Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake

This Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake is a delightful treat that embodies the essence of fall. Its rich flavors and moist texture make it perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy family gathering or a festive celebration. The combination of warm spices and sweet pumpkin puree creates an irresistible dessert that everyone will love. Plus, it’s topped with creamy frosting that adds a luscious finish.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Moist and Flavorful: This cake stays moist and delicious, thanks to the combination of dairy-free milk and pumpkin puree.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, even novice bakers can whip this up without stress.
• Versatile Occasion Fit: Perfect for birthdays, Thanksgiving, or just a cozy afternoon treat with coffee.
• Beautiful Presentation: The vibrant orange frosting and optional caramel sauce make this cake as beautiful as it is tasty.
• Completely Vegan: Enjoy this indulgent dessert without any animal products, making it suitable for various diets.

Tools and Preparation

Making the Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake requires some essential tools to ensure perfect results. Having the right equipment on hand can simplify your baking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups
• Whisk or electric mixer
• Baking pan (9×13 inch or two 8-inch round pans)
• Spatula

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowls: Necessary for combining ingredients evenly and effectively.
• Measuring cups: Accurate measurements are crucial for achieving the right texture and flavor in your cake.
• Whisk or electric mixer: Helps incorporate air into the batter, ensuring a light and fluffy cake.

Ingredients

To create this delicious Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake, gather the following ingredients:

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 (for coloring)
• Cocoa powder (for decoration)

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 pan(s) with dairy-free butter or line them with parchment paper for easy release.

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, combine:
1. Dairy-free milk with apple cider vinegar. Let it sit for about five minutes to curdle slightly.
2. Add sunflower oil and pumpkin puree, whisking until smooth.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, mix together:
1. Self raising flour, caster sugar, baking powder, bicarbonate of soda, ground cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and ginger.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Use a spatula to fold everything together gently until just combined. Do not overmix!

Step 5: Bake Your Cake

Pour the batter into your prepared pan(s) and bake in the preheated oven for about 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow cooling completely before frosting.

Step 6: Make the Frosting

In a mixing bowl, beat together dairy-free block butter and cream cheese until creamy. Gradually add icing sugar and ground cinnamon while mixing until light and fluffy.

Step 7: Frost Your Cake

Once cooled, use a spatula to spread an even layer of frosting over your cake. Decorate as desired with orange food gel or cocoa powder.

Now your Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake is ready to impress! Enjoy every bite!

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 serving it at a special event or as a cozy dessert at home, these serving suggestions will elevate your pumpkin cake experience.

Classic Slice with Cream Cheese Frosting

• Serve generous slices topped with creamy dairy-free cream cheese frosting for a rich and smooth finish.

Pair with Vegan Caramel Sauce

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

Enjoy with Fresh Whipped Topping

• Add a dollop of whipped coconut cream on the side for a light and airy contrast to the dense cake.

Garnish with Cinnamon and Cocoa Powder

• Lightly dust the top with cocoa powder and ground cinnamon for an appealing visual and flavor boost.

Accompany with Fresh Fruit

• Serve alongside sliced apples or pears to add freshness and balance the sweetness of the cake.

A Cup of Spiced Tea or Coffee

• Enjoy the cake with a hot cup of spiced tea or coffee to enhance the warm flavors of pumpkin and spices.

How to Perfect Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake

For those looking to achieve the ultimate Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake, following these tips can make all the difference.

• Use fresh spices: Freshly ground spices enhance the flavor profile, making your cake more aromatic and delicious.

• Ensure pumpkin puree is smooth: A smooth pumpkin puree ensures an even texture in your batter, resulting in a moist cake.

• Don’t overmix: Gently mix your ingredients until just combined to avoid toughening the cake. This leads to a lighter texture.

• Check doneness properly: Insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean when done. Avoid opening the oven too early.

• Cool completely before frosting: Let the cake cool entirely on a wire rack before applying frosting to prevent melting and sliding.

Best Side Dishes for Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake

Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake pairs wonderfully with various side dishes that complement its flavors. Here are some great options to consider.

1. Spiced Apple Compote: A warm apple compote made with cinnamon adds a sweet-tart contrast to the cake’s richness.

2. Candied Nuts: Crunchy candied pecans or walnuts provide texture and a nutty flavor that enhances each bite of cake.

3. Chia Seed Pudding: A creamy chia seed pudding offers a refreshing note that balances out the dense cake.

4. Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad featuring seasonal fruits can cleanse your palate between bites of rich pumpkin spice.

5. Maple Glazed Carrots: Roasted carrots glazed in maple syrup introduce subtle sweetness while adding color to your table.

6. Vegan Ice Cream: A scoop of dairy-free vanilla or caramel ice cream brings creamy indulgence that pairs beautifully with pumpkin spice flavors.

7. Chocolate Mousse: Silky vegan chocolate mousse offers an elegant touch, providing another layer of dessert satisfaction.

8. Coconut Rice Pudding: Creamy coconut rice pudding adds warmth and complements the spices in your pumpkin cake perfectly.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

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

• Not measuring ingredients accurately – This can lead to an imbalance in flavors and texture. Use a kitchen scale for precise measurements.
• Skipping the vinegar – Apple cider vinegar reacts with baking soda, helping the cake rise. Don’t omit it or you may end up with a dense cake.
• Overmixing the batter – This can create a tough texture. Mix until just combined for that perfect moist result.
• Ignoring oven temperature – Each oven can vary in heat. Use an oven thermometer to ensure your cake bakes evenly.
• Not letting the cake cool completely before frosting – Frosting a warm cake can cause the frosting to melt. Allow your cake to cool on a wire rack before decorating.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store any leftover vegan pumpkin spice cake in an airtight container.
• It will keep fresh for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake

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

Reheating Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake

• Oven – Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the slice on a baking sheet and heat for about 10 minutes.
• Microwave – Heat a slice on medium power for about 20-30 seconds, checking frequently to avoid overheating.
• Stovetop – Use a covered pan on low heat. Place the slice inside and heat for 5-7 minutes until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake.

How can I make my Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake even more flavorful?

To enhance flavors, consider adding chopped nuts or raisins into the batter. Spices like allspice or cardamom can also add depth.

What if I don’t have self-raising flour?

You can easily make your own by mixing all-purpose flour with baking powder. For every cup of flour, add 1.5 teaspoons of baking powder.

Can I use homemade pumpkin puree instead of canned?

Absolutely! Just ensure it’s well strained so that excess moisture doesn’t affect the batter consistency.

How do I make this recipe gluten-free?

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

Can I decorate my Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake?

Yes! You can use vegan cream cheese frosting or simply dust it with cocoa powder and cinnamon for decoration.

Final Thoughts

This Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. Whether you’re serving it at a gathering or enjoying it as an everyday treat, it’s sure to impress. Feel free to customize it with your favorite spices or toppings for an even more personal touch!