Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake: The Ultimate Fall Dessert Recipe

Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake: just the name conjures up images of cozy autumn evenings, the scent of cinnamon and nutmeg swirling through the air, and the pure joy of a perfectly spiced dessert. But what if you’re vegan? Does that mean missing out on this quintessential fall treat? Absolutely not! This recipe proves that you can enjoy a moist, flavorful, and utterly delicious pumpkin spice cake without any animal products.

Pumpkin spice, as a flavor profile, has a surprisingly long history, evolving from the spices used to preserve pumpkin in colonial times to the now-ubiquitous blend we associate with everything from lattes to candles. While the modern pumpkin spice craze might seem like a recent phenomenon, its roots are firmly planted in American culinary tradition. And now, we’re bringing it to the vegan world!

People adore pumpkin spice cake for its comforting warmth, its delicate balance of sweet and spicy notes, and its incredibly moist texture. It’s a dessert that feels both indulgent and wholesome, perfect for sharing with loved ones or enjoying as a personal treat. This Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake recipe captures all of those qualities, ensuring that everyone can partake in the autumnal festivities. Get ready to experience a slice of heaven!

Ingredients:

• For the Cake:
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup plant-based milk (almond, soy, or oat milk work well)
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• For the Vegan Cream Cheese Frosting:
• 8 ounces vegan cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) vegan butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1-2 tablespoons plant-based milk (optional, for desired consistency)
• Optional Garnishes:
• Chopped pecans or walnuts
• Pumpkin seeds
• Cinnamon sticks
• Dusting of cinnamon or nutmeg

Preparing the Cake Batter:

1. Preheat and Prepare: First things first, let’s get that oven preheated to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating up, grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan. You can also use baking spray with flour if you prefer. This will prevent the cake from sticking and make it easier to remove later.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, ginger, and salt. Make sure everything is well combined. This ensures that the spices are evenly distributed throughout the cake.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate, large bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, pumpkin puree, vegetable oil, applesauce, and vanilla extract. Mix until everything is smooth and well incorporated.
4. Combine Milk and Vinegar: In a small bowl or measuring cup, combine the plant-based milk and apple cider vinegar. Let this mixture sit for a few minutes. This creates a vegan “buttermilk” which helps to make the cake tender and moist. You’ll notice it starts to curdle slightly – that’s exactly what we want!
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix! Overmixing can lead to a tough cake.
6. Add Vegan Buttermilk: Slowly pour in the vegan buttermilk mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Again, avoid overmixing. The batter should be smooth and slightly thick.

Baking the Cake:

1. Pour into Pan: Pour the cake batter into the prepared 9×13 inch baking pan, spreading it evenly.
2. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on it – baking times can vary depending on your oven.
3. Cool: Once the cake is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely. Make sure the cake is completely cool before frosting. Frosting a warm cake will cause it to melt and slide off.

Preparing the Vegan Cream Cheese Frosting:

1. Soften Ingredients: Make sure your vegan cream cheese and vegan butter are softened to room temperature. This is crucial for a smooth and creamy frosting. If they’re too cold, they won’t blend properly and you’ll end up with lumps.
2. Cream Together: In a large bowl, using an electric mixer (either a stand mixer or a hand mixer), cream together the softened vegan cream cheese and vegan butter until smooth and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes.
3. Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing on low speed until combined. Be sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl occasionally to ensure everything is evenly incorporated.
4. Add Vanilla Extract: Add the vanilla extract and mix until well combined.
5. Adjust Consistency (Optional): If the frosting is too thick, add 1-2 tablespoons of plant-based milk, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, add a little more powdered sugar.

Frosting and Garnishing the Cake:

1. Frost the Cake: Once the cake is completely cool, spread the vegan cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. You can use an offset spatula or a butter knife to achieve a smooth finish.
2. Garnish (Optional): If desired, garnish the cake with chopped pecans or walnuts, pumpkin seeds, cinnamon sticks, or a dusting of cinnamon or nutmeg. Get creative and make it your own!
3. Chill (Optional): For best results, chill the frosted cake in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This will help the frosting to set and make the cake easier to slice.
4. Serve and Enjoy: Slice the cake and serve. This vegan pumpkin spice cake is perfect for fall gatherings, holidays, or any time you’re craving a delicious and comforting treat. Enjoy!

Conclusion:

And there you have it! This Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake isn’t just another pumpkin spice recipe; it’s a celebration of autumn flavors, a testament to the deliciousness of vegan baking, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. I truly believe this cake will become a staple in your fall baking repertoire. The moist, tender crumb, the warm, comforting spices, and the rich pumpkin flavor all combine to create a truly unforgettable experience.

But why is this recipe a must-try? Beyond the incredible taste, it’s surprisingly easy to make. You don’t need any fancy equipment or hard-to-find ingredients. Everything is readily available at your local grocery store, and the steps are straightforward and simple to follow. Plus, it’s vegan! So, you can indulge in this decadent treat guilt-free, knowing that it’s plant-based and kind to the planet. It’s a win-win situation!

Now, let’s talk serving suggestions and variations. While this cake is absolutely divine on its own, a dollop of vegan whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream elevates it to another level of deliciousness. For a more sophisticated touch, try drizzling it with a maple glaze or a sprinkle of chopped pecans. If you’re feeling adventurous, you could even add chocolate chips to the batter for a pumpkin spice chocolate chip cake – trust me, it’s amazing!

Looking for other ways to customize this recipe? Consider adding a layer of vegan cream cheese frosting for an extra touch of indulgence. Or, if you’re short on time, you can bake the batter in muffin tins for individual pumpkin spice muffins. These are perfect for breakfast on the go or a quick and easy snack. You can also experiment with different spices. A pinch of cardamom or cloves can add a unique and interesting twist to the flavor profile.

I’m so excited for you to try this recipe and experience the magic of this Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake for yourself. I poured my heart and soul into creating this recipe, and I truly believe it’s one of the best vegan pumpkin spice cakes out there. It’s perfect for holiday gatherings, cozy nights in, or any occasion that calls for a little bit of autumnal cheer.

Don’t be afraid to get creative and make it your own! Baking is all about experimentation and having fun. So, go ahead, put on your apron, turn on some music, and get baking! I’m confident that you’ll love the results.

And most importantly, I want to hear about your experience! Did you make any modifications to the recipe? Did you serve it with a particular topping or side dish? What did your friends and family think? Share your photos and stories with me in the comments below. I can’t wait to see your creations and hear all about your baking adventures. Happy baking! I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I do. I know you will love this Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake.

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