Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake

This Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake is the perfect treat for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy autumn gathering or a festive celebration. With its rich flavors and delightful texture, this cake stands out as a moist and spiced delight, topped with creamy frosting. It’s an ideal dessert that everyone will love, showcasing the best of pumpkin spice goodness!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: This cake comes together quickly and requires minimal effort, making it perfect for both beginner and experienced bakers.
• Deliciously Spiced: The blend of spices creates a warm, comforting flavor that captures the essence of fall in every bite.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it plain, dress it up with frosting, or serve it with a drizzle of vegan caramel sauce for an added treat.
• Dairy-Free Delight: Made entirely without dairy ingredients, this cake is accessible for those following plant-based diets.
• Showstopper Presentation: The vibrant colors from the orange food gel and cocoa powder create an eye-catching dessert that looks as good as it tastes.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking your Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake, gather your tools to ensure a smooth process. Having everything ready will make your experience enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Whisk
• Rubber spatula
• Baking pan

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients efficiently without mess.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements are crucial for achieving the perfect texture and flavor.
• Whisk: Helps incorporate air into your batter for a light and fluffy cake.
• Rubber spatula: Great for scraping down edges of the bowl to ensure all ingredients are mixed well.

Ingredients

For this delightful Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake, you will 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: Prepare Your Oven

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

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, combine:
1. Dairy-free milk
2. Apple cider vinegar
Let it sit for about 5 minutes; this will help curdle the milk slightly.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together:
1. Self-raising flour
2. Caster sugar
3. Baking powder
4. Bicarbonate of soda
5. Ground cinnamon
6. Ground cloves
7. Ground nutmeg
8. Ground ginger

Step 4: Combine Everything Together

Slowly add the dry mixture to the wet mixture while stirring gently until just combined. Avoid over-mixing!

Step 5: Add Oil and Pumpkin Puree

Fold in:
1. Sunflower oil
2. Pumpkin puree

Mix until everything is well combined but don’t overdo it.

Step 6: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into a greased baking pan and bake in the preheated oven for about 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Step 7: Make the Frosting

While your cake is cooling, prepare the frosting by beating together:
1. Dairy-free block butter
2. Dairy-free cream cheese
3. Icing sugar
4. Ground cinnamon

Add orange food gel until you reach your desired color.

Step 8: Assemble Your Cake

Once cooled, spread frosting evenly over the top layer and decorate with cocoa powder or drizzle vegan caramel sauce if desired.

Now you have a deliciously moist Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake, perfect for sharing or enjoying all on your own!

How to Serve Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake

Serving Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake is an art that enhances its rich flavors and moist texture. Here are some delightful ways to enjoy this delectable dessert.

With Fresh Whipped Coconut Cream

• A dollop of whipped coconut cream adds a light, airy texture that complements the spices beautifully.

Drizzled with Vegan Caramel Sauce

• For an indulgent touch, drizzle vegan caramel sauce over the cake. It adds a rich sweetness that pairs perfectly with pumpkin.

Accompanied by Spiced Nuts

• Serve with a handful of spiced nuts for a crunchy contrast. The mix of flavors elevates the cake’s taste experience.

On a Festive Dessert Platter

• Slice the cake and arrange it on a festive platter with seasonal fruits. This makes for an eye-catching centerpiece at any gathering.

With a Warm Beverage

• Pair your slice with a warm chai latte or spiced tea. The warmth of the drink enhances the comforting flavors of the cake.

How to Perfect Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake

To ensure your Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake turns out perfectly every time, follow these handy tips.

• Use fresh spices – Freshly ground spices elevate flavor intensity compared to pre-ground ones.
• Check your baking powder – Ensure it’s fresh to guarantee a good rise in your cake.
• Measure accurately – Use proper measuring cups for dry and liquid ingredients to maintain balance.
• Don’t overmix – Gently mix until just combined; overmixing can lead to dense cake.
• Cool completely before frosting – Allow the cake to cool fully to prevent melting the frosting.

Best Side Dishes for Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake

Complementing your Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake with side dishes can create a well-rounded dessert experience. Here are some top choices:

1. Chai-Spiced Tea – A warm cup of chai tea enhances the spices in the cake, creating a cozy pairing.
2. Cinnamon Sugar Roasted Apples – Sweet and slightly tart, these apples add freshness and contrast.
3. Vegan Vanilla Ice Cream – This creamy addition brings coolness that balances the spice of the cake nicely.
4. Maple Glazed Carrots – These sweet, caramelized carrots provide a savory counterpart to your dessert.
5. Pumpkin Soup – A small serving of smooth pumpkin soup keeps with the theme while offering warmth and comfort.
6. Fruit Salad – A light fruit salad refreshes the palate after indulging in rich cake slices.
7. Nutty Granola Bars – These bars add crunch and nutritious elements, making them great accompaniments.
8. Spiced Chia Pudding – This creamy treat echoes the flavors in your cake while being light and satisfying.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making the best Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake can be simple, but some common mistakes can lead to less-than-perfect results.

• Using the wrong flour: Always use self-raising flour for this recipe. Regular flour will not provide the same rise and texture.
• Not measuring ingredients accurately: Precision is key. Use a kitchen scale for dry ingredients like flour and sugar to ensure accuracy.
• Overmixing the batter: Mix just until the wet and dry ingredients come together. Overmixing can result in a dense cake.
• Skipping the vinegar: The apple cider vinegar reacts with the baking soda, helping the cake rise. Don’t skip this crucial ingredient!
• Not letting the cake cool properly: Allow your cake to cool completely before frosting. This helps prevent melting and ensures even application of frosting.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

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

Freezing Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake

• Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap or foil.
• Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

Reheating Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake

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

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Can I make Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake gluten-free?

You can substitute self-raising flour with a gluten-free blend that contains xanthan gum for similar results.

How do I make Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake more moist?

Adding an extra tablespoon of pumpkin puree or substituting applesauce can enhance moisture levels in your cake.

What can I use instead of dairy-free cream cheese for frosting?

You can use a vegan buttercream made from dairy-free butter and icing sugar if you prefer a different flavor profile.

Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to my Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake?

Absolutely! Adding walnuts or dark chocolate chips will give your cake extra texture and flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake is not only delicious but also versatile. With its rich flavors and moist texture, it’s perfect for any occasion. Feel free to customize it by adding nuts or chocolate chips, or try different frostings! You won’t regret giving this recipe a try!