Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake

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This Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake is a delightful treat that’s perfect for any occasion, from cozy fall gatherings to festive celebrations. With its moist texture and warm spices, it brings comfort in every bite. The cake is complemented by a creamy frosting, making it an irresistible dessert that everyone will love.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Moist and Flavorful: This cake is incredibly moist and bursting with rich pumpkin spice flavors.
  • Easy to Make: The simple ingredients and straightforward method make this recipe accessible for bakers of all levels.
  • Versatile: Perfect for Thanksgiving, birthdays, or just as a sweet treat at home.
  • Dairy-Free Delight: Made with dairy-free ingredients, this cake caters to those avoiding animal products.
  • Customizable Toppings: Add optional vegan caramel sauce or decorate with cocoa powder for a stunning presentation.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the baking process, gather your tools to ensure a smooth experience. Having the right equipment makes all the difference in achieving the perfect Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake.

Essential Tools and Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Whisk
  • Baking pan
  • Spatula
  • Electric mixer

Importance of Each Tool

  • Mixing bowls: Essential for combining dry and wet ingredients without spills.
  • Electric mixer: Saves time and ensures a fluffy frosting texture that’s hard to achieve by hand.
  • Baking pan: A good-quality pan helps distribute heat evenly for consistent baking.

Ingredients

To create this delicious Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake, you will need 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
  • Cocoa powder

Optional Topping

  • Vegan caramel sauce

How to Make Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Gather all your ingredients on the counter. Measure everything out to streamline your baking process.

Step 2: Make the Buttermilk

In a mixing bowl, combine the dairy-free milk and apple cider vinegar. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it thickens slightly.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the self-raising flour, caster sugar, baking powder, bicarbonate of soda, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and ginger until well combined.

Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients

In your bowl containing the buttermilk mixture, add in sunflower oil and pumpkin puree. Mix well using an electric mixer until smooth.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir gently using a spatula until just combined; do not overmix.

Step 6: Bake the Cake

Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Pour the batter into a greased baking pan. Bake for approximately 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Step 7: Cool Down

Once baked, remove from oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 8: Prepare Frosting

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

Step 9: Decorate Your Cake

Once cooled, spread frosting generously over the cake. Use orange food gel or cocoa powder for decoration if desired.

Enjoy your delicious Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake!

How to Serve Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake

Serving Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake can elevate any occasion. This moist and spiced cake pairs beautifully with various accompaniments, making it perfect for gatherings or cozy family dinners.

Pair with Coffee

  • A cup of freshly brewed coffee enhances the rich flavors of the cake, creating a delightful afternoon treat.

Add Whipped Coconut Cream

  • Light and airy whipped coconut cream adds a tropical twist that complements the spices in the cake perfectly.

Serve with Dairy-Free Ice Cream

  • A scoop of creamy dairy-free ice cream offers a delicious contrast in temperature and texture, making each bite even more enjoyable.

Drizzle with Vegan Caramel Sauce

  • For those who love extra sweetness, drizzling vegan caramel sauce over the cake takes it to another level of indulgence.

Garnish with Toasted Nuts

  • Sprinkling some toasted walnuts or pecans on top adds crunch and enhances the overall flavor profile.

How to Perfect Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake

To ensure your Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake turns out perfectly every time, consider these key tips. Following these suggestions will help you achieve a moist and flavorful result.

  • Measure ingredients accurately: Use measuring cups and spoons for precise portions to maintain the right balance in your batter.
  • Use room temperature ingredients: Let your dairy-free milk and pumpkin puree sit at room temperature before mixing. This helps create a smoother batter.
  • Don’t overmix the batter: Mix just until combined to avoid a dense cake. Overmixing can lead to tough textures.
  • Check for doneness: Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake; it should come out clean or with a few crumbs attached.

