices.
• Experiment with frosting flavors: Feel free to infuse your dairy-free cream cheese frosting with maple syrup or orange zest for an exciting twist.

Best Side Dishes for Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake

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

1. Cinnamon Apple Compote: A warm blend of cooked apples spiced with cinnamon provides a lovely contrast in temperature and texture.
2. Chai Tea: This spiced tea pairs beautifully, as its flavors echo those found in the cake itself.
3. Maple Glazed Pecans: Crunchy nuts glazed in maple syrup add both texture and sweetness when served beside the cake.
4. Vegan Chocolate Mousse: Creamy and rich, this dessert is an elegant companion that contrasts nicely with pumpkin spice.
5. Candied Ginger Slices: Their zesty kick complements the warm spices in the cake while adding an adventurous flair.
6. Spiced Almond Milk: A warm drink infused with nutmeg and cinnamon brings comfort and rounds out the meal perfectly.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking a Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake can be simple, but there are common pitfalls to watch for.

• Skipping the vinegar: Not adding apple cider vinegar can result in a denser cake. This ingredient helps activate the baking soda, making your cake lighter.
• Using regular flour: Self-raising flour is essential for this recipe. Using regular flour will lead to a flat cake.
• Overmixing the batter: Mixing too much can create a tough texture. Stir just until combined for a fluffy cake.
• Not measuring ingredients correctly: Precision matters in baking. Use weighing scales for accuracy instead of measuring cups.
• Ignoring oven temperature: Every oven is different. Always preheat your oven and use an oven thermometer if needed for accuracy.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

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

Freezing Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake

• Wrap slices or the whole cake tightly in plastic wrap.
• Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.

Reheating Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place cake slices on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat individual slices on medium power for about 20-30 seconds or until warmed through.
• Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat, cover with a lid, and warm for about 5-7 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake gluten-free?

You can substitute self-raising flour with gluten-free all-purpose flour. Just ensure it contains xanthan gum for proper texture.

How can I customize my Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake?

Feel free to add nuts, raisins, or chocolate chips to enhance flavor and texture. You can also experiment with different spices.

What’s the best way to frost this Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake?

A dairy-free cream cheese frosting works beautifully. You can also use vegan whipped cream or a simple glaze made from icing sugar and plant-based milk.

How do I store leftover Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze them wrapped tightly for up to 3 months.

Is this cake suitable for special occasions?

Absolutely! This Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake is perfect for holidays, birthdays, or anytime you crave something delightful.

Final Thoughts

This Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake is not only delicious but remarkably versatile. Its moist texture and warm spices make it irresistible. Feel free to customize with various add-ins or toppings to suit your taste. Give this recipe a try; you won’t be disappointed!