This Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake is a delightful treat that captures the essence of fall in every bite. Perfect for gatherings, holidays, or simply satisfying your sweet tooth, this cake is bursting with warm spices and pumpkin flavor. With its moist texture and creamy frosting, itβs sure to be a hit for any occasion. Whether youβre celebrating Thanksgiving or just enjoying a cozy evening at home, this cake is a must-try!
Why Youβll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: This recipe requires simple ingredients and straightforward steps, making it perfect for bakers of all levels.
- Rich Flavor: The combination of spices creates an incredible depth of flavor that will warm your heart.
- Versatile Delight: Great for birthdays, holidays, or as an everyday dessert, this cake fits any occasion.
- Dairy-Free Indulgence: Enjoy the creamy frosting without any dairy, ensuring everyone can enjoy a slice.
- Gorgeous Presentation: The vibrant colors and beautifully frosted layers make this cake visually stunning.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start baking your Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake, gather your tools to make the process seamless.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking pan
- Spatula
Importance of Each Tool
- Electric mixer: This tool makes whipping up the batter easy and ensures a smooth consistency.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements are crucial for the perfect balance of flavors in your cake.
Ingredients
This is truly the BEST EVER Pumpkin Spice Cake recipe. Itβs moist, perfectly spiced, full of silky caramel and smothered in creamy cream cheese frosting. Itβs 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
- Orange food gel
- Cocoa powder
- Vegan caramel sauce β optional
How to Make Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Preheat your oven to 180Β°C (350Β°F). Grease and line a baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a mixing bowl:
1. Combine the dairy-free milk and apple cider vinegar. Allow it to sit for about 5 minutes to create a buttermilk substitute.
2. Add sunflower oil and pumpkin puree to the mixture. Stir until well combined.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In another large bowl:
1. Whisk together self-raising flour, caster sugar, baking powder, bicarbonate of soda, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, ground nutmeg, and ground ginger until evenly mixed.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients:
1. Gently fold using a spatula until just combined; avoid overmixing to keep the cake light.
Step 5: Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan:
1. Spread it evenly.
2. Bake in preheated oven for approximately 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 6: Cool and Frost
Once baked:
1. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack.
2. For frosting, beat together dairy-free block butter and cream cheese until fluffy. Gradually add icing sugar and cinnamon until smooth.
Step 7: Decorate
Frost your cooled cake generously with cream cheese frosting:
1. Use orange food gel for decoration if desired.
2. Sprinkle cocoa powder on top or drizzle with vegan caramel sauce for extra flair!
How to Serve Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake
Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake is a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in many ways. Whether itβs for a special occasion or a cozy afternoon snack, serving suggestions can elevate your cake experience.
Pair with Whipped Coconut Cream
- Light and fluffy, whipped coconut cream adds a tropical twist that complements the spices in the cake perfectly.
Drizzle with Vegan Caramel Sauce
- A rich vegan caramel sauce enhances the flavor profile and adds an indulgent touch to each slice.
Serve with Fresh Fruit
- Slices of apple or pear add a refreshing contrast to the spiced cake, making it a balanced dessert option.
Top with Nuts
- Chopped walnuts or pecans provide a crunchy texture and nutty flavor that pairs well with the soft cake.
Accompany with Spiced Tea or Coffee
- A warm cup of chai or coffee enhances the flavors of the cake, creating a comforting treat for chilly days.
How to Perfect Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake
To ensure your Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.
- Use Fresh Spices: Freshly ground spices will give your cake an intense flavor, making it more aromatic and delicious.
- Check Oven Temperature: Always preheat your oven to the correct temperature. An oven thermometer can help ensure accuracy.
- Donβt Overmix Batter: Gently mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake.
- Cool Completely Before Frosting: Allow your cake layers to cool entirely before adding frosting to prevent melting.
- Experiment with Toppings: Try different toppings like chopped nuts, coconut flakes, or extra cinnamon for added flair.
