There is something truly magical about a warm slice of pumpkin-spiced goodness, and this Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake Recipe captures that essence perfectly. Bursting with aromatic spices, moist pumpkin puree, and a tender crumb, this cake feels like a cozy hug on a plate. Whether you’re vegan or simply love seasonal treats, this cake is bound to become a cherished favorite that effortlessly blends comfort and flavor in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple, wholesome ingredients come together in this Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake Recipe to create layers of flavor and texture. Each element plays a crucial role—from the softly spiced flour mixture to the moist pumpkin that keeps the cake tender and naturally sweet.
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour: The base that provides structure and a tender crumb.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Adds balanced sweetness and helps with the cake’s rise.
- 1/2 cup brown sugar: Brings moisture and a depth of caramel-like flavor.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cake rise and creates a light texture.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder: Works with baking soda to give a perfect lift.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: The star spice that defines pumpkin spice goodness.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Adds a warm, nutty hint that complements cinnamon beautifully.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger: Provides a subtle spicy kick that wakes up the palate.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves: A small pinch intensifies the warm spice profile.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Elevates all the flavors and balances sweetness.
- 1 cup pumpkin puree: Naturally moist, rich, and full of fall flavor.
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil: Keeps the cake soft and tender without overpowering.
- 1/3 cup almond milk: Adds moisture without heaviness, making it vegan-friendly.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavors with a sweet aroma.
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar: Reacts with baking soda for lift and brightens the flavor.
How to Make Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper. This step ensures your cake comes out clean and ready to impress without any sticky moments.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated and brown sugars, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and salt. Mixing these evenly now means every bite will be perfectly spiced and balanced.
Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, stir together the pumpkin puree, vegetable oil, almond milk, vanilla extract, and apple cider vinegar until smooth and well incorporated. This luscious wet mixture provides moisture and flavor that will turn your cake delightfully tender.
Step 4: Bring the Batter Together
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently fold them together. Stir just until combined—overmixing can make the cake dense rather than delightfully soft, so keep it light and easy.
Step 5: Transfer and Bake
Pour the batter into your prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Slide it into the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean—a sure sign of perfectly baked cake.
Step 6: Cool and Cut
Once baked, let the cake cool in the pan on a wire rack. Cooling helps the cake set beautifully, making it easier to slice into squares that hold together with just the right crumb.
How to Serve Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake Recipe
Garnishes
A simple dusting of powdered sugar turns this cake into a showstopper, but you can also go all out with vegan whipped cream or a drizzle of maple syrup. Toasted pecans or chopped walnuts add a lovely crunch and extra warmth to each bite.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or spiced chai tea. If you want to take it up a notch, serve alongside a scoop of vegan vanilla ice cream or fresh fruit for a cozy yet refreshing contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
For gatherings, consider layering this cake with vegan frosting for a festive treat. You can also cut it into bite-sized squares or use cookie cutters to create fun shapes for seasonal celebrations, making your Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake Recipe both versatile and delightful.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftover cake fresh by storing it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This prevents it from drying out while maintaining its signature moistness.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy this Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake Recipe later, wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. Frozen, it stays delicious for up to two months and is ready for a quick thaw whenever you crave it.
Reheating
To warm up leftover cake slices, pop them in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds or heat them gently in an oven at low temperature. This revives the softness and brings back that fresh-baked feeling.
FAQs
Can I use another type of milk instead of almond milk?
Absolutely! Any plant-based milk like soy, oat, or cashew milk will work just as well in this Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake Recipe without affecting the flavor.
Is pumpkin puree the same as pumpkin pie filling?
No, pumpkin puree is plain cooked pumpkin without any added sugar or spices, which makes it perfect for this recipe. Pumpkin pie filling contains added sugar and spices, so it’s not ideal for baking this cake.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free flour blend, but be mindful that texture might vary slightly. Adding a bit of xanthan gum can improve the structure if your blend doesn’t include it.
How do I know when the cake is done?
A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. This indicates that your Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake Recipe has baked through without drying out.
Can I use canned pumpkin puree?
Definitely. Canned pumpkin puree works perfectly and saves time, just make sure it’s 100% pure pumpkin and not pie filling to keep the flavors and texture just right.
Final Thoughts
There is so much joy in baking this Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cake Recipe, from the simple ingredients to the delightful aroma filling your kitchen. It’s a treat anyone can enjoy, vegan or not, and it perfectly celebrates the flavors of the season in each moist, spiced bite. Go ahead and try it—you might just find your new favorite cake!
