Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake is the perfect treat to embrace the cozy flavors of fall! This delightful cake combines the rich, warm taste of pumpkin with aromatic spices to create a soft and moist dessert that everyone will love, whether they follow a vegan diet or not. Imagine a cake that fills your home with a warm, inviting scent of cinnamon and nutmeg—this is the essence of comfort food, and it’s easy to make!
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Total Time: 45-50 minutes
- Servings: 12 servings
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information
- Calories per serving: 190
- Protein: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fat: 7g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 150mg
Why Make This Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake
This Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake is not just a guilt-free indulgence; it’s a wholesome dessert that you can feel good about serving to friends and family. It’s perfect for any occasion, from cozy family gatherings to seasonal celebrations. The combination of pumpkin and spices provides a sensory delight, making each bite taste like autumn. Plus, being vegan, it’s suitable for a wider range of dietary preferences, ensuring everyone can enjoy a slice!
How to Make Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake
Ingredients:
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup almond milk
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions:
### Step 1: Preparation
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan. This initial step ensures that the cake bakes evenly and doesn’t stick to the pan.
### Step 2: Mixing Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, mix together pumpkin puree, sugar, vegetable oil, and almond milk until well combined. The texture should be smooth and creamy, giving a lovely orange hue to your mixture.
### Step 3: Mixing Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt. This step is crucial as it ensures the spices are evenly distributed throughout the flour, enhancing the flavor profile of your cake.
### Step 4: Combining Mixtures
Combine the wet ingredients with the dry ingredients and stir until well mixed. Make sure not to over-mix; it’s okay to have a few lumps! This will keep your cake light and fluffy.
### Step 5: Pouring Batter
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan. Use a spatula to evenly spread the mixture, ensuring that the batter reaches all corners of the pan.
### Step 6: Baking
Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on it toward the end; every oven is different!
### Step 7: Cooling
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This will help it set perfectly for slicing.
How to Serve Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake
Serve the Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake slightly warm or at room temperature. It’s delicious on its own, but you can add a dollop of vegan whipped cream or a sprinkle of powdered sugar for a little extra flair. Pair it with a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful afternoon treat!
How to Store Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake
To keep your cake fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate it for up to a week or freeze it for up to 3 months. Just make sure to wrap it tightly to prevent freezer burn!
Expert Tips for Perfect Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake
- Use fresh pumpkin puree: If you want an extra flavor boost, roast your own pumpkin! Just cut a pumpkin in half, remove seeds, and bake until soft, then puree.
- Check doneness: Insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean, the cake is ready.
- Let it cool: Allow your cake to cool completely before slicing to ensure clean edges.
- Add nuts or chocolate chips: For added texture, consider folding in walnuts or vegan chocolate chips into the batter.
Delicious Variations
- Spice Swap: Try adding cloves or allspice for a more robust flavor.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend, ensuring it contains xanthan gum for structure.
- Maple Glaze: Drizzle with a simple maple syrup glaze for an extra sweet finish!
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use canned pumpkin? Yes, canned pumpkin puree works perfectly for this recipe. Just make sure it’s pure pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling.
- What can I use instead of almond milk? You can substitute almond milk with any other plant-based milk, such as soy milk or oat milk.
- Can I make this cake ahead of time? Absolutely! You can bake it a day in advance. Just keep it covered at room temperature.
- How do I know when the cake is done? A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean. If it comes out with wet batter, give it a few more minutes.
- Can I frost this cake? Yes! A vegan cream cheese frosting pairs wonderfully with this spicy cake.
Conclusion
Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake is a simple yet scrumptious dessert that embodies the flavors of fall. It’s easy to make, incredibly tasty, and perfect for sharing with loved ones. Whether you serve it for dessert or enjoy it as a cozy afternoon snack, it’s sure to become a favorite! So grab your ingredients, dive into this recipe, and experience the warmth and joy of this delightful cake!