Best Side Dishes for Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake
Serving side dishes alongside your Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake can enhance the overall experience. Here are some great options:
Chai Latte
A warm chai latte infused with spices complements the pumpkin flavors beautifully.Cinnamon Sugar Donuts
Soft, fluffy donuts dusted in cinnamon sugar create a delightful pairing.Fruit Salad
A light fruit salad brings freshness and balances the sweetness of the cake.Maple Glazed Carrots
Tender carrots glazed with maple syrup offer a sweet and savory contrast.Spiced Apple Compote
Warm apple compote cooked with spices provides an excellent topping or side dish filled with flavor.Roasted Sweet Potatoes
The natural sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes pairs wonderfully with pumpkin spice flavors.Almond Biscotti
Crunchy almond biscotti make for a perfect dipping companion alongside your coffee or tea.Coconut Rice Pudding
Creamy coconut rice pudding adds richness and creaminess that pairs well with the spiced notes of the cake.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Baking this Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake is a joy, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for.
- Bold phrase: Using the wrong flour. Always use self-raising flour as specified in the recipe. All-purpose flour will not provide the same rise and texture.
- Bold phrase: Skipping the apple cider vinegar. This ingredient activates the baking soda and contributes to the cakeβs fluffiness; donβt leave it out!
- Bold phrase: Overmixing the batter. Mix just until combined to keep the cake light and fluffy. Overmixing can lead to a dense texture.
- Bold phrase: Not measuring ingredients accurately. Use a kitchen scale for precise measurements, especially for flour and sugar, to ensure consistent results.
- Bold phrase: Ignoring oven temperature. Make sure your oven is preheated properly. An incorrect temperature can affect baking time and cake structure.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Keep slices separated with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Freezing Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake
- Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container.
- The cake can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake
- Bold phrase: Oven: Preheat your oven to 180Β°C (350Β°F), place the cake on a baking tray, and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warm.
- Bold phrase: Microwave: Heat a slice on medium power for about 15-20 seconds or until warm.
- Bold phrase: Stovetop: Place a slice in a pan over low heat, cover with a lid, and warm for about 5 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
This section answers common queries regarding Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake.
What makes this Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake special?
This cake stands out due to its moist texture, rich spices, and creamy frosting that makes every bite delightful.
Can I use homemade pumpkin puree?
Yes! Homemade pumpkin puree can be used instead of canned; just ensure itβs smooth for best results.
How do I customize my Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake?
Feel free to add nuts or dried fruits for extra flavor or sprinkle some chocolate chips into the batter before baking.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
You can substitute self-raising flour with a gluten-free blend; however, ensure it contains a leavening agent.
How should I store leftover frosting?
Store any leftover vegan cream cheese frosting in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week.
Final Thoughts
This Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake is not only delicious but also versatile enough for various occasions. With options to customize flavors and add-ins, itβs perfect for gatherings or simply enjoying at home. Give it a tryβyou wonβt be disappointed!

Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake
- Author: Adeline
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 12 slices 1x
Description
Indulge in the delightful flavors of this Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake, a luscious dessert that perfectly embodies the spirit of autumn. This cake is incredibly moist and flavorful, infused with warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger, complemented by rich pumpkin puree. Topped with a creamy dairy-free frosting, itβs a crowd-pleaser for any occasionβfrom festive gatherings to cozy evenings at home. This recipe is not only easy to follow but also adaptable to your taste preferences. Celebrate the season with a slice of this spiced goodness!
Ingredients
- 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 β optional
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 180Β°C (350Β°F) and prepare a baking pan by greasing and lining it with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, mix dairy-free milk and apple cider vinegar; let sit for 5 minutes. Then add sunflower oil and pumpkin puree, stirring well.
- In another bowl, whisk together self-raising flour, caster sugar, baking powder, bicarbonate of soda, and spices until combined.
- Gradually combine wet ingredients into dry ingredients using a spatula; fold gently until just mixed.
- Pour into the prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Allow cooling before frosting with whipped dairy-free butter and cream cheese mixture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (100g)
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 34g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 53g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: For extra flavor, consider adding nuts or chocolate chips to the batter. Ensure all measurements are accurate for best results.