Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake

The Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake is a delightful treat that brings the warmth of autumn right to your kitchen. Perfect for any occasion, from cozy family gatherings to festive Thanksgiving dinners, this cake is moist and bursting with spices. The silky caramel adds a unique touch, while the creamy cream cheese frosting elevates it to another level. It’s truly the ultimate vegan dessert you’ll want to share with everyone!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The blend of spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves creates a warm flavor profile that everyone will adore.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for both novice and experienced bakers.
• Versatile: Ideal for various occasions like parties, holidays, or just a cozy night in with friends.
• Vegan-Friendly: Everyone can enjoy this cake since it’s completely plant-based without sacrificing taste or texture.
• Stunning Presentation: The addition of orange food gel and cocoa powder makes for an eye-catching design that impresses guests.

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Tools and Preparation

To make this Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake, you’ll need some essential tools and equipment to ensure everything goes smoothly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowls: These are crucial for combining your wet and dry ingredients effectively.
• Whisk: A good whisk helps incorporate air into your batter, making the cake light and fluffy.
• Baking pan: Choose a sturdy baking pan for even heat distribution during baking.

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

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). Prepare your baking pan by greasing it lightly or lining it with parchment paper.

Step 2: Prepare the Milk Mixture

In a bowl, combine the dairy-free milk and apple cider vinegar. Let it sit for about 5 minutes to curdle.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

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

Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients

Add the sunflower oil and pumpkin puree to the milk mixture. Whisk until smooth.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gradually add the wet mixture into the dry mixture. Stir until just combined; be careful not to overmix.

Step 6: Bake the Cake

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

Step 7: Cool Down

Once baked, let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 8: Prepare Frosting

While cooling, prepare your frosting by beating together the dairy-free block butter and cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add icing sugar and ground cinnamon until fully mixed.

Step 9: Frost Your Cake

Once cooled completely, spread an even layer of frosting on top of your cake using a spatula. Decorate with orange food gel or cocoa powder as desired.

Enjoy your delicious Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake!

How to Serve Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake

Serving your Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some delightful ways to present and enjoy this cake.

Festive Plate Presentation

• Use a decorative plate to enhance the visual appeal. A simple white plate makes the vibrant orange frosting pop.

Topped with Nuts

• Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top of the frosting for a crunchy texture that complements the moist cake.

Drizzled with Caramel

• Add a drizzle of vegan caramel sauce over each slice for an extra layer of sweetness and flavor.

Accompanied by Fresh Fruit

• Serve with slices of fresh apples or pears. Their crispness pairs beautifully with the warm spices in the cake.

Ice Cream Pairing

• Offer a scoop of dairy-free vanilla ice cream on the side. The cold ice cream contrasts nicely with the warm cake.

Coffee or Tea

• Pair your cake with a warm cup of coffee or herbal tea. The flavors blend well, making for a cozy dessert experience.

How to Perfect Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake

For the perfect Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake, consider these tips to ensure it turns out flawless every time.

• Use room temperature ingredients: This helps create a smooth batter and ensures even baking.

• Measure flour accurately: Over-measuring can lead to a dense cake. Spoon and level your flour for best results.

• Don’t overmix: Combine ingredients until just mixed. Overmixing can make your cake tough instead of light and fluffy.

• Check for doneness: Insert a toothpick in the center; if it comes out clean, your cake is ready.

• Cool completely before frosting: Ensure your cake layers are cool to prevent melting the cream cheese frosting.

Best Side Dishes for Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake

Pairing side dishes with your Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake can enhance its flavors and create a memorable meal. Here are some delicious options.

1. Vegan Whipped Cream: Light and fluffy, this adds a creamy contrast to the spiced cake.

2. Spiced Applesauce: The warmth of cinnamon in applesauce complements the pumpkin spice perfectly.

3. Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Their natural sweetness pairs well with the flavors in the cake, creating harmony on your plate.

4. Maple-Glazed Carrots: The sweetness from maple syrup enhances both dishes while adding vibrant color.

5. Salad with Candied Pecans: A fresh salad balances out the richness of the cake while adding crunch from pecans.

6. Pumpkin Soup: For those who love pumpkin, serving a small cup of pumpkin soup can be a delightful starter before dessert.

7. Chai-Spiced Oatmeal Cookies: These cookies echo the spices in your cake and make for great finger food alongside it.

8. Cinnamon Sugar Tortilla Chips: Crunchy chips dusted with cinnamon sugar add an exciting texture contrast when dipped into icing or enjoyed plain!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking a Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake can be easy and enjoyable, but there are a few common pitfalls to watch for.

• Skipping the vinegar: This is crucial for curdling the milk, which helps achieve the right texture. Always remember to add apple cider vinegar to your dairy-free milk.
• Overmixing the batter: This can lead to a dense cake. Mix until just combined for a light and fluffy Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake.
• Not measuring ingredients accurately: Use proper measuring cups for dry and liquid ingredients. Accurate measurements ensure consistent results.
• Ignoring oven temperature: An improperly calibrated oven can ruin your cake. Use an oven thermometer to make sure your baking temperature is correct.
• Forgetting to cool before frosting: Frosting a warm cake can melt your cream cheese frosting. Let the cake cool completely on a wire rack before decorating.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Make sure the cake has cooled completely before sealing it.

Freezing Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake

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

Reheating Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place slices on a baking sheet and heat for about 10 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat individual slices on medium power for 15-20 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop: Place slices in a pan over low heat, cover, and warm gently for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

What makes this Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake so moist?

This cake uses dairy-free milk combined with apple cider vinegar, creating a tender crumb that keeps it moist.

Can I use other types of flour?

Yes! You can substitute all-purpose flour or gluten-free flour, but check conversions as different flours may require adjustments.

How do I customize my Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake?

You can add nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruit into the batter. Topping it with nuts or spices adds extra flavor too!

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

Serve it chilled or at room temperature with vegan caramel sauce drizzled on top for an added treat.

Final Thoughts

This Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake is not only delicious but also versatile. Perfect for any occasion, you can customize it with various toppings and mix-ins. Give this recipe a try—your taste buds will thank you!