Best Side Dishes for Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake

Pairing side dishes with your Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake can enhance its flavors and create a well-rounded meal. Here are some excellent options:

  1. Cinnamon-Spiced Apples: Sautéed apples tossed in cinnamon add warmth and complement the pumpkin spice perfectly.
  2. Maple Roasted Carrots: Sweet maple syrup glazed carrots offer a sweet-savory contrast that pairs beautifully with dessert.
  3. Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad with cranberries and nuts provides a refreshing balance to the richness of the cake.
  4. Chilled Fruit Salad: A bowl of mixed seasonal fruits adds freshness and bright flavors that cleanse the palate after rich bites of cake.
  5. Spiced Chai Latte: Enjoying this warm beverage alongside your cake enhances the spiced flavor profile while providing comfort.
  6. Chocolate Chip Cookies: Classic chocolate chip cookies bring an additional layer of sweetness that appeals to everyone’s taste buds.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When baking a Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake, small errors can lead to disappointing results. Here are common mistakes and how to avoid them.

  • Skipping the vinegar: Not adding apple cider vinegar can result in a dense cake. The acidity helps activate the baking soda for a light texture.
  • Using cold ingredients: Cold dairy-free milk and butter can affect mixing and cake rise. Always allow them to come to room temperature before use.
  • Overmixing the batter: Mixing too much can make your cake tough. Mix just until combined for a tender crumb.
  • Incorrect oven temperature: Baking at the wrong temperature can lead to uneven cooking. Use an oven thermometer to ensure accuracy.
  • Not measuring accurately: Using too much or too little flour can alter the cake’s structure. Use a kitchen scale for precise measurements.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

  • Store in an airtight container in the fridge.
  • It will stay fresh for up to 5 days.

Freezing Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake

  • Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap or foil.
  • Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.

Reheating Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake

  • Oven: Preheat to 180°C (350°F), wrap in foil, and heat for about 10 minutes until warm.
  • Microwave: Place a slice on a microwave-safe plate and heat for 15-20 seconds.
  • Stovetop: Use a non-stick 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.

What makes this Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake so special?

This cake is moist, flavorsome, and topped with creamy frosting that complements its spiced richness perfectly.

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of puree?

Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin! Just make sure it’s cooked and blended until smooth before adding it to your batter.

How can I customize my Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake?

You can add nuts, raisins, or even chocolate chips for added texture and flavor variations!

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

Consider using vegan cream cheese frosting, sprinkles of cinnamon, or drizzle vegan caramel sauce on top for an impressive look.

Is this recipe suitable for special occasions?

Absolutely! This Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake is perfect for holidays like Thanksgiving or any gathering where you want to impress guests with a delicious dessert.

Final Thoughts

This Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it with your favorite additions or toppings. Give this recipe a try; it’s sure to become your go-to dessert!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake


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  • Author: Jennifer
  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: Serves 12 1x

Description

Indulge in the warm, comforting flavors of our Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake, a delightful treat that perfectly captures the essence of autumn. This moist cake, infused with aromatic spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, is topped with a creamy dairy-free frosting, making it an irresistible dessert for any occasion. Whether it’s a cozy gathering or a festive celebration, this versatile cake impresses everyone while accommodating dietary preferences. With easy-to-follow instructions and simple ingredients, you’ll create a stunning dessert that’s not only delicious but also cruelty-free. Elevate your fall baking with this delectable Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake!


Ingredients

Scale
  • 480ml dairy-free milk
  • 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
  • 420g self-raising flour
  • 350g caster sugar
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon bicarbonate of soda
  • 1 & 1/2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 2 teaspoons ground nutmeg
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 120ml sunflower oil
  • 100g pumpkin puree
  • 400g dairy-free block butter
  • 80g dairy-free cream cheese
  • 360g icing sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • Orange food gel
  • Cocoa powder
  • Vegan caramel sauce (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine dairy-free milk and apple cider vinegar; let sit for 5 minutes.
  3. Whisk together self-raising flour, sugar, baking powder, bicarbonate of soda, and spices in another bowl.
  4. Mix sunflower oil and pumpkin puree into the buttermilk mixture until smooth.
  5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture; stir gently until just combined.
  6. Pour batter into a greased baking pan and bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
  7. Allow to cool before frosting with whipped dairy-free buttercream.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 315
  • Sugar: 40g
  • Sodium: 200mg
  • Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 1g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 11g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 50g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg

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